It’s time to dig out the spades and pull up those prize-winning carrots and marrows, as Merton seeks out its green-fingered residents to enter Merton’s Horticultural Show.

The show has run for over 20 years and will be held at Morden Park, on Bank Holiday Monday (25 August) between 11am and 5pm. (Exhibitor’s tent open to the public at 12 noon)

The show is run in partnership with the Lions Club and their Summer Show, attracting over several thousand visitors each year.

It’s not too late to apply for a place in the show. Residents can collect their entry-forms from their local libraries or complete and submit their entries right up until 10.15am on the 25 August. There are twelve sections for novices and experienced growers alike to exhibit their vegetables and fruits as well as flower arrangements, preserves, wines and brews.

The Horticultural Show is open to anyone who grows produce in their garden or allotment and who would like to proudly show off the fruits of their endeavours and be in with a chance of winning a cup or prize. People not wishing to compete can still show their produce.

Children under the age of 16 are also invited to take part in the junior section. Here they can enter their fairy cakes, decorated gingerbread-person, decorated plant pots, an arrangement of flowers and plants, a creature made out of plants or vegetables and much more.

From 10.15am judges will assess the five different classes: flowers, vegetables, floral art, preserves and homemade brews. Mayor of Merton, Cllr Martin Whelton will award prizes to the lucky winners at 4.30pm.

At the end of the show there will be an auction of all of the exhibits that have not been collected and the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Mayor’s charities: The Vine Project and The Wimbledon Guild.

Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr David Simpson said: “This is a great opportunity for residents to see and taste fresh produce. By coming to Merton’s Horticultural Show we hope that families will be inspired to take on allotments or harvest fresh produce in their gardens, which they can then display at future shows.”

Notes to Editor

To get your copy of Merton’s Horticultural Show programme with booking form, please call 020 8545 3956.

If you would like the opportunity to grow your own on one of the allotments available throughout the borough please call 020 8545 3665 or email leisure@merton.gov.uk