AGS South Wales Show 2024

At 3pm on the Friday before the South Wales show, you would have found Helen and me sitting in a Starbucks, just off the M4, waiting until we were allowed to start setting up at 4pm in the school where the AGS South Wales show takes place. The coffee recharged ...(more below)
March 5, 2024
AGS Editor
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At 3pm on the Friday before the South Wales show, you would have found Helen and me sitting in a Starbucks, just off the M4, waiting until we were allowed to start setting up at 4pm in the school where the AGS South Wales show takes place.

The coffee recharged our batteries a little after a week of last-minute planning, and the long drive, so when we arrived at the school, while the other helpers were carrying around and erecting tables, we were carrying in and putting up display boards, and then boxes of pictures.  Our effort was worthwhile; by 6pm we had nearly finished; only a few boards were left till the morning.

The Flowers of the Dolomites in June

By the time the exhibitors arrived in the morning it was finished. Over 350 prints of landscapes, habitats and flowers, all labelled with names, locations and comments, together with panels of information about the area, the locations and habitats etc.

Wildflower photographs of alpine and mountain garden displays at Alpine Garden Society exhibition.
Alpine Garden Society plant photo display at a gardening exhibition, showcasing vibrant alpine flowers and plants.
Alpine Garden Society plant display with various woodland and valley plants, showcasing diverse flora for alpine and rock garden enthusiasts.
The Dolomites in June exhibited by Jon Evans
Vibrant alpine wildflowers on display at Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse flora from mountainous regions for enthusiasts and horticulturists.
Vibrant alpine wildflowers display at Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing colourful indigenous plants and scenic mountain landscapes for plant enthusiasts and garden gardeners.
Bright alpine flowers and mountain scenery display at Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition, showcasing diverse species and vibrant colours for garden enthusiasts and botanical lovers.
Alpine Garden Society display showcasing alpine plants and mountain landscapes for garden enthusiasts.
Alpine garden society photography display showcasing alpine plants, mountain landscapes, and floral exhibits for passionate garden enthusiasts.
Vivid alpine flower photographs displayed at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse mountain flora and vibrant plant species in a botanical showcase.
Alpine garden society plant display showcasing various mountain plants and wildflowers for outdoor gardening enthusiasts and alpine plant collectors.
Vibrant alpine plants and colourful wildflowers displayed on an exhibition board at an Alpine Garden Society event.
Alpine Garden Society display board showcasing a variety of alpine plants and scenic mountain photographs for plant enthusiasts and gardeners.
Alpine garden society exhibition display featuring photographs and information about alpine plants and rocky mountain flora.
Yellow alpine flower close-up, mountainous landscape with wildflowers, colourful plants in alpine meadow, valley with mountain peaks, pink flowering shrub, snow-capped peaks with blooming flora, vibrant mountain garden, diverse alpine flowers and plants, scenic high-altitude flora display.

Dionysia ‘Charleson Emma’

I saw this Dionysia hybrid and admired its large, well-formed primrose yellow flowers on the Aberconwy stand at the Pershore show.  When I got home, I realised it was a cultivar I had never photographed, so I emailed Tim Lever and asked if he could bring me a plant to photograph at the South Wales show.

Yellow Primroses in a small black plant pot, showcasing vibrant alpine garden flowers.

Judging

Soon the judges’ tea arrived, to prepare them for action.

Bright indoor plant display at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition showcasing diverse potted plants and garden photography, with attendees exploring vibrant displays and community gardening resources.
A group of people enjoying tea and coffee at the Alpine Garden Society event with plant displays and gardening displays in the background.

At this point, the exhibitors retired to the other end of the hall, for a leisurely breakfast and a little shopping.  A bridge across the atrium provides a fine location to watch and photograph what is going on.

Alpine garden society plant stall with various alpine plants and visitors selecting in an indoor setting.
Alpine Garden Society plant stall at garden show, featuring alpine plants and gardening accessories for enthusiasts and collectors.

Down in the hall, the judges were soon busy.  The benches were packed quite tightly, and there were plenty of tricky decisions to make.

