AGS Midland Show 2025

No-one knew quite what to expect with the Midland show moving to the Malvern showground.  The new venue is much larger, and a quite different event was planned, along the lines of the show at Braintree race course. Helen and I drove up on Friday morning because I had been ...(more below)
May 15, 2025
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No-one knew quite what to expect with the Midland show moving to the Malvern showground.  The new venue is much larger, and a quite different event was planned, along the lines of the show at Braintree race course.

Helen and I drove up on Friday morning because I had been asked to put up my display of photographs which had appeared previously at the South Wales show. The weather was sunny, the roads were flowing well, and cowslips and Hawthorn were now in full bloom, with occasional purple spikes of Early Purple Orchids – Orchis mascula.

By early afternoon we had arrived at the Malvern showground, and were discussing where the display should be put up.  It took the two of us, working efficiently together, three hours to put up the display boards, and then arrange all the photos on them.  But we left before the gates closed, and had a good meal at a local pub and a comfortable night in the Premier Inn.

Views of the Show

By the time we arrived the following morning, the benches were filling up, and there was plenty to do.  Over 400 plants were staged, providing an excellent display, though this pales in comparison to the shows 20 years ago, when I can remember the benches creaking with well over 1000 plants at one Midland show.

Vivid display of potted alpine plants showcased at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition in a spacious indoor venue.
Vivid display of alpine plants in various pots at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse rock garden plants and miniature flowering varieties for enthusiasts.
Colorful display of potted alpine plants at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse flowers and foliage in an indoor exhibition setting.
Vibrant potted alpine plants displayed at a gardening exhibition, showcasing colourful flowers and lush greenery for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Colourful variety of potted garden plants and flowers at an Alpine Garden Society indoor exhibition in a bright, well-lit venue with visitors browsing the displays.
Vibrant alpine plants and miniature trees displayed at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition in an indoor setting.
A variety of colourful flowering plants displayed in terracotta pots at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition.
Colorful alpine flowers displayed in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse plants and blooms perfect for rock gardens and mountainous landscapes.
Vibrant display of potted flowers and plants at an Alpine Garden Society plant show, showcasing diverse alpine species in an indoor horticultural exhibition.
Vibrant display of alpine plants at a garden show, showcasing various bulbous, cushion, and rock garden species for plant enthusiasts and collectors.
Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition showcasing colourful alpine plant displays and garden enthusiasts at an indoor event in the UK.
Alpine garden plants display at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, featuring vibrant seasonal flowers and hardy plants in terracotta pots.
Vibrant display of alpine plants at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse hardy flora in pots for rock gardens and mountainous landscapes.
Vibrant display of potted alpine plants at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing colourful flowering varieties for outdoor gardening enthusiasts.
Vibrant array of potted alpine plants and flowers displayed at an Alpine Garden Society event in a bright indoor setting for garden enthusiasts and plant lovers.
Vibrant potted alpine plants displayed at the Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing diverse species for rock gardens and alpine collections.

Mountain Landscapes in Black and White

I thought my exhibit of photos looked pretty good along one end of the show area, and enhanced the show.  The judges decided they wouldn’t judge it, as it was the same material which I had put up at South Wales.  Fortunately, I had anticipated this, and had brought my Large Gold Award from the previous show to put up on the boards.

Blue exhibition display board showcasing Alpine Garden Society photographs and information, ideal for mountain landscape enthusiasts and garden visitors.
Vibrant indoor exhibition of alpine plants and garden photography displayed on blue boards, showcasing gardening and plant appreciation at the Alpine Garden Society event.
Alpine Garden Society plant display with potted spring flowers and garden photography exhibit at an indoor event in the UK.
Vivid display of alpine plants and flowers in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society event with exhibits and informational displays for gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

The exhibitors, and visitors to the show, most of whom had not seen it at South Wales, enjoyed the pictures, and several of them came to talk to me about them.  However, it took the two of us another hour and a half after the show had closed to take the display down and pack it into the car, which meant that we left the show hall a long time after everyone else.  On reflection, we felt that our considerable efforts went largely unrecognised, and I will think twice before I agree to do a display of this sort again.

Whilst I was taking show views, I took some images of individual exhibits and classes which I didn’t plan on carrying later on.  The large pan Conifer class had several fine entries.

Vibrant display of alpine plants in terracotta and plastic pots at Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse hardy plants for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Foliage Classes

Bob Worsley entered a fine grouping in the three-pan foliage class.  I wanted to photograph the Podophyllum delavayi – the patterns on the leaves always fascinate me – but it was a long carry and I decided prudence was the best option.  Bob also won the small pan version of this class with the entry on the left.

