Rutland Flower Show to take place at Rutland Showground in Oakham from August 15-17
Organisers of a new flower show hope it will blossom into a thriving annual event for their home county.
Husband and wife team Tom and Amy Mumby will stage a three-day celebration of all things floral at Rutland Showground this summer.
Tom has a background in events planning but the idea for Rutland Flower Show was born out of a quiet drink and a chat with friends.
One works as a professional gardener and the other is a sound technician. Combined with Tom’s skills for event planning and their shared love of gardening, the wheels were put in motion to create a new event for Rutland.
Tom said: “I wouldn’t say we’re massive horticulturalists but Amy and I both love gardening and want to create something for Rutland that the county can be proud of.
“We hope this will become a landmark event and the first of many.”
Rutland Flower Show will take place at Rutland Showground in Oakham from Friday, August 15 until Sunday, August 17 and already has the support of Nick Hamilton from Barnsdale Gardens and Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost.
The show will celebrate national, regional and local gardening clubs, flower clubs and allotment societies. There will be competitions for show gardens, flower arranging and borders with the classes due to be published online this weekend (Sunday, January 12).
A children’s garden will provide an area for young people to get their hands dirty and help to create a border from pot plants while a marquee will house artists showcasing their work.
Live music and trade stands will complete the line-up.
Details of competition classes will be available to view online at www.rutlandflowershow.co.uk from Sunday (January 12) and discounted tickets are available until March 1, costing £10 for adults and £8 concessions. Entry for under 16s is free.
Tickets on the gate will cost £15 for adults and £12 concessions.
The event’s main sponsor is Gates Garden Centre at Cold Overton.