Open for business!

11th June 08

The audience is in and the first performance is underway! Thousands of people swarmed through the gates of the NEC this morning and there is a fantastic buzz around the place.

I hadn’t realised until now how empty the place had been with just the exhibitors setting up. Sarah did warn me about the madness but I hadn’t quite banked on this. It is fantastic! I’ve been to shows before as a punter but being on the other side is completely different.

What’s even more fantastic is people’s reaction to the garden. They seem to love it and are genuinely interested in the thinking behind the planting, paving and water.

I had no idea there were so many of us gardening enthusiasts out there and I feel totally at home answering questions and explaining different points. I could definitely get used to this!

One thing I did notice is how switched on people are about sustainability and the importance of ‘doing their bit’. It seems the garden is no longer just about pleasure but is also about function.

My feet are killing and I am exhausted and there are still five more days to go, but I am on cloud nine and looking forward to each and every day. I’ll definitely need that holiday when all this is over.