Largs & District Horticultural Society celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the first Flower Show held in Largs on Saturday 20 August 2016 from 10.30am – 4.30pm. The Show dates back to 1841 when it was held in the Brisbane Arms Inn. It is the oldest event still being held in Largs and the oldest Flower Show still going in North Ayrshire.

With the same enthusiasm as 175 years ago our local gardeners, flower arrangers, handi-crafters, bakers, children and schools will be putting their talents on display for all to see. In spite our very changeable weather a wide variety of exhibits are expected. Join us for a display of a wide variety of pot plants which includes fuchsias and begonias, hanging baskets and tubs; cut flowers; vegetables; floral art; handicrafts including baking and preserves. A feast of colour and scent. The Junior section is a must see with miniature gardens, edible necklaces, flower arrangements, animals made out of fruit and vegetables and handicrafts – you will be amazed at the extent of the children’s creativity and imagination and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

This year not only are the local gardeners and children competing to win one of our 21 trophies, but the one-off special 175th Anniversary trophies and prizes. The earliest trophy in our current collection dates back to 1937 - the “Murray” cup, named after Mr Murray, the former Gym Teacher, which is awarded for the best vase of 6 roses.

At 10.30am is the Grand Opening of the show by Lord Glasgow. Kelburn Estate has a long history of association with Largs Flower Show, not only with the former Earls and Countess opening the show but with their staff exhibiting in the show. In fact their head gardener, David Goldie, was one of the main members of the horticultural society when it was set up in 1840. He exhibited in the very first show in 1841. David Goldie was also a nurseryman – his son being Andrew Goldie, born in 1840, was the very renowned plant and natural history explorer and trader from Millport.

Largs Flower Club will be holding their very popular Flower Workshops for Children from 10.30am-3.30pm.

There will be a superb display of vintage gardening tools thanks to Dalgarven Mill, Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume, Kilwinning. And a display of memorabilia from Largs Flower Show.

Also on display will be a collection of cups, medals, photographs and certificates won by Mr R C Bone, which was recently donated to the Society by his daughter, Jane Tognini. Mr Bone was President of Largs Horticultural in 1956. He exhibited his Dahlias and Chrysants in the 1950’s, not only in Largs show but West Kilbride, Dalry, Saltcoats, Irvine, Greenock and Glasgow.

The Largs Viking Festival Committee, Organic Growers of Fairlie, North Ayrshire Council Heritage staff and StreetScene will also be in attendance with their information and displays. Largs Co-op staff will be coming along to help at the show.

There will also be the ever popular raffle - thanks to all the local businesses and individuals who donated prizes; tombola, plant stall and tea-room with home baking. Delicious home made soup and bread will be served between 12noon and 2pm.

The Society are delighted to welcome Daniela Nardini to the Flower Show for the prizegiving at 4pm. Daniela hails from the Nardini dynasty who owned the world famous Nardini's Café. She is Largs’ well-known BAFTA winning actress and is sure to receive a very warm welcome back home from the people of Largs.

With something for everyone, Largs Flower Show 175th Anniversary will not disappoint – so come along and enjoy!

You still have time to enter, pick up a schedule from the library and bring your entries to the hall from 2-6.15pm on Friday 19 August and we’ll help you stage them.

Potted History

In 1840, a group of local professional gardeners got together to form Largs Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

The main purpose of the society was to host an annual flower show, and up until then, the showing of flowers and produce was very much a part of the Agricultural Show.

The reason for holding the show was so that professional gardeners could show their locally grown produce and plant collections, compete against each other, show what could be grown in the local area, and impart their knowledge to others so they too could grow their own promoting horticulture.

The first show as held in the Brisbane Arms Inn (now The George) on 18 September 1841. Halkshill was reputed to be the only estate in Largs to have a greenhouse.

In the early years the show's popularity grew and word quickly spread, gaining the reputation of 'the best local show in the west of Scotland'

Artillery Hall, at the foot of Seamore Street, was the home of the Flower Show from 1878 to 1939. As the show grew it not only filled the main hall but also the drill hall and marquee out the back. In the late 1800s/early 1900s.

Local businesses donated prizes including medals, silver pins and badges, watches, cabinet photographs, and much more.

The show has been opened by Lord Kelvin and his wife Lady Kelvin in 1898, with the famous scientist expressing the view that the show represented 'a beautiful exhibition of works of art.'

There were no flower shows during the war years, the show stopping after 1914, and was revived in 1938, attracting between 500-600 entries.

The new classes were industrial (hobbies and crafts), children's, farmers, and a household section (baking and preserves).

The resurrected show was shortlived as it was again stopped due to war, and returned in 1950, with a revised schedule and has continued ever since. Many people remember the 'Big Top' marquee on the north foreshore in the 60s and 70s.

There have been many changes to the flower show over the years but there are still classes in the schedule today that featured away back in 1841!

The Flower Show is believed to be the oldest event of its kind running in Largs, and the Largs and Millport News, has provided cuttings from its archive from the history exhibition for the 175th anniversary show.