Jenny Mollison: A hush descends on the hall while the judges do their work

By JENNY MOLLISON
Published on 12/08/2012 15:20

Gales, downpours and low temperatures! We’ve had it all this year. I refuse to dwell on my miserable strawberry crop or the slugs which are enjoying my potatoes as much as I am. Self-sufficiency is only part of why I love my allotment. A breath of fresh air, a chat with some friends, and some exercise are all part of the experience.

On the plus side, I have harvested some huge garlic bulbs and several varieties of climbing beans. Sweet peas grown from last year’s saved seeds are thriving in the changeable weather. I would like to have something ready to put in Musselburgh’s Flower Show on 25 August but that won’t be certain until the day before.

All over Scotland, towns and villages have flower and produce shows. Some of them are grander than others, but even the smallest are enormous fun. It’s good to see what flourishes locally and to talk to exhibitors about their techniques. There are sure to be some monster carrots and outsize leeks to marvel at, but there will also be more modest exhibits.

We’ve been planning our show for months under Helen’s leadership. A guest of honour to present the prizes has been invited, schedules of classes have been published and refreshments organised. The day before the show, a squad of super-fit local young people cheerfully help us get the heavy wooden staging erected. It is teamwork at its best, with everyone allocated particular jobs to get things shipshape. Our reward comes with seeing the show benches full to bursting with all that’s good from local gardens and allotments.

When all the entries are staged, a hush descends on the hall while the judges do their work. Judging is carried out by experts before the public are admitted.

It’s sometimes a bit puzzling to work out how they come to their decisions, but they will be taking a number of established criteria into account. Freshness is paramount. No-one expects to get rich from the prize money, but some very impressive trophies are awarded to the winners.

Flower shows are for all ages. Realising that the next generation of gardeners need encouraging, there will be some fun classes for children such as creating miniature gardens and making vegetable monsters out of misshapen fruit and vegetables. As a child, my son Charlie used to excel in the “flower arrangement in a teacup” category.