A GARGANTUAN pumpkin inspired a young plot holder to make his debut at the RHS Tatton Flower Show.
And his ambitious efforts won a gold medal.
Harry Dean discovered that enthusiast Albert Palfreymen had briefly held the British record for the heaviest pumpkin in 1980 at his allotment.
The colossal vegetable weighed in at an incredible 579lbs!
At 20, Harry is the youngest member of Over Allotments in Winsford and regularly wins prizes for his fruit and veg at members’ annual produce shows.
The horticulture student was overwhelmed to win an RHS gold medal for his design entitled ‘A Gourd Time’.
It comes as the allotments celebrate their centenary this year.
Harry, from Winsford, said: “It’s a great honour to be able to mark 100 years of growing local produce, including a record-breaking pumpkin, with a show garden at the RHS Flower Show in Tatton Park.
“Competing at such a high level was a challenge because every component of the build had to be perfect for judging.
“But everyone was very keen to help and I couldn’t ask for a more enthusiastic build team.”
A dozen fellow vegetable growers teamed up to lend a hand.
Squash took centre stage at Harry’s long border as flowers mingled with vegetables.
A colour palette of glowing yellows, vibrant reds and smoky orange blended with herbs and fresh produce.
Harvest and habitat were fused together as the design incorporated edible and ornamental planting for people and wildlife.
Staggered posts making the garden visible from all angles were protected using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban wood-charring method.
Fran Johnson, chairman of Over Allotments Association, said: “We’re all very proud of Harry.
“Competing at RHS Tatton is a highlight in this special year of centenary celebrations.
“This has been a real communal effort as all our plot holders were keen to help by producing the very best vegetables and flowering plants for the show garden.”
Harry is studying for a degree in landscape architecture at University Centre Reaseheath.
Harry also works for Acorn Landscape Services, of Knutsford, who sponsored the show garden with Atlantic Timber, of Altrincham, and Cliff Dickenson & Son, Ford Dealership, of Winsford.
After the show, the garden will be moved to Over Recreation Park in Winsford for the town’s community to enjoy.
Harry said: “We’re going to replant and rebuild our entry at the kids’ park just outside our allotment gate.”
Over Allotments Association is hosting an open day at their four-acre site on Saturday, July 27 from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Visitors are welcome to come along and see the amazing array of fruit and veg grown on the 62 plots.
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