Flower shows have their roots in 17th and 18th century Britain, where they began as competitions among florists. Back then, florists weren’t the artful flower arrangers we know today; they were avid gardeners experimenting with breeding new flower varieties. A handful of plants (the readily mutating Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) included) became known as ‘florist’s […]
An unassuming piece of history stands on High Street, Morpeth. The once-thriving Astor Picture Palace and Ballroom was always alive with activity during its heyday in the 1930s. Locals gathered there for flower shows, choir practice, mid-week dances and the annual debutante ball, among other events. On quieter occasions the busy dancefloor gave way to […]
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