Show’s perennial favourite returns to lead the line-up
RENOWNED horticulturist Christine Walkden is to return to the Southport Flower Show this year to share her gardening knowledge with visitors.
The award-winning TV and radio presenter, who is a firm favourite at Southport, will be at the show on Thursday, August 19.
Originally from Lancashire, Christine started growing vegetables on an allotment near her home when she was just 10 years old.
Her first job after leaving school was in the gardens of her local park and she progressed through a series of posts including a spell at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew before she brought her infectious enthusiasm and passion for plants to wider audiences as a broadcaster and lecturer.
She said: “Southport Flower Show always gives pleasure and interest to gardeners as there is so much to see and do. Great plants and gardens plus lots of entertainment too. It’s a good day out for all and I consider the show to be the Chelsea of the North.”
Christine is the resident gardening expert on BBC’s The One Show and is also a panel member on BBC Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time. She has presented BBC 2’s Gardeners World and her own BBC 2 TV series Christine’s Garden, and Glorious Gardens From Above.
She has also appeared on BBC Breakfast and The Paul O’Grady Show as well as appearing as a guest on the comedy quiz show Shooting Stars.
General manager Alan Adams said: “We’re delighted Christine will be joining us again this year as she’s hugely popular with visitors and is so knowledgeable on all things horticultural. We are working harder than ever to deliver this year’s show and will be adhering to the government guidelines to deliver a covid secure event.”
Also joining the show is Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek. After he wowed the crowds with his Weird and Wacky Plant Show in 2019, Mr Plant Geek himself returns to this summer’s show to take you on an amazing journey into Weird & Wacky Plants: The Forbidden World!
The resident QVC and This Morning garden expert grew up following his grandparents around their greenhouse as they reared exhibition quality chrysanthemums and dahlias.
This sowed the seed for a desire to cultivate his own plants and eventually extended to his parents’ garden, where he started growing his first flowers.
Michael will be at the show on both Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21.
Visitors can enjoy stunning show gardens, floral displays, a unique shopping experience, fabulous entertainment, music plus fantastic fun, crafts and entertainment for the children.
Tickets are currently priced £19.50. They are flexible and can be used on any one of the show days. This is a £6.50 saving per ticket compared to the gate price of £26. Children under 16 go free with a paying adult.
Southport Flower Show takes place from Thursday, August 19 until Sunday, August 22 at Victoria Park, Southport.
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