THE sun was out for the first day of the RHS Flower Show attracting hundreds of people from across the country.

With more than 100 floral displays, food stands, trade stands and show gardens, there was plenty for those interested in gardening, and those who wanted a relaxing day in the sun- courtesy of the ‘better late than never’ British summer.

Traders and exhibitors from across Cheshire represented the county with an astounding display of horticultural expertise.

Chrysanthemums Direct of Over Peover, Plantagogo from Crewe, Fryer’s Roses from Knutsford and D&A Wright Nursery from Wincham were among those to wow the judges with ‘eye-catching’ floral displays, each walking away with an award.

“Everybody’s very happy,” said Trevor Lawrence, owner of Chrysanthemums Direct which won a gold award. “The stand is going down very well. It is important to the company to keep doing shows like this to show that we are out there.”

Returning for another year was the Back to Back gardens, in which designers have a small space to show off their creative skills.

Fryer’s Roses, part of the Blue Diamond Group, were back this year with ‘Roses through Thyme’, designed by Peter Shirly- which incorporated lavender and thyme to create a ‘sensory experience’. The garden was awarded with a ‘silver’ award.

In the show garden category, Tatton Park’s gardening team created their version of Dream Country this year, in a Roald Dahl inspired garden based on The BFG.

Cllr Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council leader, visited the garden along with Tatton Park manager Brendan Flanagan.

“It’s such an important event for Tatton Park and Cheshire East,” she said. “It’s wonderful we have so many visitors.

“I love the Roald Dahl theme, it really brings a diversity to the show. I’m very proud of all the work that’s gone into the Tatton entry and the fact they got an award.

“It’s fantastic what the team have delivered.”