a.c. wrote:
[...]
There wasn't the same Buzz.
Might it be the lack of competitive emphasis with the Belgium
shows?
What curious psychological difference does the merging impact, as
opposed to the London shows, where show gardens are definitely more
individual?
Why does that individuality impact so greatly? Is it the
voyeuristic
aspect? The competitive rush? The surprise? Or simply the impact of
the distinctiveness, akin to separateness of experiences...
flavours
if you will?

A bit unfair to suggest a _voyeuristic_ motive! I think keen
gardeners just like seeing gardens: surely there's nothing perverse
about that?

But there is a strong tradition of confident individuality in British
gardening, and I'm quite sure few would bother to cross the road to
see a show where the keynote was conformity. I think that's even more
important than the competitive aspect. After all, while it is
competitive of course, it isn't really competitive in the ordinary
way: it's quite possible for every exhibitor to be awarded a gold
medal, so in a way the gardens are aiming for some sort of absolute
standard more than trying to beat one another.

--
Mike.