AGS Early Spring Show 2019

See some of of the wonderful plants exhibited at our early spring show in Harlow, Essex. ...(more below)
March 2, 2019
AGS Editor
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Although the AGS Early Spring Show was held at the same school it has been held in for many years, building works meant a change of hall and a change of location and routine for everyone helping or exhibiting, with difficult access up stairs to get into the show hall and the team providing catering for the public, for the exhibitors and for the judges no longer had access to the school kitchen. In these difficult circumstances the wonderful display of plants, hectic sales hall and smooth administration was a triumph.

The long, foggy drive to Pershore was replaced by a much shorter trip on easier roads (motorways all the way), through increasing drizzle. With just one crate of plants and my show photography gear to carry, I parked immediately in the tennis courts behind the school, rather than fighting with the other exhibitors for a temporary space near the show hall. That was a decision I regretted slightly when I found I had to carry my crate of plants something like 200 yards through the drizzle and up a flight of steps in order to stage them.

My first impressions of the new show hall were rather disappointing (the old one which has been familiar for many years is being demolished, with care, after asbestos was found in the roof). The overhead lighting was very orange, the windows were largely blocked by heavy curtains which couldn’t be drawn back and what little daylight did filter in was obscured further by murky conditions outside which were producing the drizzle. I was sharing the show photographer role with Doug Joyce, who in the end was happy to do a lot of the carrying (for which many thanks) and take just a few shots, leaving the bulk of the photography and processing to me. He was even more damning about the conditions than me – the Black Hole of Calcutta was mentioned more than once.

However, I staged my few plants and then departed for a quick scout round the plant sales, before retrieving my camera and associated paraphernalia and returning to the show hall. In my absence, Director of Shows Martin Rogerson had taken heed of the grumbling photographers and had demonstrated his agility by scaling the monkey bars to wrap the curtains around beams and whatever else could be found, increasing the light levels considerably.

Encouraged, I unpacked my gear, set up a studio in the corner in the brightest possible place and emulated my comrade Doug by setting to to take some shots of the show hall during judging.

Vibrant display of potted spring flowers including daffodils, crocuses, and primroses at an Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition in a community hall.
Vibrant displays of potted alpine plants and flowers at an Alpine Garden Society event showcasing diverse hardy plants and garden enthusiasts.
Bright spring flowers in pots at an Alpine Garden Society plant show with attendees examining the displays indoors.
Alpine garden society flower display with potted alpine plants at a horticultural event.
Vibrant display of potted garden plants and flowers at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse varieties and colours for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Bright yellow and purple flowering plants displayed on a table at an alpine garden society exhibition, showcasing diverse alpine flora and gardening expertise.
Vibrant primula flowers and lush greenery displayed at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing alpine plants and garden displays.
Vibrant spring bulb displays featuring daffodils and primroses at an Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition in a community hall.
Variety of spring flowering plants in terracotta pots displayed at an Alpine Garden Society event, with people in the background browsing and attending gardening workshops.
Potted alpine flowers at the Alpine Garden Society floral display showcasing colourful and diverse plants perfect for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Purple and pink cyclamen in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition showcasing seasonal flowering plants for gardening enthusiasts.
Vibrant yellow and pink flowering plants in terracotta pots displayed at the Alpine Garden Society plant show indoors. People observing and discussing plant varieties in a bright, spacious environment.
Vibrant potted alpine flowers displayed at the Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing colourful blooms in terracotta pots, set against a blue background with visitors observing the plants.
Vase of colourful chrysanthemums and skimmia plants displayed at an Alpine Garden Society event showcasing alpine and hardy plants.

Dionysia tapetodes

I made a point of photographing in situ this huge specimen of Dionysia tapetodes, exhibited by John Dixon, with a view to avoiding the need to carry it, unless it won one of the show awards.

Vibrant display of potted chrysanthemums and decorative floral arrangements at the Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing award-winning horticulture and diverse alpine plant varieties.

Three pans of Dionysia

Next to the D. tapetodes, John Dixon exhibited a neat three pan entry of yellow Dionysia. Back right is D. tapetodes ‘Kate’, which was to require further attention later.

Vibrant yellow flowering plants in terracotta pots displayed at an Alpine Garden Society plant show, showcasing hardy alpine plants and wildflowers suitable for rock gardens and outdoor alpine gardening.

Iris pamphilica

To my great delight, the Farrer Medal (Best in Show) went to Colin and Elaine Barr, who were staunch supporters of the London Show when I used to run it, but who are at best occasional exhibitors, and have never won a Farrer before. You can see their pride and delight from the final picture, which Doug Joyce took, of the pair with their winning plant. Furthermore, this plant itself, Iris pamphilica is an old friend, which I have photographed before, but never in such great condition, or with so many flowers. Shortly after I photographed it, the iris was spirited away by the Joint Rock Garden Plant Committee (JRGC), who gave it an Award of Merit and a Cultural Commendation.

Rare alpine iris flowers in a terracotta pot with pebbles, showcasing hardy mountain garden plants suitable for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Iris pamphilica (Exhibitor: Colin & Elaine Barr)
Blue iris-like flower with yellow and brown markings, part of the Alpine Garden Society plant collection, showcasing alpine flora diversity in UK gardens, detailed close-up of cultivated unusual flowers.
Iris mitchelliana, a stunning alpine flower with blue and yellow petals, showcased in a detailed close-up for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Ayrt, a woman and a man holding awards and a potted plant at the Alpine Garden Society flower show.

