This is the time of year when even keen gardeners can relax a little and share in one of the real pleasures of gardening- participating or just visiting local horticultural Shows.It is rural and not so rural Britain at its very best.
It is here that gardenings' competitive edge really comes to the fore and not a little skulldugerry with the fiercest battles often between close relatives.All sorts of tricks of the trade are employed such as cucumbers grown in womens tights.,weights attached to lengthen and straighten runner beans,nocturnal visits to fertilise the tomatoes, olive oil applied for a shiny finish,the list is endless! Presentation is also very important, with judges applying strict rules with not a little relish! Here are a couple of examples.Standard fuchsias are measured between the soil surface and the lowest stem.Three carrots-long pointed- with foliage cut to approx 75mm.
The scale of some Shows is formidable.My local one, for example,has well over 100 classes and an incredible 46 Challenge cups! all highly polished for the big day Particularly sought after are the RHS Banksian medal for the most points in the Horticultural sections and the National Vegetable Socíety medal for the Most Meritorious Vegetable Exhibit.
Do go along to a local Show and soak up the atmosphere,who knows you may be hooked and ready to participate yourself next year!