Vibrant potted plants including Caladium and ornamental foliage at Alpine Garden Society exhibition for sustainable gardening and plant enthusiasts.
Vibrant potted alpine plants displayed at a garden show, showcasing diverse foliage and flowering varieties for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Miniature Gardens

Carol Kellett won the Open section miniature garden class, whilst Lesley Travis took the Intermediate section class.

Vivid alpine plants and succulents in a terracotta pot, showcasing the beauty of rock garden landscaping for Alpine Garden Society events.
A vibrant container garden with diverse alpine plants and colourful flowers suitable for alpine gardening enthusiasts and collectors.

In the class for a miniature garden with accessories, I see a photographer has joined the judges in Anne Vale’s Outdoor AGS Show.  Surely not me – far too slim and agile, and sporting a full head of hair.  But who are the three judges – one sporting a moustache, one scratching his head in puzzlement, and a blue-eyed, blonde-haired boy wonder.  I had better not speculate.

A miniature outdoor garden scene featuring potted flowering plants and figurines, showcased at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition with colourful blooms and garden accessories.

Cut Flowers

There were two entries in the cut flowers class (no miniature flower arrangement).  The first went to Dave Mountfort’s collection on the left.

Bright alpine flowers in glass jars at an alpine garden society competition display, showcasing diverse alpine plant varieties for enthusiasts and growers.

Small six pan class

Paul and Gill Ranson won the AGS Medal for the small six pan class with a wonderful grouping of two Dionysia, two Cassiope, Daphne modesta and Primula henricii.

Colourful potted alpine flowers at the Alpine Garden Society plant show, ideal for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.

Six small pans of rock plants grown from seed

Paul and Gill added to their collection the Midland Jubilee Goblet for six rock plants grown from seed.

Colorful potted alpine plants including primroses, daisies, and flowering bulbs showcased at an Alpine Garden Society event.

Iris attica

This entry from Paul and Gill included a lovely caramel and white form of Iris attica grown from seed, which attracted a lot of attention from the people manning the West and Midland Iris Group stand, because some of the flowers had two falls.

Native orchid plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing delicate flowers and lush foliage, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and collectors of rare plants.
Elegant Iris flower with white and purple petals, lush green foliage, perfect for alpine garden displays and botanical collections.
Elegant Iris sibirica blooming in a garden pot, showcasing vibrant purple and white petals, perfect for alpine garden and perennial plant enthusiasts.
Bearded Iris flower blooming with pale yellow and light purple petals, lush green foliage, and a grey background.
Exotic orchid flower with white and maroon petals, suitable for alpine garden displays.

Four rock plants – two in flower and two for foliage effect

Paul and Gill also won a four-pan class combining plants in flower with foliage effect.

Colourful potted alpine plants displayed at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse flora suitable for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vibrant alpine plants in terracotta pots showcasing diverse species for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Three small pans of Primulaceae

Paul and Gill pipped strong competition from John Dixon to win the class for three small pans of Primulaceae (their entry is on the right, John’s on the left).  With the four-pan class and the two six-pan classes this helped them to the Leschallas Cup for the Open Section aggregate.

Vibrant potted flowers and alpine plants displayed at Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse flowering plants for gardeners and horticulture enthusiasts.

On the other side of the huge hall was an assortment of displays and sales stands, including but not by any means limited to alpine nurseries.

Vibrant indoor gardening market stall showcasing potted plants, garden accessories, and floral displays at the Alpine Garden Society event in a historic venue.
Vibrant indoor garden show booth showcasing Alpine plants and garden accessories at the Alpine Garden Society event in the UK.
Handcrafted wicker baskets displayed at Alpine Garden Society event in an indoor market setting.
Vivid display of handcrafted garden ornaments and statues at Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing garden decor, ceramics, and botanical arts for outdoor enthusiasts.

Several plant societies had stalls with displays here, including the British Clematis Society, the Hardy Plant Society, and the West and Midland Iris Group.

Vibrant Alpine Garden Society stand showcasing alpine plants, informative displays, and gardening books at a plant fair for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vibrant violet and yellow irises displayed at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition booth, showcasing iridaceae plants and garden variety irises for enthusiasts.

Elite Orchids

The plant stalls included Mark Turner from Elite Orchids, who had a nice selection of Cypripedium hybrids including Cypripedium Sabine gx for sale.

