And whiff of summer
year brought orange- hued varieties including Dr Sparky, Tom Brownlee and the tasty- sounding Tequila Sunrise.
Retired fencer James Murray, 77, has no less than 500 dahlias in his garden. Dahlia formed part of his miniature garden – also featuring giant onions and carrots – which claimed first prize. One of his carrots was nearly four feet long.
When is was suggested he must have very deep beds, he said: “Maybe I shouldn’t say, but the secret is to grow them in tubes.”
The Ayrshire Bonsai Group display has grown, but the exhibits have not! Around 100 dinky trees and plants captured the imagination.
And on view was the display that scooped best in show at Gardening Scotland – and went on to take the gold medal at Ayr on Friday.
Ayr fish people Pieroni were doing a rare trade for the first time with a wine supplier. There’s nothing like the smell of scallops on the barbie to lure people in.
Another local supplier was working hard – Woody’s luxury dairy ice cream from Mauchline.
Other busy spots included Ayr Gaiety’s stand promoting the Snow White panto and the new programme brochure hot from the printers.
Gaiety girls Margo Mackie and Laura Scott set the stand up with some apples – though it took a brave person to take a bite!
Junior events are always popular and the standard this year was truly outstanding.
Yes, parents and grandparents tidied up the edges, but there were assurances that it was all the youngsters’ own work.
In the age 7- 9 miniature garden, seven- year- old Donald Nicol took second spot as well as second spot for the garden in a plate ( not exceeding 30cm).
Donald, about to start in primary three at Alloway, pocketed a total of £ 4.75.
Proud mum Eileen said: “It was all his idea and he collected all the elements of it.
“His older brother Daniel and sister Deborah used to do it and it inspired Donald.”
Meanwhile, Eilidh Cotter of Troon spent SIX WEEKS on her display in the aged 4- 6 category.
Eilidh, about to start P2 at Troon Primary, won £ 3 for the best Disney Garden.
Gran Magdalene Hornby said: “It was all her ideas, I helped with the sharp bits.”
Don’t miss Darley Woods, our gossip columnist let loose at the show, see page 29