There's a nip in the air. Time then to enjoy the last of the year's blooms. MATT CLARK previews the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show.

SINCE the giant veg competition was launched at the 2011 Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, two world records and a British record have been set. But judges in this year's new championship for a specific variety of heavy tomato called Gigantomo have been presented with a sizeable dilemma; how do you distinguish one variety of giant tomato from another.

The problem is many varieties of look the same and as all entries must be from this specific strain, there was only one thing for it, call in scientists to conduct special DNA testing. And no wonder. With a £1,000 prize for the winner of the class plus a further £5,000 on offer if the heaviest fruit sets a new world record, some growers had expressed concern about the prospect of a ‘ringer’ weighing-in to top the scales.

York Press:

A previous year's entry in the giant vegetable class. Picture: Matt Clark

"Giant veg growing is great fun and tremendously popular with our visitors, but it also has a serious side, especially with such a big prize at stake," says show director Nick Smith. "When experienced growers contacted us to express concern, we set out to find a way of being as certain as we possibly can that the winner has the right pedigree."

Less contentious are the celebratory blooms in the new flower hall. It's hard to believe, but the show turns 40 this year and to mark the ruby anniversary a brilliant scarlet and beautifully scented sweet pea, christened Harrogate Gem, will be unveiled by breeder David Matthewman and Flower Show floral art co-ordinator Fiona Fisk.

Nick is delighted to have such a special flower dedicated to the 40th show.

"Our thanks go to David Matthewman for his work in developing the 'Harrogate Gem' as a lasting tribute to what has become the UK's premier autumn gardening event," he says. "Also, changes to the site lay out this year have enabled us to introduce a new plant pavilion marquee with the extra height and light to give exhibitors a real opportunity to create showstopper displays."

York Press:

It's not just the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show celebrating a birthday, Margaret Gifford and Judy Mortimer build Barwick in Elmet Flower Club's display to commemorate its golden anniversary. Picture: Matt Clark.

Has it ever. Rated in the top three UK gardening events by Which? Gardening, the autumn show attracts around 1,000 exhibitors from all over the country. And on offer this year are features such as Inspiration Street show gardens, not to mention more than 5,000 beautiful autumn blooms, Another new event for 2015 is Harvest & Hedgerows, which celebrates nature's bounty, both cultivated and countryside. There will be talks, demonstrations and activities including discovering the free delicacies of hedge and field, what to do with seasonal finds, a traditional cider press, dyeing and weaving with colours created by nature.

York Press:

Martyn Flint of Chrysanthemums Direct, Knutsford. Picture: Matt Clark

It may be 40 years old, but the Harrogate autumn flower event shows no signs of flagging.

The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show runs at the Great Yorkshire Showground until Sunday. Tickets for today and tomorrow are £17.00; £15.50 on Sunday. Under 16s are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.