"Having not been to the Four Oaks Trade Show for many, many years, I thought it about time I went again. In fairness, I visited a Christmas tree grower in York, so it was good use of the 900km (564-mile) round trip.
It was as expected, with a very northern feel about. The flying Dutchman-type trader is all but gone in the south, but still prevails a little in the north, I think.
I used to spend an awful lot of money with two or three of that type of outfit back in the day. However, as with everything in life, things change and it is not cost effective. I know of a supplier to send over a full van of plants in the hope that they would sell them all, and returning empty.
As they say, location, location, location. For example, my friend at Classiflora was in a good spot and every time I went to see him there were lots of people in the queue.
I do like the variation of Four Oaks and, if more local, it would be on my radar every year. It seems more integrated than the HTA show, where one minute I am looking at substrates and the next I am chatting to my mate Paul Jackson from Suntory Flowers Europe, who had his full range on show, looking spectacular."
Andy Bunker is Alton Garden Centre director
