AGS Early Spring Show 2024

This year, the AGS Early Spring Show was held in a marquee at Chelmsford City Racecourse. Here is a flavour of what turned out to be a wonderul event, with magnificent displays of Dionysia, and spring bulbs. ...(more below)
March 12, 2024
AGS Editor
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This year the AGS Early Spring Show moved to a new venue at Chelmsford City Racecourse near Braintree.  We set off around lunchtime on the Friday, having promised to put up my display of photos of flowers from the Dolomites.  Despite the trials of traffic, wintry weather and navigation, we arrived slightly early, and ready to spring into action.

It was a dark and stormy night…  well, it wasn’t, but it wasn’t exactly warm either; the temperature was about 4 degrees, and there was a wintery hint in the frequent blustery showers. Outside the marquee was an outdoor seating area, suggesting good times to be had at other times of year.

Busy, busy, busy

Streams of people were rushing in and out of the marquee, setting up a huge variety of nursery stands and stalls selling all manner of goods.  As a consequence, the doors were wide open, the wind rushed around the tent, and the temperature was… about 4 degrees.  Putting up the display boards and covering them with my photos was a truly alpine experience.

Alpine Garden Society event marquee on a lush green field with stadium floodlights, showcasing a venue for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant exhibitions.
Alpine Garden Society outdoor event area with black wicker seating and a racecourse in the background, showcasing a scenic setting for gardening and horticulture enthusiasts.

Never mind, heating was promised for the morning, and we were able to retire at 7pm to the warm hospitality of our old friends Doug and Lynne Joyce.

Ready for the public

Come the morning, the marquee was filled with a bewildering display of plants, cakes, honey, craft items and information stands.  Doug Joyce had kindly offered to help me with the photography by documenting the event as a whole while I focused on the show plants.  The images above, and most of those of sales stands, show views and views of the two displays are his.

Nurseries

Here are some of the nursery stands, courtesy of Doug:

  • Copton Ash Garden
  • Edroms Nursery
  • Hoyland Plant Centre
  • Lockyers Nursery
  • Plantbase Nursery
  • Pottertons Nursery

Other nurseries Doug didn’t photograph included Alex O’Sullivan, Aberconwy Nursery, Eleplants Nursery, Hartside Nursery, Jacques Amand International, Moore & Moore Plants, Riverside Bulbs, Straight Mile Nursery gardens, Monksilver Nursery, and of course the AGS Plant stall.

Vibrant display of alpine plants and flowers at the Alpine Garden Society annual plant fair, with visitors exploring various plant varieties and expert advice in a lively garden setting.
Vibrant alpine plants and gardener stalls at the Alpine Garden Society plant fair; visitors explore various hardy plants, seedlings, and gardening tools in a well-lit exhibition tent.
Vivid display of potted plants and flowering bulbs at the Alpine Garden Society booth during a plant fair or horticultural event, showcasing expert gardening supplies and rare alpine species.
Alpine garden plants display at the Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing vibrant seasonal blooms and garden accessories for enthusiasts and plant lovers.
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Vibrant display of alpine plants and garden varieties at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse flowers and horticultural products under a large white tent with visitors exploring and purchasing plants.

Information Stalls and Craft Stands

Here are some of the information and craft stands, again courtesy of Doug:

  • BCSS Southend-on-Sea Group
  • Four Seasons Hampers & Bakes (cakes)
  • Essex Hardy Plant Society
  • Hebe Society
  • The Hardy Orchid Society
  • Essex Beekeepers Association, with Maurice Bacon selling honey and bees wax
  • Zeetoona (Olive wood Products)

Other stalls Doug didn’t photograph included Beautifully Handmade Touches (vases, ceramic ducks etc), Teddy Locks (Feel Good Sole) (socks made from Recycled bottles), the Fritillaria Group, Rudi’s Homemade Chilli Jams & Chutneys, The Leaf Man Forge, Writtle Horticultural College, Candlewise (candles etc).

Before long, this end of the marquee bustled with people, despite the morning chill, and this raised spirits (and the temperature a little).

