T’is the season to get festive – but let’s spare a thought for those with rubbish gardens to contend with.
Every year there seems to be a Christmas-themed attraction that attracts the wrath of the media, and last year interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen was caught in the firing line.
The former Changing Rooms star was roundly mocked by the media after his Christmas attraction, called The Magical Journey, was shut down following a slew of customer complaints.
Rumours of a drunk and swearing Santa Clause circulated the web, while many claimed to have seen elves smoking cigarettes directly outside the venues.
The gardens themselves were half-finished on opening day, with tarpaulins and wooden pallets instead of cheerful snowmen and reindeer flanking muddy paths.
Although the attraction reopened a week later, it soon collapsed after being abandoned by an important backer.
Complete disappointment
At the time, Llewelyn-Bowen told the Guardian, “It’s absolutely shocking. We found out by Twitter. Everybody was in bed feeling Christmassy and now we are not feeling very Christmassy at all.
“I was really impressed with the way they addressed all the issues the first time around and the energy and resources that went into it so I’m extremely surprised the towel’s been thrown in at this stage.
“I feel appalling it is not the happy experience I really want it to be. I feel extremely sorry for everybody let down in the next nine days and also for the staff who worked on the frontline.”
The misfortune of Llewelyn-Bowen’s attraction should come as a lesson for anyone hoping to wow visitors to their Christmassy garden – don’t rush, and be sure to hire professionals.
We’ve spent years honing the quality of our Christmas decorations and displays to ensure that your garden or workplace screams “T’is the season to be jolly!” rather than “Bah, humbug!” Give them a look and enjoy a treat that will give everyone a dose of Christmas cheer.
