Harrogate Flower Show: Murton man won onion and leek categories

Stephen Purvis, from Murton, near Seaham, won the coveted giant onion competition with his 7.6 kg (16.755 lb) specimen which was not quite enough to beat last year’s world record-breaking win of 8.9kg (19.7lb) but was enough to see him pick up a win this year.

Mr Purvis also won the heaviest leek category with an impressive 8.960 kg exhibit - with both the onion and leek photographed to show the scale of the produce grow.

Stephen Purvis with his giant onion (Image: HARROGATE FLOWER SHOW) This win for the County Durham resident came as thousands of visitors enjoyed the stunning blooms and giant vegetables at this year’s Autumn Flower Show.

Award-winning Newby Hall and Gardens, Ripon was the setting for the show, organised by North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS).

Stephen with his giant leek (Image: HARROGATE FLOWER SHOW) Now in its fourth year at Newby Hall and its 48th year since it was established in 1976, the show attracted thousands of visitors over the three days as well as hundreds of exhibitors, competitors and volunteers.

Taking centre stage this year were floral displays, produce, expert gardening advice, along with live talks and cookery demonstrations.

The crowds were drawn to the Incredible Edible Pavilion to witness fiercely contested giant fruit and veg competitions where there was a record number of entries across the categories.

Clockwise from top left Stephen Purvis (heaviest leek; Agata Soltysiak (heaviest carrot); Chris Marriott (heaviest beetroot) and Carmel Atherton (longest cucumber) (Image: HARROGATE FLOWER SHOW) There were displays of colourful dahlias, gladioli and carnations from specialist plant societies while dozens of top tier nurseries did a roaring trade selling hydrangeas, rudbekia and astrantia.

Visitors to the show also enjoyed Newby Hall's award-winning gardens as well as floral art installations within historic Newby Hall itself.

Many of the creations were designed by students from local colleges keen on progressing careers in floristry.

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Florist Charlotte Foster-Lill, 24, dressed Newby’s Tapestry Room with dried and artificial flowers while outside she created a display on the hall’s front law using plants and fresh flowers.

Harrogate Flower Shows Director Nick Smith said: “This year was our biggest celebration of all things horticultural with over 200 exhibitors alongside 1,000 competitors across every category from dahlias and gladioli to cabbages and beetroot.

“The weather was largely kind especially on our opening day. Gardeners and horticulturalists from across the UK joined us at a show which proves year on year to be an inspirational weekend for gardeners of all abilities.”