A horse-drawn cart passing through a section cut out of the base of a giant sequoia tree in the Mariposa groves of Yosemite Park, California. (Photo by Carleton E Watkins/Getty Images). 1870

A tall redwood tree, or Sequoia, the common name for a group of huge, majestic evergreen trees of the cypress family in California, through which a road has been cut. (Photo by Three Lions/Getty Images). Circa 1955

6-year-old Jill Smith, of Bonlondeb, Bontuchel, Ruthin in Denbighshire is almost dwarfed by the giant Parasol Mushrooms she is holding. The two specimens are over 12 inches high and 6 to 8 inches across. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 14th October 1953

PC Leonard Dowe of Buckland, Berkshire, displays his prize-winning 44.5 lbs marrow which he grew in his back garden. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 18th October 1938

Reginald Clarke on his allotment at Eynsham, Oxfordshire, with the pride of his life, his giant Primo cabbage measuring over three feet across. (Photo by J. R. V. Johnson/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 17th September 1954

A gardener having breakfast up to his waist in water, using one of the giant waterlillies as a table, at the Stuttgarter garden exhibition. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images). 1964

LACW (Leading Aircraft Woman) Jesse Brodie of Upper Heyford RAF Station, Oxford holding some huge leeks on show at an RAF Horticultural Show in Westminster, London. (Photo by Reg Speller/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 27th September 1949

A modest Honduran hides behind a giant oar-shaped leaf of a banana tree. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images). Circa 1925

Oxford postman J Siret holding a large marrow he has grown, which is 34 inches long. (Photo by Johnson/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 23rd September 1941

Growers display specimens of Mangel Wurzel at the Dairy Show at the Agricultural Hall. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 20th October 1913

A nineteen year old agricultural worker in Sakurajima Island, Southern Japan, proudly holds the first of the giant turnip harvest. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images). 7th January 1957

A group of people in cowboy dress make camp for the night near two very large cacti and cook sausages on sticks over an open fire. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images). Circa 1955

This large fungus is 43 inches in circumference and weighs 5 lbs. It was found in fields on the outskirts of London. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 31st July 1936

Film and television comic actor Richard Hearne (1909–1979), famous as television's “Mr. Pastry”, displays the extraordinary size of his Rhubarb with a young neighbour, on his farm in kent. (Photo by William Vanderson/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 22nd July 1953

A proud young girl holds two large dahlia blooms at north London's biggest floral event the Autumn Show, organised by the Southgate and District Horticultural Society and held at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 3rd September 1937