FIRST held in 1831, the Taunton Flower Show has been dubbed the "Chelsea of the West” by some attendees and it's easy to understand why.

The celebration of horticulture, held at Vivary Park, has attracted generation after generation of green-fingered enthusiasts with its floral and craft displays.

Over the years, little has got in the way of the Flower Show running — aside from the two World Wars, two missed years during Covid-19, and a freak flood of the grounds in 1997.

Even the "disastrous fire of 1979" could not stop the show, despite destroying the competitors’ marquee and doing £50,000 worth of damage. Just 36 hours later the tent had been replaced and the show went on as normal.

Many additions have been made in the last 20 years. The show grew in 2005, with the introduction of the children's area, show gardens, rural crafts section, and the addition of Ready Steady Garden.

Two years later, a farmer's market was added, later becoming the Food Hall.

In 2014 the show expanded again, with Wilton Lands to the west of Vivary Park becoming home to the Food Hall, traders, and an entertainment area.

Competition Classes have been running since 1831, with adult sections for fruit, vegetables, flowers, home crafts, floral art floristry, winemaking and photography. Plus several categories for entrants under 17. 

There's £5,000 of prize money and 50 trophies to be handed out over the weekend, and needless to say, the competition is steep.

The show's Ready Steady Garden sees gardeners take on a timed challenge. This year the competition will be to create a "tractor tyre planter" in 45 minutes, with plants donated by Monkton Elm Garden Centre.

In the Children's Village, a mini Ready Steady Garden will allow little ones to have a go at creating their own garden in a similar fashion.

The show's Plant Village and Artisan Village offer a great excuse to shop while supporting Somerset businesses including "crafters, designers, makers and artists" with handmade wares.

This year's show offers an impressive schedule of entertainment, and approximately 15,000 visitors are expected to attend.