Taunton Deane Horticultural and Floricultural Society

About Us

Taunton Flower Show, the oldest Flower Show in the UK, runs every year on the first Friday and Saturday in August, It is run by a charitable body, Taunton Deane Horticultural and Floricultural Society, which seeks to promote horticulture in Taunton and amongst the South West. More than 17,000 visitors are expected over the 2-day show which is the premier event of its type in the west country. The event is organised by a voluntary committee with limited paid staff.

The show has been running since 1831 and is the oldest Flower Show in the UK. It has been running in Vivary Park since 1851.

Competitions
At the heart of the show are the large competitive classes and floral classes marquees. The competitive classes are open to all and consist of approximately 250 different classes for amateur gardeners, crafters, floral artists and children. The floral marquee features traders who mount displays of their flowers and plants. Around the marquees, and throughout the showground, are a wide range of horticultural, gardening, craft and local food traders.

Lots of Entertainment
At the centre of the park is an arena featuring acts such as animal displays and family entertainment. The show also features other smaller marquees. It plays host to the South West Honey Show. It also features a wine show and competition. There is a children’s zone where our younger visitors can be entertained. The activities in the show are free for children. Children can also enter the show for free with a paying adult.

Designer Gardens
For several years the show have held a competition to encourage professional garden designers to build show-gardens where you can be inspired. For those wanted to try their hand at garden designing, Taunton Flower Show has a Ready, Steady, Garden competition. This allows amateurs to try designing something in an hour and features a children’s version of Saturdays.