12:28pm Friday 20th March 2009
Cool weather and a slow start to the growing season could result in a spectacular display of colour at the flower show staged at the Royal Cornwall Show in June.
Horticultural section chairman, Kenneth Willcock, calculates that if the chilly weather continues then there could be a magnificent showing of late-blooming camellias and rhododendrons, which are usually more or less over by show time (June 4, 5 & 6th).
“It would be a treat for everyone because these plants are such a strong feature of Cornish gardens and deserve a place at the region’s biggest flower show,” said Kenneth.
All trade stand space has already been taken, with some notable newcomers who will add new depth and range to the show.
One person new to the show will be Chris Bonanni from Coldharbour in Dorset. Kenneth invited her to attend after seeing her display at the New Forest agricultural show last year.
“She specialises in hostas, which are of real interest to flower arrangers and I was so impressed with her stand that I invited her there and then.
“I am pleased to say she leapt at the chance and I am certain hers will be a very popular exhibit,” said Kenneth.
In her letter confirming her booking, Chris said she would be attending the Chelsea Flower Show this year.
“Hopefully, you will get a Chelsea award-winning display from me at Wadebridge,” she said.
Also new to the show this year will be a company called Chrysanthemums Direct, based in Crawley in Sussex.
It will be the first time chrysanthemums will have been seen at the show and the display promises to be something special.
As well as the multi-bloomed sprays, there’s a good chance that the display will include single-stemmed blooms.
“This will be quite something because the blooms are actually out of season in June. They are normally only seen from September onwards,” said Kenneth.
Coming to the show from Bridgend in Glamorgan is Robert Evans, who specialises in gladioli.
“I can’t remember the last time we had gladioli at the show so we can expect Robert to make a real impression. He is very well known in his field,” said Kenneth.
Nurseries from Cornwall and Devon make up the bulk of the 40-plus exhibitors and will create displays of huge variety.
Trevena Cross Nursery, based at Breage, Helston, specialises in seaside and exotic plants; the Cornish Rose Company will be back, as will South West Carnivorous Plants, from Cullompton.
The Royal Horticultural Society’s Rosemoor Gardens, Torrington, usually have a promotional stand at the show and this year they will take a giant step forward by creating a display garden.
“It is quite a coup,” said Kenneth. “I don’t know what they are going to produce yet but their reputation goes before them. I have been working on them for three years so this is very welcome news!”
Other local exhibitors will include Fentongollan Farm, based near Truro which will produce a display of vegetables, Wyevale Garden Centre from Hayle and the Duchy of Cornwall.
“Besides Cornwall and Devon, we shall welcome exhibitors from Wales, Stafford, Suffolk, West Sussex, Wiltshire and Dorset. That says something for the reputation of our show,” said Kenneth.
“We appreciate the support of each and every exhibitor because it means a week’s work for several people on many stands when you take into account the travel, building up and dismantling. It is real commitment.”
Floral art and competitive classes: (Entries close 7th April) Cut Trees and Shrubs.
Class 1. One vase of any flowering tree or shrub.
Class 2. One vase of cut foliage of one variety.
Class 3. Any one specimen flowewr/bloom.
Container Gardening.
Class 4. Hanging basket.
Class 5. Window box.
Class 6. A patio container.
Class 7. Herb gardening.
Class 8. Hanging pouch with most colour.
Floral Art Class 9. Masquerade.
Class 10. Mad about colour.
Class 11. Flower power.
Class 12. Weird & Wonderful Class 13. Weave some magic.
Class 14. It’s a mystery!
Class 15. Enchanted garden.
Class 17. Fairyland.
Junior Classes.
(Entries close 24th April) Gardens/Flowers.
Class 1. A country model garden Class 2. The magician’s hat.
Class 3. The colour of magic.
Class 4. The Sorceror’s Apprentice.
Class 5. A bowl of floating flowers.
Class 6. Jewellery Class 7. A basket of model vegetables, fruit or flowers.
Collage Competition.
(Themes: Magic of Cornwall and Myths and Legends) Classes 8, 9 & 10: Collage Class 11. A mask Class 12. Space travel.
Live Plants Class 13. Window boxes Class 14. An arrangement of growing plants in a shoe or boot.
Class 15. Cacti.
Class 16. Herb container.
Class 17. Potted plant.
Class 18. Growing vegetables.
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