NFU picks up top horticultural award

Spiralling tomato stacks and pepper towers formed part of its stand that won the prestigious Doncaster Gold Cup, which highlights the best that Yorkshire growers have to offer.

Grower and display organiser Mike Prest praised the scores of growers who contributed to the mouth-watering display.

"It's credit to the Yorkshire growers because without the quality of produce we couldn't bring it all together. It's the freshness that wins trophies like this and this year is better than ever, even though it's been a difficult one because it's been so dry."

Despite such challenges Mr Prest believes Yorkshire's glasshouse growers are at the forefront of harnessing renewable energy.

"Few people know that simply by putting reflective screens up at night the heat loss from glasshouses can be cut by more than 60 per cent and that by using 'drip irrigation' techniques water use can be cut by 90 per cent.

"Saving heat and water are important both for the planet and for us in terms of keeping food costs down," he said.

Not only that but it means growers in Yorkshire use very little pesticide.

"The use of renewable energy has the potential not only to help us cut our greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but also ensure our long term food security.

"These are all big issues, but our message at the show is that it makes sense to buy local - not only are we growing with the environment in mind, but fewer food miles means fresher produce that is better for you and tastes better too," he said.

Visitors to the Garden Show, formerly the Flower Show, enjoyed a wide range of stunning displays, from delphiniums and dahlias, to the best in local summer fruit.

Among the most popular exhibits was Welcome to Yorkshire's Rhubarb Crumble and Custard Garden, which is back on home soil after picking up the prestigious People's Choice Award and a Silver Medal at last month's Chelsea Flower Show.

The garden, themed around Yorkshire's famous Rhubarb Triangle, celebrates local craftsmanship and produce.

"We're delighted to be here at the show. We wanted to create a visual statement that was unique and quirky and celebrated the best of Yorkshire," said Kate Dundas, of Gillespie's, who co-designed it.

As well as hand-made walls, the garden also includes Yorkshire liquorice and lavender, white roses and vines from Harewood House.

This year's Garden Show includes a new "Meet the Growers" section, where 10 renowned regional fruit and vegetable producers show off their crops - including potatoes, mushrooms and strawberries.

Janet Oldroyd-Hulme, of Oldroyd Rhubarb, is among the experts offering growing tips and cooking ideas.

It's already proved a good year for forced Yorkshire rhubarb which joined the hallowed ranks of champagne, Parma ham and Roquefort cheese on the EU's list of protected foods in February.

While scientists at Sheffield Hallam University revealed in April that baked rhubarb may help in the fight against cancer.

"Rhubarb, especially forced rhubarb, has become synonymous with Yorkshire. This medicinal plant has been used for thousands of years and now it's been shown that eating this product has real benefits," said Mrs Oldroyd-Hulme.

There was no winner of this year's Curzon-Howe-Herrick Rose Bowl, because the judges felt that none of the rose exhibits were thought good enough to win the trophy.