It's Show Time.

24th-25th March 2010.

I awoke in a room with thick air and after realising that the sliding glass doors that should have opened to allow the air I craved didn't, perhaps to stop any potential Leicester City supporters running wild!

Sat down for breakfast with Karl, who incidentally arrived well before me, in fact I really wished I'd got to the serving hatch before him! After a slice of bacon, half a ladle of beans, coffee, we entered the hall for the day ahead.

As the monitor on our stand flashed up the beautiful Exterpark images an announcement over the audio system was made from a very familiar voice, "The World of Paving and Hard Landscaping Show 2010 is now open", Thanks Steven Callaghan, now I'm starving and nervous, not a good combination.

The visitors came in from the far end, as we were situated to the rear of the hall I watched as they got closer. Now, many hard core exhibitors may have noticed that a virgin like me was starting to feel like a fish out of water, I spoke to no-one of my inner nervousness, but I'm sure it showed. All I can do is allow Karl to greet the first visitor and watch, learn.

Boy, did his initial introduction of himself and his businesses shine through, With a large intake of air a warm smile and a friendly handshake, I knew I was in great hands. A calm gentle approach was offered to all, and there were many that came to enquire, place orders and grill us over the products on display.

Amongst all the visitors who did come to our stand one lady in particular stands out, After a warm greeting she told me that she'd driven to Coventry for one reason and that was here only to see the Exterior Decking stand and speak directly To Karl Harrison, Karl, at this time was busy with two other potential prospects, I offered the knowledge I know on Exterpark and what seemed like ages I handed her over the the Master. Sold.

At this point feeling a tad calmer I headed off for my bacon roll and coffee, now this time I know I'm about to be fed as I've felt Karl on the stand!!

At this point and after devouring my roll I took my chance to take a wander around the show.

Great to see all the wears on display in the Artisan avenue, Chris Nangle was showing off his talents, of which will have a place within our creations, the black solid curved bench is amazing, after speaking with Chris I now understand that He can and will be working from my designs for a piece of work required in the Children's School here in Devon.

Lisa Beard, Md for Quercus was next door showing her stunning lattice curved fencing which would look great in my gardens as either a divider, screen or the infill to overhead structures casting the most perfect shadows, I will be contacting Lisa with a view to helping me with the latter. Lisa's product is crafted to a very high order indeed and I'm grateful for Lisa taking her time out talking to me, without her knowing she was calming me down, again, what a lovely, warm mannered lady, thanks Lisa. Good Luck.

Great to have viewed Phil's talents, I've no idea how he does it but man his work is top drawer. Helen Nocks work is absolutely cracking, I always knew this lady was extremely talented, it's only when you view her work in the flesh you really understand the amount of effort and precision that has gone into each piece.

Had a long chat with Chris from Blue Skies solar Watering systems outside and I'm truly embarrassed for not setting foot on your stand, I offer no excuses for being busy and I apologise for my ignorance.

Did take a long look at Claudia's large laminated images, wow, we all know what Claudia is capable of and what her presence in our industry means, never spoke face to face with Garden Royalty. Thanks Claudia for taking time out to chat. You know she's just like us, human.

Amongst alot of key players like Steintec, Probst, there were companies like Ncc Streetscape who produced a great demo of their product, Gary Ken led the way and explained in detail how to mix and use this ground breaking product, so there I was leaning against the barrier watching Gary pour water over perfectly dry paving prior to pointing, I can still hear myself now " Are you bloody mad man, you cant wet down the paving before you point", well believe me you can and must.
Having witnessed the demo and listening intently I heard David MacKay explain this pointing system is permeable.................STOP, hold on a minute I need to question this, so I did.

"How can the pointing be permeable when the compounds are mixed with a catalyst to form a resign bound formula, poured over the paving and rubber squeegeed into the voids" the swift answer is because the tiny granules are of a hexagon shape and will bond on contact to the next granule, therefore leaving a void between each granule, the resign is so strong it'll bond together without compression. I've since spoken to Travis Perkins who have contacted David. This product is the answer to a huge mundane problem, pointing, of which I personally detest.

Natural Paving were there in force showing a beautiful Green Fen paving and a cracking flamed finished unit, as I'm registered with NP I'm sure in wont be long before there prices are issued to me.

I spoke to four key players from Marshalls who were visitors there too.

Ive taken a look now at what's on display and I wont bang on about the same old, same old as I'll end up repeating what others have mentioned in their reviews, as I'll only be mimicking.