Alpine Garden Society exhibition with visitors exploring succulent and alpine plants at a horticultural event in a large tent setting.
Richly decorated cake and pastry stall at an Alpine Garden Society event within a large, bright marquee, showcasing a variety of baked goods perfect for garden gatherings and plant enthusiasts.
Alpine plants and succulents displayed at an Alpine Garden Society plant show under a large white tent. Enthusiasts browse plant displays and connect with others in a vibrant, horticultural community event.
Plants and gardening products display at Alpine Garden Society event under a large white tent with visitors browsing and purchasing.
UK Alpine Garden Society display board with wild orchids, alpine plants, and related gardening information for rock garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Alpine Garden Society stall at a garden event selling honey and local products with volunteers attending.
Firewood carving workshop showcasing handcrafted wooden bowls and sculptures at Alpine Garden Society event, highlighting botanical artistry and craftsmanship.

Flowers of the Dolomites in late June

My display of photos from the Dolomites formed a separator between the sales tables and the show proper.

Wildflower photographs showcasing alpine flora and mountain landscapes at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition.
Vivid display of alpine flowers and mountain landscapes at Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse high-altitude plants and garden photography for alpine plant enthusiasts.
Wildflower display at Alpine Garden Society event showcasing native Scottish meadow plants and alpine flowers.
Alpine Garden Society floral and mountain landscape exhibition display with vibrant wildflower photographs.
Vibrant display of alpine flowers and plants at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse mountain flora in a dedicated photography exhibit.
Vibrant alpine and garden plants exhibition display at Alpine Garden Society event showcasing wildflowers and mountain flora in a colourful, educational setting.
Vibrant display of Alpine plants and wildflowers showcased at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, highlighting diverse flora from valleys, forests, and woodlands.
Vibrant display of alpine plants and wildflowers at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing botanical photography and educational exhibits on mountain flora conservation and gardening.
Photographic display at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition showcasing wildflower and mountain landscape photography.
Photo of alpine garden society exhibition display showcasing alpine plants and flowering species in a bright, spacious indoor tent setting with informative panels and vibrant plant photographs alt text.
Vibrant alpine plant display at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition showcasing diverse wildflowers and mountain flora for gardening enthusiasts and alpine plant lovers.

Black and White Landscapes

Because we could use the backs of the boards, as well as the fronts, we had a lot more space, and I could include a panel of black and white landscapes taken in the Dolomites, which were much admired.

A collection of monochrome landscape photographs displayed at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing stunning mountain scenery and natural beauty.
Black and white photographs of mountain landscapes displayed at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing alpine plants and mountain scenery.
Alpine Garden Society photography exhibition display with black and white mountain landscape prints on blue partition walls, showcasing alpine plant habitats and mountain scenery.
Black and white landscape photography exhibition at the Alpine Garden Society event, displayed on blue partition panels showcasing mountain and garden scenery.
Vivid display of alpine and flowering plants at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition with photographic artwork in the background.

Show Benches

On the far side of my display you came to the benches containing the show classes.  Doug and I both took views of this during judging, and as the first members of the public entered.

Narcissus in flower pots at an Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition, showcasing a variety of colourful and hardy garden plants in a bright indoor setting.
Vibrant display of potted alpine flowers at a garden society exhibition, showcasing diverse colourful plants under a large marquee with visitors engaging with the displays.
Vibrant collection of flowering plants and bulbs displayed at the Alpine Garden Society show in a large, well-lit marquee with visitors admiring the plants.
Dionysias on the show bench
Alpine garden plants and displays at the Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing a variety of colourful alpine flowers in terracotta pots under a large white tent.
Alpine-garden-society-flower-show-display-cherished-plants-and-varieties-in-terracotta-pots-under-white-tent.
Yellow daffodils and colourful spring flowers in terracotta pots at Alpine Garden Society exhibition in a white marquee, with blue display boards showcasing black and white photographs, vibrant floral displays, and visitors viewing the exhibits, celebrating alpine plants and gardening.
Alpine garden society flower display at garden show, potted plants and spring blooms for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Early Spring Show view
Vibrant display of alpine plants and garden varieties at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse flowers and horticultural products under a large white tent with visitors exploring and purchasing plants.
Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition showcasing colourful potted alpine plants at a garden show in a large tent.
Vibrant display of potted alpine plants and flowers at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing rare and hardy plants in a spacious, well-lit tent with visitors exploring the exhibits.
Pink and white flowering plants in terracotta pots displayed at a gardening exhibition under a white marquee at the Alpine Garden Society.
Potted alpine plants displayed at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse colourful flowering varieties in terracotta and plastic containers.
Alpine garden society flower display with potted plants at a horticultural exhibition.
Vase garden display at Alpine Garden Society show with colourful flowering plants and garden enthusiasts viewing and discussing plant varieties in a large event tent.
Potted alpine plants display at Alpine Garden Society event in a large exhibition tent, visitors examining seasonal flowers and succulents for rock gardens and alpine landscapes, horticulture enthusiasts exploring plant varieties and gardening tips.
A colourful display of potted alpine plants and flowers at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition with visitors viewing the plants under a decorated tent.
Exquisite alpine plants in terracotta pots at Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition. Visitors admire diverse miniature flowering plants suitable for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.

