Tadcaster resident John Cattle has scooped top prizes at four major flower shows across the country.
John, a retired joiner, was awarded the prizes for his alpine plants at shows in Great Buckingham, Newbottle, Birmingham and Cheadle in spring this year.
Green-fingered John has been growing alpine plants for over 20 years and is a member of the The National Auricula and Primula Society.
He said: "I am chuffed, I have had a cracking year. My aim was to win in all four and I have now. I compete most years but this is the first time I have won them all.”
John believes that one of the reasons why he has won the top prizes is the amount of time time and great effort he puts into presenting the flowers. He grows the plants in his back garden, storing them in the greenhouse during the summer and in a cold frame in the winter months.
He added: “Some people do not put much time into the presentation. I spend a lot of time going over presentation of the flowers which is one of the reasons I think I have done so well. It is an all year round job looking after the plants and they need looking after every day.”
Alpine plants come in two different varieties (light centred or gold centred) and traditionally flower in spring each year. They are part of the Genus Primula species of plants, which have been around since the mid 16th century.
John, who lives in Tadcaster with his wife Jen, commented that he has had an interest in gardening since he was a child.
He said: "When I was younger, in those days, we had to grow stuff to eat, so I was interested in it then, but I got back interested in it after I got married. I enjoy growing the plants, but decided to grow Auricula as I wanted to compete with some of the top plant growers in the country.”
John said that his family and friends were delighted with his array of medals and trophies, commenting: My family and friends are all pleased for me, but my wife thinks I am a bit barmy for going down and looking after them all the time.”
