Harrogate Autumn Show

One of the most encouraging things about this year's show was the high standard of entries in the Novices' Section. Simon Wilson won the three spike class with an excellent vase of 'Cream Perfection' (above).

Trevor Fawcett had a new prim called 'Clare' at the show. As can be seen from the above photo, the spikes had a top more suited to a 200. The buds should be separated at the top of a prim spike. In this respect Marina (also bred by Trevor) had the best prim form at the show. Nigel Coe also had some nice Apricot Perfection on display. The unseparated top is a problem I too have encountered in breeding prims. The judges either didn't notice it or were more impressed by the sight of a new 'prim'. Or maybe both.

Nigel had a field day winning grand Champion with 'Midnight Rose' grown from cormlets planted two years ago, evidence that stock propagated by the exhibitor can win as well as bought in corms.

Nigel also had best 500 with this 'Of Singular Beauty', a well grown example unlike many of the dumpy ones one sees at shows. There were some 260 odd spikes of gladioli which is good for Harrogate. The ravages of the poor season  were in evidence in that many entries were short on buds, lacking stretch and looking a bit on the thin side. All credit to people who got spikes to the show. I  had planted for the early shows and had nothing of any consequence left to show.

The onion record went yet again to Peter Glazebrook at an astonishing weight of 18lb 1oz. I know he was toying with the idea of growing onions hydroponically but don't know if this is what happened with this one.
He also had the heaviest potato, beetroot and parsnip at the show amongst other wins.

It was a change not to exhibit at Harrogate but to wander around as one of the punters. I picked up my daffodil orders and got some more watering equipment for my next experiment in the greenhouse. It was also great to chat with old friends at the show: Gill Hazell from Great Western Gladiolus, Fay Seabrook, Graham Davies,  Ivor Mace, Peter Forrow, Graham Anderson and his Dad, and many other fine exhibitors. Terry Braithwaite gave me some useful advice on growing miniature daffs. I supported the NDS by buying a box of 1000 labels as they are the only society that sells them in bulk.  I was especially pleased for Nigel who had an awful year last year and now has his ground sorted out and is producing the very best glads.   A good trip.