Chelsea Flower Show 2010. Facts and highlights.

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The sun came out and the flowers nearly wilted. The higlight of the Horticulture calender was, once again, sold out. In honour of another amazing year for the Chelsea Flower show – here are some facts.

1) The 2010 RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the 88th show to be held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital and the ‘RHS Chelsea Flower Show’ is the lasting title of an exhibition with a history of nearly 150 years.

2) A Show Garden at Chelsea can range in size from 10mx10m to 10mx22m.

3) Children under 5 years, babes-in-arms, prams and pushchairs are
not admitted.

Photographer: Abi Silverston

Photographer: Abi Silverston

Lisa Rawley's Gold Medal winning stand. Featuring a Hidcote Greenhouse from the Alitex National Trust Collection.

4) Urban Spaces are 7mx5m and Courtyard Gardens are 5mx4m.

5) The Great Pavilion is 12000m2, which is the same size as two football pitches – enough room to park 500 London buses.

6) 157,000 visitors visit the show each year. The number has been capped at this since 1988.

7) 98.4% of the materials used at Chelsea 2009, including glass, plastic and paper was recycled

8 ) It takes 800 people, just over three weeks to build the show.

9) It takes up to three weeks to build a show garden, and 10 days to build courtyard and urban gardens, but the gardens all come apart in just five days.

10) Streptocarpus ‘Harlequin Blue’ has been crowned the 2010 RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year following the first ever Plantsman Conference, held on the 24 May, at the 2010 RHS Chelsea Flower Show

11 ) Lots of gardeners wanted time lapse filming but could not afford the £10,000 bill.

Here is a video of Swamibu’s video highlights: Swamibu’s Chelsea highlights.

Details for attending the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Date: 24 –29 May
25-26 May RHS members only
27-29 May RHS members and non-members
Time: 25-28 May 8am-8pm

29 May 8am-5.30pm (sell off starts at 4pm)

Venue: The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London, SW3

Ticket hotline: 0844 209 1810 http://www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea
RHS show information: 020 7649 1883 http://www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea

Main picture and top by Abi Silverston. All rights reserved.

Something About Eleanor Rigby {Carl Packman}

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Douglas Coupland, the author of Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture and populariser of the word McJob – to mean unskilled work, product of the transformation from industrial to postindustrial labour – suffered loneliness when he was a young man, influencing his later novel Eleanor Rigby.

He once spoke of his lonely experiences in the Melbourne broadsheet The Age:

If they told us in school that there was this weird thing you were going to experience the moment you turn 20, that would have been a great service. It might be just a North American thing but you always have to smile for the camera and give it your best. Negative emotions, or inevitable emotions, never get discussed.

His book, as those of sound musical mind will know, is named after a song by The Beatles about an old woman who dies lonely, and whose funeral is only attended by a priest called Father Mackenzie, who may or may not be based on a real ‘Father’ Tommy Mackenzie.

Oddly enough, Rigby herself existed, and is buried in a graveyard in Liverpool where Lennon and McCartney used to spend their bored days.

The Beatles anthology, the name of a documentary series of three albums and a book about the band, mentions that McCartney ended up not thinking that it was all a coincidence, but rather that Rigby was hanging around in his unconscious.

If the story is to be believed, one day, on his own, at a piano, the first line of the song just came to McCartney:

The first few bars just came to me, and I got this name in my head… ‘Daisy Hawkins picks up the rice in the church’. I don’t know why. I couldn’t think of much more so I put it away for a day.

On Tuesday, the Daily Mail published an article about how children in the age of web 2.0 – the social networking class – “are twice as likely to feel lonely as those over 55.” The article cites the Mental Health Foundation as saying that the modern world is making the young more vulnerable. This quote is not in quotation marks, but a quote by Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the foundation, is in quotes. He says: ‘The internet is not a root cause of loneliness but it can exacerbate the problem.’

Typical Mail. They provide an analysis of what the foundation have said first which ends up contradicting the quote they use by the chief executive of the foundation.

