RHS Flower Show Cardiff - Silver Balls

The RHS Cardiff Flower Show is the first chance of the year to pick up ideas from the show gardens, buy some of the more unusual plants from the specialist nurseries that exhibit there, and check out the latest garden ornaments, garden tools and gadgets.

I had always intended coming away from this year's show with a selection of scented pelargoniums for my patio pots. But my impulse purchase was these silver balls on sticks. When I saw them they immediately seemed perfectly suited to complete my "line of balls" effect between our path and lawn. They also perfectly compliment the larger silver ball which I had bought a few weeks ago. They all have a lovely smooth feel, shiny appearance, and the kids love looking at their reflections in them!

The full effect of the design will be apparent in June when the Lonicera nitida, Buxus sempervirens, and small conifers, have all been clipped into globes and the alliums come into full flower above them like bright purple lollipops. The silver balls add a different texture and light which will of course, remain there all year round, ensuring the effect continues after the alliums have died down again.

Did you go to the RHS show in Cardiff? What did you buy for your garden? Use the comments box below to share your inspiration.