Dianthus, gerbera, gypsophila, anthurium and many other flowers and pot plants were subjected this year to an exceptionally critical examination by the judges of the Permanent Judging Committee. Ultimately, first prize went to the firm of Fa. G.J.A. van Santen of Honselersdijk, whose cut flower Hydrangea macrophylla Pimpernel Classic trumped the entries of all the other shortlisted entrants. The jury was especially impressed by Van Santen’s feat of managing to present at this time of the year such large blooms (30 cm and more) of exactly the same size on all five stalks and whose deep purple colour was highly decorative and trendy. What’s more, the leaves were perfectly formed and contrasted well with the colour of the flowers.