Dr McCulloch’s point is of course the one to listen to, at least half of his point is; that the internet is not the cause of loneliness, but it might make the problem worse. But then, if you’re lonely, what will help? How can we really tell if the internet is not helping the loneliness of a lonely person? Sounds like guesswork to me.

The internet might not help (Help! I need somebody Help! Not just anybody Help! I need someone Helllllllp! – as John Lennon once said) but what exactly do we have to prove that it might exacerbate the problem? Nothing.

But even so, doesn’t the song Eleanor Rigby teach us something about modern kids and loneliness; namely that when Lennon and McCartney were kids they would hang around graveyards, and become consumed by names on graves who forever more linger in their unconsciousnesses. Lonely or not, kids today ought to count themselves lucky they have internet porn and pac-man to play with rather than creepy, haunted carcass parks.

But also, most importantly, the song Eleanor Rigby was written when McCartney was alone on a piano. To be alone is one of the few pleasures left in the modern world, where hell is other people more than it has ever been.

by Carl Packman

You can read more of Carl’s thoughts and articles on his blog Raincoat Optimism.

Stefans Top Ten Books

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After our Editors put out a call for peoples top ten books, I felt inclined to answer. After picking up reading faster than then my infanthood classmates and having a (some would say) overactive imagination, I’ve always loved *cliché* escaping into books. From biographies of drug traffickers to Bible Psalms, books have always been a big part of life, so here, in no particular order, I give you my top ten. These aren’t the most intellectual books I’ve read (or in the case of A Brief History of Time…tried to read) but their the ones that had the biggest impact on me or the ones I enjoyed reading and re-reading again and again.

American Gods – Neil Gaimen
Quite possibly my favourite book. I was introduced to Neil Gaimen through ‘The Kindly Ones’, the ninth book of his award winning comic book series ‘The Sandman’. After finding out more about his work I went in search of American Gods, and I’m so happy I did. The story of how old nearly forgotten Gods survive on what little worship they can muster, American Gods is an adventure story, a study in religion, a road trip book and is full of undying love, horror, humour and suspense. In my opinion it is literary brilliance.

Blankets – Craig Thompson
This wedge of 582 page graphic novel (that’s quite a bit for a single story in the comic world) was a present from a very good friend. I lugged this heavy bastard of a book home with me, made a cup of tea and started reading….I could not put it down. Taking place over a few years in the life of author Craig Thompson, this autobiographical story is told as recounted memories of his Evangelical Christian upbringing, his first love, his sexual awakenings and his confusing coming of age. Set mainly in the mid nineties, Blankets is full of outstanding emotional artwork and nice references to awesome music (the characters all dig punk and grunge) and took me back to my own teenage years and memories. The only graphic novel I’ve read that brought tears to my eye’s but not the best introduction to the world of comics yet its still one of the best.

Nineteen Eighty-Four – George Orwell
For years I heard people talking about how amazing this book was so I thought ‘right…I really should read it’. Those people weren’t wrong. A truly sinister look into a totalitarian future (it was published in 1949) it shows a world where the government have absolute non-negotiable control over everything, including your thoughts, using the moniker Big Brother and have the ability to change history to suit there current outlook without a single question raised from the populace. Growing up in the aftermath of World War II, protagonist Winston Smith has foggy memories of his childhood and after being asked to erase information that would change history he starts to internally question the government’s motives and power. Nineteen Eighty-Four also contain the best ending of a book ever, as soon as I read the last word I was absolutely speechless. Unfortunately, I was last reading it on the way to a film set the other day and I left it behind and my mate is still looking after it for me!

