AGS Loughborough Autumn Show 2023

This year it was easy for me to appear early at the AGS Loughborough Autumn Show.  Instead of making the long early morning drive from Surrey, we travelled up on the Friday and spent the night with family in Nottingham.  This allowed a leisurely alarm at 7am, and a relaxed ...(more below)
October 10, 2023
AGS Editor
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This year it was easy for me to appear early at the AGS Loughborough Autumn Show.  Instead of making the long early morning drive from Surrey, we travelled up on the Friday and spent the night with family in Nottingham.  This allowed a leisurely alarm at 7am, and a relaxed 30 minute drive.

Nevertheless, the show seemed to have crept up on me unawares; I spent the whole day in a state of mild confusion.  To start with, I had forgotten the piece of paper telling me which classes I planned to enter my plants in.  Things just got worse from there.  It is a wonder I managed to record the exhibitors’ names for all the plants I photographed.

Artistic Section

By the time I had staged my plants, had a quick look round the plant stalls, and set up my camera gear, judging had already started.  In fact, the artistic judges had already finished, so I could photograph the entries.  I seem to have missed one class; I guess it was on the back of the boards facing the wall, and I didn’t find it.  But it was exciting to see four artists competing in these classes.

Primula vulgaris

I was particularly glad to see a cross-stitch rendering of Primula vulgaris, exhibited by Georgina Instone.  We have only seen very occasional pieces of needlework exhibited, mainly by Liz Livermore, since Jean Morris retired from exhibiting at the end of 2017.

Primula vulgaris cross-stitch embroidery depicting yellow primrose flowers with green leaves, showcasing alpine garden plant art and hobby craft for plant enthusiasts.

Rosemary Walker

Rosemary is a new exhibitor this year, who entered a number of paintings and drawings.  These need more finesse to compete with long-established exhibitors like Rannveig Wallis, but we all need to start somewhere.

Purple crocus flower with green leaves and yellow flower in rocky garden setting, botanical illustration, alpine garden society, hand-drawn artwork for rock garden plant enthusiasts and alpine plant collection SEO relevance.
Primula marginata botanical illustration, alpine flower sketch, detailed artwork of alpine primula, flowering plant for garden, mountain flora artwork for collection.
Purple bell-shaped flowers watercolor painting, featuring delicate floral details and soft pastel background, perfect for botanical and garden art collections.
Alpine garden plant illustrations featuring Sempervivum and Primula species, showcasing detailed botanical drawings for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vivid illustration of Gentiana verna with bright blue flowers, green leaves, and rocky terrain, showcasing alpine plants suitable for mountain gardens and rockeries. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Sandra Clements

Sandra is another exhibitor who has entered for the first time this year.  I particularly liked her ink drawing of Dionysia esfandiarii, and the painting of Ophrys ariadne in a creative style.  The first two images are of a digital art design featuring Hepatica jamatutai and Hepatica pubescens, which is intended as a repeat pattern for fabric.

Digital art of Hepatica and Hepatica purpurea plants with a repeat pattern design for botanical illustration, showcasing the distinct leaf and flower structures for garden enthusiasts.
Alpine garden society plant illustrations on green background, showcasing flowering alpine plants for garden enthusiasts.
Pink orchid illustration, botanical artwork showcasing floral design for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts and botanical artists.
Vivid illustration of an orchid with a face-like pattern, showcasing unique and exotic alpine plants at the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and botanical gardens.
Vivid black and white illustration of a flowering plant from the Alpine Garden Society collection, showcasing detailed line work and botanical accuracy.

Stephen Shelley

Our third new exhibitor is Stephen Shelley.  My apologies to him that I failed to photograph one of his entries.  His botanical drawing of Crocus vernus in pen and ink was very crisp and nicely composed.

Filenames: alpine-garden-society-flowers-illustration.jpg.
Detailed botanical sketch of Crocus Vernus (Iridaceae) showing flower structure, parts, leaf insertion, and root system, ideal for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden design.
Wildflower illustration of a hosta plant with blooms, nature, botanical art, gardening, horticulture, landscape, floral, perennial, plant species, garden aesthetics.

Rannveig Wallis

However, all these new exhibitors will have to work hard to reach the standard of veteran exhibitor Rannveig Wallis.  Her two three-painting entries were both exquisite, and won her the Thorpe Trophy for the aggregate in the artistic section.  In addition, her painting of Galanthus plicatus won the Art & Craft Trophy for the best piece of painting, drawing or needlework.  I think perhaps I preferred the Crocus.

