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Grand Designs Live 2010
Though not a garden show, I was offered free tickets to Grand Designs Live 2010 this year and as a fan of the show couldn’t possibly refuse. With sunny skies above and a political buzz in the air I headed off to London’s ExCel not quite sure what I would discover, not sure whether an Expo of building work would quench my green desires. I need not have worried, for I was in for one the most inspirational and eclectic shows I’ve ever been to.
I love Chelsea, I love plant fairs, I love the RHS. It fills my green needs perfectly, puts a permanent smile on my face, and rips my wallet apart until every credit card is groaning. With the latest fad in green and organic living, Grand Designs actually had a substantial garden section this year, and whilst the only plants to be found were packeted bulbs, the array of features to spark the smallest idea was stunning. Overpriced, high-end and bespoke products were of course everywhere, sickening my stomach ever time I accidentally allowed my eyes to focus in on the price-tag. Glittering, brand new and non-ecologically sourced items breathed brief flutters of excitement into my heart until I realised the truth, and there were some items that I’d rather move house than bear to have my garden.
However, for the most part, the stand staff were friendly and the products exciting. Omlet’s Eglu’s (pristine and modern chicken coops) were of course in prime location, their vibrant colours attracting all sorts to the ease of keeping chickens. In addition their Beehaus (right) was particularly chic – basically a hive tipped on its side that can house two colonies and easily provide a home with honey. And though it comes at a hefty £500, the kit includes everything you’ll need (apart from your buzzing friends) and helps set you up with other nearby bee-keepers to get you started.
Meanwhile Quist put in yet another appearance, bringing their stunningly beautiful handmade copper water fountains to Grand Designs Live 2010. Though, of course, so expensive as too make your eyes water, the craft that goes into these water features is incredible and with the copper never rusting it truly provides a unique, limited edition and once in a lifetime piece of garden artwork.
And finally, and possibly my most exciting discovery of the entire year so far was LivingARKs. Any readers of this blog will know that deep inside I crave for a return to my roots, back to the family Suffolk farmland to live a rural, hermity, and hobby farmer ideal. And now I’ve found my perfect residence, an off grid, ultra eco-friendly, customisable hobbit hole. With the beautiful building simply nestling into the countryside and disappearing due to its sedum roof, my energy would be met with wind turbine and solar panels, log burning to provide additional heat in the winter, and reed beds and compostable toilets to rid waste. I could easily incorporate a veranda for my summer rocking, wine in hand, looking at the stars longingly, and if I had a couple of extra eco-cabins I could even rent out plots to tourists. Purrrrrfect.
Grand Designs Live 2010 is on until Sunday 9th, and if you’re quick and free on Friday 7th you might be able to even bag some free tickets, its definately worth a look!
One Response to Grand Designs Live 2010
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