In addition to being one of the top Daffodil shows in this part of Yorkshire, Wakefield Paxton is well known for the quality of the pot plants in the Miscellaneous section where it offers a broad section of classes particularly for primula, auricula and alpine enthusiasts. This year’s entries (to a daffodil grower) seemed even better than usual and some of these exhibitors are now beginning to win prizes in the daffodil section.
It was a strange week for Daffodils, extremely warm, with flowers in tight bud and looking ideal for Harrogate Spring Show opening very quickly, lacking size and with lots of nicks. But then in the history of Daffodil showing there has never been a good year.
Class 1, a six from any divisions or divisions had six good entries. Wendy Akers having being runner up to Alan Robinson at the two shows last weekend at last managed to beat him, only to find that it was second place again, being beaten by Steve Ryan. As judge John Freer explained later, it couldn’t have been closer with only a half point separating both first and second, and second and third places. John Cosway’s unplaced entry did include as consolation, the Best Bloom in show ‘Banker’. This was the area’s third show in succession that this consistent flower had gained the award. Three different flowers, three different exhibitors. No wonder it was given its name.
Elsewhere in the show, competition was very keen with a large number of different winning exhibitors. Some of these winning entries are shown below. Click on the photo to enlarge it.