This time last year I was approximately three weeks shy of moving to Exeter from London. I was a bit gutted really that I wasn’t down in time for the Devon County Show but good things come to those who wait! The show is Devon’s biggest Agricultural show of the year. There is a real mix of things to see ranging from farm animals to equestrian; Cheese & cider competitions, tractors, traction engines, crafts, fairground, floral tent, and an abundance of food and drink…these were things I managed to see but there was quite alot I missed too. It’s huge!!
We went on opening day which coincided nicely with my birthday! The sun shone beautifully all day long and we arrived shortly after 11am and left at half five with still some areas that we didn’t manage to get to, notably the craft competition tent. When I realised (after I got home!) I was rather annoyed with myself! That’ll have to be first on my list next year then.
I bought a few things along the way…. three chickens from Moon Ridge Farm who are just up the road from us. I am very excited about these lil ladies and will be collecting them within the next couple of weeks. The coop is due to be delivered this week! There is some serious ground prep to do.
I can’t go to any kind of show without collecting some plants along the way. I chose four different chilli plants from Dartmoor Chilli Farm. We have ‘Apache’, ‘Fairy Lights’, ‘Purple Tiger’ (which I was told is a rarer one) and ‘Filius Blue’. An unusal (to me anyway!) Japanese Maple tree called ‘Filigree’. I love the leaves on this one. So delicate and different. I was advised to not put it in the ground until Autumn of next year and to overwinter in the greenhouse.
I picked up some lovely ceramic bunting from Hearts and Doodles Ceramics. Really love this!
The best Macaroons I have ever tasted in my life came from Shaldon Bakery who very kindly put some by for me before they all went! If you find yourself in Shaldon then you must pay them a visit!
J got a cute pair of dungarees handmade by a lovely lady that lives down the road in Feniton. She doesn’t have a website but if you want her number send me an email! Finally some welly ankle boots to slip on for gardening. Have been after a pair for yonks.
We spent the day with friends who were down on holiday. Lovely Jo. Go check out her two blogs. I’ll leave you with some photographs from the day. If you are down this way next year when the show is on you should definitely go!
I must give a special space to the Magic Farm About that was in the Floral tent. The display was just so amazing!
Some interesting coffin options on offer..
Blessed are the cheese makers!
(Everyone needs a bit of a Monty Python in their life, right?!)
Tractors, Traction Engines etc
The Duchess
J and the Pied Piper!
And at the end of the day, the sun was still high in the sky….
