The scent of roses, the taste of home-made jam and the cheerful buzz of community spirit were all in abundance at the annual Coffee Mug Flower and Produce Show at St James’ Church in Rowledge on July 12, writes Graeme Main.

It was a day bursting with colour, creativity and culinary talent. With freshly picked flowers and perfectly baked sponges, residents of all ages came out in force to make the 2025 show the most successful yet.

There were 12 categories across three main sections. Trophies were awarded throughout the day, with Best in Show going to Robert Green for his vibrant display of vegetables beautifully presented in a traditional trug.

But the youngsters stole the show, charming visitors with their imaginative and visually stunning miniature gardens.

The flower displays were spectacular. Radiant roses and carefully curated table arrangements showcased the best of local gardens, offering a visual feast for every visitor.

In the domestic produce section there were classic Victoria sponges, crunchy ANZAC biscuits and rows of gleaming jars filled with home-made jam, jelly and marmalade.

The Coffee Mug wishes to thank the committee, especially Jan Clark and Mark Westcott, whose hard work helped bring the show to life.

Garden writer and broadcaster John Negus, who helped judge this year’s show along with chef Bridget Watson and gardener Jeanette Hatto, said: “This year’s Coffee Mug Flower Show was a great success. It was wonderfully organised and has definitely put Rowledge high on the flower show judging circuit.

“I loved seeing the miniature gardens and the ingenuity that the children had shown in creating a re-wilded garden. The flowers and vegetables were of a very high standard, in spite of a difficult spring and early summer.”

Bridget was delighted to find such a high standard in the domestic produce section and said judging such close competition had not been an easy task.

The winners were:

Domestic Produce: Dexter Cup for Best Victoria Sponge - Robert Green; Ella Wince Bowl for Best ANZAC Biscuits (Set Recipe) - Susan Gardner; Molly Bell Cup for Best Marmalade - Mark Westcott.

Flowers: Halsall Cup for Best Arrangement of Flowers from your Garden - Ann Vine; Mrs Philip Warren Bowl for Best Miniature Garden in the Junior Section - Mathilda Lockyear; Major and Mrs Rennie Maudslay Cup for Best Arrangement of Roses - Tina Nicholls.

Garden Produce: Cornish Cup for Best Display of Salads, Fruits and Vegetables - Robert Green; Caldecott Cup for Best Arrangement of Three Herbs - Mandy Main.

Victor Ludorum: The Donald Lear Cup for Most Points in Show - Mark Westcott and Robert Green (joint winners).

Best Exhibit in the Show: Robert Green for a Display of Salads, Fruits and Vegetables (winning a bottle of Champagne).