I'm now heading off to listen to what Jason Lock and Angus Cunningham have to say in their balancing Hard and Soft Landscaping seminar, It was then that a familiar face, without the yellow aura, came into view.

Stone me, that's Nicky Patterson, Md for Gardenimprovements.com, Glasgow. Now this man knows a thing or two about the same profession as me AND he's been on telly, he hasn't seen me yet, shall I talk to him, what have I got to say that he doesn't already know? After another spat of palpitations I did stop him and hey I'm so glad I did. What a man, what an influence this gent is in my eyes, you see, I too categorise people and I've placed Nicky right up there amongst the finest landscapers to date, Good on you Nicky don't never stop.

Great seminar from Jason and I took away a snippet of his wisdom and will turn this around and adapt to make my business shine that little brighter, by offering a guide on how to use and look after your new gardens, after all, we all receive operating manuals when purchasing a fridge or washing machine so why not a garden. More templates to be written very , very soon.

Now, I'd better head back to Karl and check out whats occurring, as I approach the stand I'm looking at some fella who's holding his heart, I now know hes covering his name badge, Looks familiar but cant quite make out who, so I ask if he wears glasses, Well you could have blown me over, Its none other than Stuart Marler, Md For TVG Landscaping.

He hugged me and I instantly felt like this man had been a life long friend, after a very long chat with Stuart I know that when the larger projects arise for me I can turn to Stuart for a professional sub contractor who will assist with my installations, very very, grateful Stuart.

As soon as Stuart left us along came a burly blond chap surrounded by his skins, work force, Steven Bowers, Md for The Garden Surgery bounced in with Ade, Very passionate, really keen to move forwards to larger fields and his energy is extremely infectious, you have my number Steve and If I can Help I will, Ade, put your self in Steve's shoes 20mm really does matter!!

The next face, this time very he's familiar, that comes within eye shot, is my friend Graeme Mann, Md for The BGS group. I Love Graeme's enthusiasim, business mind and his positive drive, always busy, never takes his eye off the ball and I cant wait to serve his clients. Alot will be learnt from this individual and I aim to stick close and listen.

So the show may have been smaller than anticipated and there may well have been an air of despondency from a couple of the hard core exhibitors, but I can only speak for Me and what I've gained from the event, where else would I stand side by side with my idols, where else would I meet Simon Foxley, Md for The Perfumed Garden and view his RHS Hampton Court 2010 plans, where else would I have met and chatted with Susan Dunstall, Claudia, Nicky, Stuart, Helen, Chris, Jason Lock, Angus, Steven, David.

For me the show was a complete success and I've put my money where my mouth is, see you there in 2011.

Steven Callaghan and Steve Liverman you both pulled off a blinder, despite all the crap launched at you from different angles you did it boys and should be proud of yourselves.

In a nut shell Ive gone to the Hard Landscaping show and I've met or been in the same hall as some red hot landscapers, Landscaping suppliers and designers, thats me sorted I'm off home.

Long drive, I really appreciate my own bed.

HLS VIDEO

HLS SEMINAR

Comments

[Graeme]

It was an excellent show Kerry and yours and Karls display attracted a lot of attention.

Whilst I never got my name mentioned in your post I take great comfort in the knowledge that we managed to have a quick chat and that I am seen lurking in one of your photos :-)

[Kerry Jackson]

Hi Graeme

Having spoke to you on the phone I still offer my apologies, how rude. I'll be at Malvern this year to see the Show Gardens, can I buy you dinner?

Speak soon.

[Nicky Patterson]

Kerry you do a crackin' blog mate! Thanks for the mention mate and look forward to catching up soon...we probably won't be at Malvern but will be at Chelsea?

Nicky | www.gardenimprovements.com

[Kal Harrison]

Its an Honour to work with Kerry

Kind regards

Karl Harrison
MD
www.ExteriorDecking.co.uk

[Philip]

Thank you for your kind words about my products Kerry.
It was nice to be able to put a face to the name, good luck for the future and I hope to be back there next year too.

[Stephen Liverman]

It was the enthusiasm & skill of you & Karl that helped make the show as good as it was. Lets hope HLS can continue to become a focus for the industry in coming years. It took courage & vision by all those taking part to get it off the ground this year, exhibitors, visitors, the media that did back it & the organisers. It was a great pleasure to meet up with you & other like minded people & by all accounts some good business was done & initiated.