Autumn Show celebrates Verwood’s green-thumbed gardeners

Despite a challenging summer marked by scorching heat and heavy rain, the Verwood & District Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show burst into full bloom earlier this month. Held at the Verwood Memorial Hall on Saturday 13 September, the event saw record participation, with 87 exhibitors — a 38 per cent increase from last year — displaying their finest flowers, vegetables, cakes, and handicrafts.

More than 360 exhibits filled the show benches. Visitors were treated to an array of roses, dahlias, gladioli, and chrysanthemums, showcasing the dedication and green thumbs of local growers. The children’s classes brought extra charm and creativity, featuring everything from nature-threaded necklaces and handmade bookmarks to jam-jar flower arrangements and signature traybakes.

At the end of a vibrant and community-filled day, 33 trophies were awarded alongside £300-worth of vouchers donated by generous local businesses. Bill Howarth emerged as a top competitor, taking home six trophies across the flower and produce categories. The RHS Banksian Medal — awarded annually to the exhibitor with the most points across the Flower, Fruit, and Vegetable classes (excluding the previous year’s winner) — was presented to Ollie Greensmith.

Among the standout young talents was seven-year-old Boo Elmer, who won Best Junior Exhibit for his traybake. Meanwhile, eight-year-old Jessie Hutchings wowed Verwood’s Mayor, Cllr Spencer Flower, with her entry in the decorated bunting competition, illustrating her favourite spot in Verwood: Potterne Park.