Spring is just around the corner at the South of
England Showground in Ardingly where horticulture will be at the heart of the
Spring Garden & Leisure Show on Sunday 4th
and Bank Holiday Monday 5th May.
Introducing
the latest retro-fashion in gardening, a Victorian-style ‘Stumpery’ will be the
horticultural centrepiece of the show, made from uprooted tree trunks planted
with flowers; expert advice on all aspects of trees and forestry, including Ash
Die Back, from the Arboricultural Association, who will be celebrating its 50th
anniversary, will be on offer; and Jean Griffin, BBC Sussex, Surrey and Kent
resident gardening expert, will lead an exciting programme of Q&A sessions
with gardening experts and floristry displays in the Gardening Theatre.
Coronation
Meadows: H.R.H The Prince of Wales initiated a nationwide project in
2013 to create 60 species rich wildflower meadows each to be in a different
county to mark 60 years since The Queen’s Coronation. The Society is delighted
to host some of the partners involved in this important project at the show to
talk about the meadows, wild flowers and wildlife. Wildflower exhibits
and the small wildflower combine harvester will be on view.
Green-fingered
fans will be inspired with thousands of seasonal plants, shrubs and garden
features on display, but for dog lovers visit the South of England Open Dog
Show and watch over 700 dogs compete for Best in Show at this year’s Crufts
qualifying event. Water-loving dogs can also enjoy the Paws in the Park
‘K9 Aqua Zone’ feature where visitor’s dogs can compete in a fun race against
time.
Get back in touch with
all that’s great about the British countryside in the ‘Access the Countryside’
exhibition, which will feature cattle, sheep and pig workshops. Take a
pit stop and be entertained by the ever popular ‘Mini Sheep Show’ or visit the
extensive chicken, duck and poultry exhibit where backyard enthusiasts can
learn from live talks on caring for poultry.
Dozens of alpacas will
compete for the coveted first prize in the South East Regional Alpaca Show and
the heat will be on in the rabbit marquee as hundreds of breeds are judged on
who will be crowned best in show.
Younger visitors can work up an
appetite by following a special trail created to take them on a journey all
round the show and the new showground caterers will be delivering tempting and
delicious food that can be enjoyed on the grassy banks and picnic areas, with
musical entertainment provided by the steel band as well as young vocalists and
live bands on stage from Rok Skool.
The Kent, Surrey &
Sussex Air Ambulance crew will be offering a very special insight into how they
work and the rare opportunity to look over a fully operational helicopter.
Visitors can choose mouth-watering treats to take
home from the tempting food hall and enjoy shopping from a diverse array of
goods and crafts, from country clothing, gifts and DIY to home wares, wellies
and handbags!
Admission: Adults £10, children £5 and senior
citizens and students £8. Save money with a family ticket (2 adults + 2
children) for just £23 or for advance ticket discounts visit www.seas.org.uk or telephone 01444 892700
SPRING GARDEN & LEISURE SHOW
Sunday 4 and Monday 5 May 2014
South of England Showground, Ardingly, West
Sussex.
(Near Haywards Heath. Junction 10 off M23)
Open: 9am daily Close: 5pm
daily
For further information visit www.seas.org.uk
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‘SouthofEnglandShowground’, Twitter @ sofeshowground and read the Blog at
SouthofEnglandShowground
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