By Press Release
IW Observer gardening columnist, Darren Everest, is the new National Sweet Pea Champion after winning the prestigious Twelve Vase Class at the National Show at the weekend.
It is the first time Darren has won this class after coming third and second in previous attempts to win the top award, which was held in Oxfordshire.
Darren has finally lifted the coveted award with his amazing set of 12 varieties, 15 stems in each vase, all of which had to be distinct from one another.
The weather has, as always, had a lot to play in Darren’s results this show season. After being beat quite comfortably over the last two weeks at shows at Downton near Salisbury and the New Forest, following heavy rainfall before each show. But our weather finally turned in Darren’s favour, cooler temperatures on the Island, compared to the mainland last week meant that Darren was able to pick his best flush of blooms. Not only did he win the Twelve Vase Class, he also went on to win the Nine Vase and Three Vase Classes too, a feat which has not been done before.
Darren said: “I can’t quite believe that I’ve finally won it. After being runner up in the past I did wonder if I’d ever win. That’s another achievement ticked off my bucket list!”