Northern Lights – Philip Pullman
This is one of the best children’s books and a great way to get kids to start reading more than the Beano (is that still going?). The first in Pullmans His Dark Materials trilogy, Northern Lights, now filmed as The Golden Compass, is a proper adventure book. As a young teen I could often be found on sunny days sitting in my room reading about the friendships and adventures of Lyra Belacqua and her dæmon Pantalaimon (everyone in this parallel world has their own dæmon, as they are physical manifestations of their souls). I’m not sure why I’ve always loved fantasy stories, maybe it’s due to me not having a spiritual side, I need them as a way of escaping reality….hmmm, one to ponder.

Mort – Terry Prachett
The fourth in the huge collection of Pratchetts Discworld novels, I have read nearly all of them and loved them all, so it was difficult to choose one to put in this list, so I figured, it should be the first I read. Taking place on the impossible Discworld (a round flat world that rests on the backs of four elephants that stand on the shell of a giant turtle that swims through space!), Mort is the story of a young simple lad with no aspirations who, after the advice given by his father to become an apprentice, is taken on by Death. The nature of Death is explored in Pratchetts own humour filled way while Mort learns the ropes and tries to ignore his confusing feelings towards Deaths adopted daughter. A great addition to this shelf filling series.

American Psycho – Bret Easton Ellis
This is a scary book! I find watching someone’s decent into madness so much worse than ghouls and monsters, and that is exactly what we get with Patrick Bateman. On the surface Bateman is just another 80’s stupidly rich yuppie investment banker, but we also get an in depth view of his insanity. Beginning with relatively harmless madness with just constantly checking clothing choices and holding in his anger when one of his friends has a better business card than him, Bateman deteriorates through imaging killing to committing horrific acts of violence (if you’ve read it…think back to the drainpipe and the rat *shudder*). American Psycho can sometimes be a difficult read with it constantly explaining in detail every item of clothing of every character and Batemans occasional internal rambling monologues, but seeing as the book is narrated by Patrick it is all necessary to get a complete overview of the character. If you haven’t read it, put aside a few weeks and immerse your self in madness.

Fox in Socks – Dr. Suess
Dr Suess was a genius. His non-sensical tongue twisters designed to help children learn sounds and speech patterns are some of my favourite poetry, and Fox in Socks is a collection of some of his best. I still struggle with the Tweetle Beetles but can recite the story of Luke Luck and his Duck by heart!

Yes Man – Danny Wallace
This is the most dangerous book I’ve ever read, more dangerous than Mein Kampf and more dangerous that The Anarchists Cookbook (the latter of which I’ve read), purely because while reading it you will feel compelled to say yes to anything. While reading this, a friend suggested I attend an Alpha Course, which is why I attend a church every Wednesday to join a group of Christians talk about God (as an atheist, this is annoying, boring and sliiightly maddening!) and why I am saving up for a passport to go to Hamburg, which is an absolute must as I mentioned it on twitter and Danny Wallace himself wrote back to me saying I should do it! YesMan is based upon a year of the authors life in which, after living the life of a recluse for a while, he decides to get more out of life by saying yes to any and every opportunity. A very funny tale of danger, excitement, adventure and eventual love, YesMan is a brilliant feel good book that will make you want to get more out of life. (and er, Danny, if you ever read this, I really wasn’t comparing you to Hitler in the first sentence…it’s the first dangerous book I thought of)

Born Standing Up – Steve Martin
The Jerk, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Dead Men don’t Wear Plaid, all very very funny films, but how did Steven Martin end up there? In Born Standing Up we find out about Steve’s childhood, his first job at DisneyLand, his first foray into the world of showbiz during his stint as shop assistant in a magic shop and his move into stand up comedy. A must for any fan of Steve or the surreal side of stand up (which we find out Steve was one of the pioneers of).

Factotum – Charles Bukowski
I had been out drinking with some friends, my mate let me crash on his settee, and in my insomniatic drunken stupor I fumbled about after everyone had gone to bed looking for something to do. I stumbled across a book and decided it would probably help me get to sleep if I read something. Factotum didn’t help, it kept me awake till morning. Written about Bukowski’s alter ego Henri Chinaski, we see the life of an alcoholic, constantly unemployed writer who cant get anything published even though he knows his work is much better than what is being released. Through half-hearted relationships and his need for cheap wine, Henri’s tale is heart-breaking in a ‘there but for the grace of God go I’ way and a compelling, involving book written by someone with a mastery of words.

