Tim Matcham Garden Design

My first visit to this event this year and was surrounded by well known journalists and media people all keen to see what was new in the world of gardening.

I went with my Garden Network hat on – not really knowing what to expect! Here is my first take on the event – there were 63 stands in total so I won’t be able to cover off everyone but these are some of the innovations that caught my eye.

The recurrent theme on many of the stands was, encouragingly, growing your own and organic gardening.

First up came the Vitogrow

 from Greenhouse Sensation – this was one of a number of products that was encouraging us to all grow your own food and combined a good-looking container which self watered the plants! A simple idea that means your crop won’t dry out – so if, like me you don’t remember to water your containers as regularly as you might, then this might just be what you are looking for! The pack comes with suitable nutrients and instructions. They also offer advice and a guarantee of success. They also had on show a solar-powered device for growing plants without soil – known as hydroponic – the power simply recirculates a nutrient rich solution over the roots.

Another ingenious product came in the form of a Polanter – best described as a holey drain pipe with a leaky pipe through the middle!

Again aimed at minimising water loss during the watering process and encouraging us to grow plants including fruit and veg. It attaches to a wall and performs a similar function to a hanging basket. Watering is simple, straightforward and uses minimal water. Simply attach a hose to the water inlet at the base and wait until a few drips appear.

There were some other great products from Access Garden Products

and Forest Garden again on the Grow your own theme,

These include small greenhouses and cold frames suitable for even small gardens.

These all tie in very nicely with Garden Organic’s new campaign called One Pot Pledge - aimed at getting enthusiastic gardeners to encourage a friend to try growing an edible plant for the first time and acting as a Gardening Guru to help them with their new experience. I have signed up to this and would be delighted to help anyone who is venturing out for the first time. I’m starting off with a Question and answer session at The Neston Country Inn on 11th February 2010 – I’d love you to come and join in for some fun! Contact me if you would like more details.

I’ll be adding my thoughts on other aspects of the show soon.

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