Gardener Chris Beardshaw returns to Shrewsbury for Flower Show
He is one of the nation's best loved gardeners, but for Chris Beardshaw a return visit to Shrewsbury is on the cards and he can't wait.
The award winning garden designer will headline the Shrewsbury Flower Show next weekend - the 131st to take place.
He was previously at the show five years ago and he is looking forward to sneaking a peek in to the show tents before the public get in on Friday (10) morning.
He said: "I have visited on a number of occasions in the past but it’s been five years since I was last at the show so it will be lovely to be in Shropshire and to experience the show again.
"Shrewsbury is a fabulous town, I have friends here and always enjoy visiting and walking around the beautiful town. The show is always such fun, great for the whole family and unlike some of the other floral shows they also have bands, animal participation and in the evening a wonderful fireworks display – there genuinely is something for everyone."
A highlight of the show for Chris is seeing the energy and enthusiasm of the children who take part in the kids gardening arena.
Chris is not just a celebrity gardener, he has also worked on some amazing projects including a garden for Great Ormond Street Hospital which was showcased at RHS Chelsea Flower Show first and then craned it all up onto a rooftop at the hospital where it has now provides a little bit of respite for the children and their parents, carers and hospital staff.
He has won 35 prestigious design awards, including 12 RHS Gold Medals, the latest was for his Morgan Stanley Garden for the NSPCC at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2018 which also was awarded the coveted Best Show Garden Award and is a regular presenter on Gardeners' World and is a regular panel member on BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time.
Tickets for the show are selling fast and this year online tickets will be available until the minute gates open at 10am.
In previous years, those buying advance tickets have only been able to do so until the evening before the first day of the event but now online sales will continue between 7am-12noon on each morning of the show.
Displays from the country’s top horticulturalists can be found in the Quarry Marquee while visitors will also be treated to show gardens and a floral train as well as the displays in Severn and Dingle Marquees plus a packed schedule in the arena and bandstand.
Richard Whittingham, chairman of the Shropshire Horticultural Society which organises the show, said: “Being able to order tickets online on both mornings of the show is a real advantage as it saves queuing at the gate, we’re hoping it will make things easier for those making last-minute plans to come along."