South Wales Show View
Vibrant display of potted plants and flowers at an Alpine Garden Society event, with visitors exploring and admiring the collection in an indoor exhibition space.
Alpine garden plants and flowers display at the Alpine Garden Society event in an indoor exhibition; visitors admire potted alpine plants and photography exhibits.
Alpine garden plants and flowers at a gardening exhibition, showcasing diverse species in terracotta pots and garden displays.
Vase of colorful alpine flowers at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse alpine plant varieties for gardening enthusiasts.
Colourful alpine flowers in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society event with visitors browsing and enjoying the display.
Porta Vescovo display of alpine plants and flowers at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse hardy plants in pots with colourful blossoms, exhibition stands, and garden images for plant enthusiasts.
Bright display of various flowering plants in terracotta pots at the Alpine Garden Society plant show, featuring vibrant primroses, violets, and seasonal blooms showcasing alpine gardening excellence.
Exquisite display of flowering plants at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing vibrant blooms in terracotta pots, ideal for rock gardens and alpine garden enthusiasts.
Vibrant flower displays at the Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition showcasing diverse species of alpine and rock garden plants in terracotta pots.
Vivid display of alpine plants and flowers at the Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing diverse colourful blooms in terracotta pots, attracting gardening enthusiasts and plant lovers.
Vibrant spring flowers at the Alpine Garden Society plant fair, showcasing colourful primulas, daffodils, and chrysanthemums in terracotta pots, with visitors exploring diverse alpine plants.
Vibrant potted spring flowers including irises, daffodils, and primroses displayed at the Alpine Garden Society plant show in terracotta pots on a long table indoors.
Alpine Garden Society flower display with vibrant potted plants and blooms at a garden show or event.

Six small pans of Rock Plants

I always try to photograph the six-pan classes at this point, on the table in the hall, but before the show is opened to the public.  In this case the E B Anderson Prize for the small six-pan went to Bob and Rannveig Wallis for a fine mixed group – three Fritillaria, a Narcissus, a Chionodoxa and a Cyclamen.

Six small pans of rock plants exhibited by Bob & Rannveig Wallis

Large three-pan classes

Since I had plenty of time before the judging finished and I could start taking away plants to photograph them, I decided that for once I would go round and photograph the winning three pan entries.  Very few of these classes were contested, but not all the entries were awarded a first.

So here are the winners of the large three-pan classes:

  • Three pans of Rock Plants (Don Peace)
  • Three pans of Rock Plants from a single genus (Paul and Gill Ranson with Dionysia)
  • Three pans of Primulaceae (Paul and Gill Ranson, again with Dionysia)
  • Three pans of Cyclamen (Ian Robertson)
  • Three pans of Papaveraceae or Ranunculaceae (Bob and Rannveig Wallis with Corydalis)
  • Three pans of rock plants for foliage effect (Bob Worsley – Trillium, Impatiens and Asarum)
  • Three pans of cushion plants (Paul and Gill Ranson, with two large Dionysia and Gypsophila aretioides).
Vibrant blooming plants in terracotta pots at the Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing colourful flowers and hardy alpine plants perfect for rock gardens and outdoor spaces.
Yellow and purple flowering plants in terracotta pots at Alpine Garden Society display.
Vibrant potted chrysanthemums in yellow, purple, and white, displayed at an alpine garden society event showcasing drought-tolerant plants and hardy flowering varieties.
Vibrant potted cyclamen plants with pink, white, and purple flowers displayed at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse alpine flora for gardening enthusiasts.
Yellow and variegated Rex Begonia plants in terracotta pots at Alpine Garden Society display.
Bright green and variegated garden foliage in terracotta pots, showcasing diverse plant species including ivy and flowering plants, ideal for alpine and garden enthusiasts.
Small alpine plants in terracotta pots for rock gardens and alpine gardening, showcasing diverse mosses and ground covers perfect for garden enthusiasts.

