RHS Spring Show, Rosemoor. 15.03.14

How exciting to have a new show to visit. The Spring Show at Rosemoor is perhaps not entirely new, the founding fragments have featured in shows at Vincent Square for many years, but this is the first time that all the pieces have appeared together at a new venue in the south west. It is wonderful to have a new start to spring in the earliest corner of the country.

The Marquee at Rosemoor is filled with jolly exhibitors and lovely blossoms. The aisles are crowded and Gloria is tottering around in circles looking at the canvas and screeching 'the white balance, the white balance ...' I admit to having not the slightest idea of what was happening but she very nearly fell over and was only saved by the quick reactions of a young lady with ugly shoes. I had a marvellous time. Last time she went over was in Northumberland and we had to stop for tea I was laughing so much.

Gloria has a face like thunder and isn't this a marvellous Magnolia. One of the great big tree ones called 'F. J. Williams'. We arrived as the show opened as is always best when Magnolias are being displayed. They do not seem to take up water very easily and by mid-day the blooms will have started to droop. By the end of the afternoon we were flagging, they were flagging. There was a lot of flagging going on.

Daffodils are suddenly the centre of attention. These are flowering early, before the gardens are awash with yellow and attract special attention. I like to know what they all are, and the name tags are very useful. The RHS are to be applauded for the educational value of these displays but Gloria complains about all the little whte tags and marking tape that get in the way and spoil all her photographs.

I have started to appreciate the smallest daffodils just as I reach the age where infirmity keeps me from bending down to them. It is a special treat to have them presented at eye level. This is 'Midget'. I have made a note of the name and will grow some in a window box perhaps next year. I love the wildness in the shape of these small fellows, they have not yet been starched into perfect roundness like fat children.

This was a very remarkable display of hyacinths, some lovely and unfamiliar plants in perfect flower.

This strange double flowered cultivar is possibly 'L'Ophir', in which case it was first registered in 1770. The widely spaced flowers may not be to our modern taste but I fully support the preservation of the old things (Gloria rolls her eyes).

And finally the glowing tapestry of petals in pots that is the Camellia Competition. Words cannot do justice to the scene , which is probably a good thing. Gloria believes that these mangled monsters are staged by men without the courage to embrace naturism and attend a real penis show. These Camellias are their sublimated urges. I find the whole thing rather jolly but then I think the same thing about penises so we have agreed to differ on the matter.