Alpine garden society orchid display with potted orchids at flower show in indoor exhibition hall.
Orchid plants in pots at Alpine Garden Society plant sale, showcasing diverse exotic orchids for enthusiasts.

More familiar nurseries included Copton Ash, Edroms, Gwaun Valley, Jacques Amand International, Pottertons and Primrose Bank.

Vibrant display of diverse alpine plants and flowers at an alpine garden society event, showcasing collection, plant labels, and garden enthusiasts exploring the options.
Colourful display of potted plants and flowers at an indoor garden exhibition, showcasing a wide variety of ornamental plants and garden accessories for plant enthusiasts.
Vibrant potted African violets and primulas displayed at the Alpine Garden Society plant fair, showcasing seasonal garden plants and flowers.
Bright colourful primula and fern plants at the Alpine Garden Society plant stall.
Vibrant display of alpine plants and flowers at a garden society event, showcasing diverse lilies, begonias, and other hardy plants for rock gardens and mountain gardening enthusiasts.
Vibrant displays of primroses, cyclamen, and bedding plants at the Alpine Garden Society plant sale event in a greenhouse setting.

Heartsease Nursery

The young lady from Heartsease Nursery had a lovely selection of woodland plants for sale.

A bustling indoor plant sale at the Alpine Garden Society, with various flowering plants and greenery on display, attracting gardening enthusiasts and plant lovers.
Vibrant alpine plants display at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse species for rock gardens and mountain planting enthusiasts.

Ice Alpines

The most eye-catching stall was from Ice Alpines.  Instead of plants being displayed in groups, their wares were placed in a seemingly random arrangement, which proved very eye-catching.

Vibrant display of alpine plants and flowers at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse hardy plants for rock gardens and alpine cultivation.
Vibrant collection of alpine plants and flowers at Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse varieties of miniature garden flora, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vivid display of alpine plants and flowers at a gardening exhibition, showcasing diverse plant varieties and vibrant colours for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vibrant collection of alpine flowers and plants in containers at an alpine garden society display, showcasing diverse colours and varieties for alpine plant enthusiasts.

Altogether there were many interesting and tempting stands, but far too few visitors to make their day a successful one.

Dodecatheon meadia album

Back to the AGS show now.  Louise Nicholls won the aggregate for the Novice section, with plants including this pretty white Dodecatheon.  Note that the AGS has now accepted the inclusion of Dodecatheon within Primula, which has caused problems with class definitions at more recent shows.  So a class for Primulaceae excluding Primula also now excludes Dodecatheon.

Dodecatheon meadia album exhibited by Louise Nicholls
White flowering plant with elongated petals and green leaves, native to alpine regions, showcasing the beauty of alpine garden plants for cultivation and display.

Viola altaica

However, the Donald Lowndes Memorial Bowl for the best plant in the Novice section went to Selwyn Lane for his Viola altaica.

Violet pansies in a black garden pot, showcasing alpine garden planting, perfect for alpine garden society enthusiasts and rock garden displays.
Vivid purple pansy flowers in full bloom, perfect for alpine gardens and container planting. Bright, colourful blooms add charm to outdoor flower displays.

Fritillaria pallidiflora

The Intermediate section classes were hotly contested.  Andrew Ward staged a fine pan of Fritillaria pallidiflora.

Yellow alpine primula in pot, flowering UK garden plant, suitable for rockeries and alpine gardens, vibrant yellow blossoms, hardy perennials for outdoor cultivation.
Vivid yellow Fritillaria flowers blooming in a garden setting, showcasing alpine planting and hardy flowering bulbs for mountain gardens.

Primula ‘Lindum Storm Cloud’

The Albury Trophy for the Intermediate section aggregate went to Lesley Travis, who had a car full of fine plants, including this Primula.

Violet primula plant in terracotta pot, from Alpine Garden Society, showcasing hardy garden primroses.

Anacamptis laxiflora

Alan Dash is an exhibitor who has been absent from shows for some time.  He has clearly developed a healthy obsession with orchids, showing many plants he had raised himself from seed.

These included some great specimens of the Jersey orchid, Anacamptis laxiflora, one of which brought him the Crataegus Trophy for the best plant in the Intermediate section.  Some of the judges thought these were too tall, but they are clearly not familiar with the species, which is tall when well grown, and have forgotten the huge plants Barry Tattersall used to exhibit.