Iris rosenbachiana botanical illustration for alpine garden enthusiasts and rare plant collectors.
Purple alpine flowers, Triteleia laxa, illustrated for alpine gardening and plant enthusiasts, highlighting the beauty of native wildflowers in garden landscapes.
Delphinium sezworzii botanical illustration showcasing detailed flower and leaf structure, perfect for alpine gardening and plant enthusiasts.
Delicate Galanthus plicatus snowdrop drawing, showcasing early spring flowering plant with slender green leaves and nodding white flowers, ideal for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden collectors.
Iris caucasica flowering plant illustration for Alpine Garden Society features.
Violet Crocus biporus subsp isauricus blooming among rocks, alpine garden illustration, showcasing early spring crocus flowers for alpine gardening and plant enthusiasts.

Once I had photographed the artistic entries, I checked my studio set-up.  No time for views of the benches; I needed to photograph the crocuses the moment judging finished.  The early morning sunshine was already fading, and I was worried they would close.

Autumn Flowering Narcissus

In order to try things out, I photographed three daffodils I brought along to try to get them identified.  In vain; the other exhibitors seem confused about the current nomenclature.  Just as I was when I explored various different accounts in the days before the show.  However, here are plants which came to me labelled Narcissus miniatus, N. serotinus and N. obsoletus (which I suspect should now be N. deficiens).

Delicate alpine flowers in a small pot, showcasing rare plants cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society.
White alpine flower with golden centre, in a pot, highlighting alpine gardening and plant cultivation.
White flower with orange centre on a tall green stem, isolated against a grey background, depicting alpine garden plants.
White alpine flower with a striking orange and yellow centre on a dark background, showcasing alpine gardening, wildflower, and botanical beauty.

Narcissus elegans

For comparison, here is Bob and Rannveig Wallis’ much better plant of the more distinct Narcissus elegans.

Alpine Garden Society Narcissus panizzicii flowering in a terracotta pot with gravel, showcasing alpine bulb cultivation and hardy plant gardening techniques.
White alpine daffodil flowers with green stems on a dark background, showcasing alpine garden plant species suitable for rock gardens and mountainous terrain.
White flowering plant with star-shaped blooms, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing early blooming flowers.

Ipheion hirtellum

Judging had not quite finished, so here is my own pan of Ipheion hirtellum.  It was lovely the previous morning when I put it in the car; sadly the stems had drawn and flopped with one day enclosed.  The sun helped capture some of the beauty which made me bring it.  But this was the very last picture I took with sunshine all day.

Yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot with gravel soil, showcasing alpine gardening for enthusiasts.
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Bright yellow alpine flower with dark red streaks on petals, showcasing unique mountain flora, against a plain dark background.
Yellow alpine flower blooming in a garden setting, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts and garden society members.
Yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot on a black background, highlighting succulent plant cultivation and alpine garden gardening tips.

Crocus niveus

Crocus niveus is a species we see in a variety of shades. Here is a near white form from Ian Robertson, and another nice lilac and white form from Don Peace.

Delicate white crocus flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardening and suitable for rock gardens and flower beds.
Violet crocus flowers in terracotta pot, alpine garden society, rock garden plants, early spring bloom, delicate purple petals with white accents, drought-tolerant alpine plants for containers and rock gardens.
White crocus flowers in bloom with orange stamens, soil background, vibrant early spring flowering plant at Alpine Garden Society event.

Crocus goulimyi ‘Dirou’

Ian Robertson staged a large pan of a neat, purple clone of Crocus goulimyi.

Purple crocus flowering in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens.
Violet crocus flowers in bloom, showcasing vibrant purple petals and bright yellow stamens, ideal for alpine gardening and rockery displays.
Violet crocus flowers with yellow stamens blooming in a garden bed, vivid purple petals, springtime flowering, perfect for alpine gardens, early bloomers, garden horticulture, seasonal flowering plants, bold floral display.

Crocus goulimyi var. leucanthus

I loved this pale lilac form from Bob and Rannveig Wallis – so graceful and delicate.

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Purple crocuses blooming in terracotta pot with grey gravel mulch for alpine gardening at alpinegardensociety.net.

Crocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii f. albus El Torcal

This crocus clone is famed because of the large, Farrer-winning pan of it which Robert Rolfe used to exhibit.  Here, Ian Robertson exhibited a smaller, but still pleasing pan.

