BIG READ: Vibrant spring flower shows burst into lifeÂ

Imagine walking into a living, breathing piece of art that's vibrant, colourful, perfumed and even edible.

That is what happens when you walk into a horticultural show.

Thanks to the hard work of exhibitors, community centres and village halls are transformed into celebrations of nature. 

As spring blossoms horticultural shows are starting to get into full  swing.

With dozens of horticultural societies across the area, you could turn up at almost any village hall on any weekend and stumble upon a show.

It's an opportunity to  enjoy the fruits and vegetables of other people's labour in the hotly-contested competitions.  

Ray Harding organises the shows for Lee Horticultural Society.

Their spring show was held at Lee-on-the-Solent Community Centre earlier this month. 

It's no easy task, and attention to detail is an absolute must for Ray if he wants to keep the exhibitors '“ who pour their heart and souls in marrows and freesias '“ happy. 

He says: '˜The society itself has been going for 71 years, so I think it is fair to say that it has become a cornerstone of the community here in Lee-on-the-Solent.

'˜We hold three shows a year, which take place in the spring, summer and autumn.

'With the changes in seasons there's a big difference in the things you see at each show, which spices things up a bit.

'˜At this year's spring show we had 155 exhibitors, so we were pleased about that.

'But instead of there being an overall winner, there are different classes and categories.