There was a steady flow of rain throughout the day, which naturally was a disappointment to all involved at the Jacksons Garden and Countryside event at the company’s HQ at Stowting on Saturday 17th September.
On the bright side, however there was also a steady flow of visitors who braved the wet and windy weather; the great British public is obviously used to carrying on despite the adverse conditions, and all the garden designers, companies and organisations attending the event were very grateful for this stoical attitude.
The event was billed as a chance to meet and chat with the garden designers responsible for the show gardens. The project is now into its second year and with seven stunning show gardens that wouldn’t look out of place at the big garden shows, it has been proving to be very popular with visitors throughout the year. Visitors to the event had a chance also to preview one of Jacksons new panels; the unusual Woven Fence Panel.
The first years’ four winning designers were:
Matthew Childs - The Centered Garden, Philippa OBrien - Jacksons goes to the seaside, Mark Smith – The Haven and one who is sure to be in demand is Heather Appleton, who created The Float Garden (featuring Jacksons' ever-popular Zone and Venetian panels) for Jacksons and who scooped a coveted gold medal from the Royal Horticultural Society at this year’s Hampton Court show. The gold medal for the Kipling Garden, one of the poet-themed gardens at Hampton Court, followed Heather’s silver medal success at the Chelsea Flower Show.
This years’ competition winners are Justine Jobson - The Fragrant Front Garden, Helen Elks-Smith - The Chill Out Garden and Mary Ann Le May - The Paradise Garden.
Also at the event were stands and stalls of exhibitors representing many other Kent companies including: landscaping, oak buildings, water features, Tee-pees, wildlife conservation, bee keeping, rose growing and Bonsai displays. As well as Kent producers of: cheese, chutney, cakes and even poultry and local artists. (A list of these companies with contact details is at the foot of this page).
Even with the dark skies and downpours there was a festival atmosphere with country music, special country hoe-down lunches available, with plenty of happy people taking advantage of being able to chat over garden issues with the designers and stall holders reporting a brisk trade.
There are many more images of the event in our gallery click here
For more information on the designers click here
Exhibitor details:
The Happy Apple, Contact: Jenny, email jenny@thehappyapple.co.uk, Tel 01622-201535?
Kentish Blue Cheese, Contact: Karen, email info@kentishblue.co.uk, Tel 01580 892 478?
Fairy Dust Bakery, Contact: Melissa, email melissa@fairydustbakery.co.uk, Tel 07900 594249
Ashford Bee Keepers Association, Contact: Anthony Keeler, email antbkeeler@hotmail.co.uk, Tel 01303 862309
Woodhill Poultry, Contact: Ray Goodban Tel 01227 700 744
Layham Garden Centre, Contact: Ellen Wessel, email layhamgc@mypostoffice.co.uk,Tel 01304 813 267
NWFineart, Tel 01795 537 423,Contact Neil, email nw@nwfineart.co.uk, www.whiteonesugar.co.uk/index.htm
Kent Bonsai Club, Contact: Mick Byrne, email kentbonsaiclub@blueyonder.co.uk, Tel 01795 421810
Big Hill Tipis, Contact: Chris Dryland, Tel 01233 750350
Hop Pocket Pub, Bossingham, Tel 01227 709886, www.thehoppocket.co.uk
ponds by design, Contact Rob or Ray Tel 01732 863177
Brett Landscaping, Contact Mike Buck, Tel 07921495901 mike.buck@brett.co.uk
Chilstone, Contact Steve Clark, Tel 01892 740866, www.chilstone.com
Wyevale East Nurseries, Contact Nigel Gibson,Tel 01322 662315, www.wyevale-east.co.uk
Kent Wildlife Trut, contact Roy Hamblin, royhamblin@btinternet.com
Hamlet Oak Building, Contact alan, Tel 0800 08 59 699, www.hamletbuildings.co.uk
Photography: neat resources