After judging, and stewarding (recording the decisions made by the judges), the results need to be entered on the show computer.

Alpine Garden Society event with members discussing plants at a conference table showcasing gardening and plant conservation.

Miniature Gardens with Accessories

Near my photographic display was a TV screen featuring an image I took at the Midland show last year – one of Anne Vale’s miniature gardens, featuring a drunken gnome being told off by a fairy.  This proved an effective advert for Anne’s display of Miniature Gardens with Accessories, which received a Gold Award.  Fortunately, Doug Joyce managed to get some pictures of some of these gardens; every time I tried, it was busy with fascinated visitors.  The last image is of Anne’s latest creation, out on the show bench.

Delightful miniature garden with fairy gnomes and vibrant flowers in a pot, perfect for alpine and fairy garden enthusiasts.
Alpine garden displays with potted plants and informational materials at a plant show or exhibition.
Miniature garden display with succulents on a black table, featuring informational posters and photos about alpine gardening and garden accessories, ideal for garden shows and garden design enthusiasts.
Miniature garden scene with gardeners in a terracotta pot, showcasing creative alpine gardening and plant arrangement, representing the Alpine Garden Society's focus on alpine plants and horticultural beauty.
Miniature alpine garden in a terracotta pot with a lush green conifer, colourful crocuses, and charming garden gnome figurines, ideal for rock garden enthusiasts and alpine plant lovers.
Miniature garden bonsai with traditional Japanese accessories for alpine gardening and rock arrangements, showcasing the beauty of alpine plants in a decorative setting.
Miniature fairy garden in an alpine garden display with rocks, tiny plants, and fairy figurine, demonstrating the beauty of alpine gardening and miniature landscape design.
Model train running over a miniature stone bridge in a garden-themed setting with potted plants and blooming flowers.

AGS Sewell Medal

Ian Robertson staged a fine exhibit of six large pans of alpine plants to win the AGS Sewell Medal.

These plants are:

  • Back row: Narcissus ‘Nadder Moon’, Cypripedium formosanum, Tulipa cretica
  • Front: Cyclamen libanoticum, Cyclamen pseudibericum, Cyclamen pseudibericum f. roseum.
Bright displays of blooming cyclamen varieties showcased at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, highlighting their vibrant colours and diverse species for alpine garden enthusiasts.
Cyclamen and other spring flowering plants at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition.

Cypripedium formosanum

The Cypripedium was a fabulous plant, which would have deserved the Farrer medal (for the best plant in the show) if it had been in perfect condition.  Sadly, it must have opened unevenly; some flowers had brown tips to the petals and were looking tired.

Vanda orchids in a decorative pot, showcasing the beauty of alpine gardening and exotic plant cultivation. Perfect for specialist gardening enthusiasts and aquarium plant lovers.
Exotic Cymbidium orchid flower with white and pink speckled petals, lush green foliage, perfect for alpine garden displays and orchid enthusiasts.

Narcissus ‘Nadder Moon’

Ian’s pan of Narcissus ‘Nadder Moon’ looked great – it seemed to have matured a little since the previous weekend in South Wales – and the judges awarded it a Certificate of Merit.

Yellow daffodils blooming in a pot, perfect for spring gardens and floral displays.
Yellow daffodil flowers blooming with green leaves against a dark background, showcasing vibrant spring garden growth.
Daffodil flower in bloom with green foliage background, showcasing springtime garden beauty and floral diversity.

Cyclamen libanoticum

The last plant I photographed from Ian Robertson’s six-pan exhibit was this pot of Cyclamen libanoticum.  I think this is my favourite spring Cyclamen, with its squat, dumpy flowers in a glorious shade of pink, and the little splash of blackcurrant on their noses.

Vivid pink cyclamen flowering plant in a terracotta pot with variegated green leaves, showcasing stunning blooms and intricate foliage, ideal for gardens and indoor displays.
Cyclamen plant in a terracotta pot showcasing vibrant pink flowers and variegated green leaves, ideal for highlighting alpine gardening and cultivated flower displays.

