Shrewsbury Flower Show open for ‘Blooming Marvellous’ entries

And, in this Olympic year, entries will all have a chance of achieving their own ‘gold’ best of show rating.

With more than 200 classes, the show provides an opportunity for both humble amateur growers and award winning exhibitionists to take centre stage and display their horticultural pride and joy.

From the exotic to the ordinary, the show highlights the best in floral and fauna with nurtured house plants, hanging baskets and beautiful blooms of all descriptions to bonsai trees and cacti.

Whether you are fanatical about floristry, growing vibrant, verdant vegetables, home produce or delicious cakes, there’s a class for everyone and, with prizes for first, second and third, you could be a winner.

Classes are open to individuals, families, professionals and specialist groups. And, there are even junior classes available for young, aspiring growers.

Entries must be submitted by Saturday 21st July and the competitions are open to anyone who has a passion for planting, growing, producing and arranging.

Shrewsbury Flower Show, now in its 125th year, runs from Friday 10th to Saturday 11th August. This year, alongside the best in garden design and planting, there will be demonstrations, hints and tips from TV gardener, Chris Beardshaw and other horticultural experts, whilst celebrity TV chef, James Martin will be presenting cookery master classes in the Marches Food Hall. For those with a passion for honey, the Shropshire Bees Keepers Association will be demonstrating how to keep bees happy and contented in the Severn Marquee.

Shrewsbury Flower Show visitors can also enjoy live performances from Oysterband, one of the great live bands of Britain, whose recent album with June Tabor, Ragged Kingdom, was named Folk Album of the Year in Mojo Magazine and nominated for 3 awards in BBC's Radio 2 Folk Awards.

For a Severn and Dingle Schedule entry form or tickets call 01743 234050 or write to The Secretary, Quarry Lodge, Shrewsbury, SY1 1RN.