Gardeners warm to chilly show

Thousands attended the Newark and Nottinghamshire Garden Show on Newark Showground at the weekend, despite bad weather.

The three-day event, which started on Friday, is one of many shows held across the country by Aztec Events.

One of the organisers, Mr Matthew Upson, said: “We were surprised how many people came out in the poor weather.

“We expected next to no one on Sunday but it was actually quite busy and the feedback from exhibitors was positive.”

“There must be a lot of keen gardeners in Nottinghamshire and I want to say thank you to them for coming.”

He said he hoped the weather would be better next year.

As well as a range of bedding plants, trees, and shrubs from nurseries all over the UK, there were stalls selling gardening tools, jewellery, clothing, wooden carvings, ornamental animals, furniture, gifts and homemade cards.

There were hanging basket demonstrations and talks about orchids and bonsai, which proved very popular with visitors.

Mrs Christine Suantika (41) of Marsh Lane, Farndon, was among traders from the Advertiser area who were exhibiting their goods.

Mrs Suantika’s business, Choklet, selling a range of chocolates and truffles which she makes by hand in her kitchen at home, had a stall in the George Stephenson pavilion.

It was the first time her business had traded at the show, although she had been before with her husband, Mr Ketut Suantika’s Balinese homeware and fashion accessory business, Bali Mentari, which had an outdoor pitch at the weekend.

Mrs Suantika said Friday morning was not too bad but it was quieter in the afternoon.

She said: “The weather is putting people off coming out.”

Mr Steven Routledge (38) who co-owns Floral Nurseries, Caunton, with his wife Mrs Paula Routledge, said he was pleased with the amount of trade he attracted on Friday.

He had a broad selection of garden plants at the show, which he attended last year for the first time.

Mr Routledge said: “I am surprised how many people have come out.

“They must be keen gardeners.”

He said: “I am happy, considering the weather.”

Mr Routledge said he hoped that his customers during the weekend would pay follow-up visits to the nursery in the future.

Mrs Sue Goodwin-King, of High Street, Sutton-on-Trent, was among those who braved the cold wind on Friday. She said: “I have been before and look forward to coming.

“It is a great show which seems to get better every year. It’s a shame about the weather.”