For Alan Mason and Chris Beardshaw, there's one thing that sets them up for the tricky task of judging the beautiful show gardens at the Sandringham Flower Show.

'This is vitally important - the day starts with a bacon butty and a coffee,' laughs Alan. 'That's not part of the official Royal Horticultural Society judging format, but it's something we've perfected along the way.'

For more than 20 years, Alan and Chris, who are well-known for their appearances on television, have been much-loved members of the Sandringham Flower Show team.

As well as their duties as judges, they also host the popular Gardener's Forum, with a host of familiar names.

A beautiful floral display. Photo: Gary Pearson The show is fondly known as Britain’s biggest church fete. From humble beginnings, it has grown and bloomed to become one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the eastern region.

Now in its 142nd year, the show is always held on the last Wednesday of July – which this year falls on the 23rd – and attracts around 20,000 visitors to Sandringham Park, with Sandringham House and Sandringham Church as a backdrop.

The King is renowned for his love of horticulture and it is known to be an event that he looks forward to. It is always a highlight when King Charles and Queen Camilla attend the show and meet the exhibitors.

It was also always an important date in the Queen Mother’s diary and in her later years she would tour the show on a golf buggy.

A traditional carousel. Photo: Chris Bishop It is a date which Alan, who lives in Lincolnshire, also really looks forward to.

'It's lovely - like a big family show,' he says. 'Many of the same people will come and say hello every year. The committee and everybody involved are brilliant to work with - Graham Browne, the chairman, and David Reeve, the previous chairman. It's not like work, it's something you look forward to.'

He was initially asked to take part by then Sandringham head gardener Martin Woods.

'I used to present a TV series called Gardens Without Borders where we went round the gardens of different countries - France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Holland,' says Alan.

As gardening on television........

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