Small three-pan classes

I moved on to the small three-pan entries.  So here are the winners of those:

  • Three pans of Rock Plants (Don Peace)
  • Three pans of Rock Plants from a single genus (Paul and Gill Ranson with Dionysia)
  • Three pans of Primulaceae (Paul and Gill Ranson, again with Dionysia)
  • Three pans of Dionysia (Paul and Gill Ranson)
  • Three pans of Papaveraceae or Ranunculaceae (Peter Farkasch with Corydalis)
  • Three pans of bulbous plants (Bob and Rannveig Wallis)
  • Three pans of Amaryllidaceae (David Carver)
  • Three pans of Iridaceae (Bob and Rannveig Wallis)
  • Three pans of rock plants grown from seed (Paul and Gill Ranson with Dionysia)
  • Three pans of new or rare rock plants (Paul and Gill Ranson with Dionysia)
  • Three pans of bulbous plants grown from seed (Bob and Rannveig Wallis).
Primula allioni in colourful flower pots, showcasing alpine garden flowers suitable for rock gardens and garden borders.
Three small pans of rock plants from a single genus exhibited by Paul & Gill Ranson
Dionysia hybrid alpine flowers in terracotta pots, showcasing vibrant purple and yellow blooms, displayed at the Alpine Garden Society for rock garden and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Vivid alpine plants in terracotta pots showcasing rare and beautiful wildflowers suitable for alpine gardens. Perfect for enthusiasts interested in mountain flora and garden plant collections.
Dionysia purple splendour and yellow flowering varieties in terracotta pots at Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing colourful alpine plants ideal for rock gardens and container gardening.
Alpine Garden Society plant display featuring various colourful alpine and rock garden plants in terracotta pots for gardening enthusiasts.
Yellow Nerine flowers in terracotta pot, alpine gardening, Narcissus Popeller Group, garden centre, flowering bulb, spring blooms, outdoor plant, rock garden plant, garden enthusiasts, plant care, horticulture, alpine garden display, flowerbed decoration, gardening hobby, plant cultivation, botanical garden, nature photography, plant therapy, floral arrangement, plant preservation, garden design relevance.
Yellow and pink flowering plants in terracotta pots at Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing hardy garden plants, alpines, and seasonal blooms for enthusiasts and collectors.
Yellow miniature flowering plants in terracotta pots, displayed at the Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing hardy alpine species suitable for rock gardens and containers.
Vivid purple and pink Dianthus flowers in terracotta pots showcasing alpine garden plants for RHS garden displays.
Yellow and white flowering irises in terracotta pots at an alpine garden display, showcasing vibrant spring blooms and diverse plant varieties.

Intermediate Section three-pan classes

Still with time to kill, I continued to the Intermediate three-pan entries.

  • Three pans of Rock Plants (Anita Acton)
  • Three pans of Primulaceae (Sue Bedwell with three different colours of Cyclamen persicum)
  • Three pans of bulbous plants (Sue Bedwell)
  • Three pans of rock plants for foliage effect (Roy Skidmore with Cyclamen)
Narcissus Elka, Crocus Tomasinianus Silver Lining flowering in terracotta pots at the Alpine Garden Society display. Bright yellow and violet spring bulbs showcase early blooming plants for alpine gardens.
Cyclamen persicum flowering plants in black pots at Alpine Garden Society plant show, surrounded by various potted succulents and cacti on display.
Greenhouse plants and flowers at the Alpine Garden Society show in terracotta pots, showcasing a variety of hardy plants suitable for alpine and container gardening.

Sempervivum ‘Arctic White’

The Novice section was nearest to my photography ‘studio’, and as always the section the judges finished with first, so the first plant I photographed was this neat pan of Sempervivum from new exhibitor Theo Grove, a friend of Ben and Paddy Parmee

Succulent alpine plants in a terracotta pot, close-up of green rosette-shaped alpine succulents with spiny leaves, perfect for rock gardens and alpine collections, thriving in well-drained soil, part of alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Narcissus cyclamineus

Also in the Novice Section, Christine Jarvis exhibited a pan of the familiar but still lovely Narcissus cyclamineus.

Daffodil flowers with yellow blossoms and green foliage, representing alpine garden plants.
Yellow daffodil flower with elongated petals and ruffled corona, blooming among green grass-like foliage, showcasing alpine garden plants.

Hepatica japonica ‘Isari-Bi’

My final plant from the Novice section was this familiar deep pink cultivar of Hepatica japonica, also exhibited by Christine Jarvis who won the Caerleon Cup for the section aggregate.

Hepatica japonica Isari-Bi exhibited by Christine Jarvis

Narcissus ‘Elka’

Sue Bedwell took the Gwent Trophy for the Intermediate section aggregate narrowly from Roy Skidmore.  We have already seen her two three-pan entries; I singled out this little pan of Narcissus ‘Elka’ for further attention – it has always been one of my favourites.