Vivid purple orchids displayed at the Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition in a greenhouse setting, showcasing rare alpine plants for gardening enthusiasts and collectors.
Violet blooming orchid in a pot, alpine garden society, rare hardy plant for rock gardens and containers, vibrant purple flowers, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Violet orchid flowers on tall green stems, decorative indoor plant for alpine garden enthusiasts, vibrant blooms ideal for alpine and rock garden displays.
Violet alpine orchids, vibrant flowers ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing the beauty of mountain flora in the UK.

Orchis anthropophora

Alan Dash staged orchids in classes all through the show, both in the Intermediate and in the Open section.  These two Man Orchids had lovely deep coloured markings.

Plant with tall flower spikes in a terracotta pot, a variety cultivated by Alpine Garden Society for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Cluster of green and purple flower buds on a tall spike, suitable for alpine gardens, vibrant and detailed floral display, perfect for rock garden enthusiasts, Alpine Garden Society member plant image.
Adenophora ovata flower spike, hardy alpine plant suitable for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Close-up of a Himalayan Primula flower with green and purple striped buds, showing intricate details of alpine plant blooms, suitable for alpine gardening and plant enthusiast collections.

Orchis x bergonii

Alan also showed two plants of the beautiful, vigorous hybrid between the Man Orchid and the Monkey Orchid – Orchis x bergonii (O. anthropophora x. O. simia).

Violet Himalayan valerian plant with tall flowering spike in a terracotta pot, indoor cultivation, alpine plant, garden showcase, Agapetes rochei, rare Himalayan flora.
Tall purple and white alpine orchid flower on a dark background, showcasing rare and exotic alpine plants for garden cultivation.
Vigorous Alpine orchid with vibrant purple and white flowers in a terracotta pot, suitable for rock gardens and alpine displays.
Vivid purple and green alpine flower with intricate petal details, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Orchis provincialis

I always love this little yellow Orchis, and this was a charming specimen, again from Alan Dash.

Unique orchid flowering plant in terracotta pot, showing vibrant yellow blooms for alpine gardening and horticulture enthusiasts.
Bright yellow orchid flower with multiple blooms on a tall stem, showcasing alpine garden and orchid cultivation in the UK.

Serapias neglecta

My final orchid from Alan was this pan of Serapias neglecta, which won him a Certificate of Merit in the show, and a Preliminary Commendation and a Cultural Commendation from the RHS Alpine and Rock Garden Expert Group, formerly known as the Joint Rock Garden Committee.

Beautiful flowering orchid in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant colours and intricate petal details for alpine garden enthusiasts and collectors.
File: alpine-garden-society-plant-collection.jpg.

Cymbidium goeringii

It was good to see such a variety of plants in the Open section Orchidaceae classes.  Anne Vale won the class for one pan of Orchidaceae with a variegated form of Cymbidium goeringii.

Vibrant potted orchids and miniature pine tree displayed at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing alpine plants and horticultural excellence for plant enthusiasts.
Unique orchid in a terracotta pot, epiphytic plant with green and white flowers, suitable for alpine gardens and rare plant collections, beautifully displayed on a grey background.
Vascular plant with green and white variegated leaves and unique floral structure, typical of alpine garden plants.

Three pans of Orchidaceae

But it was David Carver who won the class for three pans of Orchidaceae, with three tiny pots of Serapias, full of plants and flowers.  For some reason I only photographed two of the three individually; I suspect I got interrupted, and forgot the third one (Serapias olbia) when I got back to taking photos, but it is a long time ago now.

Exotic orchid plants in terracotta pots with lush foliage against a neutral background.
Rare orchids with pink and burgundy flowers, showcasing alpine plant beauty, suitable for garden enthusiasts and alpine garden society members.

Serapias orientalis cordigeroides

The most eye-catching member of David Carver’s group was the one in the middle, with the big pink lips, Serapias orientalis cordigeroides.

Delphinium orchidum alpine garden society flowering plant with pink and purple blooms on tall green stems.
Vernal Orchid flower, Alpine Garden Society, native to mountain habitats, detailed close-up of vibrant pink and purple orchid bloom, perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and wildflower collectors.

Serapias lingua ‘Richard Manuel’

However, it was this named clone of Serapias lingua with yellow lips which won David the Midland Challenge Cup for the best plant in the 19cm pot classes.

Lankastria major orchid in full bloom, showcasing unique flowers and vibrant green foliage, cultivated by Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts.
Violet orchid flowers with green stems and leaves, showing detailed petals and sepals, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Unique Cymbidium orchids, an exotic flowering plant species for alpine garden displays and cultivation.

