Harrogate Spring Show 23-26 April 2015

When Johnny explained to us the trials and tribulations (gale force winds,hail storms,and unseasonal temperatures) that had occurred when preparing the Walkers Bulbs stand (above left) for this show it is not surprising that the quality of the flowers was not quite up to his usual perfect standard. Nevertheless it was still a very impressive Premier Award winning stand and there is always Chelsea Flower show to look forward to.
However Johnny’s misfortunes were to the advantage of Frankie Charlton whose Miniature/Choice Bulbs stand won the Schneider Trophy (see right) for stands in this category, an award often taken by Walkers Bulbs.
On display for the first time was the banner presented to all of its groups by the Daffodil Society (above centre).

After the Daffodil Society’s bumper show the previous weekend and the very hot weather it was encouraging that so many exhibitors were able to bring flowers to Harrogate Spring Show to provide a wonderful spectacle for its thousands of visitors.

Lists of the Trophy winners and Best Bloom awards can be seen by clicking the appropriate link and a full list of winners and their cultivars will be posted here later.

There were three entries in the North of England Championship for twelve blooms from four divisions. The winner was Frank Charlton , Ken Harrop was second and John Peace third (Left to right below). Welcome back John.

In the North of England Amateur Championship there were six entries, Ken Harrop winning from John Peace and Barry Hogg.

The winner of the Blanchard Trophy for twelve miniature daffodils was Ivor Fox (left below) with Wendy Akers second (centre below) and Christine Yeardley won the three blooms of three miniatures class (right below).

Other photographs of prize winners appear later.
After a gap of two years the Tulip Show reappeared, the Northern Group having agreed to organise it on behalf of Harrogate Flower Shows.

There were three entries in the major class for three vases of nine tulips, won by Paul Payne from Norwich, the master of the tulip show world (pun intended). His cultivars were World’s Favourite, World’s Fire and World’s Peace with the latter chosen as Best Vase in show.