White crocus flowers in a terracotta pot, blooming in early spring, highlighting alpine garden flora and gardening tips for rock gardens and small garden planting.
Crocus flower blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing its white petals and vibrant yellow stamens against a black background.

Crocus serotinus var albus

Although not the treasured clone, this white form of Crocus serotinus exhibited by Bob and Rannveig Wallis was very similar.

White crocus flowers in terracotta pot, alpine garden society, early spring flowering plants, delicate white petals, vibrant orange stamens, garden gardening, alpine flora, indoor plant display, botanical collection, gardening enthusiasts.
White alpine crocuses blooming in terracotta pot on dark background, showing delicate petals and bright yellow-orange stamens, symbolising alpine garden beauty and resilience.

Crocus mathewii ‘Brian Mathew’

However, everyone’s pick of the crocuses was this form of Crocus mathewii, with its deep purple throat, yellow anthers and bright orange stigma.  Ian Robertson exhibited two pans of it.  The larger one won him the Farrer Medal, and an Award of Merit from the Joint Rock Garden Committee.

White crocus flowers in terracotta pot with gravel soil, showcasing alpine plant varieties. Perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and rock garden designs.
White crocus flowers with vibrant purple and orange stamens on rocky soil, showcasing alpine gardening and early spring blooms.
Delicate white crocus flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring garden beauty and alpine plant varieties for enthusiasts.
White crocus flowers blooming in a garden bed with gravel soil, part of the Alpine Garden Society's plant collection, showcasing early flowering bulbs for alpine gardens and rockeries, perfect for garden enthusiasts and collectors of hardy crocus species, UK-based alpine gardening enthusiasts, and botanical hobbyists.
White alpine crocus flowers blooming in rocky soil, showcasing vibrant orange pollen and dark purple centers, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and rockery plants.

Sternbergia greuteriana

This year, the cold spell in August triggered early flowering in many autumn bulbs.  Perhaps as a result, there were no large pans of Sternbergia on the show bench.  Certainly my own plants all flowered early and sparsely in the first half of September.  However, Henry Fletcher managed to conjure a pleasing small pan of Sternbergia greuteriana, which won the Minera Trophy for the best bulbous plant in the Novice or Intermediate section.

Yellow flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot, suited for rock gardens and alpine environments, showcasing vibrant colour and hardy growth.
Bright yellow alpine flowers in bloom, showcasing the beauty of hardy plants cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden lovers.

Sternbergia species ex Iran

Don Peace exhibited an intriguing Sternbergia species from Iran.  Despite much discussion, there was little consensus about its identity, and Don went off to delve deeper into the literature.

Yellow crocus flowers blooming in a terracotta pot with gravel soil for alpine gardening, part of the Alpine Garden Society collection, showcasing hardy, early spring blooms for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Yellow alpine flower in bloom in a garden setting, showcasing vibrant colour and delicate petals. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and those interested in alpine plant cultivation.

Empodium elongatum

For most people, Empodium had also finished flowering; certainly Bob and Rannveig Wallis’ Farrer-winning pan was over the previous week.  However, I was lucky to get a late-emerging pan of this species (formerly grown in the UK as E. flexile).  This little pot filled the car with a citrus scent on our journey up to Nottingham the previous day.  Nevertheless, it was fortunate to be awarded a first over the Lachenalia maughanii shown below.

Yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, alpine gardening, hardy plants, garden flowers, alpine plant collection.
Yellow Alpine Garden Society flowering plants in a terracotta pot with gravel, showcasing vibrant blooms perfect for rock gardens and alpine collections.

Empodium flexile

Smaller still was a tiny form of Empodium flexile (formerly grown as E. plicatum) exhibited by David Carver.  Nearly all the material in this country is one clone derived from plants obtained by Harry Hay. This seemed different, and reminded me of plants I saw a few years ago, collected and grown by Bill Squire.  David won the Marjorie Dudfield Cup for the Intermediate section aggregate.

Yellow alpine plant seedlings in a terracotta pot with gravel, showcasing alpine garden flora.
Alpine plants in a terracotta pot with rocky soil, suitable for alpine gardening and rock gardens.

Lachenalia corymbosa

David Carver also exhibited a lovely small pot of Lachenalia corymbosa.  This form has upright racemes of flowers, and was previously Polyxena brevifolia.  Other exhibitors usually refer to it as Lachenalia corymbosa ‘racemose form’.  It is very different from the normal form which was Polyxena corymbosa.  The last image is of this – a wonderful pan shown by RHS Wisley, back when Paul Cumbleton was in charge of the Rock Garden section there.

