Rounding off the season with a world-record onion, September 15-17!
A perfect end to the growing season, the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show 2023 hit the headlines thanks to a giant onion breaking the world record! The show, which no longer takes place in Harrogate but at Newby Hall, near Ripon, means you can enjoy the award-winning grounds and house with the price of your entrance ticket. Read my review of 2022’s show.
Gareth Griffin from Guernsey grew the whopping onion, weighing 8.97kg (19.7lb), outweighing the previous world record of 8.4kg (18.68lb). The record is subject to verification by Guinness World Records.
Under the banner of Incredible Edible, the main draw was the North East Horticultural Society Giant Vegetable Competition and the National Championships, hosted by the Northern Branch of the National Vegetable Society.
Classes for onions, carrots, shallots, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, celery, cauliflowers, beetroot and leeks were on show. In the Grand Floral Pavilion, the UK’s best growers and societies showed stunning seasonal plant displays.
Celebrating Agatha Christie
The first day of the show shared the birthday of British crime writer Agatha Christie. Forget cakes and candles, the show celebrated in floral style with The Blooms of Deception. This dazzling display of floral art was inspired by Agatha Christie’s ingenious tales of intrigue and suspense. The principal rooms of Newby Hall became the canvas for a floral narrative, aptly called Rooms for Blooms.
A host of talented florists including Jonathan Moseley and Helen James created enigmatic floral installations. Each one depicted book titles from crime writing greats, the world of horticulture and the setting at Newby.
For more information on the next show, at Harrogate Spring Flower Show, visit www.flowershow.org.uk.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show 2023 – Grand Floral Pavilion Results – Traditional
Premier Gold
- Plantagogo – Best in Show
- Roualeyn Fuchsias
- Laurence Hobbs Orchids
- Wack’s Wicked Plants
- Alchemy Ferns
- Halls of Heddon
- North of England Bonsai
- R V Roger Ltd
Gold
- Driftwood Bonsai
- Hare Spring Cottage Plants
- Leafy Lytham
- Holden Clough Nurseries
- G & K Carnations
- Fosters Exotic & Unusual Plants
- Matthewman’s Sweet Peas
- Plant Heritage Yorkshire Group
- National Vegetable Society West Yorkshire DA
Silver-Gilt
- Braithwaites Garden Centre
- K & S Nurseries
- Skerne Alpines
- West Yorkshire Fuchsia and Pot Plant Society
Silver
- East of Eden Nurseries
- John Carr Cactus & Aroids
Bronze
- K Partington Premier Alpines
- National Dahlia Society Northern
Grand Floral Pavilion Results – Educational
Premier Gold
- The Rose Society UK: Best in Show
- Garth Cottage Nursery
- Hoyland Plant Centre
- Yorkshire Bonsai Society
Gold
- National Chrysanthemum Society Northern Group
- Yorkshire Pelargonium & Geranium Society
Silver-Gilt
- Harrogate & Ripon Beekeepers’ Association
- Northern Fruit Group
