Best blooms on show this summer | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

The summer may have been a bit topsy-turvy but for gladiolus and dahlia growers it is a summer that is creating some of the best blooms in years.

The best of them from around the lower North Island will be displayed at the Wanganui Horticultural Society's annual summer show on Saturday.

Wayne Hughes, the society's vice-president, said the growing season had been very late and he put that down to a combination of exceptional rainfall and lack of sunshine.

"The lack of sunshine has been a worry for many growers, but if we get a few good days the blooms will be spectacular," Mr Hughes said.

This year's show will also include competition for dahlia growers and entries in all sections will be accepted on the day. On show will be gladioli, dahlias, liliums, house plants, garden produce, garden flowers, vegetables and fruit.

"We had a late spring, and that was followed by rains that meant a lack of sunshine. Combined, they all held the growing season back," he said.

"Despite that, you'll be able to see some spectacular blooms on show. The quality we saw at the recent North Island show in Hawera was the best I've seen in years," Mr Hughes said.

He said dahlia entries were coming from Taranaki down to Wellington, with gladioli being shown by growers from Wanganui, Taranaki and Manawatu.

The show is being held at the War Memorial Hall. The public will be able to visit from 1pm-5pm. There is a $2 door charge.