Pink and white striped alpine flowers in bloom, showcasing the beauty of garden plants cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society.
Vibrant striped pink and white flowers of an alpine plant, showcasing the beauty of alpine gardening and plant species suitable for rockeries and mountain gardens.
Pink mountain saxifrage flowers in a terracotta pot, thriving in alpine garden settings, showcasing vibrant colour and hardy plant varieties suitable for rock gardens and high-altitude landscapes., Alpine garden society, mountain saxifrage flowers in terracotta pot, hardy rock garden plant, alpine landscape, vibrant flowering plant for high-altitude gardens.

Lachenalia maughanii

Bob and Rannveig Wallis exhibited another Lachenalia, this time L. maughanii which produces tight clusters of white flowers in a little cup formed by the leaves.  I have never found either Lachenalia corymbosa or L. maughanii easy to grow.

Daffodil bulbs with white flowers in a terracotta pot, planted in gravel for the Alpine Garden Society.
White hyacinth flowers blooming among green leaves, suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries.
White hyacinth flower blooming with green leaves, showcasing vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant collectors interested in hardy, flowering plants.

Colchicum boissieri

There were several pans of Colchicum, but most had flopped in the heat of the hall.  This deep violet form of C. boissieri, exhibited by Bob and Rannveig, was a welcome exception.

Violet alpine flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing the beauty of alpine plants for garden enthusiasts and collectors.

Colchicum stevenii

This little Colchicum, also exhibited by Bob and Rannveig, always appeals to me.  I have tried to grow it several times without success.

Pink colchicum blooming in a terracotta pot for alpine gardening display at Alpine Garden Society.
Purple crocus flowers in a garden pot, vibrant spring bloom suitable for alpine gardening and bulb cultivation. Perfect for alpine garden society enthusiasts and plant lovers.

Bukiniczia cabulica

In the Novice section, Sue Bedwell exhibited this curious foliage plant.  I am sure I have photographed the same thing at Kew under the name Dictyolimon macrorrhabdos, but curiously, looking in the online nomenclature databases, the two do not appear to be synonyms.

Rosa afghanica, a resilient alpine plant with variegated green and silver leaves, propagated for alpine gardening enthusiasts seeking unique and hardy plants.

Hyacinthoides ciliolata

Mike Acton won the Wirral Trophy for the Novice section aggregate with plants including this little blue Hyacinthoides.  But it was the foliage of his Hepatica japonica ‘Blue Sandan’ which won the Crosshall Goblet for the best plant in the section.

Blue-purple alpine garden plant in terracotta pot with small stones, showcasing hardy flora for high-altitude gardening, part of the Alpine Garden Society collection.
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Heuchera plant with vibrant green, patterned leaves, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing the beauty of hardy perennials. Perfect for enthusiasts and collectors interested in alpine plant species.

Mammillaria gracilis ‘Arizona Snowcap’

Colin Sykes exhibited this eye-catching cactus in the Intermediate section.

Clustering small white-spined cacti in a terracotta pot with gravel, showcasing succulent plant care and desert gardening.
Cactus plant with white spines in a rocky desert setting for alpine gardening and succulent collection enthusiasts.

Sedum furfuraceum

This Sedum exhibited by Carol Kellett attracted the eye of the show reporter.

Succulent plant in terracotta pot, suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants for alpine garden enthusiasts.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Green Pearl’

Although there were several plants on the show bench bearing berries, this conifer exhibited by David Carver won the Leicester Group Trophy for the best pan in cone, seed, fruit, or autumn coloured foliage.

Green and reddish alpine conifer in a terracotta pot against a dark background, suitable for rock gardens and alpine collections. Perfect for showcasing hardy mountain plants.

Cystopteris dickieana

Don Peace won the fern class with this fresh green specimen.

Fern in a terracotta pot with rocky soil, showcasing lush green foliage, ideal for alpine gardening and shade-loving plants.
Fern plant in terracotta pot at Alpine Garden Society, highlighting alpine gardening and fern cultivation.

Pyrrosia

Don Peace also entered a three-pan exhibit of three different species of Pyrrosia.  These are Pyrrosia drakeana, P. hastata and P. sheareri.  The second of these received a Preliminary Commendation from the Joint Rock Committee.