The World Cup; A Celt's Thoughts {Ceri's Column}

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Well, we didn’t get there again. Not only did Wales fail to get even close to the finals, but not a single Celtic nation will be at  the first World Cup to be held in Africa. Nice one, assholes.

But I’m used to it and…well, see…I do love the World Cup, y’know. I really do. I know what you’re thinking: “Ceri? That’s Welsh, innit? Why the hell would YOU enjoy the World Cup? Wales haven’t been in it since the 50’s!” well, I assume that’s what you’re thinking because the rest of the piece hinges on it.

Firstly, SHUT UP I KNOW! I’m more a rugby fan anyway.

Secondly, being an impartial viewer really does heighten my enjoyment of the tournament! No, seriously!  All you flag of St. George waving, lager swilling Eng-er-landers can happily cheer along your team but the other games tend to be a formality to watch. I’ve heard many a glib utterance of (things along the lines of) – “Ooh look, Portugal’s out” from some England fan or another. Oh Yeah? That’s HUGE, you pillock!

Every team is a possible villain or hero for me! I do usually pick a team before the tournament commences, but it invariably changes after the group stages. (Last time I was all “Yeah! Go Ireland!” and was chanting “Forza Azzuri” by the end…I was supporting Italy, asshole.)

This year, Argentina is my team. Partly due to the small yet significant Welsh-speaking population living in Patagonia. Partly due to my 3rd favourite sporting moment being Maradonna’s “Hand  of God” ;-)

(after Gareth Edward’s try for the Barbarians vs New Zealand and Wales’ 2005 Six Nations Grand Slam.)

But my backing of the Argies is mainly due to Lionel Messi. God this guy is crazy-style awesome.

So, what the fuck do you want now? My tip to win? Easy, it’s the same as everyone else’s. Spain. What? Why are you still staring at the screen? What do you expect? Oh! Shit, you want me to say good luck? As in, to England! Ugh. Well….<exhales>….here goes.

Good luck…um…chaps…lads…fellas…uh…is that ok? Cool.

Oh and before I forget, if DO you win, don’t spend the next 50 years gloating. K?

Shit, I’m going to regret wishing you lot good luck now…

TV Preview: The Seasons with Alan Titchmarsh; Autumn

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I love a good wildlife documentary, If they’re done right they can be relaxing and informative at the same time. Frost Magazine were allowed a preview of ITV’s current offering ‘The Seasons’ so we can tell you all about it.
In ‘The Seasons’; gardening zen master Alan at-one-with-nature Titchmarsh takes us through the seasons and how we’re intrinsicly linked with nature.
This time round it’s Autumn. Mixing time lapse sequences and beautiful photography, The Seasons shows us something about our home country that we’ve forgotten about. As we increasingly move and expand our urban jungles, we’re actively trying to recapture our link to nature. Farmers markets and organic food are booming and we guilt trip ourselves and others into shunning advances in food technology. We’re increasingly seeking a more natural and simplistic way of life. It’s little wonder then that glorious early morning mists in seemingly mystical forests seem so appealing.
Titchmarsh walks us through Autumn explaining why we have seasons by using an electric globe and an orange ball and answering questions like why do leaves turn orange? and why do berries taste bitter after michaelmas?
He also talks about animal behaviour; covering hibernation, migration and how animals prepare for winter; which gives lots of opportunities to show us shots of adorable small mammals and woodland creatures as well as some less adorable insects and a snail in its very own stasis.
The Seasons doesn’t stop at animals and plants, it looks into how humans relation to nature, from Harvest to allotments to sustainable oyster fishing.
It’s a lot of information to cover in one hour long program which means that The Seasons touch upon a great deal of information but doesn’t go into any real depth. Still, it has some great photography. The episode concludes on visions of frosty fields and snowy countrysides which gives you a taste iof what will follow.

