Gardener's World, or Spot the Presenter

Watching Gardener's World Friday evening on the TV, I was reminded that I had some photos from last year that I have not shared with you. (In fact I have quite a number of photos that have not made it to this blog)!
Gardener's World is a long running BBC programme. During the summer Gardener's World and BBC Good Food programmes combine to present an exhibition at Birmingham's NEC Centre. Last year I won two VIP ticket's for it. So my sister and I went along. We had a fabulous time. The VIP tickets gave us access to a lounge where we could sit and rest our feet, and drink endless cups of tea, any time we felt in need. We had a wonderful time. I really should have told you all about it when I got back- sorry.
Well the show has been taking place these last few days, so I got my photos out from last year. A nice reminder of a wonderful day out last year. So I'll share them with you now.

With so much to see, and so many people, I was eager to make a start. We began with the show gardens. The textiles caught my eye in these first two photos.

A garden for football fans.

A garden for wildlife.

A garden for sitting in and enjoying the plants close up.

In the pink.

The next garden shows a neat way to keep your vegetable garden tidy. It was used by the BBC for the presenters to meet the public and answer questions about gardening.

Above you can see Joe Swift being presented, and below Carol Klein.

I was particularly interested to see the Good Food Halls.

 Above, Andi Peters, below, James Martin.

With the VIP tickets, I got two tickets (on the front row) for Masterchef.

Above John Torode and below, Gregg Wallace.

I've included a second photo of Joe Swift, just because I like it.

Despite being so keen to see eveything to do with food, and incidentally winning the tickets through Good Food, the plants were the stars of the show for me.
Below is a garden based on Alice in Wonderland.

But the best bit was the plant hall. After seeing everything, that is where we spent most time.
Can you blame us?...

My sister bought some lovely rose bushes. I had to content myself with some Lily corms. That's all I could get in my case. They're due to flower soon.

Passing the Lake District on the way back to my sister's, there was the most fabulous, memorable sunset.
But guess what, my camera was in the boot of the car, and we were on a motorway, so no stopping.
What a beautiful end to a great day out.

A Night at the Museum

Tomorrow I fly off to the UK.

And I still haven't got back into a blogging routine

and managed to visit everyone.

I usually fall behind with my blog when I'm away

and I won't have access to a computer on this trip.

I haven't even blogged all the photos from my previous trips to the UK.

So as these photos were ready and waiting for some words

I thought I would post them now.

On my Eastertime trip,

we went to a museum. ( The Hancock in Newcastle, as the link is broken).

It used to be an old fashioned one

with lots of stuffed animals.

But it has had a makeover.

With some scary additions.

I remember this T Rex from years ago.

Still a scene stealer.

I was so busy snapping away taking photos of the family,

I didn't get to see what this exhibit was.

Shame on me!

Some family fun.

I like the next two photos for their

blurryness,

and quiet interlude

in an otherwise

silly day.

Beware the Roman soldier.

And the Easter Bunny.

And a long

wait.

Sunny Days

The weather has been so HOT here in Germany!

I just had to update my blog

to something sunny.

These photos however were taken

from my recent UK visit

from a day at the seaside with the family.

My niece and grandson are inseperable when they meet up.

Here they are looking out over the North sea

after playing on the beach below.

I've been back in Germany for a week now.

But I have already booked flights for a return visit to the UK

having won some tickets for the BBC Good Food Show.

In the meantime,

I've some catching up to do with my sewing

and crocheting.

Fortunately it's a bit cooler here today

so a good time to complete my Ripple Blanket I think.

Yesterday I had to abandon it as it was so hot resting on my knee.

Hopefully I will be able to show it to you soon!

Wishing you a sunny weekend.