In October the gardening group returned to having a talk at Stainton Village Hall.
Our speaker was Nick Smith, Show Director for the Harrogate Flower Shows. Many of the audience had been to the flower shows so this was an interesting insight for us. Although now living in Yorkshire, Nick grew up in Bishop Auckland and his father trained as a gardener at Raby Castle.
The Harrogate Show is run as a charity with all proceeds going to the North East Horticultural Society. The charity helps with schools, the “in bloom” programme and with training for the next generation of horticulturists.
The charity started in 1931 at which time there were no shows in the North East and producers had to travel south. With the different climate in the north, the plant season is around 2 weeks behind the south and there was a lot of travelling involved so plants were not at their best. It took a while for the show to get started and in the early days it was held at the Harrogate Winter Gardens which is now a Weatherspoons! Later it transferred to Valley Gardens and then to the Harrogate Showground. After Covid the autumn show was moved to Newby Hall which is more cost effective and a different experience.
In the early days the councils were involved in displays but due to cost restraints this is no longer the case. Floral art was included from the 1950s initially in hotels and is now established in the pavilion and the house at Newby Hall.
The team producing the show is very small and they need to plan well ahead so are currently working on the 2028 event. Although the space, contractors and the site are within the control of the team, the weather is not. Over the years the weather has caused a number of situations with snow causing tents to collapse, storms blowing tents down and freak rainfall turning the car park into a mud bath. Cranes are used to erect the marquee’s but as this is a windy site the cranes are sometimes unable to operate so this delays all aspects of the show build. Producers are able to select a preferred type of stand with wall stands and islands. All are judged so that a high level of display is maintained for the paying guests. The larger show gardens have 12 days to build and are prepared by local designers, groups and charities.
The show is launched with a traditional press call as well as social media updates. A lot of thought is put into the photographs which when successful can cause a reaction around the world gaining welcome publicity.
Nick was an excellent speaker with a fascinating talk which was enjoyed by the group.
Our November speaker is Sue Wood who will be telling us about the Ripon Workhouse Gardens.
Julie and Kate