A bumper gathering of fur and
feathered friends will be on display and in competition at this year’s Spring
Garden & Leisure Show taking place on Sunday 4th and Bank
Holiday Monday 5th May at the South of England Showground, Ardingly.
Over 155 alpacas will be
competing in the South East Regional Alpaca Show, double the entries in
comparison to last year and one of the larger shows in the UK with a new ‘Best
of British’ class showcasing the best UK bred animals. A record number of 14 weavers and spinners
from Sussex and Kent will be in the Spinners and Weavers marquee where visitors
can learn how they turn alpaca fleece into garments such as hats, scarves and
ponchos.
For all dog lovers, the region's top
breeders and over 700 dogs will compete to qualify for Crufts in the South of
England Open Dog Show which forms an integral part of the weekend
and has received commendation from The Kennel Club, in particular, for the
way it offers help and advice to members of the general public.
Thrill seekers can also enjoy the new
Paws in the Park ‘Dogstable Course’ where visitors and their dogs can compete
in a fun and safe obstacle course including a tunnel, gate and jumps with
rosettes awarded to the fastest times of the day.
With dozens of breeds of
chicken to choose from at this year’s show, those looking for a taste of the
good life can find out all they want to know about back garden chicken
keeping. Vet and poultry expert, Martin
Smith and Agricultural Consultant, Andrew Marshall will give regular live talks
about caring for poultry, and enthusiasts are encouraged to come along
throughout the weekend and ask their questions.
Clare Hastings, Chairman of the Spring
Garden & Leisure Show Committee said, “This show offers a unique insight
into the countryside and a great day out for all the family. Younger visitors can enjoy the fluffy
duck trail which will lead them on a journey right around the show to take in
sights such as guess the weight of the giant rabbit, the
‘Access the Countryside’ exhibition featuring cattle, sheep, goats and pig
workshops or the incredibly popular Mini Sheep Show.”
Thousands of visitors are
expected at this two-day garden and leisure event and green-fingered
fans will be inspired with thousands of seasonal plants, shrubs and garden
features on display and for sale across the showground. The latest retro-fashion in gardens, a
Victorian-style ‘Stumpery’, made from uprooted tree trunks and planted with
flowers, will form the horticultural centrepiece for the show.
Top garden experts will be on
hand to advise people on how to repair their gardens after the wettest winter
on record. BBC
gardening expert Jean Griffin and head gardeners from some of the most
exquisite and popular gardens in the South are part of an exciting programme of
Q&A sessions, talks and demonstrations to answer all your gardening and
horticultural questions and help put gardens back on track.
Head Gardener at the Salutation Gardens
in Kent, Steve Edney will explain how he is bringing the famous gardens back into
bloom after spending much of this winter under 20ft of water. Martin Duncan, Head Gardener at Arundel Castle;
Tom Brown, Head Gardener at Parham House; and Peter Holman, Chairman of South
and South East and London in Bloom will also join Jean on the panel of experts.
The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air
Ambulance crew will also be operational from the showground during the weekend
and whilst on the ground it will offer a very special insight into how the crew
works and a rare opportunity to look over a fully operational helicopter.
Doors open at 9am and close at
5pm. Admission for adults is £10,
children £5 and senior citizens and students £8. Save money with a family
ticket (2 adults + 2 children) for just £25 or for advance ticket discounts and
further information visit www.seas.org.uk or
telephone 01444 892700.
