It's about equality, stupid!

It is Whit Monday! Formerly a public holiday and remaining so in many Christian countries but no longer here in the United Kingdom where we have the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May. Today sees the return to the Commons of the Marriage (Same-sex Couples) Bill which, I heard a government minister tell the nation on BBC Breakfast time this morning, is all about equality when she clearly does not understand the distinction between equality and sameness or uniformity. This desire to be inclusive has reached the ultimate absurdity reported here where the next coronation is to involve other faiths besides Christianity. No matter that Christianity is under attack around the world, one of the most sacred parts of our British Christian heritage is to be surrendered.

Also today, gnomes are to be allowed for the first time in the Chelsea Flower Show, and why not? Haven't they have been involved in the governance of church and state long enough to deserve equality of recognition with the floral displays that make the Chelsea Flower Show what it is?

The Tracy Emin of horticulture?

Believe it or not, this is the skeleton of a garden feature at the Chelsea Flower Show which runs from 24 - 28 May 2011 and for which tickets are already sold out. Yes, the Chelsea Flower Show which is becoming ever more bizarre. I have never been but I know people who have. Reports convince me that armchair viewing is far preferable. Apparently, unless you are in the Royal party the chances of a good view amidst the hoards of visitors is strictly limited.

One feature that will be partially visible is Diarmuid Gavin's flying garden which has to be a worse joke than the previous worst Irish horticultural joke, ie, when a man shouts from the upstairs window to the man laying the turf, "Green side up!". It seems that Diarmuid Gavin is trying to be to horticulture what Tracey Emin is to art. At least Tracey Emin is down to earth!