Southport Flower Show Shine Through the Rain

The theme of the 2006 Southport Flower Show was 'water' and there was plenty of that about both within the show gardens and coming from the skies. Sadly, this year's show had more than its fair share of showers and downpours but who cares? We are gardeners!

Opened by Diarmuid Gavin, the 77th show had plenty for everyone and this year boasted even larger grand floral marquees. Diarmuid was clearly delighted to be asked to open the show. He commented: "I am delighted to open Southport Flower Show, and its reputation as being unpretentious and fun for all ages are values with which I wholeheartedly agree". Displaying true northern hospitality, show officials were delighted to be able to have a rose named after Diarmuid's little daughter Eppie, in recognition of her first ever visit to a flower show.

The rose, which is apricot coloured, has been developed by award-winning Keith Jones of C & K Jones, Cheshire. Keith is a regular at Southport and was delighted to be on hand to see Eppie's reaction to her very own rose.

Diarmuid was accompanied by his wife Justine, as well as little Eppie, and it was clear the whole family enjoyed their day. "Southport is a beacon of light to me" he told Reckless. "Young designers and people who are just growing vegetables or plants themselves and want to show them, all have a place here. It has its roots in the way we have traditionally grown up showing flowers and food."

One garden which caught our eye was that designed by Paul Richards. - "Cool, Calm and Contemporary" (Gold Medal) (pictured banner and above). Placed very much in the 21st century the layout was nevertheless inspired by the Renaissance. A canal edged in polished ivory sandstone created a dynamic focal point while the planting was designed to look best in the evening to add to the sense of coolness and calm. Paul trained at Myerscough College and was one of the winners of the 2006 Southport Flower Show Garden Design Competition.

"Room with a View" designed by R.F.Showering (Gold Medal) had a wonderful slate waterfall and Garden Creations were awarded a Large Gold for their lovely garden designed by David Gibson.

Celebrating their 100th Medal, collected over 20 years of showing across the U.K, Brian and Pearl Sulman were awarded Large Gold for their wonderful display of Pelargoniums (pictured below).

This year for the first time the flower show hosted a Ladies Day on the Friday in addition to all the regular attractions including Tastes of the North West, the David Bellamy Schools Gardens Competition (sponsored by United Utilities), the Rural Crafts Pavilion, Herboretum and Heritage Marquee.