As the astute may have noticed, I went to the Malvern Autumn Show at the weekend. For those who have been to the Spring show, the autumn show is rather less ‘gardeny’ and rather more ‘harvesty’. A mix of fancy chooks, grotesque veg, fresh food, perfectly primped flowers, nurseries, spluttering steam engines and a couple of autumnal show gardens. I really enjoy it – it pleases me to know that there are people that take time, energy and pride to show the ugliest swedes in existence.
My previous post looks at some of the competition flowers. But the veg are even more astounding.
A plethora of pumpkins in the Good Life Pavilion
Artfully arranged apples on the Roger’s of Pickering stand
We happened across this garden blogger in the Harvest Pavilion. Here, he is explaining why he calls the plant in his hand the ‘splat plant’ (I’ve forgotten the real name of it). A very interesting talk covering a wide range of plants. I am now tempted to buy a Sarracenia or two, although I fear that having these plants in the garden will further scupper my attempt to try and introduce a little bit of unity into the garden. Oh well.
And as for the thistle to which the title of this blog post refers? Dear reader, how dare you think it refers to the gardening legend above. No, the thistle in the harvest, driving its spines into my enjoyment of the day is this creature. I think it may be some form of genetic modification experiment, crossing the heir to the throne with a poor unfortunate porcine recipient. It may be smiling, but behind that smile I can hear its sadness. But I’m sure somebody loves it – that’s the joy of gardening.
For other posts from bloggers who visited Malvern this autumn, please visit VP’s Meet @ Malvern blog.
7 comments:
You should have nabbed me - I'd loved to have said 'Hi!'
The plant is Aeonium tabuliforme, a succulent, endemic to Madeira, which likes to cling to damp rocks. The plants look as though they've been splatted onto surface like squashed snowballs because the rosettes are so remarkably flat.
Above everything else that day at Malvern, I remember what an absolutely golden morning it was and how beautiful the Hills looked.
Hi HM - I'm loving that new header photo. (maybe it's not that new, but I've not been around for a while!)
It's been good to catch up on all your posts and I was really enjoying that pumpkin photo .....till I read your description of it!
One day I'll make it to Malvern :)
Nigel - thanks for your comment, and for the name of the splat plant. It was indeed a beautiful day.
Sorry to put you off the pumpkin photo NG!
Great pictures! We were there too, with our garden furniture - we managed to grab lots of bright pictures in the Saturday sun.
I can't quite believe someone created that pig - though I do rather relish the fact that someone, somewhere, is undoubtedly rejoicing at their new acquisition. Just hope it isn't anyone near me... Each to their own! Love the leek pic and the description - the pumpkin description brought to mind an altogether unpleasant image from a recent Greys Anatomy episode, but happily the piles of squash and apples made up for it!
Lovely veg
and the Plant Mad Nige ain't half bad!
Thinking of you, HM...
and parsnips, as there's a hint of fall in the air here.
Alas, no parsnips were planted by T. at his community garden, so I'll be purchasing them, once more.
RainorShine - thanks for leaving a comment.
Plantaliscious - the fruit & veg are great, aren't they? They make up for the darker nights and colder mornings that are coming. It's a great time of year.
Alice - thanks for reminding me about parsnips. I've got some growing at the allotment, but haven't yet investigated to see how they are doing. Lots of top growth - hopefully there's something substantial underneath. Just waiting for a frost now, to sweeten them up a bit.
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