Narcissus Elka exhibited by Sue Bedwell
Bold and vibrant daffodil flowers in full bloom, ideal for spring gardening and floral displays, showcasing the beauty of the Alpine Garden Society collections.

Isca Prize

In the Open section, the aggregate was clear cut, and will be obvious from the three-pan images I posted.  Paul and Gill Ranson’s Dionysias collected nearly twice as many points as anyone else, so the Isca Prize went to them.  However, that does not give the full flavour of the show; 18 exhibitors entered plants in the Open section, and 15 of them went home with at least one First Prize sticker.

Callianthemum anemonoides

Don Peace was awarded a Certificate of Merit for his Callianthemum; such striking beauty, but so ephemeral.

Callianthemum anemonoides exhibited by Don Peace
Vibrant alpine perennial flowers with white and pale purple petals and bright yellow centres, perfect for rock gardens and alpine plant collections.

Hepatica japonica ‘Kurotaiyou’ (?)

Although I photographed it at Pershore, David Carver’s little Hepatica caught my eye again.

White alpine rock garden flowers in a terracotta pot representing alpine gardening and hardy plant cultivation.
White and green alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, perfect for rock gardens and mountain landscapes. Hardy, low-maintenance plants ideal for outdoor garden spaces.

Hepatica japonica ‘Anstonian’

However, the pick of the Hepatica, and my own pick for the Farrer, was this fine exhibit from Chris Lilley, which received a Certificate of Merit.  I have photographed this plant regularly over the last 10 years or so, since it was a small but distinctive seedling.

Vivid purple flowers of a Coxcomb Rock Cress (Boechera stricta) blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing Alpine garden plant variety for rock gardens and alpine cultivation.
Purple alpine flowers in terracotta pot, vibrant blue garden blooms, early spring classic, freshwater flower variety, UK garden plant, part of alpine garden display, colourful perennial, hardy plant for rock gardens, cultivated for UK climate, gardening at home, flowering plant for borders, conserved plant species, garden ornament, plant care guide, botanical collection, flowering plant species, UK native wildflower, alpine garden society member, horticulture enthusiasts, plant hobbyist, garden design inspiration, outdoor gardening essentials, plant propagation techniques, seasonal garden highlights, sustainable gardening practices, rock garden plants, UK garden blooms, perennial flower care, garden enthusiasts’ favourite, botanical illustration, desktop plant collection, nature photography, floral arrangement ideas, gardening tips and tricks, UK horticulture, elevated garden beds, floral display at home, plant health and maintenance, flower variety guide, spring garden ideas, outdoor plant care, botanical diversity, floral enthusiasts, gardening community, plant appreciation, outdoor decor, flowers for wildlife, garden therapy activities, plant passion, garden education events, nature lover's garden.
Vivid purple alpine flowers with yellow stamens, showcasing a stunning display of native plants at the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for rock gardens or alpine plant enthusiasts.
Vibrant blue and purple alpine flowers, showcasing the beauty of mountain plant species at the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for garden enthusiasts and rock garden collectors.
Hepatica japonica Anstonian exhibited by Chris Lilley

Pleione ‘Riah Shan’

At the show reporter’s request, I reprised my efforts at Pershore to photograph Don Peace’s Pleione ‘Riah Shan’.

Purple orchid flowers in terracotta pot for alpine garden society enthusiasts, showcasing rare and beautiful blooms for alpine gardening and horticulture aficionados.

Flower arrangement

I always try to photograph the flower arrangements.  With its low skirts, this one from David Carver was particularly difficult to carry, so I photographed it on the show bench, before moving it and trying again.

Bright spring floral arrangement featuring daffodils, pansies, and violets, ideal for alpine gardens and outdoor displays. Vibrant colours and diverse blooms showcased in a garden setting.
Vibrant spring flower arrangement featuring daffodils, violets, and variegated foliage in a rustic pot, reflecting alpine garden flora, perfect for plant enthusiasts and garden landscape design.

Cyclamen coum ‘Porcelain’

Ian Robertson brought some fine pans of Cyclamen, but none of them were quite perfect.  This clone of Cyclamen coum, with its distinctive, lined petals, always attracts attention despite its small stature.

