An explosion of floral colour at County Show

The largest temporary structure at the Devon County Show on May 19-21 at Westpoint, Exeter will house an explosion of floral colour and scent.

Measuring 11,815 sq metres, which is bigger than a Premier League football pitch, the pavilion will be bursting with the sights and smells of spring.

Deborah Custance Baker, the chief steward of the crafts and gardens feature, calls it a ‘show within a show’.

“It will be packed with floral and horticultural exhibits and local crafts makers’ she said.

“The flower section is huge with superb feature gardens, artistic flower arrangements, junior gardens competitions and even a floral art demonstration area with experts on hand to share their skills and tips,” she added.

Floral art is enjoying a revival of interest which will be reflected with competitions and demonstrations.  Steward Ann Trigg said: “Flower arranging has developed into an art form over the past few years and the imaginative and challenging schedules act as a spur to creativity.”

In addition to show gardens, the giant structure will house room sets created by Love Local, who retail contemporary crafts from the South West, alongside many of Devon’s finest crafts men and women.

Love Local’s Liz Oram added: “Creating the room sets is surprisingly easy as the range of products produced within the South West are so vast and so wonderful - from the outstanding kitchens made in Ashburton to sofas and beds made in Exeter, all dressed with home furnishings from individual makers and small bespoke companies.”

Deborah added: “If there is anything that you want to create for your home then this marquee is the place to come for ideas, inspiration and to shop.”

Also, there will be opportunities for visitors to learn new skills from lace makers to knitting with Exeter’s Knutty Knitters.

Tickets are available online and from selected outlets www.devoncountyshow.co.uk