356: Stephen Bennett, Ascot Spring Garden Show

For the first time in the 300 year history of Ascot Racecourse, a non-horse racing event will take place at the home of Royal Ascot. That is the Ascot Spring Garden Show.On this weeks episode of The Sodshow Peter Donegan chats with its Maestro, the legendary Stephen Bennett.Stephens previous role for 28 years was Shows Director of the Royal Horticultural Society, where he was responsible for the organisation of RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and many others. Since and of now he is a consultant advising on events, exhibitions and horticultural happenings in public parks, private estates and iconic venues, both in the UK and internationally.The Sodshow is available weekly in Spotify, all good podcast stores and www.sodshow.comFrom BBC Gardeners World, to Hampton and all but Chelsea he has been responsible for 560 garden shows during his RHS tenure. From what happened in between to how Ascot came about from what you can expect and how easy it is to build from scratch a brand new horticultural show, in this case in Ascot and have it start at a world class level.Of note the Ascot show features former guests of The Sodshow; Kate Gould, Pip Probert, Catherine McDonald, Rob & Rosemary Hardy and Hampshire Carnivorous Plants.Before I go any further, if you have a mo, a rate / review in iTunes would be just fan-tastic. Much thanks for listening XxTwitter: @sodshowfacebook: The Sodshowinstagram: sodshowCreated with the gardening enthusiast in mind the Ascot Spring Garden Show from 13th to 15th April combines top quality horticulture, unsurpassed service and state-of the-art facilities at the historic racecourse. Supported by the Gardens of Windsor Great Park this high-quality boutique event offers 6 inspiring show gardens, a further 6 gardens from horticultural students competing in David Domoney’s Young Gardeners of the Year competition, a fine array of trade exhibitors, specialist plant nurseries with plants for purchase and a daily programme of free talks and personal gardening advice from horticultural experts.Further information:Twitter: @AscotFacebook: Ascot RacecourseInstagram: Ascot RacecourseTickets and info: www.ascot.co.uk/gardenshow or call 0844 581 6990Advanced tickets £20, on the day price £24