It’s that time of year again, excitement over lighter nights just around the corner, the first time mowing the lawn after Winter, and time to get the high strength plant food back out to revitalise your blooms!
Britain boasts a rich history steeped in horticulture and its accompanying beauty, with Harrogate exemplifying this.
The beginnings of the recognition of the importance of horticulture in Britain can be traced back to the Royal Horticultural Society. The society was formed in March 1804, under the name the Horticultural Society of London, by seven men. Namely, John Wedgwood, who had first suggested the idea a few years before the initial meeting. The original aim of the society was to collect information about plants and inspire the progression of horticultural practice. The acknowledgement of the importance of horticulture to society did not formally reach the north until 1911, with the formation of the North of England Horticultural Society. The key to this statement being ‘formally’ because as has been explored in the previous issue, Harrogate was home to the prescription of health, and a major part of it being the gardens that people would explore in between treatments in the Spa Rooms. One of these spas being at the site of Harlow Carr Springs which later became home to one of the five public gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves, firstly, it is important to note that Harrogate being central to the North of England Horticultural Society could be seen through the delivery of their first flower show in 1920. This happened at the Old Winter Gardens and pulled in nationwide visitors. From that moment on Harrogate became synonymous with the horticultural society and became home to all of the shows delivered by the North of England Horticultural Society. Following the continued success of the flower show, it was moved to the acclaimed Valley Gardens in 1934, where it remained for over sixty years. After the forced interlude of the society’s shows during the Second World War, they returned with full vigour when Princess Mary became its patron in 1950. The success blooming into the introduction of the Great Autumn Flower Show in 1975-76. The Spring and Autumn Shows were moved to the Great Yorkshire Showground in the nineties.
Today, the flower shows of Harrogate are thriving, with the Spring Show remaining at the Great Yorkshire Showground, and the Autumn Show having relocated to Newby Hall & Gardens in 2021. The North of England Horticultural Society now has the patronage of the King himself. I believe it is safe to say that the horticultural history of Harrogate has shaped its future, a future that is abundant with fresh blooms.
Harrogate Spring Flower Show commences on 24th April until 27th April 2025, tickets are available now through their website, with an early-bird promotion on until 8th April. There is also the option to buy a Gift E-Voucher which would be the perfect present for a green-fingered friend.
