My biggest uncontrollable worries during the final weeks of Chelsea are the weather and stray animals. Once I had a herd of cows meandering through the herb farm, they did a huge amount of damage to the plants. One cow’s foot can totally demolish a tray of plants. Another time a herd of piglets came through the front gate; they did untold damage to me and my staff trying to catch them, but all in all they are less of a worry compared to the weather. As I sit here writing this there is a thunderstorm raging. With every crash of thunder there is a huge gust of wind. It was the rain that woke me last night. I looked at the clock - 1.15am. I listened to the rain drumming the window then I heard the wind - it had changed direction. Panic set in. I jumped out of bed, threw my clothes on, went down stairs, collected Hampton, my dog, and a torch then went out to check the plants on the farm. The reason for this night escapade was that this weather had not been forecasted. Wendy (who helps me with the Chelsea stock) and I had decided to leave the Angelicas outside as we are trying to grow them slowly so they will be sturdy for the journey, and will last the show inside the Great Pavilion.
Hampton and I got to the Angelicas and the wind was not as strong as it sounded but I decided to move the two end ones into the tunnel for the night. This is not as easy as it sounds as they are now taller than me. Getting them into the tunnel without damaging the leaves is normally quite a palaver but in the middle of the night it can seem like a living nightmare. That accomplished and feeling wide awake, I thought it would be a good idea to do some night slug and snail patrol. So I collected a bucket full, and then headed back to the house. It was, by then, 2.30am so I had a cup of tea, herbal of course, and climbed back into bed. I realised as I closed my eyes that was the second night I had done plant protection and I know it is only the start of what will be going on for next 4 weeks. I assure you it’s just like having a baby in the house - your ears get tuned to any change in sounds. Still, once back in bed nothing more woke me until John Humphries chirped in my right ear. Tonight, as I listen to the thunder, I look forward to a full night’s sleep as all the Angelica’s are inside and tucked up for the night.
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