August 2004

Wednesday 4th
The RHS Garden Committee are sitting today. We should hear soon whether or not we have our garden.

Friday 6th
I receive a letter from Chelsea Show Manager, Anita Foy, to say that we are through to the 2nd round of qualification but that the garden panel like our application but of course now they will need detailed scaled plans and full sectional and structural drawings. These have to be delivered by the 1st of September.

Monday 9th
I decide to take a short break with Phil and Anette in Sweden. I am still suffering the aftermath of the Radiotherapy and feel that a change of scenery would do me good. It also gives me time with Phil to talk through some of the detail of the garden.

Tuesday 17th
Having had confirmation from the RHS that we have provisionally been given a site, I go to see Jekka. Of course, many herbs come from the Mediterranean region and Jekka has agreed to grow for me again and also to grow the annuals and some of the wildflowers I will be needing. We are going to need a lot of herbaceous material for this garden.

Thursday 19th
I spend the day with Phil going over the final plans and sketches for the garden prior to a meeting with our sponsor and his wife tomorrow. The whole concept is beginning to come together now and I am quite pleased with the overall design as it has developed.

Friday 20th
Phil and I spend the morning with our sponsor and his wife going over the more detailed plans and drawings of the garden now that it’s really beginning to take shape. They are obviously delighted with the overall concept and the planting schemes that are predominately pink.

Friday 27th
Ten days in Norfolk.