Six small pans of Rock Plants

The AGS Medal for the small six-pan class went to Don Peace with this colourful selection.

Vibrant potted alpine flowers on display at the Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing colourful and diverse species perfect for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Iris winogradowii

I photographed Don’s pan of Iris winogradowii early on in the show; in warm show halls the petals have a tendency to shrivel up.

Yellow blooming iris in a terracotta pot with small rocks, thriving in alpine garden environments.

Primula allionii BB03/5/13

Don’s six-pan entry contained two excellent specimens of Primula allionii.  The first was this lovely seedling raised by Brian Burrow.

Primula ‘Lepus’

For me, the best plant in Don Peace’s six-pan was this neat Primula hybrid; it is desperately slow, so quite an achievement to get it to this size.

Purple primula in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant flowers for alpine gardening and succulent plant displays. Perfect for rock gardens or border planting in alpine environments.

Six pans of Rock Plants raised from Seed

The Jane Baldry Trophy, for six pans of rock plants raised from seed, went to Bob and Rannveig Wallis, for a selection including two Fritillaria, two Narcissus, a Corydalis and a Hyacinthella.

Fragrant blue and yellow alpine flowers in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition.

Narcissus bulbocodium subsp tenuifolius ex SB185

The outstanding plant in Bob and Rannveig’s six-pan was this little primrose-yellow form of Narcissus bulbocodium, later awarded a Preliminary Commendation from the RHS Alpine and Rock Garden Committee (formerly the JRGC), subject to being given a clonal name.

Yellow alpine daffodils in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring flowering plants from the Alpine Garden Society.

Asarum forbesii

The first individual plant I photographed, while judging continued, was this little Asarum in the non-competitive display exhibited by Bob Worsley.  Probably one to file as interesting rather than pretty.

Seedlings of alpine plants in a terracotta pot for Alpine Garden Society, showcasing early growth stages, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant conservation.
Erythronium 'Black Jack' flowering in a pot with dark blossoms and green foliage, perfect for alpine and rock gardens.

Hepatica yamatutai

The Essex Award for the Novice Section Aggregate went to Christine Jarvis.  Her plants included this very pretty form of Hepatica yamatutai, with magenta backs to the petals.

Hepatica yamatutai exhibited by Christine Jarvis

Hepatica japonica ‘Isari-Bi’

Christine Jarvis also showed a plant of the more familiar Hepatica japonica ‘Isari-Bi’.

Vivid pink flowering houseplant in a terracotta pot, showcasing the beauty of alpine garden plants and the diversity of hardy plants suitable for alpine gardening and cultivation.

Dionysia ‘Selene’

In the Intermediate section, Maurice Bacon showed a good plant of the Dionysia hybrid ‘Selene’, which is becoming familiar at shows.

Yellow flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms ideal for alpine gardens and container planting.

Dionysia ‘Adora’

Maurice also showed a little Dionysia under this name.  A judges’ note corrected this to the species D. odora, but I remember that Tony Stanley used to exhibit a hybrid Dionysia (D. odora x. tapetodes) with the name ‘Adora’, and looking at past photos, I am inclined to believe that this is indeed that.  Paul Ranson says that the species D. odora has paler yellow flowers, and a greyish tone to the leaves, though it is not easy to be sure of colour tone in artificial lighting conditions.

Please could someone from the Essex Group pass this discussion on to Maurice; I know he won’t read it here.

Vivid yellow Primula auricula plant in a terracotta pot, thriving in well-drained gravel soil, suitable for alpine gardening and container displays.

Callianthemum anemonoides

Still in the Intermediate section, Alex O’Sullivan exhibited two plants of Callianthemum anemonoides. These looked perhaps a little tired, but still a significant achievement.

Alpine garden flowers in a terracotta pot with gravel, showcasing hardy plants for mountain gardening.
White daisy-like alpine flowers in a terracotta pot with gravel soil, part of the Alpine Garden Society's collection of hardy mountain plants for rock gardens and alpine landscapes, UK climate gardening.
White alpine flowers in bloom, suitable for garden enthusiasts and alpine plant collectors.

Calceolaria lanigera

Alex also exhibited this striking, woolly leaved Calceolaria.

Healthy alpine plant with large green leaves in a terracotta pot, on a gravel surface.