Flowering cyclamen in a terracotta pot, blooming garden plant, alpine garden society, alpine plant collection, indoor and outdoor horticulture, inspiring floral display, garden enthusiast gardening tips.
Alpine cyclamen flowers with white and purple petals, thriving in alpine garden conditions, ideal for rock gardens or containers.

Cyclamen libanoticum

In a rather larger pot, we could all admire the beauty of Ian’s Cyclamen libanoticum.

Alpine Garden Society cyclamen in a terracotta pot with pink flowers and variegated green leaves for garden conservation and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Pink cyclamen flower in the Alpine Garden Society collection, showcasing early spring blooms and lush green foliage. Perfect for enthusiasts interested in alpine plants and garden photography.

Dionysia hybrid JRD-MK06458/1

Focusing now on the serried ranks of perfect pastel domes exhibited by Paul and Gill Ranson, let’s start with a Dionysia afghanica f2 hybrid raised by John Dixon from Michael Kammerlander seed.  This is almost indistinguishable from D. afghanica itself, and appears almost as tricky to grow.

Violet and white Aubrieta flowers in a small terracotta pot, surrounded by decorative stones, showcasing alpine gardening and drought-tolerant plant varieties.

Dionysia ‘Mike Bramley’

This D. afghanica hybrid, named for Mike Bramley, former show secretary at Chesterfield, is one we see more frequently.  Paul and Gill seem able to grow it to a larger size than the species, and their efforts were rewarded with another Certificate of Merit.

Dionysia hybrid Mike Bramley exhibited by Paul & Gill Ranson
White flowering plant in terracotta pot with small multicoloured stones, alpine garden Society, rock garden plant, drought tolerant, hardy perennial, low maintenance, cultivated for rockeries and alpine gardens, blooms in spring and summer, perfect for garden borders and containers.
White primula flowers, alpine garden society, unique flowering plants, alpine plant collection, dedicated to mountain flora conservation.

Dionysia hybrid PMR-TBG1268b/5

This yellow flowered Dionysia shown by Paul and Gill is an f2 hybrid from a plant grown as a wild hybrid of D. khatamii x (?)janthina JLMS02-07/JM1.  I assume the lovely pale yellow colouration, with deeper centres, must have come from the unknown pollen parent, since D. khatamii, D. janthina, and the putative hybrid between them, all have petals in shades of lilac.

Dionysia hybrid PMR-TBG1268b/5 exhibited by Paul & Gill Ranson
Primrose-like yellow flowering plant for alpine gardening and rock gardens.

Dionysia ‘Selene’

I always love the ice-cream tones of Dionysia ‘Selene’, and I photograph Paul and Gill’s plant every year.

Alpine plant display featuring vibrant yellow and green flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine gardening and plant cultivation.
Vibrant yellow primroses blooming in an alpine garden, showcasing colourful hardy plants suitable for mountain and rock garden settings, highlighting the Alpine Garden Society's plant collections and gardening expertise.

Dionysia hybrid PMR-DZ19R1890H/1

This little hybrid raised by Paul and Gill is rather different.  It is an f1 hybrid ex drabifolia, and seems to be producing a flat mat, rather than a domed cushion.  It will be interesting to see how the cushion evolves.  D. drabifolia is usually treated as a synonym of D. diapensifolia, but the recent monograph by Liden and Mehregan simply concludes that “although placed into synonymy with D. diapensifolia, it is not similar to that species”.  [ Paul points out that this is the corrected name for the plant which has been grown as D. termeana.  After a confusion with the names on the original specimen sheets, the plant was re-described. ]

Yellow flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot with small multicoloured stones, perfect for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.

Dionysia tapetodes PMR10R1314/16

By contrast, this D. tapetodes clone, again raised from seed by Paul and Gill, has a very pronounced domed cushion.

Flowering alpine plant in terracotta pot, vibrant yellow flowers, alpine garden society display, hardy mountain flora, drought-tolerant garden plant, perfect for rock gardens and containers, essential for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Bright yellow Primula flowers in full bloom, showcasing vibrant colours typical of alpine plants, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Dionysia freitagii EGW91/6

The pick of Paul and Gill’s Dionysia was a medium-sized cushion of Dionysia freitagii, well-covered with flowers, which won the Mary Byng Award for the best plant in a 19cm pot, and went on to win the Farrer medal for the best plant in the show.  I have certainly seen larger specimens, mainly grown by Derek Pickard who specialises in that species, but not of this clone, and probably not from a grower in the south.

