GROWERS across Helensburgh and Lomond are putting the finishing touches to the pride of their crop ahead of the Helensburgh Horticultural Society’s annual show this weekend.

The very best from the area’s gardens will be put on show at the Victoria Halls this Saturday, August 26 at the society’s annual flower and vegetable show.

This is the 171st show - surely the longest running annual event in Helensburgh, interrupted only by the wars and the pandemic.

The ‘Horti’ was founded in 1850 and is one of the oldest horticultural societies in Scotland. Originally there was a distinction between amateur and professional gardeners, with fierce competition between the gardeners working at the big houses.

Nowadays, local residents of the district vie to grow the best flowers and vegetables to be judged by experts in 126 different classes.

Anyone can enter the show, and there are classes for children as well as preserves, baking, honey, handicrafts and photography alongside the flowers and vegetables.

The flower show opens to the public at 2pm on Saturday. In addition to the show itself there will be a tea room with home baking in the Pillar Hall, as well as a plant stall and raffle - and don't miss the Advertiser next week for full coverage of the day.