Saxifraga alpigena

My final plant from Alex O’Sullivan is this high alpine Saxifraga from Nepal.  In cultivation it tends to elongate beyond the wonderfully tight cushions seen in the wild, but I have never photographed the species before, so I was very glad to see it.  Alex’s plants won him the Epping Trophy for the Intermediate section aggregate.

Saxifraga alpigena exhibited by Alex O'Sullivan
Delosperma White Gem, alpine gardening, hardy ground cover, Alpine Garden Society, drought-tolerant plant, white flowers, succulent, rock garden plant, low-maintenance, drought-resistant.

Pleione formosana x grandiflora

Still in the Intermediate section, Peter Hurren exhibited this pretty Pleione hybrid – another thing to photograph early, before it might deteriorate in the heat (?!) of the show hall.

Vanda orchids in a terracotta pot, showcasing delicate white and pale purple blooms with fringed lips, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and orchid collectors.
Exquisite orchid flower in a terracotta pot, showcasing the beauty of alpine plants at the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for horticultural enthusiasts and gardeners.

Narcissus ‘Oxford Gold’

The Geoff Smith Salver for the best pan of bulbs in the Novice and Intermediate sections went to Peter Hurren for this N. bulbocodium cultivar.

Yellow daffodil flowers in a terracotta pot, blooming indoors, showcasing alpine gardening and plant cultivation.
Vivid yellow daffodil in full bloom, showcasing the beauty of Alpine garden plants, with green leaves against a dark background.

Erythronium citrinum

Another genus I always photograph early, in case they deteriorate in the show hall, is Erythronium.  Though there didn’t seem to be much prospect of it warming up enough to trouble them here.  This pretty pan of the North American Erythronium citrinum came from Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Alpine Garden Society flowering plant featuring white and yellow flowers in terracotta pot for rock garden or alpine plant enthusiasts.
White and yellow alpine flowers with green leaves, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts, native to mountainous regions, delicate and vibrant, showcasing the beauty of alpine plants in bloom.

Erythronium dens-canis

Diane Clement showed an attractive pan of the European Erythronium dens-canis.  This always seems to perform much better in the open garden than in pots.

Pink flowering plant in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries, featuring vibrant pink flowers and lush green foliage for garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Vivid purple and pink wildflower with green mottled leaves, part of the Alpine Garden Society plant collection, showcasing hardy plants suitable for alpine and rock gardens.

Pleione ‘Hekla Locking Stumps’

Another Pleione came from Don Peace.  When I saw it before judging, it was covered with water droplets; it is hard to tell whether these came from the rain which was falling intermittently heavily outside, or from the spray which Don always uses to ‘freshen up’ his orchids before a show.

Pink flowering cactus plant in terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms and succulent foliage. Perfect for alpine gardens and unusual plant collections. Bright, eye-catching colour ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts.

Fritillaria ariana x bucharica

The Lingen Trophy for the best plant in a 19cm pot went to Bob Worsley for this Fritillaria hybrid.  The RARGC awarded this a Preliminary Commendation, and a Cultural Commendation for Bob.

White snowdrop flowers in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vivid white alpine flower with yellow and brown reproductive structures, close-up view showing detailed petals and surrounding green foliage, ideal for alpine gardening and succulent plant enthusiasts.

Fritillaria bucharica

Bob Worsley also exhibited a striking pan of one of the parents of the hybrid.  Sadly, the final flower spike wasn’t yet open.

Fritillaria bucharica exhibited by Bob Worsley
Fritillaria bucharica exhibited by Bob Worsley
Fritillaria bucharica exhibited by Bob Worsley

Callianthemum anemonoides

By this point, visitors filled the show hall, and I tried to confine my operations to the benches near the photography table.  Don Peace had exhibited a fine pan of Callianthemum anemonoides, though he was at pains to point out that it had been even better in previous years.

White alpine daisies in a terracotta pot with small pebbles, suitable for alpine garden displays and cultivation, close-up shot highlighting delicate white petals and vibrant yellow centers.

Pleione ‘Riah Shan’

Right next to me, the battle of Pleione ‘Riah Shan’ was resumed.  Again, first place went to Don Peace (left) with Steve Clements (right) second.  Personally, I thought Steve was unlucky.  Steve also had a second, smaller pan elsewhere in the show, which was successful.

Vibrant pink orchids in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society display, showcasing specialised alpine plants and fostering interest in gardening and plant conservation.
Vivid purple and white Cymbidium orchids in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine gardening and orchid cultivation techniques.

