Taunton, Somerset, Flower Show, now in its 194th year, is said to be the oldest flower show in the country and the second oldest in the world.  In 2025 it was held on 1 and 2 August.

The flower show part of the event consisted of a floral marque in which commercial companies sold their plants,  a competition marque, and an outside plant village where a wide variety of plants  were on sale.  There were also numerous ‘artisan’, food, and charity stalls; an arena which hosted a variety of events including a BMX show, formation horse-riding, and a youth marching band; and a music stage.  It is probable that many of those who attended the event we satisfied by these peripheral attractions and did not venture into the plant areas.  Thus it seemed to be more of an enjoyable day out for people of all ages than an event aimed as serious competitive gardeners.

In the competition marque people competed in approximately 230 classes for flowers, fruit and vegetables, with other ‘divisions’ for cookery and preserves, textile art and crafts; fine art and calligraphy; photography; floral art and floristry (‘green floral foam, e.g. Oasis, is not good for the environment and NAFAS is encouraging the use of alternatives’); and young people.

Images:  top, competition marque; lower, display in the floral marque; both 2 August 2025.