New_Gardening_Foliage_Indoor_Plant.jpg.
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Fugongia gigantea, a popular alpine plant, in a terracotta pot showcasing its unique, spiny leaves suitable for alpine gardening and succulent collections.
Aloe polyphylla succulent plant in a terracotta pot, thriving with thick, fleshy green and brown leaves, suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries, perfect for desert or drought-tolerant landscapes.

Paesia scaberula

Sue Bedwell exhibited this graceful, feathery species – always a favourite of mine.

Ferns, alpine garden society, alpine plants, gardening, horticulture, potted fern, green foliage, outdoor gardening, botanical, plant care, garden enthusiast.
Fern frond, lush green, delicate foliage, popular in alpine gardens, thrives in shaded areas, ideal for moss gardens, and rockeries, native to mountainous regions, supporting the Alpine Garden Society's plant collection.

Blechnum penna-marina subsp alpinum

Another Preliminary Commendation, and a Certificate of Merit went to this fern exhibited by Michael Wilson.

Dense green fern in a terracotta pot, showcasing lush foliage typical of alpine garden plants, ideal for rock gardens and shaded alpine garden features.

Flower arrangement

There are two classes for flower arrangements at this show, one of which is for foliage and shrubs with no flowers allowed.  David Carver won both classes.  I particularly liked the face he created in the foliage arrangement.

Blue and pink floral arrangement in a dark green vase with a plain dark background.
Discover stunning alpine plants and garden arrangements at the Alpine Garden Society, promoting passion for mountain plants, rock gardening, and alpine flora conservation.

Gentiana scabra

By far the most eye-catching gentian at the show was this one from John Savage.  But it did not meet with the approval of the judges, who felt it was too easy to obtain and grow.

Vibrant blue and white Canterbury Bells flowers, showcasing alpine garden beauty and floral elegance. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and flower lovers.

Petrocosmea longianthera-thermopunctata complex

As always at these autumn shows, Dave Mountfort exhibited a fine plant of this Petrocosmea with the curious and unwieldy name.

Violet blue flowering primula plant in a black pot, showcasing vibrant blossoms and lush green foliage, ideal for alpine gardening and indoor displays.

Saxifraga cortusifolia ‘Tini’

There were several of these autumn-flowering saxifrages.  John Savage exhibited this red one.

Pink flowering African violet (Saintpaulia) with vibrant blooms and lush green leaves, perfect for alpine garden displays and houseplant collections.
Pink flowering plant with vibrant petals and yellow centres, showcasing alpine garden beauty.

Saxifraga fortunei ‘Eiga’

The Saxifraga Group Salver went to Don Peace for this plant, which was so successful at the autumn shows last year.

Pink flowering plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms and lush green leaves, ideal for alpine gardens and container planting.
Vivid pink primula flowers with yellow centres in a lush garden setting, showcasing vibrant alpine flora.

Caryopteris x clandonensis Pink

John Savage exhibited a pretty pink shrub which I have not photographed before.

Pink flowering mountain mint plant, vibrant green foliage, cultivated for ornamental gardening, herbaceous perennial, attracts pollinators, ideal for alpine and rock gardens, RHS recommended for temperate climates.
Pink flowering plant with fringed petals and rounded buds, set against a dark background. Perfect for alpine gardens and ornamental use, showcasing delicate, soft pink blooms and lush green foliage.

Spiranthes cernua ‘Chadds Ford’

This American Ladies’ Tresses orchid is a familiar staple of the autumn shows (now apparently considered to be a hybrid ‘x bightensis’).  Steve Clements exhibited two fine pots of it.

Alpine garden society white flowering plants, mountain flora, hardy native plants, botanical garden display, nature enthusiasts outdoor plants.
Alpine garden society white flowering plants, alpine plants in bloom, gardening, floral display, outdoor plant gardening.

Pterostylis coccina

But the pick of the orchids, considered for the Farrer medal, was this Australian species from Bob and Rannveig Wallis, which received a Certificate of Merit.

Rare stripe-patterned orchids in a terracotta pot showcasing unique botanical varieties at the Alpine Garden Society.
Striking striped exotic flowers with elongated petals and thin curved seed pods, showcasing unique alpine plant diversity and detailed botanical features.
Giant Himalayan lily flower with elongated petals and striking stripes, native to alpine regions, showcasing unique alpine garden flora.

