The Bournemouth In Bloom 2022 Summer Show attracted many visitors with the scent of sweet peas and roses filling St Frances of Assisi Church Hall in Charminster. Horticultural judge Marion Martin was impressed with the displays and chose a vase of perfect herbaceous perennials, grown by Sue Gravgaard, as Best In Show. Top vegetable grower Peter Whiting was awarded Best Vegetable exhibit with his collection of six kinds of vegetables that included celery, parsnips, peas and enormous leeks. The sweet pea champion was Brian Bartlett and Paul Brett produced the top fruit exhibit. There were also awards for plants, flower arrangements, baking, handicrafts and children’s exhibits.

Show manager David Bassil was delighted that growers had managed to exhibit such a wide range of flowers and produce. “It’s been a difficult growing season with fluctuating temperatures and uncertain rain,” he said. “Sweet peas have been particularly challenging – they prefer an even temperature. They really don’t like the hot days with chilly nights.”

Trophies were presented to winners by Bournemouth’s Mayor Cllr Bob Lawton.

Chairman of Bournemouth In Bloom Chris Colledge said: “I extend the greatest appreciation for all the hard work put in by our Bournemouth in Bloom Horticultural Show manager David Bassil and his wife Pam in advance of the show. Also the exhibitors and all who work so hard to ensure the day is a success. It is especially evident and heartening to learn from people visiting the show how gardens, growing plants and interest in horticulture has been a lifeline for many over the past two years during the Covid-19 pandemic.”