Wellington’s annual Flower Show returns this Saturday (August 29), with organisers hoping the town’s gardeners will have risen to the challenge of a summer of record heat and drought.

Show secretary Sheena Page admits the weather has made growing conditions particularly challenging — but says it has also been a great leveller.

“It’s the same for everyone,” she said.

While the heat and lack of rain may have tested gardeners, there are plenty of categories where the weather should have little impact, including craft, cookery, floral art and children’s classes.

And the unusual conditions have even inspired one of the photography classes, entitled Extreme Weather!

“I hope there are lots of entries as we’ve certainly had that!” said Sheena.

Visitors can also expect a plant stall and a number of other stalls, while refreshments will be provided by the Monumental Women of Wellington, formerly the Women’s Institute. It is the first time the group has organised refreshments for the show, and the committee says it is extremely grateful for its support.

Organisers are still keen to hear from anyone who would like to exhibit — so whether your garden has flourished despite the drought or you have something to enter in another category, there is still an opportunity to enter.

The show opens at 2pm at the Alan Rogers Centre next to the Princess Royal Sports Centre on South Street, with disabled entry from 1.45pm.

Exhibits can be staged on Friday evening before the Show, from 5.30pm until 10.00pm and on Show Day from 7.00am until 9.30am. Exhibitors, except Officers of the Society and Officials, must leave all exhibiting areas at 9.30 for judging to begin at 10am.

Schedules are available from Wellington Library, Interiors and Flowers, Perrys, Ruxstons and Willowbrook.

Admission is £2 for adults and 50p for children.