FEDAGA holds an annual flower and vegetable show for plotholders to enter their produce in.

2007 Show Report

The Flower and Vegetable Show was held at the Southside Centre on Saturday 8 September 2007.

Exhibitors and Entries

Compared to last year we were down 17 in exhibitors and 200 exhibits lower, this puts us at a level with the late 90's. It is a great disappointment bearing in mind the effort that goes into the organisation.

There are 28 Associations within the Federation. This year we only had 12 sites represented, 4 down from last year. That is less than half the Associations. We hear many reasons; the bad weather, difficult to get to the Southside, no time on Friday night, I do not grow to show, I do not like competition. All of these appear very valid, but the Flower and Veg. Show is not about competition, it's about showing the world outside what can be grown in Edinburgh without recourse to chemicals, carbon emissions and air miles. We need the general public to support us. Allotment land is under severe pressure so a strong, vibrant, well supported Show is indicative of a strong group of citizens who value their bit of land and are proud enough of their produce, no matter what it looks like, to show it off to the public and tell them you too can do this if you had a plot. And when allotments are threatened we are not a load of flat caps and wellies but a group of enthusiasts deserving of support.

Show Review

The Show Committee have carried out their review of the show and there will be a few changes. The wine section will be removed as we were down to 5 bottles this year. There is a thriving home-brew and wine-making fraternity in Edinburgh which wine makers can show at. Within the Homecrafts we will have a set recipe class which will have its own trophy. One of our Judges has offered to present a trophy to the best child's entry for award each year and we are looking at designs.

To try to accommodate the increasing number of plot holders who are working during the week we are considering having the Show on a Sunday. This will give more time for plot holders to gather produce and enter on the Saturday before.

Next Years Show

Will take place on Sat.6th or Sun.7th Sept. at the Southside Community Education Centre.

Finally Thanks to all the plot holders who enter, and the flower show committee who do all the organisation. Without you there would be no show. Any comments on above very much appreciated.

Peter Wright

Flower Show Secretary