Pleione Ueli Wackernagel ‘Pearl’

Ian Robertson exhibited a lovely Pleione clone from the ‘Ueli Wackernagel’ grex.

Violet and white orchid flowers in a terracotta pot, thriving in alpine garden conditions.
Pink and white orchid cactus flowers in a terracotta pot, popular among alpine plant enthusiasts.

Pleione Shasta

Don Peace also showed some lovely small pans of Pleione, including this one which I particularly liked.

Vibrant pink and white orchids in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardening and floral display enthusiasts.
Vibrant purple orchid flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing exotic and intricate blooms, ideal for Alpine Garden Society plant collections and gardening enthusiasts.

Pleione Glacier Peak ‘Everest’

However, in the class for a large pan of Pleione, Don’s seed tray full of Pleione ‘Ueli Wackernagel Enigma’, which triumphed at Chesterfield, lost out to a lovely pan of Pleione ‘Glacier Peak Everest’, exhibited by Steve Clement.

Vibrant display of alpine orchids and garden plants at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition in a greenhouse setting.
Exotic orchid flowers in a terracotta pot, suitable for alpine gardening and conservation, showcasing the beauty of rare plant species.
Exquisite orchids blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing delicate white and pale purple petals with intricate red markings, perfect for alpine garden displays and plant enthusiasts.
White orchid flowers in a terracotta pot, cultivated by Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts for alpine plant display and gardening inspiration.

Geissorhiza monanthos

In the bulbous classes, George Elder exhibited this South African species.  Not perhaps a plant to please the judges, with its lax stems, but a fabulous colour.

Tiny purple alpine flowers growing in a terracotta pot with gravel; representative of alpine garden plants for cultivation and outdoor garden displays.
Violet alpine flower in a terracotta pot, part of Alpine Garden Society collection, thriving in rocky soil, perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts, showcasing vibrant colour and delicate petals.
Violet flowering plant in a terracotta pot, Alpine Garden Society, hardy garden plant, alpine flora, colourful woodland plant, container garden, botanical gardening, flower photography, garden enthusiasts, rock garden plant.

Albuca namaquensis

I exhibited a greenish-yellow Albuca, which made a tidy pan, though George wasn’t very impressed.

Wild alpine bellflower plant with green nodding flowers, suitable for rock gardens and alpine collections, from Alpine Garden Society.
Clusters of yellow-green flowering plants with slender stems and bell-shaped blossoms, typical of alpine garden species.

Wurmbea recurva

Another South African bulb from George Elder won a Certificate of Merit.  I always love the deep, deep purple flowers with yellow stamens.  But I can’t get seedlings past their first year.

Violet flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot with green foliage, ideal for rock gardens and alpine collections, promoting diverse alpine garden society plant rankings.
Purple flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot with gravel, showcasing alpine gardening and rock plant care.
Violet alpine flowers with dark purple petals and bright yellow stamens, grown in a garden setting, native to mountainous regions, ideal for alpine gardening and rockery displays.

Ornithogalum bungei

George Elder won the class for three small pans of bulbs with this trio – an Arisaema, Nothoscordum ostenii, and Ornithogalum bungei.  The Ornithogalum received a Certificate of Merit in the show, and an Award of Merit and a Cultural Commendation from the RHS Alpine Expert Group.

Vivid yellow and white flowering plants showcased at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, highlighting alpine flora and gardening techniques for cold climate plants.
White lily-like alpine flowers with slender striped petals and yellow stamens, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries.
Vibrant white hyacinth flowers in a garden pot, featuring lush green foliage, ideal for alpine and rock garden displays. Perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and collectors.

Iris bucharica

In the large pan classes, Steve Clements staged an eye-catching pan of Iris bucharica.

Vivid yellow and white iris flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine garden flora and ornamental plants.
Bright yellow and white alpine flowers, vibrant displays for rock gardens and alpine gardens, showcasing native and exotic species at the Alpine Garden Society.

Muscari mcbeathianum

Eric Jarrett’s pan of Muscari mcbeathianum also received an Award of Merit and a Cultural Commendation from the RHS Alpine Expert Group.

Bright white and purple flowering plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine garden flora with slender green leaves and delicate blooms, ideal for rock gardens and alpine displays.
Delicate white and pale purple hyacinth flower, part of the Alpine Garden Society collection, blooming amidst lush green foliage, showcasing alpine plant beauty and gardening excellence.