Pink primula flowers in a terracotta pot, colourful garden flowers, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries, vibrant and low-maintenance outdoor plant.
Lush pink primula flowers with yellow centers, perfect for alpine garden displays and rock gardens | Alpine Garden Society primula flowering plant in full bloom.

Polystichum setiferum ‘Congesto-crispum’

Show reporters are urged to cover the full variety of plants at the show, so I usually get asked to photograph foliage plants or ferns.  This one was exhibited by Chris Lilley.

Fern plant in a terracotta pot, suitable for alpine and rock garden cultivation, vibrant green foliage, showcasing alpine gardening expertise.

Pyrrosia hastata

Since Don Peace first exhibited this in September last year, it has been on almost every show reporter’s list.

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Rebutia heliosa

I loved the patterns as the light fell across this cactus, exhibited by Anne Vale.

Tiny round succulent plants with textured, dotted surfaces in a terracotta pot, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Corydalis firouzii

I rather liked the pale yellow colour scheme of this Corydalis from Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Rare yellow saxifrage plant in a garden pot, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vivid yellow and green purslane flowers blooming densely among lush green foliage, showcasing unique Aloe-like flowers often found in alpine gardens, perfect for enthusiasts of mountain plant collections.

Corydalis darwasica

George Elder was awarded a Certificate of Merit for this exceptionally compact and desperately slow specimen of Corydalis darwasica.

Corydalis darwasica exhibited by George Elder
Bright yellow and purple flowers of an alpine plant, thriving in mountainous garden conditions, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant collectors.

Corydalis popovii

Peter Farkasch staged some nice Corydalis in the 19cm pot classes, including this dark form of Corydalis popovii.

Vivid Railway Orchid (Dendrobium sinense) blooming in a garden pot, showcasing unique white and deep red flowers with lush green foliage, perfect for alpine and rock garden displays.
Vivid Cluster of Clerodendrum Chinense with White and Burgundy Flowers, Popular in Alpine Gardens and suitable for shade-loving plants, showcasing the beauty of exotic plants in alpine garden design.
Vivid Himalayan balsam flowers in white and deep burgundy, featured in alpine gardens and plant collections. Perfect for botanical enthusiasts and garden design.

Corydalis seisumsiana

A form of C. seisumsiana with creamy-white spurs rather than the usual red, also from Peter Farkasch.

Vivid Bicolor Columbine flower in a terracotta pot, showcasing unique cultivated plants for alpine gardens and rockeries.
Vivid exotic flowers of a rare alpine plant with white and dark purple petals in a terracotta pot.

Corydalis verticillaris

A third fine Corydalis from Peter Farkasch.

Hepatica nobilis flowers in a garden pot, showcasing delicate white and pink blooms with lush green foliage. Perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and native wildflower collectors.
Vetch-like alpine flowers with pale pink and deep purple accents, surrounded by lush green foliage, perfect for rock gardens or alpine plant collections.

Fritillaria chitralensis

Bob and Rannveig Wallis’ exhibits included this fabulous yellow fritillary.

Yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing rare mountain flora for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Yellow Fritillaria flower, Alpine Garden Society plant collection, showcasing vibrant spring blooms and alpine gardening beauty.

Fritillaria graeca

A very nice clone of Fritillaria graeca from Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

FILENAME: alpine-gardensociety-society-spring-flower-pot.jpg.
Alpine Garden Society flower, Fritillaria meleagris, in bloom, showcasing rare alpine plant species, rare flowers, and botanical gardening.

Fritillaria stenanthera

George Elder exhibited a fine pot of Fritillaria stenanthera, not quite fully out, raised from seed sown in 2000.

Mayflower or Earl Beatty, star-shaped pink flowers, perfect for alpine gardens, in a terracotta pot.
Delicate pale pink flowers of the Alpine Garden Society plant collection, showcasing alpine flora thriving in garden settings. Perfect for enthusiasts of alpine gardening and rare plant cultivation.

Fritillaria ariana

One plant which really stood out was this very vigorous, deep pink form of Fritillaria ariana, raised from seed sown in 2009 by George Elder.

