THE MAGIC OF THE GARDEN AT THE FLAGSHIP SHOW - 10/06/2010

Green fingered garden lovers are in for a real treat at this year’s South of England Show.

The horticultural marquee is once again set to enjoy a vintage year, with exhibits up, several new displays and a range of innovations to encourage young people.

Chairman of the horticultural committee Brian Jeffries said: “We are delighted at the response - the marquee will be a stunning and colourful display of all aspects of horticulture, from flowers and floral art to complete gardens.”

More than 28 exhibitors from all over the country will take part, and the National Vegetable Society will have a display stand run by the Sussex branch. This will be themed “the bottom of the garden – a typical scene and nostalgic look at what goes on where the fairies live and all those indispensable items get left”.

Youth involvement includes the South of England Garden Design Competition aimed at horticulture students on college courses. Plumpton College has submitted two entries for the competition, which is now part of its curriculum, and entries from Camelia Botnar and Brinsbury compete for the first time. The brief gives a free hand to design any sort of garden within a 10 square feet space.

School children from Sheddingdean Primary School in Burgess Hill and St. Peter’s Primary School in Ardingly are creating some very special butterflies which will be displayed in the horticultural marquee trees.

Brian Jeffries said: “We are always pleased to see young people taking such a keen interest. I think we have an excellent variety of horticulture this year, with something for everyone – whatever their age or particular speciality.”

Flower competitions are also very popular with the public and this year one of the classes has the theme of a country wedding. In the craft class, competitors have to create a book cover from dried flowers.