Dionysia ‘Lauren’

The majority of the c. 40 plants exhibited by Paul and Gill Ranson were a last flush of Dionysia.  This one is an f2 hybrid raised by Michael Kammerlander out of ‘Alcyone’ which is itself a hybrid between D. microphylla and D. involucrata, raised by John Dixon.  There is an invaluable page maintained by Paul in the AGS online Encyclopaedia (http://encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/Dionysia/hybrid), which gives seedling numbers and parentage (where known) of named Dionysia hybrids.

Michael Kammerlander named this one after Paul and Gill’s daughter, Lauren (and it doesn’t tell you that in the Encyclopaedia).

Violet pink primula flowers in a terracotta pot with gravel drainage, perfect for alpine gardening and garden display.
Vivid pink primula flowers in a lush garden setting, perfect for alpine gardening and rockeries.

Dionysia hybrids

Many of Paul’s other Dionysia were hybrids of his own raising.  Here are:

  • PMR19R2332H/1
  • PMR16R2139/30
  • PMR-DZ18R3089H/1
Vivid yellow flowering plant in a terracotta pot, suited for alpine gardens and rockeries, thriving in well-drained soil with pebbles, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts.
Vibrant pink and purple flowering succulent in a terracotta pot, surrounded by multicoloured gravel, ideal for alpine gardening and rock gardens.
Bright yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms suitable for rock gardens and alpine plant collections.

Primula ‘Netta Dennis’

Turning to Primula, Ben and Paddy Parmee exhibited a pretty plant of the Asiatic Primula ‘Netta Dennis’, which we see far too seldom on the show bench now.  Indeed, few members seem to grow these Asiatic Primula now – perhaps because of the trend towards warmer, drier summers.

White primrose flowers with yellow centres in a terracotta pot, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Primula petelotii

The Midland Primula Bowl for the best pan of Primula went to Don Peace for this plant of Primula petelotii.

Violet primula with green foliage, popular for alpine garden landscaping and container planting.
Vibrant pink primula flowers with yellow centres, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing the beauty of hardy spring bloomers.
Vibrant purple primula flowers with bright yellow centres, lush green foliage, ideal for alpine gardens and containers, perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts.

Cyclamen rhodium subsp peloponnesiacum

Ian Robertson managed to find a few places in the schedule for his large pans of Cyclamen.  His entry for three large pans of Primulaceae included this fine specimen of Cyclamen rhodium subsp peloponnesiacum.

Vibrant cyclamen plants with pink and white flowers in terracotta pots at Alpine Garden Society exhibition in the UK.
Vivid cyclamen flowering plant with variegated leaves, ideal for alpine gardens and containers, showcasing vibrant pink and white blooms for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vivid Cyclamen with white petals and pink accents, lush green variegated leaves, perfect for alpine and garden landscapes.

Cyclamen rhodium subsp vividum

Ian Robertson also exhibited a lovely plant of Cyclamen rhodium subsp vividum.

Vibrant pink cyclamen flowers in a decorative pot, perfect for alpine garden displays and plant enthusiasts.
Bright pink Cyclamen flowers blooming with dark green leaves, perfect for alpine gardening and climate-resistant plants.

Androsace vandellii

There were still some Androsace in evidence.  This perfect dome from Don Peace reminded me of the day last summer when I found this plant in full flower under an overhang in the Valais.

Dense cluster of white flowering plants in a terracotta pot, suitable for alpine gardening and rock gardens.

Androsace villosa var taurica

Don Peace received a Certificate of Merit for this pan of Androsace villosa var taurica.

White flowering cineraria plant in terracotta pot, alpine garden society, stunning garden decoration, hardy flowering plant, ideal for rock gardens and containers, lush white blossoms for alpine gardening.
White alpine flowers with yellow and red centers, ideal for garden borders and rock gardens.

Androsace selago

My favourite though was this tiny-flowered miniature dome from Paul and Gill Ranson of the high-altitude Androsace selago from Tibet and China above 4500m.

Dense small white daisy-like flowers with yellow centres in a terracotta pot, with multicoloured gravel mulch, perfect for alpine garden displays and rock gardens.

Rosenia humilis

George Elder entered this lovely South African shrub in the class for plants from the Southern Hemisphere.

Bright yellow flowering succulent plant in black pot, ideal for rock gardens and borders, showcasing vibrant blooms and lush green foliage.
Bright yellow alpine flowers in a lush garden, showcasing vibrant native plant species ideal for alpine gardening and landscape design.