Pink delicate alpine flowers blooming on tall green stems in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine gardening beauty and flowering plant cultivation.
Pink alpine flowers with slender green leaves on tall stems, showcasing unique botanical features and vibrant colours typical of alpine garden plants. Perfect for garden enthusiasts and alpine plant collectors.
Pink flowering plant from the Alpine Garden Society collection, showcasing vibrant blossoms and delicate petals, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Pink alpine flower with yellow stamens, native to mountainous regions, part of the Alpine Garden Society plant collection.

Galanthus ‘Straffan’

Martin Rogerson won the Galanthus Goblet for this pan of G. ‘Straffan’, but as he said in the prize-giving, it seemed a bit of a fraud, when there were only two pans of snowdrops on the bench, and both were his.  Normally we see many more at this time of year – the season is very early.

Galanthus Straffan exhibited by Martin Rogerson
Delicate white snowdrop flowers with green markings, ideal for alpine gardening and rock gardens.

Gladiolus watermeyeri

I was pleased to see David Carver exhibiting a small pan of the South African Gladiolus watermeyeri.  It is never a tidy plant, and these stems were hanging over the side of the pot, but the flowers are fabulous, and eventually I managed to get one to look at the camera.

Pink and green Himalayan lily flower, showcasing intricate details and vibrant colours, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.

Trillium nivale

Eric Jarrett’s Trillium was another plant considered for the Farrer by the judges, but it came away with nothing.

White alpine flowers in terracotta pot, perfect for alpine garden society enthusiasts, showcasing elegant mountain plants and ideal alpine gardening tips.
White alpine flower with yellow stamens, part of the Alpine Garden Society plant collection, surrounded by green foliage, highlighting alpine plant beauty and cultivation in rock gardens.

Iris kolpakowskiana

The show reporter asked me to photograph this Iris from Bob and Rannveig Wallis, but to be honest it was in better condition the previous week.

Alpine iris flowers in terracotta pot, showcasing alpine garden plants, perfect for rock gardens and container gardening. Beautiful blooming irises with purple and white petals.
Purple iris flowers in a terracotta pot, school of botanical garden, alpine garden society, flowering plants, garden display, UK garden plants, horticulture, outdoor garden, gardening enthusiasts, beautiful plant species, rare alpine flora, plant care, flower gardening, natural landscape, botanical botanical artwork.

Iris nusairiensis ‘David Mowle’

Bob and Rannveig’s dwarf clone of Iris nusairiensis was lovely though.

Blue iris flowers in a terracotta pot, alpine garden society focus, vibrant blue blooms, lush green leaves, garden plant display, cultivated Iris germanica, decorative garden plant, gardening hobby, outdoor planting, floral arrangement, plant care, flower garden inspiration.

Iris rosenbachiana

Always one of my favourites, this time exhibited by George Elder.

Iris in a terracotta pot with gravel – Alpine Garden Society hardy plant for rock gardens and alpine planting enthusiasts. Beautiful flowering iris suitable for alpine and rock gardens.
Delphinium flower, iris-like ornamental plant with white, purple, and yellow blooms, cultivated for alpine gardens and garden displays, botanical beauty.

Narcissus bulbocodium genuinus RWM 84-26

David Carver is very keen on dwarf Narcissus, and brought a wonderful array in small pots.  This is one of the best clones of Narcissus bulbocodium, with nice big trumpets on short stems.

Bright yellow gladiolus flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms and graceful foliage, perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden design.

Narcissus bulbocodium Propeller Group

We have already seen David’s entry for three small pans of Amaryllidaceae.  The plant at the front is this small Narcissus bulbocodium cultivar, with twisted perianth segments. The plants behind that are Narcissus scaberulus, and Narcissus ‘Angel’s Whisper’ (?).  I intended to go back and photograph those as well, but got distracted.  I must remember to take the N. scaberulus when I next see it – it is something I have never photographed.

Daffodil flowers in a terracotta pot with green stems and narrow leaves, part of the Alpine Garden Society plant collection.
Yellow daffodil flower, Alpine Garden Society, spring flowering bulb, garden plant, yellow bloom, horticulture, alpine gardening, flower photography, botanical image, nature photography.

Narcissus fernandesii

A fine pot of N. fernandesii from David Carver.

