ONE of the country’s major autumn gardening festivals opens today.

The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show is being staged at the Great Yorkshire Showground, this weekend, featuring its famous display of giant vegetables.

Two roses will also be making their debut at the show. Rose “Geoffrey Smith”, named after the Yorkshire horticultural broadcaster and author, is being unveiled by North Yorkshire nursery RV Roger.

Smith was a presenter for BBC Gardeners’ World and a panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time for nearly 20 years.

Harewood House is also introducing a rose to coincide with the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

Called the Yorkshire Princess, it is dedicated to Princess Mary, who lived at the Leeds stately home for more than 30 years.