Green thumbs from across Helensburgh and Lomond showed their stuff at a bloomin' lovely show at the weekend.
Helensburgh and Garelochhead Horticultural Society held their 172nd Vegetable and Flower show in the Victoria Halls but organisers were blunt that this could be the worst summer for weather in that entire history.
The society told the Advertiser: "The local gardeners have never been anything but resourceful, however, and despite what the elements threw at them, they overcame the odds and produced a highly successful and colourful display of their wares and filled the halls with the scent of the blooms.
"The dahlias in particular, were were spectacular.
"The range of ages that contribute to the show is nothing short of amazing, from faithful members in their 80s and 90s, to keen young people just beginning to appreciate the joys of growing food and flowers.
"There is a wealth of gardening knowledge amongst our members, which they love to share.
"Children also enjoy contributing to the popular crafts section. It’s always such an eye opener to see how their imaginations have responded to the challenges we present.
The dahlia stand had some fierce competition
Cut flower in a teapot.
Onions on show stand,
"Adults too, can surprise and delight with their interpretations of the remits."
They added: "The society is extremely thankful that local traders are beginning to support our society by their sponsorships and donations. Many thanks to them.
"The society committee and show management team would also like to thank all who turned out to support us and assisted in setting up the show, providing refreshments for the public and our hard working members on the day, and manning the tables in what is always a long, but extremely rewarding day."
The show was hailed a success
Kate and Hannah Moore and Emily Oliver who won in several categories including sunflower, Xmas card, cookies, wrist warmer, plant in a pot, vegetable animal and leaf collage.
Jennifer Dean who received second place in the leaf print category.
The winners were:
- Ruth Pink, Williams Challenge Cup (baking)
- Blythe Brown, Sunshine Trophy (ages 12-16)
- Colin Sherwood, Robin Murray Memorial Trophy (best allotment)
- Hannah Morre, Cullen Cup (sunflower head)
- William McLean, Blackie Cup (ages up to six years)
- Rowan Brown, McLeod Challenge Cup (ages seven to 11)
- Adam Pink, Ladies Committee Cup (first time baking/preserves/honey/handicrafts)
- Susan Campbell, Hugh Duncan Memorial Trophy (three cacti)
- Trevor Glover, Murray Challenge Cup (variety of veg classes)
- Lesley McGowan, Ballance Trophy for Photography
- Damien Theaker, Whitelaw Hamilton Challenge Cup (collection of three different vegetables); and NVS Most Meritorious Vegetable Exhibit
- Joyce Devenny, A&J Borthwick Challenge Cup (pelargonium); and W Cessford Memorial Trophy (fruit)
- Val Reid, Warden Challenge Trophy (handicrafts); and Grace McGeorge Quaich Tattie Challenge Trophy
- Jackie Theaker, Adam Holmes Memorial Cup (mixed shrubs); and Roberts Cup (handicrafts)
- Jeanette Caldwell, McCuaig Rose Bowl and Olive Lamport Cub (various floral arrangements)
- Jeanette Caldwell and Lesley Cairns, Lammerlaw Cup (preserves)
- Shenah Dean, Mamie Crichton Trophy (onions/shallots); Tom McColl Trophy (tomatoes); and Rosneath Challenge Cup (container of different vegetable species)
- Sue Thornley, Glenan Cup (peas, beans); National Vegetable Scoiety Medal (winner of all veg classes); and H M MacMillan Torphy (all veg and fruit)
- Jean Macaulay, Theo Bonning Memorial Trophy (herbaceous/perennials and cut flowers); Peter Dunlop Trophy (gladioli); Gardner Henderson Cup (board displays); and Montrose Cup (board displays)
- Lynn Pittendreigh, J A Fleming Cup (dahlias); and McMillan Challenge Cup (begonias)
- Lynn Pittendreigh and Kathleen Murray (joint winners), W Cleland Quaich (sweet peas)
- Lynn Pittendreigh and Sue Thornley (joint winners), Mrs Herbertson Memorial Cup (lettuce/herbs/salad bowl)
- Kathleen Murray, Cunninghame Graham Trophy (annuals); Ralph Dundas Trophy (roses); Jimmy Green Memorial Trophy (collection of five plants); Pauline Janes Memorial Trophy (pot plants); Helen Campbell Challenge Cup (fushias); Gareloch Challenge Trophy (pot flowers); Royal Horticultural Society Banksian Medal (all flowers, veg and fruit); and Carrie Bonning Trophy (all flowers, veg and fruit).
Owl, swan and centipede
Photos by Ann Stewart
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