A BOUNTIFUL array of flowers, plants and produce was on show at the Bolton-le-Sands Horticultural Society Show.

Despite the predicted arrival of Storm Brian the village's community centre was transformed into an oasis of calm with colours and scents of Autumn.

This year has been a bumper one for onion and shallot growers and this was reflected in an eye-watering display of more than 20 exhibits.

It was noticeable that there had been a resurgence in interest in growing plants that would have been much more commonly seen when the society was 89 years ago. Cacti and succulents, orchids and many other houseplants are regaining popularity after a few years out of favour.

The current trend is for modern growers to take the opportunity of growing some of the more challenging tender species such as the ‘Slipper Orchid’ and the ‘Shaving Brush plant’.

In the 1940s and '50s Bolton-le-Sands was home to the specialist Fern grower C W Grubb, of Brookfield Nurseries, who presented a trophy for ferns and Alpines which is still awarded at the society's summer show. There was a renewed interest in ferns at the 70th autumn show with 10 specimens on display.

TROPHY WINNERS: T W Bellis Trophy - best vase of chrysanthemums: M. Western. T Parker Memorial Cup - most points, local section: D. Hack. H Egarr Cup - best vase, local section: M. Western. Miss M Beaumont Trophy - most points, Floral Art: S. Rettalick-Roberts. J Noice Trophy - most points, art: J. Ireland. Parry Shield - most points, vegetables: B. Noon. Bolton le Sands Shield - most points, homecraft: M V Carter Challenge Cup - most points, Children’s section, age 7-11: A. Mawtus. A Wilkinson Shield - most points, photography: K. Gibson. The Bessie Ridings Trophy - most points, handicraft: J. Spotswood. The A. E. Burrows Cup - best Orchid, local section: J. Lishman. N C S Bronze Medal - second best vase in show: M. Western. The Westmorland & North Lancashire Federation of Horticultural Show Societies Blue Ribbon - best exhibit in show. (Awarded for Class 310 – Vase of mixed cut flowers): C. Nightingale.