Now visitors to the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will have the chance to see first hand mammoth marrows and colossal cucumbers as well as the traditional displays of top class flowers, fruit and vegetables.
The series of classes for giant vegetables is just one of the new developments launched this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS), the charity which runs the Harrogate Flower Shows.
As well as the very biggest, show organisers will also be looking for the very best as they set the challenge to find the NEHS Master Gardener for 2011.
The new Master Gardener class is being launched at the autumn show to promote all round horticultural excellence in growing flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables.
Show Director Martin Fish said: “The NEHS has been showcasing the very best in horticulture for 100 years, we continually look for new exhibits to inspire our visitors and new ways to promote horticulture across the UK.
“The Master class will give gardeners the opportunity to demonstrate their skill across a broader range of plants and produce, rather than specialising in just one or two, while the giant vegetables should literally add a spectacular new dimension to the harvest celebration for our visitors to enjoy.”
Peter Glazebrook, a regular champion at the flower show and member of the European Giant Vegetable Grower’s Association, welcomed the new classes for giant varieties. He told The Landscaper “Traditionally giant vegetable growing has had a reputation for being shrouded in secrecy, but people are becoming more willing to share their experience and even their plant seed. I would encourage anyone who is interested to just have a go and try it. They can also come along to the show to meet the growers to find out more about what’s involved.”
The closing date for entries to the fruit and veg classes at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show is 10 September 2011. For more details visit www.flowershow.org.uk or phone 01423 546158.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show (16 -18 September)