Ophrys tenthredinifera var villosa

The judges awarded a Certificate of Merit to Steve Clements for this fine pan of Ophrys tenthredinifera var villosa.  He also exhibited quite a number of other Ophrys species, which I intended to photograph later, but sadly that wasn’t to be.

Violet and yellow bee orchids (Ophrys apifera) in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine garden and wildflower collection for gardening enthusiasts and orchid lovers.
Violet and yellow Ophrys orchid flower with detailed petals and labellum, symbolising alpine garden plants and wildlife for orchid enthusiasts and alpine garden society members.
Bee orchid flower with pink and green sepals, close-up of blooming wild orchid, native to Europe, part of Alpine Garden Society's plant collection, showcasing unique floral structures and vibrant colours for wildflower enthusiasts.

Corydalis sewerzowii

One of the plants on the bench near me was this, the best plant in the show, winning a Farrer Medal for Peter Hood.  I didn’t take a picture of Peter with his plant – others were queuing up to do that, so here are images by Don Peace and then Doug Joyce.  At least Doug let him sit down – Don had him crouched over the plant at a most unnatural and probably uncomfortable angle, though you can’t tell that from the picture.  The Farrer comes at a price.

Yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, traditional for rock gardens, thriving in well-drained soil, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts.
Vibrant yellow Alpine flowers with green seed pods, perfect for mountain garden settings and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Alpine gardener with vibrant orange and yellow alpine plants in a terracotta pot, showcasing Alpine Garden Society's focus on mountain flora cultivation and horticultural excellence.
Vivid yellow alpine cherianthus flowers with green foliage, showcasing the unique bloom structure typical of high-altitude plants, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts.
Vibrant yellow alpine garden plant in a terracotta pot at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing rare and hardy plants for alpine gardening enthusiasts in the UK.

Dionysia aretioides

Mike Chadwick exhibited a nice dome of Dionysia aretioides, which evoked memories for me of Nigel Fuller’s huge specimen some 20 years ago, and more recently Frank Hoyle’s Farrer-winning plant.  Fortunately this one was a little smaller, and more portable.

Yellow primula in a terracotta pot, flowering plant for alpine gardens, high-altitude plant specimen, vibrant yellow blossoms, healthy and lush flowering primula, perfect for alpine and rock gardens, cultivated by Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts, gardening enthusiasts, plant collectors and alpine plant lovers.

Dionysia bryoides PMR-DZ1907/4

Now for Paul and Gill Ranson’s battalions of Dionysia.  Paul was on his own at the show and looked rather lost; Gill was babysitting their grandchildren.  Fortunately Alan Newton came to the rescue and helped Paul marshall his plants, get them on the bench, and then round them up and back in the car.  A huge effort, which brought Paul and Gill the Elliott Bowl for the Open section aggregate;  we need to credit Alan with an ’assist’.

I was interested in this D. bryoides seedling, which seemed very pale, but Paul assures me it is the straight species, which is variable, and not a hybrid.

Pink and white primula flowering plant in a terracotta pot on a dark background, showcasing vibrant alpine garden flowers.

Dionysia ‘Hale Bopp’

This little Michael Kammerlander hybrid exhibited by Paul and Gill received a Preliminary Commendation from RARGC, and Paul received a Cultural Commendation.

Yellow and white primula flowers in a clay pot surrounded by small stones, part of alpine gardening, suitable for alpine garden society gardening and plant collections, vibrant spring flowering plant, decorative garden plant, resilient in harsh conditions, suitable for rock gardens, container planting, and alpine landscapes, showcasing the beauty of alpine flora.

Dionysia microphylla GW/H1302

Moving on to slightly bigger plants (they all look the same size in the pictures), I am always glad to get a chance to photograph D. microphylla.  I think Paul grows it just for me; I love the way the flowers are raised above the cushion on short stems.

Prickly purple flowering alpine plants in a terracotta pot for rock garden or alpine garden decoration.

Dionysia tapetodes PMR10R1314/16

This D. tapetodes cultivar was raised from seed by Paul and Gill.

Vivid yellow primula flowers in a rustic terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens and container planting. Bright, cheerful blooms ideal for rock gardens and border edges.

Dionysia freitagii EGW91/6

A near perfect specimen of D. freitagii, again from Paul and Gill.  This species always flowers a little later than some of the early ones; an indication that the season is progressing fast.

