Show Gardens offer inspiration for those in need of some outdoor revamping, whilst the Severn Marquee hosts various societies and amateur growers competing with their outstanding onions, incredible carrots and luscious leeks! I was thrilled to hand out prizes for award winning begonias and resisted the temptation to adorn my hair with one of the XXXL sized blooms! Elsewhere floral art exhibitors display their blossoming wares and scarecrows get the Shrewsbury treatment, where creativity ensures your corn will be crow free!
If shopping is your activity of choice, you will not be disappointed, for trade stands gather en masse selling everything from jewellery to clothes to multi-flavoured fudge and while we’re on the subject of sweet treats, this is a food lover’s paradise with a dedicated Cookery Theatre featuring experts such as Rosemary Shrager and Andy Clarke. The Food Hall was jam packed with delectable edibles and I came away with some black charcoal cheese, which was almost completely devoured by the time I returned home….no surprise given my penchant for cheese is second only to be penchant for plants! The Lecture Theatre offers a timetable of talks throughout each day and I joined a line-up including horticulturists Sue Kent and Mark Wasilewski – Park Manager at The Royal Parks. My presentation revolved around bulbs and the three of us joined together for an ‘Ask the Experts’ session – ending in an un-expected but highly enjoyable sing-along!
At this stage, I must pause, for I have yet to pay tribute to the most influential and highly admired horticulturist at the centre of this show – the late Percy Thrower. As Shrewsbury’s Park’s Superintendent, he shaped the town beautifully and, of course,
was known to millions as the huge television and radio personality that he was. He was a great driving force behind the show for many years, and it was a real honour to meet his delightful daughters and grand-daughter, all of whom are equally devoted to the future of The Shrewsbury Flower Show and to warmly welcoming and embracing their local community.
The Dingle must not go without recognition as it sits at the heart of Quarry Park and is a floral masterpiece re-designed by Percy during his time at the helm of these public gardens. Borders are brimming with bright pink begonias and vibrant yellow marigolds, neat, eye-dazzling and as perfect a park display as one could ever imagine, and the ideal centre piece for Shrewsbury’s summer botanical extravaganza.
Arena acts and live music give a festival feel to proceedings, and have always been a part of the show with high wire acts and balloon ascents featuring in days gone by, but it is undoubtedly the firework finale each night which exceeds all expectations. I had been told “the fireworks are good” but I was not prepared for the pyrotechnic perfection presented!
Ensure some botanical illumination in 2025 and add ‘Shrewsbury Flower Show’ to your little green book of desirable destinations.
Join Camilla on ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend’ with Alan Titchmarsh on 6th October.
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ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH THE GARDEN GAT E
Camilla with Percy Thrower's daughter Ann and grand-daughter Leanne
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