Enjoy it on video: Harrogate spring flower show

The North of England Horticultural Society is celebrating its centenary and many are marking the anniversary with special displays including the living frame Postcard from Harrogate by the local council’s parks and opens spaces staff.

Once the show is over, the frame and garden will be rebuilt in a prime Harrogate location.

One anniversary innovation is the creation of eight outdoor show gardens by college students and designers on a theme of sustainable gardening which in addition to being officially judged will be voted for by visitors for a People’s Choice award.

Some have taken inspiration from Highgrove, the home of the Society’s patron, Prince Charles, while others such as the Call of Nature featuring a toilet have gone lower down the market but still hope to be flushed with success. The combined effort of David Massey on construction and Maxine Nelson on plants promotes the precious resource of water.

Another new project at the Great Yorkshire showground is the Gardening for Nature area featuring Harrogate College’s sensory garden from recycled materials such as tyres and water bottles, and the Children’s Discovery zone featuring bees and a wormery in the specialist societies’ marquee.

Show director Martin Fish said: “I’m sure that both of these new features will be very popular.”

Children should also enjoy the Yorkshire Flower Club’s Book at Bedtime displays.