Pink primula flowers in a terracotta pot, alpine garden society plant, colourful rock garden flowers for alpine planting, vibrant small flowering plant for rock gardens, relevance: high.

Dionysia tapetodes ENF 92/1

This larger D. tapetodes, scion of a cultivar raised from seed by Nigel Fuller, earned Paul and Gill a Certificate of Merit.

Yellow chrysanthemum flowers in a brown ceramic pot, vibrant garden display, lush yellow floral arrangement, alpine gardening, gardening society event, vibrant plant showcase.
Bright yellow floral display of primula plants for Alpine Garden Society.

Dionysia ‘Lycaena’

The best of Paul and Gill’s plants was, perhaps, this lovely hybrid, which received another Certificate of Merit, and a Cultural Commendation from RARGC.

Violet Primula in a terracotta pot with small decorative stones, thriving in a garden setting, showcasing vibrant flowers perfect for alpine gardening.
Violet Primula flowers in a lush garden display, showcasing vibrant colours and healthy bloom. Perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden lovers.

Saxifraga burseriana ‘Major’

There were very few large pans of saxifrage at the show.  To my eye, the best was this one from Mark Childerhouse.

White alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, garden ornamental plants, alpine plant collection, flowering succulent plants, gardening and horticulture display.
White alpine primroses (Primula acaulis) in full bloom at the Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing rare and stunning mountain plants for rock garden enthusiasts.

Saxifraga ‘Lyda’

It was a great pleasure to meet David Hoare at the show, and even more to see him exhibiting plants – it is a long time since I last saw him.  David brought some Porophyllum saxifrages in smaller pots, first the lovely magenta hybrid ‘Lyda’.

Violet Alpine rock garden plant in terracotta pot, vibrant pink flowers, suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries, low-maintenance flowering plant, perfect for garden enthusiasts.

Saxifraga ‘Sherlock Holmes’

For contrast, here is a fine plant of a yellow saxifrage hybrid, also from David Hoare.

Bright green succulent plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine gardening and interesting succulent varieties for outdoor and indoor use.

Saxifraga x cinerea TJR 615/1

And a white one, this time from Mark Childerhouse.

White flowering rock cress plant in terracotta pot for alpine gardening and rock garden display.

Hepatica japonica ‘Koshi-no-Mabaroshi’

This little Hepatica from Bob Worsley was very attractive in close up.

Primula marginata in a terracotta pot, showcasing delicate white and pink flowers with vibrant green foliage, part of Alpine Garden Society plant collection.
Alpine violet flowers with soft pink and white petals, displayed in a close-up image for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts.

Hepatica japonica

Another Hepatica japonica from Bob Worsley, not very different from ‘Isari-Bi’, but the colour was a bit brighter and a bit redder.

Pink alpine cress flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms ideal for alpine garden displays. Perfect for rock gardens and container gardening enthusiasts.
Pink bower of vibrant alpine flowers, delicate petals, bright yellow stamens, lush green foliage, thriving in woodland garden setting, cultivated for alpine and rockery landscapes, colourful addition to garden borders, perfect for enthusiasts of alpine plant collection, garden plant in full bloom, landscape design featuring hardy perennial flowers, bloom diversity at Alpine Garden Society, gardening inspiration for cold climate plant enthusiasts.

Paeonia mascula subsp russoi

I loved this peony from Alan Blackman. The cultivar name ‘Reverchonii’ seems to be used for this colour form, with red stems and red-backed leaves, though this specimen was seed-raised.

Vibrant pink alpine poppy with yellow stamens in a black pot against a grey background, showcasing Alpine Garden Society's collection of hardy plants.
Pink alpine flower with vibrant yellow stamens, cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society, showcasing the beauty of mountain flora.
Vivid pink peony flower blooming with yellow stamens and lush green leaves, showcasing alpine garden flora for botanical enthusiasts and garden designers.
Pink alpine poppy flower with vibrant yellow stamens, close-up shot highlighting delicate petals and green foliage, perfect for alpine gardening and flower enthusiasts.

Ranunculus crithmifolius

Don Peace exhibited this tricky New Zealand buttercup in the seed-raised classes.

Vibrant yellow flower of an alpine plant growing in gravel, suited for rock gardens and alpine gardening Enthusiastic Alpine Garden Society member cultivating hardy alpine plants in well-drained gravel soil Close-up of a resilient yellow alpine flower with textured grey-green leaves, ideal for rock gardens, alpine rewilding, and botanical collections The image is relevant to alpine gardening and rock plant enthusiasts, showcasing hardy flowering plants suitable for specialised gardens and climate conditions.