The Seasons: Autumn is on ITV1 on 23rd May at 7pm

Catherine Balavage's Top Ten Books.

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I love reading. I have been known to read a book in a day. I also go through magazines and newspapers ferociously. At school I was actually made fun of for reading so much. I feel I got the last laugh. My top ten books are ever changing, but here is my current list. Read these books. They are amazing and will change your life. In no particular order….

“What’s left?” Nick Cohen
Nick Cohen is one of the smartest people I have ever met. I read this book long before I met him in person. Even it you do not agree with his political views, the sheer brilliance of his political argument wins you over. Nick has a brave voice and his compassion comes through in this book of his dissection of how the left lost it’s way.

“How Mumbo jumbo ruled the world.” Francis Wheen.
I am guilty of bulk buying this book and giving it as Christmas presents. Not only is this a great book, but I get the sense that Mr Wheen has a very good bullshit detector.

“ Midnight’s Children.” Salman Rushdie.
Fun, beautiful, erudite. Hard to choose just one of his books but I love this for the magical realism. Salman Rushdie is known as one of the greatest writers. And with good reason.

“The Count of Monte Christo” Alexander Dumas.
A roaring adventure book. Brilliant from beginning to end. Quite an achievement considering it’s over 1,000 pages

“A Much Married Man.” Nicholas Coleridge
This is one of my favourite novels. The story is about a wealthy man who constantly re-marries, hence the title. Coleridge is an amazing writer. Constantly noticing things about his characters and their lives. Beautiful and quaint.

“The Constant Economy.” Zac Goldsmith.
Goldsmith, who was editor of The Ecologist for many years, certainly knows his stuff. Here he maps out his ideas for a “constant economy” The most readable eco book I have ever read. Brilliant stuff. Now he is a member of parliament expect a much greener government.

“ Crime and Punishment” Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
I love this book. A darkly wonderful book about a young man who commits murder without remorse or regret. It becomes a book about redemption. “A new life is not given for nothing….” I read this book and I wish I could read it in it’s original Russian.

“Lazy ways to earn a living.” Abigail Bosanka
This may seem like a random choice. I have read this book three times. The first time during a hellish holiday in Spain. It is set in Edinburgh and it about a women who is fired from her job. She is highly educated but doing odd jobs to survive and bumps into someone she used to know…It is a book full of detail, knowledge, love and chess. I was on a film set recently and saw a women reading it . We instantly became friends.

“How to lose friends and alienate people.” Toby Young.
A funny and insightful book on publishing and media. Re-read it many times. You should as well. Young is a brilliant writer. He has a social conscience so the book is more than a shallow biography.

“Lord of the rings.” J.R.R Tolkien.
I read this book when I was 13. I eagerly awaited the films for many years. Fantasy writing at it’s best.

Now you have read mine, please send your top ten books to frostmagazine@gmail.com

Film Review: Petropolis

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Documentary filmmaker Peter Mettler takes an original and effective way to tell the story of the Alberta tar sands. This 45 minute documentary it told mostly visually. Shot entirely on a helicopter, it is aerial shots of oil projects that are shocking and beautiful.

The devastation looks different from above.

Canada’s tar sands are the second largest oil reserve in the world. Estimates at 174 billion barrels of oil. This area is the size of England. I recommend you see this film. Not just because it is original and visually stunning but because we must stop our dependency on the power of petroleum. The environmental devastation and damage to the health of any breathing thing in the vicinity is not worth the price. At the Q & A afterwards it was revealed that birds have to be scared of from landing near the tar sands as they get sick and die.

In light of the current problems with the BP oil spill this film is more relevant than ever. Well done to Greenpeace, ( who funded and produced the film in Canada ) Dogwoof and the Co-operative for funding such a brave and shocking film.

To find out more about the film go to www.petropolis-film.com.
To find out more about Tar Sands go to www.toxicfuels.com