Tropaeolum beuthii

Unfortunately, George’s Rosenia lost out to the flower power of a large specimen of Tropaeolum beuthii which I had entered.

Vibrant potted chrysanthemums and flowering plants displayed at the Alpine Garden Society event in a spacious indoor venue for garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Bright yellow flowering plant with lush green foliage, ideal for garden decoration and attracting pollinators, showcased by the Alpine Garden Society.
Yellow flowering plant with lush green foliage, ideal for alpine gardens and container gardening, showcasing vibrant blooms and compact growth.

Myriopteris yatskievychiana

Don Peace won the class for a plant rare in cultivation with this little fern, which received a Preliminary Commendation and a Cultural Commendation from the RHS committee.

Dense alpine fern plant in a terracotta pot, ideal for rock gardens and alpine collections, showcasing hardy, low-maintenance foliage for mountain gardening enthusiasts.
Myriopteris yatskievychiana, rare Mexican fern from the Alpine Garden Society, cultivated for its unique habitat and drought tolerance, perfect for alpine and shade garden displays.
Lush alpine fern with soft, textured green foliage ideal for mountain garden landscapes and rockeries.
Silvery-green fuzzy fern foliage from Alpine Garden Society plant collection.

Tropaeolum kingii

To my delight, I found that my own plant of Tropaeolum kingii had tied for first with Don in this class.  This species is known for being very scarce in cultivation, and difficult to grow, tubers often remaining dormant for years.

The plant exhibited was grown from SRGC seed sown in September 2018.  It may have some hybrid blood in it, as it does not look exactly like my original plant (which I have now lost) grown from seed from Monocot Nurseries sown in November 2003.

Vibrant yellow flowering plant supported by a wooden trellis, displayed among potted plants at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing alpine and rock garden plant varieties.
Yellow alpine flowering plant with green foliage, ideal for garden alpine gardens and rockeries, stunning addition to outdoor plant collections.

Lewisia rediviva hybrid

In the class for a plant new in cultivation, Peter Farkasch exhibited this two-tone Lewisia rediviva hybrid.

Vibrant pink and white blooming flowers of a garden snowdrop (Leucojum vernum) in terracotta pot, representing alpine garden plants and gardening enthusiasts.
Vivid pink and white flowers of a thriving alpine plant in a garden pot, showcasing the beauty of alpine garden society flora.

Lewisiopsis tweedyi alba

Lesley Travis had a wonderful plant of a white form of L. tweedyi.  Other exhibitors spent all day telling her it might have won the award for the best Lewisia if she had taken the dead flowers off; I imagine that got tiresome.

White alpine primula flowers in pot, showcasing alpine gardening and plant cultivation.

Lewisia cotyledon hybrid

Instead, the Roy Elliott Memorial Salver for the best pan of Lewisia went to Peter Farkasch for a Lewisia cotyledon hybrid with a colour he himself described as ‘bilious’.  I’m not sure that is accurate – ‘bilious’ is usually used with colour to describe something which is a yellowish green, but unlike show reporter Bob Worsley, I wasn’t that keen on the colour myself.

Bright yellow and peach Primula flowers in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Anemonella thalictroides ‘Oscar Schoaf’

Somehow this year I haven’t seen or photographed any Anemonella, so it was good to find this little plant from Martin Rogerson.

Violet flowering perennial plant in a terracotta pot, cultivated for alpine gardens and ornamental display, with lush green foliage and vibrant blossoms.

Bergenia ‘Dragonfly Flirt’

The judges really liked this Bergenia from Brenda Nickels, and awarded it a Certificate of Merit.

Violet flowering plant in terracotta pot, popular in alpine gardens, with vibrant pink blossoms and dark green foliage, ideal for rock gardens and containers.
Vivid pink flowering plant, thriving in garden soil, with lush green and reddish-purple leaves, ideal for alpine gardening and outdoor plant displays.

Erigeron flettii

Peter Farkasch exhibited this lovely Erigeron.

Bright white daisies with yellow centres in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine garden flowers for gardening enthusiasts.

Pulsatilla rubra

I gave a lecture to the Cotswold and Malvern AGS group this spring, spending some time with Eric Jarrett before the talk.  One of the plants I found in his greenhouse was this Pulsatilla, which looked healthy, but had no sign of buds.  So I was pleased to see and photograph these deep red cups at the show.