Mammillaria hahniana

This large pan of Mammillaria from Anne Vale seemed to have a halo, as the fine spikes were backlit with light from the windows.

Alpine cactus collection in terracotta pot, diverse small fuzzy cacti perfect for rock gardens and alpine plant displays.
Clustering of small, round, white furry cacti in a terracotta pot, ideal for alpine and succulent gardens. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts in the Alpine Garden Society.

Benthamiella patagonica F&W9345

When this was first introduced, it made regular appearances on the show bench, but we see it far less frequently now.  This large cushion earned a Certificate of Merit for Mark Childerhouse.

Lycopodium clavatum moss plant in a terracotta pot for alpine gardening and rockery displays.
Dense green alpine plants with needle-like foliage, ideal for rock gardens and alpine environments. Perfect for enthusiasts of alpine gardening and succulent landscapes.

Narcissus ‘Cartledge’

I have loved this little Narcissus bulbocodium hybrid from Bob and Rannveig Wallis since I first photographed it at the South West show as N. triandrus x. bulbocodium, where it received a Preliminary Commendation.

Yellow daffodil flowers in terracotta pot, alpine garden society, perennial plants, spring bloom, garden gardening, outdoor floral decor, horticulture enthusiasts, plant care, flower arrangement, natural beauty, plant exhibition, gardening community, botanical enthusiasts, seasonal planting, flower gardening, landscape design, outdoor garden, floral display, plant lovers, horticultural show.
Bright yellow daffodil blossom showcasing alpine garden flowers, spring bloom, and vibrant garden plants for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts.

Fritillaria ‘Lentune Fox’

This fine hybrid Fritillaria was raised and exhibited by Don Peace.

Yellow alpine primula flowers in a terracotta pot for alpine gardening enthusiasts, showcasing early spring bloomers from the Alpine Garden Society.
Yellow summer-flowering crocuses in a garden setting, showcasing vibrant blooms and lush green foliage for botanical and gardening enthusiasts.

Fritillaria kurdica

Bob and Rannveig Wallis exhibited this plant under an unexpected name.  I assume this is the plant which used to be grown as F. crassifolia subsp. kurdica, raised to specific level.

Fritillaria meleagris (Snake's Head Fritillary) flowering in a terracotta pot with green leaves and distinctive checkered petals, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and succulent plant lovers.
Violet Fritillaria imperialis flowering plant in a garden container, vibrant and attractive for alpine garden enthusiasts, showcasing unique botanical beauty.
Bright yellow and purple striped alpine flower with green foliage, showcasing a rare plant variety for alpine garden enthusiasts.

Iris chrysopetala

A lovely yellow iris from Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Yellow flowering orchids from the Alpine Garden Society collection, showcasing vibrant blooms and lush green foliage. Ideal for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden collectors.
Yellow iris flower showcasing vibrant petals and green foliage, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Yellow Iris flower with green leaves, part of the Alpine Garden Society's collection, showcasing vibrant alpine plants for gardening enthusiasts.

Tulipa regelii

I waited all day for the flowers on this tulip, exhibited by Bob and Rannveig Wallis, to get warm enough to open… and they did (just).

Delphinium flower blooming in a terracotta pot with green leaves and rocky soil.
White and yellow alpine flower blooming in a garden setting, with green foliage and a rocky soil bed, showcasing alpine plant beauty and flower cultivation for gardeners and horticulturists.

I had several more plants I wanted to photograph, but at about 2.30pm my legs suddenly decided they had done enough marching up and down, and my race was run for the day.  So I stopped taking photos quite a while before the end of the show – a rare event. I was spent.

After sitting down chatting for most of an hour, I was able to summon up enough energy to take down the photographic display with Helen.  But by the time we had got it all put away in boxes, and the display boards back in their bags, it was almost beyond us to carry everything the length of the marquee to get it in the car.

This was a new show venue, and there were a few issues with the show which will need sorting out for next year.  But there were a huge number of visitors, and the show was a great success despite the cold.  We should congratulate show secretaries Anne and Steve Vale, all their helpers from the local groups, and to the race-course and its staff for a magnificent event.  Thanks also to those who gave lectures, judged, stewarded and exhibited.  I hope to see you all again next year; let’s hope the gods are kinder with the weather.

Read previous entries at The Photographers Diary

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