Spectacular floral displays, giant produce, and expert gardening advice await visitors at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, set to take place from September 13 to 15 at the stunning Newby Hall.
As the autumn chill begins to set in, gardening enthusiasts are gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the season—the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show. Running from September 13 to 15, this year’s show promises to be a spectacular celebration of horticulture, drawing in more than 30,000 attendees. Hosted by the North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS), the show is renowned for its vibrant floral displays, expert gardening advice, and a wide array of competitions, making it a must-visit for green-thumbed aficionados and casual garden lovers alike.
A Tradition of Floral Excellence at Newby Hall
Held in the picturesque surroundings of Newby Hall, the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show is one of two major annual events organized by the NEHS, with the Harrogate Spring Flower Show taking place in April. Set against the backdrop of Newby Hall’s breathtaking gardens, the event combines the beauty of nature with the creativity of expert gardeners, showcasing an impressive range of flowers, plants, and produce. Visitors will have the opportunity to see magnificent floral displays, sample local produce, and learn from some of the best minds in the world of horticulture.
The event has long been a staple in the UK gardening calendar, attracting not only local visitors but also international tourists who come to marvel at the floral designs and innovations in gardening techniques. This year’s Autumn Flower Show promises to uphold that tradition, offering a rich program that spans several exciting categories.
Highlights of the Show: Competitions and Expert Advice
One of the key attractions of the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show is the range of competitions held throughout the weekend. From floral displays to vegetable growing, the competitions are fierce, with participants vying for top honors in categories such as giant fruit and vegetables. These awe-inspiring displays of oversized produce, cultivated with care and precision, are a favorite among visitors, often leaving them amazed at the scale and skill required to grow such specimens.
Among the gardening elite set to participate is the team from Rudding Park, a luxury hotel with a renowned kitchen garden that has been contributing to the show since its inception in 2014. The hotel’s kitchen garden, which features more than 500 herbs, salads, edible flowers, and fruits grown annually, will once again be on display, with its Head Gardener, Sarah Owen-Hughes, leading the charge.
Owen-Hughes, a seasoned horticulturist, spoke about the challenges growers have faced this year. “This year has seen some challenging conditions for growers, with a profusion of slugs and moulds, vegetables slow to get going, and pollination happening later due to the wet and cool weather,” she said. “But it’s all part of the joy of growing, leaning into seasonality, and rising to what the weather throws at you.”
Despite the hurdles, Owen-Hughes remains optimistic, seeing the challenges as an integral part of gardening. “It’s a challenge we accept daily with the opening of our new immersive dining experience, FIFTY TWO. With its ethos of seasonal eating, the chefs devise a menu around what’s best in the garden each day.”
Behind the Scenes at Rudding Park’s Kitchen Garden
Rudding Park’s garden, a key feature at the show, has flourished under the guidance of Owen-Hughes, who took on the role of Head Gardener after a career as a horticultural lecturer and researcher. Her journey into horticulture research began during the lockdown, which gave her the opportunity to delve deeper into the science of gardening before transitioning to her current role at Rudding Park.
Working alongside Emma Pugh, the kitchen gardener, and a dedicated team of 10 gardeners, Owen-Hughes oversees the maintenance of the estate’s 150-acre garden, ensuring that it thrives despite the ever-changing conditions of the British climate. This dedication to seasonal growing and sustainable gardening practices will be on full display at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, offering visitors a glimpse into the hard work and passion that goes into cultivating Rudding Park’s vast variety of produce.
The Human Gardener Theatre: A Platform for Learning
In addition to the floral displays and competitions, the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will also feature a series of talks and demonstrations aimed at educating visitors about the latest trends and techniques in horticulture. Sarah Owen-Hughes will be a key figure at the event, hosting the Human Gardener Theatre, where she will interview a lineup of experts and ambassadors from the horticultural world.
These interviews are expected to provide valuable insights into gardening practices, offering attendees the chance to learn from seasoned professionals and discover new ways to approach their own gardening projects. The Human Gardener Theatre has become a staple of the event, drawing large crowds eager to soak up knowledge and advice that they can take back to their own gardens.
The Importance of Seasonal and Sustainable Gardening
The ethos of the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show is deeply rooted in the concept of seasonal and sustainable gardening. As climate change continues to impact growing conditions, the show has become a platform for promoting gardening practices that are in harmony with the environment. Many of the experts at the event will focus on how to adapt to the challenges posed by changing weather patterns, ensuring that gardens can thrive year-round despite unpredictable conditions.
Owen-Hughes, in particular, is a strong advocate for seasonal eating and growing, a philosophy that she has embraced at Rudding Park. The immersive dining experience at FIFTY TWO is a reflection of this approach, where menus are crafted based on the best available produce from the garden on any given day. This commitment to working with nature, rather than against it, is something that Owen-Hughes hopes to inspire in others at the show.
A Flourishing Future for Gardening Enthusiasts
As gardening continues to grow in popularity across the UK, events like the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show play a vital role in keeping the passion alive. With over 30,000 attendees expected this weekend, the event is a testament to the enduring appeal of horticulture and the sense of community it fosters among enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply curious about getting started, the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show offers something for everyone. From awe-inspiring floral displays and giant vegetables to expert advice and engaging talks, the event is set to be a weekend of inspiration, education, and celebration of all things gardening.
As the gates to Newby Hall open this weekend, visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in a world of horticultural excellence, with endless opportunities to learn, explore, and grow. With the changing seasons, the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show serves as a reminder that gardening is not just a hobby, but a way of life—one that continues to bloom year after year.