Yellow primula flowers with long green leaves in a terracotta pot on a dark background.
Bright yellow daffodil flowers blooming on a dark background, showcasing alpine garden plant varieties for cultivation and gardening enthusiasts.

Narcissus Sweet Petite’

An extremely miniature trumpet daffodil, raised, I think, by Anne Wright, but exhibited by David Carver.

Narcissus flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing their vibrant yellow and white blooms against a dark background. Perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries.
Yellow daffodil flowers in bloom, alpine garden society, spring gardening, bulb plants, floral beauty, garden enthusiasts, hardy plants, outdoor gardening, ornamental flowers, gardening club, plant care, seasonal blooms, horticulture, nature photography, garden design, flower cultivation, botanical interests, seasonal gardening, flowering bulbs, plant enthusiasts.

Narcissus x christopheri

One final daffodil from David Carver.  This is a wild hybrid between N. assoanus and N. papyraceus, which I have never seen before in cultivation.

Daffodil flower from the Alpine Garden Society, showcasing rare and stunning early spring bloom, ideal for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.

Narcissus ‘Eira’

Bob and Rannveig Wallis raised this deliberate hybrid between N. triandrus and N. cantabricus; it is very beautiful, but I believe even they find it tricky.

White alpine snowdrop flowers in terracotta pot, showcasing bulbous plants, alpine gardening, and floral display, perfect for alpine garden society enthusiasts and plant collectors.
White narcissus flower with slender green stems, tulip-shaped blossoms, and delicate petals, part of an alpine garden collection.

Narcissus bulbocodium subsp tenuifolius ex SB185

This tiny, primrose yellow clone of Narcissus bulbocodium subsp tenuifolius earned a Certificate of Merit for Bob and Rannveig.

Narcissus bulbocodium subsp tenuifolius ex SB185 exhibited by Bob & Rannveig Wallis
Yellow gladiolus flowers in bloom, cultivated by Alpine Garden Society for alpine plant enthusiasts and gardeners. Expert advice on growing, caring, and propagating hardy glads for rock gardens and alpine plant collections.
Yellow Alpine Glacier flowers in full bloom, showcasing stunning garden decor and pollinator-friendly plants perfect for alpine gardens. Ideal for plant enthusiasts and garden designers.

Narcissus ‘Nadder Moon’

This fabulous potful came with Ian Robertson, and received another Certificate of Merit.

Narcissus Nadder Moon exhibited by Ian Robertson
Soft yellow daffodil flower in full bloom with long green leaves, part of the Alpine Garden Society collection, showcasing early flowering bulbs and spring garden plants.

Tulipa cretica

Ian also received a Certificate of Merit for his fantastic pan of Tulipa cretica.

White tulips and purple cyclamen flowering plants in garden pot for alpine gardening and horticulture enthusiasts.
Vivid white tulips with yellow centres and dark green foliage, perfect for alpine gardening and plant collections. Celebrating the beauty of alpine flora and garden enthusiasts.
White tulip flower with yellow stamens and green pistil, close-up, vibrant spring garden scene, detailed petal structure, healthy foliage, alpine garden society, planting tips, flower cultivation, gardening enthusiasts, floral photography, botanical interest, alpine gardening, garden show, plant care, horticulture techniques.

Tulipa cretica ‘Dikti’

However, it was Ian’s low-growing form of Tulipa cretica with pink backs to the petals which would have received the ‘most coveted’ award from the visitors and other exhibitors.

Bright white and pink tulips with yellow centres in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries. Beautiful flowering bulbs ideal for alpine gardening and plant enthusiasts.
White tulip with yellow stamens in a garden pot, showcasing alpine garden flowers.
White and pink tulip flower blooming with green foliage, ideal for alpine gardens and rockery planting, showcasing vibrant colours and delicate petals.

This wasn’t a big show, but the benches looked crowded, and there were some exceptional plants, as indicated by the number of Certificates of Merit given out.  I would like to thank all those who made it possible – Bob and Rannveig and their team of helpers, the nurserymen who travel long distances to stand and sell plants all day, the exhibitors, the stewards and judges, and of course the visitors, without whom the day could not be a success.

In particular, I would like to thank the local group member who stayed to the very end of the breakdown, and helped me and Helen take our boards and pictures out to the car.  Without such support, doing these big displays would be impossible.

Read previous entries at The Photographers Diary

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