Radio's allotment doctor joins the show in Cardiff
14/04/2009
The first RHS show of the year is in the parklands of Cardiff Castle next weekend (17-19 April), when thousands are expected to come along and enjoy the best of the spring blooms from nurseries across the UK, with ideas and inspiration for the growing season ahead - and there is plenty in the garden for all those looking to grow their own.
Gardening has never been hotter! With recession biting, and people staying closer to home, they are signing up for allotments in their droves, and looking for advice and guidance on how best to get the most out of the soil. This year’s RHS show will feature BBC Radio Wales and Radio 2 Allotment Doctor Terry Walton offering planting tips, answering questions and demonstrating how to fend off all kinds of climates – from helping combat the current economic climate by growing vegetables in edible borders, to preparing for climate change in future.
Terry will also be part of the BBC’s campaign to encourage people to get planting and grow their own veg in the shape of the Dig In ice cream van (“Stop Me and Grow One”), calling into the RHS show on its UK tour. Whether you have an allotment or a window box, the BBC Dig In campaign is offering a free seed starter pack including Gardener’s Delight tomatoes, Lolla Rossa or Red Salad Bowl lettuce, Boltardy beetroot, Harrier or Hunter butternut squash and Early Nantes carrots.
Terry Walton is a regular Friday afternoon contributor to the Jeremy Vine show on Radio 2, and he will be kept busy throughout the three days of the RHS Show. Terry said: “The gardening culture has certainly grown in recent years and all types of people are taking up this very pleasant pastime. It is becoming more family orientated as well, which I think is a fabulous thing. The allotment is where I relax and enjoy the camaraderie of my neighbouring plot holders, and I hope I can get across just some of that enjoyment to visitors to this really friendly RHS show.”
The Really Fit Garden by gardener and broadcaster Lynne Allbutt features a small allotment area, or “alittlement” as Lynne calls it, and outdoor exercise equipment to inspire gardeners to keep fit and use their own outdoor spaces more creatively.
The RHS Show also features show gardens created by the finest Welsh horticultural talent, the ever-popular schools wheelbarrow competition and numerous plants and accessories for sale, including the famous Duffydil bulbs for fans of the famous Welsh singing sensation looking to plant daffodils named after their idol in their own garden.
For information and tickets for the RHS Cardiff Show visit the link below or call 0844 209 1810