Mammoth Onion growers who exhibited at first Southport Flower Show in 1924 win Large Gold Medal

By Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport

A family business that has been exhibiting at the Southport Flower Show ever since it began 100 years ago has taken away a Large Gold Medal award this year.

Robinson & Son (Seeds & Plants) Ltd, also known as ‘Home of The Mammoth Onion,’ is a 161-year-old family business based in Preston, now run by sisters Susan and Margaret Robinson.

At the 100th birthday celebration show, which is taking place from Thursday 15th August to Sunday 18th August 2024, the business was awarded for their impressive display of vegetables for all tastes and seasons.

As it was a milestone show, the pair also displayed old prize cards and memorabilia. Their gold award included credit for ‘many heritage varieties reflecting the past’.

The sisters brought along old memories which included a gold certificate from 1964, old photographs, medals and more.

They said they had kept all the prize cards since 1924, there are hundreds!

Popular TV presenters Carole Baxter and George Anderson, who host Beechgrove Garden, a Scottish horticultural and gardening show that offers viewers tips, tricks and advice, were also fans of their work.

They had pictures taken with their vegetables which were of the ‘mammoth’ variety, a unique feature of the business.

William Robinson, who took over the business from its founder, also called William Robinson, started to improve the size of onions and leeks which saw the ‘Home of The Mammoth Onion’ established.

Now, Susan and Margaret have carried on that legacy.

Throughout the display, information about the health benefits of gardening and vegetables was exhibited. With one reading, ‘gardening adds years to your life, and life to your years’.

Their business is at Sunny Bank, Preston Lancaster Road in Preston – the same spot they have been since 1860 – and they are open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.