“Special” Birthday Present

Thank you all so much for your excellent suggestions - they are much appreciated. I shall peruse tonight and make my decision. We are in Bucks so Hampton Court Flower Show could be a good choice.

You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy yourselves. 😊

You could take a picnic with you and a bottle of bubbles. There is a lot space to picnic at Hampton Court. It would make it very special.

If you want something lasting, try Flory's online website for some very unusual gifts for the garden. I have given 2 of the lovely wall plaques complete with lights as special birthday gifts and they really loved them. There are so many to choose from and they really are lovely.

Nannytopsy

If you are in the east, Peter Beales roses south of Norwich is the equivalent of David Austin.

In Attleborough
My mum knew the Beales family, inc Peter.
Beautiful roses

That’s a great suggestion. Thank you. 💕

If it is nearer, Harlow Carr Harrogate, they also have a Betty’s there.
Otherwise I could suggest 70 themed items. When my Aunt was 60 I bought lots of things that were connected to 60 (or could be related to the year 1954) totally unique and cost may be quite reasonable.

TinSoldier

Did you know that Harkness have a rose called Fab at 70?

www.roses.co.uk/product/530607/rose-fab-at-70-3l-4l-pot

Thank you for sharing that. I have a friend with a big birthday this year and that is an excellent idea.

Most of the other suggestions do sound very expensive. I will be coming up to my 80th and would be very happy with bouquets of flowers from everyone or house plants - I just love being surrounded by flowers! Possibly just being taken out for an afternoon tea would be appreciated. I know I have so much "stuff" that I really don't want any more - the same applied when I was 70.

RHS membership perhaps, includes a monthly magazine, free gardening advice, free seeds every year ( pay for postage) and many other advantages.

NannaJeni

Most of the other suggestions do sound very expensive. I will be coming up to my 80th and would be very happy with bouquets of flowers from everyone or house plants - I just love being surrounded by flowers! Possibly just being taken out for an afternoon tea would be appreciated. I know I have so much "stuff" that I really don't want any more - the same applied when I was 70.

I am too and share your sentiments totally.

How about X (1, 3, 6) months of a bulb garden sent to her home or a sundial for her garden.

Does it have to be Horticultural/Flower related? Maybe trying something totally different would be good. Have a look at your local coach companies days out and see what they are offering, also if you have one locally maybe a trip on a steam train with lunch/dinner?

Hi, Hampton Court Flower Show is fab. And I think convenient for you. I think I prefer it to Chelsea.

BUT have just checked the RHS website and there are tickets for all days of Chelsea as far as I can see. I wonder if you looked on a day when their website was playing up?

Personally, I’m am alway happy with a plant or some bulbs. And perhaps some lovely chocs!

🌷🌷🌷

To arrive at Hampton Court by boat is something rather special. Various companies operate trips. You could go by train to Kingston and get the boat from there.

I was given a voucher for a 'spa day' for my70th by some members of my family. Have to say, I really don't enjoy things like (ungrateful aren't I) but some people love it and it would be a treat if your friend likes things like that....more fun if you went with her and you can have lots of giggles whilst you wander around in a towelling robe from massage bed to pool or whatever is on offer!

NotAGran55

There are tickets available for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Festival which is supposed to be magnificent.

Yes, I actually prefer Hampton Court, it isn't so busy and there are plants for sale too,

Nell8

Arundel Castle, West Sussex are holding their tulip festival from mid April to early May. 100,000 tulips planted! They claim it's one of the best displays in Europe.

Arundel Castle is a great place to visit and has lovely meadow and water gardens. It is expensive to go inside though.
Arundel itself is a lovely town and there is a large car park at the bottom near the entrance to the castle,
There are several good pubs for lunch too.

I've always wanted to visit Hidcote, though you and your friend may have already been there? There are lovely towns locally that you could visit on your way back, or even stay overnight.

I bought a David Austin rose bush for a dear friends 70th birthday. A reminder every year when it blooms about her special day. I bought a rose that could be put in a large pot so that should she ever move house it would be easy to take with her. She loves it.

Sandringham Flower show is wonderful… usually attended by a ‘Royal’