A three week Galanthus Blog

[Lesley Cox]

From John F's posts I have come to the conclusion that this Three Week Galanthus Blog is just an excuse for one gigantic nosh-up. Just as well, therefore that I'm well away from it all.

[KentGardener]

Just home - completely knackered - lots of catching up to do!

That is the end of the plans for 2011 - but it will take me a few days to finish this 'three week blog'.

[David Quinton]

Looking forward to it, John.

[Jo]

Yes, can't wait to see the next bit John.

Beautiful snowdrops and garden Paddy, and I'm sure your wife is right ( they always are ), let them build up

[KentGardener]

Slowly getting sorted after a week or four of dashing here, there and everywhere!

Sorry for the delay in completing this blog - I hope to have it completed by tomorrow.

The last few from Cliff Curtis's wonderful garden.

1 - 'Two Eyes'
2 - 'Priscilla Bacon'
3 - seedling
4 - Cyclamen
5 - 'Art Nouveau'
6 - seedling (I think...)
7 - I've forgotten!  Cliff - if you are looking in which is this one please?  
8 - 'Mordred' - since first seeing this 3 years ago I am still on the lookout for it.
9 - Eranthus 'Grunlin'
10 - 'John Tomlinson'

[Brian Ellis]

I like the shape of 'Forgot' John, looking forward to the pictures of the German Gala.

[Rob]

Sorry for the delay in completing this blog - I hope to have it completed by tomorrow.

Everyone is on tenterhooks waiting for you to finish the blog.

Another great update, although I'm not keen on the Eranthis 'Grunlin' I prefer the plain yellows.

[Mavers]

Sorry John didn't mean to commandeer your blog.

Looking forward to the German gala report.

[KentGardener]

OK - here we go with part one of my final bit of the blog.

Started work in London early on Friday (7.30am start) -sped out of the office at 11am and jumped on the Gatwick Express train from Victoria train station.

I was rather nervous about doing this trip on my own as I have always had a travelling companion abroad in the past.  My flight arrived in Dusseldorf on time, I struggled to find to find a sign for trains anywhere - in the end I asked for advice in a cafe and was told to follow the signs 'S11' - which apparently is the name of the train - not very intuitive for a first time tourist arriving in Dusseldorf airport!

A quick 12 mins into Dusseldorf city - I arrived at a big station with 30 platforms in the middle of rush hour (people rushing home from work and lads in hoodies doing break dancing and body popping ) and any signs I saw were not the easiest to follow - which was also quite stressful.  Luckily I had printed out my journey plan from bahn.de in advance so headed towards platforms 17 where my train to Kempen was waiting for me.  40 mins later I alighted at Kempen to find good signage for the taxi rank.  22 euros later I arrived at the Inn that Gunter Waldorf had recommended.  I was shown to a really nice comfortable room that was a bargain 40 euros a night B&B.

As I had arrived ahead of schedule at 5.30pm I decided to walk past Gunter's place on my way into town, for a well deserved beer and some food.  I wandered into the oirlich grounds where the event would be taking place to find a hive of activity. Somehow I managed to end up unloading various vans and putting up tables and stands...  

At 8.30pm I was invited to join all the other workers for sausages and potato with egg - and I am glad to say... a couple of pints of beer.  

1, 2, & 3 - setting up
4 - a fern stall
5 - Carnivorous plants
6 - nice hat  


(More to follow tomorrow)

[Brian Ellis]

Gosh that snowdrop hat almost beats Emma's

[mark smyth]

Now I know why Alan Street hasnt answered my email.

Who else was selling?

[Paddy Tobin]

Gosh that snowdrop hat almost beats Emma's

Brian, you have reminded me of this: http://sea-of-immeasurable-gravy.blogspot.com/

Scroll down to the second blog, "Out of the Box", which is a comment on the RHS Show in Vincent Square, look down through the photographs until you see that famous hat lady.

Paddy

[Paddy Tobin]

Oh, and John, I'm loving your reports. Great to be able to see all these events. I'm nearly taking it off the rails again.

Paddy

[johnw]

I think I would need more than a couple of pints to wear that Leucojum hat. 

johnw

[kentish_lass]

Exciting snowdrop news coverage John.  That was very brave of you to do that trip to a foreign speaking land on your own.  I am thoroughly enjoying reading about your adventures.  That looks fun helping set up and getting a nose at whats for sale at the same time    Could they speak any English?
Jennie