Purple Pasque Flower in a terracotta pot with gravel, alpine garden plant, early spring bloom, cultivated for rock gardens and alpine collections, vibrant flowers and foliage, garden plant.
Dark purple alpine flowers with yellow centers, close-up of native mountain flora.

Veronica bolkardaghensis

John Dixon exhibited a fabulous plant of Veronica bolkardaghensis in his winning entry for three small pans of rock plants (left hand entry).  This received a Certificate of Merit from the judges.

Vibrant display of potted alpine and garden flowers including chrysanthemums, primulas, and orchids at an Alpine Garden Society event for flowering plant enthusiasts.
Vivid blue Bergenia flowers in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens and rockery displays.
Blue Himalayan primula flowers in full bloom, vibrant and lush, perfect for alpine garden displays and rock gardening.

Veronica bombycina

Veronica bolkardaghensis was once considered a subspecies of Veronica bombycina, which I include here for comparison, also grown beautifully by John Dixon.

Delosperma nubigenum unique flowering succulent plant in terracotta pot for alpine gardening.
Silvery foliage with pale purple-blue flowers of the creeping Veronica in an alpine garden setting.

Disporum lanuginosum

Dave Mountfort showed this unusual and attractive Disporum.

Lush green potted plant with vibrant foliage in a terracotta pot, set against a plain grey background, suitable for garden or indoor display, highlighting alpine gardening plants.

Melicytus alpinus

Carol Kellett exhibited this New Zealand shrub accompanied by a magnifying glass, for it was covered in tiny flowers.

Bare deciduous shrub in a terracotta pot against a plain background, suitable for alpine gardening and plant collection.
Close-up of early blooming miniature everlasting-pea (Lathyrus vernus) with delicate pale yellow flowers on woody branches, perfect for alpine gardening and rockery displays.
Tiny yellow bell-shaped flowers blooming on a grey branch, showcasing alpine plant beauty for garden enthusiasts.

Pieris japonica ‘William Buchanan’

The flowers on this Pieris from Eric Jarrett were rather more obvious, and won him the Edinburgh Quaich for the best pan of Ericaceae.

White flowering Alpine shrub in a terracotta pot with dark background.
White snowbell flowers from the Alpine Garden Society collection.
Clusters of white bell-shaped flowers on glossy dark green leaves, ideal for alpine gardens.

Daphne gemmata ‘Sciringa’

When I arrived at the show, I had a decision to make.  I had my Daphne gemmata ‘Sciringa’ with me, which had won a first a Chesterfield.

However, Dot Sample had an entry card for one pan Daphne, and I knew she has a marvellous plant of Daphne modesta, so I took a gamble and put my Daphne in the class for a plant from Asia.  In the event, this was a mistake – it would probably have been second in the Daphne class, and it wasn’t placed in the geographical class.

Bright display of alpine plants and flowers at an Alpine Garden Society event showcasing hardy plants for mountain gardens.
Yellow flowering evergreen shrub in black pot, ideal for alpine gardening and garden centres, perfect for landscape planting and outdoor displays.
Bright yellow flowering shrub in a black pot with green foliage, suitable for alpine gardens and container planting.

Daphne modesta

I was right in my prediction that Dot Sample’s Daphne would be good – it received the Farrer Medal for the best plant in the show – Dot’s first Farrer.  The RHS Alpine Group gave it an Award of Merit, and a Cultural Commendation.

Beautiful garden pots showcasing colourful flowering plants at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition for plant enthusiasts and garden lovers.
Vivid yellow flowering plant in terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries, brightens any garden space, ideal for garden enthusiasts and plant collectors, high-quality ornamental flora from Alpine Garden Society.
Bright yellow flowering plant from Alpine Garden Society showcasing vibrant, hardy alpine plants ideal for rock gardens and containers.

As often, the officials started prize-giving early and then closed the show early, without advance warning – so my apologies to the growers whose plants I was yet to photograph, in particular Eric Jarrett who exhibited a lovely yellow saxifrage which was on my mental list.

By now, I was exhausted.  I had set up my ‘studio’ near a window, which meant I had great light, but it was a long carry (50m or so each way) from the show area, and there were plenty of heavy pots.  As I mentioned above, it took the two of us another hour and a half working together to take down the photographic display before we could get it in the car, and set off southwards.  A long and not entirely satisfactory day.

As always, thanks to all those who worked hard to make this show happen – and to the exhibitors, judges and stewards who produced an excellent display.

Read previous entries at The Photographers Diary

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