Oxalis perdicaria

The Pterostylis was in a large three-pan with a large pan of Hyacinthoides ciliolata and this Oxalis, which together helped Bob and Rannveig win the Derby Group Trophy for the Open section aggregate.

Bright yellow pansies blooming in a traditional terracotta pot, perfect for alpine garden displays and outdoor gardening enthusiasts.

Allium callimischon subsp haemostictum

Every year, at one of the autumn shows, I photograph a pan of this Allium, because the tiny individual flowers are so beautifully marked.  Georgina Instone exhibited this one.

Alpine Garden Society plant in terracotta pot with small white and pink flowers and green grass, suitable for rock gardens and alpine environments.
Alpine Garden Society wildflowers, close-up of white and pink blossoms with distinctive markings, illustrating alpine plant beauty and diversity.
White alpine flowers with brown spots in bloom set against a dark background, illustrating alpine plant species for garden enthusiasts and collectors.

Cyclamen cilicium

Although many familiar Cyclamen we normally see at the autumn shows were already over (in particular Ian Robertson’s champion C. graecum anatolicum), nevertheless Cyclamen pink dominated the show benches.  I found this little C. cilicium from Bob Worsley very attractive.

Pink and white cyclamen flowers in a terracotta pot, highlighting alpine plants for gardening and plant enthusiasts.

Cyclamen hederifolium

One of the highlights of the Intermediate section was this little C. hederifolium from Sue Bedwell.

Violet and pink cyclamen flowers in a pot, showcasing alpine gardening.
Cyclamen plant with vibrant pink flowers and green foliage, ideal for alpine and garden enthusiasts.

Cyclamen intaminatum

Cyclamen intaminatum is always delicate and lovely.  This pan exhibiting variation when grown from seed belonged to Ian Instone.

Alpine cyclamen in a terracotta pot with lush green leaves and delicate white flowers, ideal for Alpine Garden Society displays, rock gardens, and container gardening in the UK.

Cyclamen rohlfsianum

I was pleased with my own plant of C. rohlfsianum.  This year, for the first time, this has produced flowers from underneath, as well as from the centre of the tuber.

Bright pink cyclamen flowers in a pot, showcasing alpine garden plant varieties for hardy, low-maintenance gardening. Ideal for alpine, rock or container gardens.

Cyclamen graecum subsp graecum

Two small plants of C. graecum in contrasting colours from Ian Robertson and Bob and Rannveig Wallis respectively.  Both delightful.

Vivid pink cyclamen flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine garden plants for shaded rock gardens. Perfect for gardeners interested in rare and decorative alpine plants and cultivation tips.
Pink cyclamen flowers in a terracotta pot, highlighting alpine garden plants and winter flowering bulbs for gardening enthusiasts.
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Cyclamen confusum ‘Raspberry’

This raspberry-pink form of Cyclamen confusum belonged to Ian Robertson.  A fabulous colour, and many people’s choice for best cyclamen at the show.

Pink Cyclamen in a clay pot, a popular alpine plant for gardens and containers, showcasing vibrant flowers symbolising beauty and resilience, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Pink Cyclamen in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms perfect for alpine gardens and rockery displays, emphasizing hardy, low-maintenance plants for alpine garden enthusiasts.
Pink Cyclamen flowers thriving in rocky soil, showcasing vibrant colours and delicate petals, ideal for alpine gardening and greenhouse displays.

Cyclamen africanum

However, the judges awarded the Nottingham Group Trophy for the Best Cyclamen to this large and graceful Cyclamen africanum, also exhibited by Ian Robertson.

Cyclamen in a terracotta pot with gravel soil, showcasing delicate pink and purple flowers, ideal for alpine gardening and rock gardens.
Violet cyclamen in a terracotta pot, thriving in rocky soil, showcasing alpine garden planting ideas, ideal for alpine plant enthusiasts and collectors, perfect for alpine garden shows and display.
Albino Cyclamen flower close-up, vibrant white petals with purple accents in ceramic pot, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and collectors of hardy flowering plants.
Elegant white and pink wildflower with delicate petals, part of the alpine flora, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing the beauty of mountain plants.

That’s all the photos I have.  As usual I ran out of time, not plants.  It seemed a long drive back home, in heavy traffic because the M40 was closed.  My thanks to all who made the show possible, including hard-working local group members, nurserymen, exhibitors, judges and visitors.  The filled rolls and cups of tea were excellent.

Read previous entries at The Photographers Diary

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