Flowers beat showers as thousands of hardy visitors descend on spring show

Among the best on view were the 27 specimens that won the Tulip Champion of Great Britain title for grower Morris Robinson, from Ryton on the Tyne.

Admired by Emma Peek, from Bishop Monkton, near Harrogate, who was at the show helping with Peaceful Prints in the Crafts and Gifts marquee, his three different vases of nine blooms stood out.

“I only grow about 100 and I didn’t have many spare by the time I had matched up the best so I am delighted,” he said.

It is the second year in the row he has picked up the award and judge Keith Eyre said this year’s Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society show in the specialist societies marquee had a high standard of entry.

Daffodil Society northern group secretary Chris Bone said they too were impressed at the standard in their show.

“Given the mixed weather we have had over the last few weeks, we did not know what to expect, but we have had as many exhibitors as last year and we have ended up with a great show.”

Winner of the grand champion bloom was Barry Hogg, from Doncaster, with his cultivar Moon Shadow.

The Yorkshire Bonsai Society best in show award went for the first time to brothers Peter and Ted Goodhead, from Ripley, Derbyshire, with a stunning mountain maple.

In the horticultural exhibits of special educational and or scientific interest, Premier Gold awards went to the Delphinium Society; Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society; Harrogate and Ripon Bee Keepers Association; the British Streptocarpus Society; the British National Carnation Society and the National Chrysanthemum society.

The show, at the Great Yorkshire Showground, is open until Sunday. See tomorrow’s Yorkshire Post for more coverage.