Iris peshmenii

Near the Iris pamphilica was a Juno iris I have never photographed before and was afraid would go over, so I grabbed it quickly, though it wasn’t on any of the ‘required’ lists. This is Iris peshmenii exhibited by Bob and Rannveig Wallis, and I thought it was lovely.

Potted yellow and white iris flower with green foliage, suitable for alpine gardening and cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society.
Yellow and white bearded iris flower in a terracotta pot, lush green foliage, for alpine garden and flower gardening enthusiasts.

Iris aucheri

Sticking with this theme, my friend and local group member Mike Morton had brought this beautiful blue Juno (exhibited as I. kuschakewiczii – grown from AGS seed).

Violet flowering plant in a terracotta pot with green foliage, suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing Alpine Garden Society's focus on hardy, low-maintenance plants.
Delphinium flower with lush green leaves, ideal for alpine gardening and rock gardens. Showcasing vibrant, hardy plants perfect for the Alpine Garden Society's collection.

Crocus tommasinianus

The season has already passed from Galanthus, Crocus and Corydalis to Narcissus, Primula and Dionysia, but the Crocus Award was to be presented at this show and it went to C. tommasinianus exhibited by Ian Robertson (as C. dalmaticus) the previous week when it was in even better condition.

Purple crocuses blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring alpine gardening. Perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and wildflower collectors.

Crocus rhodensis

AGS Associate Editor Robert Rolfe brought this interesting novelty, and staged it as a non-competitive exhibit.

White alpine crocus flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant yellow stamens and slender green leaves, perfect for alpine gardening and rock gardens.

Trillium nivale

Mike Chadwick brought this Trillium from Kent – it normally flowers a bit later in the season.

White alpine flowers in terracotta pot, gravel soil, alpine garden society, hardy plants, rock garden, high altitude flora, gardening enthusiasts.
White blooming flowers of the Alpine Garden Society, showcasing early spring orchids and alpine plants for enthusiasts and gardeners.

Fritillaria aurea

This was another plant I made sure I photographed early on, before the flowers suffered in the heat of the hall. (Exhibited by Robert Rolfe.)

Alpine yellow fritillary flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing hardy plants suitable for alpine gardening.
Bright yellow Fritillaria meleagris flower blooming in a garden, surrounded by green leaves and soil, showcasing its distinctive bell-shaped bloom and spotted petals.

Pleione  ‘Riah Shan’

Steve Clements exhibited two pans of this lovely little pleione, one in the Intermediate section and one in the Novice section, where he won the Essex Award for the section aggregate. I struggled a bit to find a good angle on the larger, Intermediate section pot, before I realised that the smaller pot from the Novice section would make a much better picture.

Vibrant pink and white orchids blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine gardening and expert cultivation techniques for alpine plants.
Vibrant purple and white orchid flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine garden plant varieties and floral beauty for enthusiasts.
Vibrant pink and white orchid flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine garden plant varieties perfect for rock gardens and containers.

Pleione  ‘Mother’s Day’

This lovely, delicate bloom was also in the Intermediate section, exhibited by Peter Hurren.

Beautiful pink and white orchid flowers blooming in a small terracotta pot with lush green moss, showcasing alpine and rare plant species suitable for garden enthusiasts.
Violet orchid flowers in a pot, showcasing rare alpine orchid species with delicate purple and white blooms, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts and collector plant lovers.

Narcissus ‘White Petticoat’

The Geoff Smith Salver for the best pan of bulbs in the Novice or Intermediate sections went to Ben and Paddy Parmee for this beautiful exhibit.

White exile gladiolus flowers in a pot with long, slender green leaves on a grey background.
White alpine flowers with yellow stamens, showcasing alpine botanical beauty for garden enthusiasts.

Galanthus krasnovii

This fantastic pan of the rare, and I believe difficult, G. krasnovii was exhibited in the Novice section by Deborah Leonard and was awarded a Certificate of Merit.

Vivid snowdrop flowers in a black pot, showcasing alpine gardening beauty and plant cultivation.
Delicate alpine snowdrop flower with white petals and green markings, representing alpine plants and gardening enthusiasts.

Dionysia tapetodes  ‘Kate’

This is the Dionysia I referred to earlier, raised and exhibited by John Dixon, and named after his daughter (?). This was probably runner-up for the Farrer medal and winner of another Certificate of Merit.

Bright yellow Alpine succulents in a terracotta pot, showcasing hardy plants from the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Vibrant yellow flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine gardening diversity and hardy plants suitable for mountainous and rocky environments.

Fritillaria hermonis

Ben and Paddy Parmee won the Epping Trophy for the Intermediate section aggregate. I was resisting photographing their Primula forbesii, which I suspect will look better later in the year, and will probably need to be photographed then, so I chose this neat little pan of Fritillaria.

Early flowering alpine plants in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant green foliage and bell-shaped blossoms perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts at the Alpine Garden Society.

Narcissus cyclamineus

Also exhibited by Ben and Paddy Parmee, and probably dug up from their garden where it seems to self-seed happily, was this pan of Narcissus cyclamineus.

Bright yellow daffodil flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring flowering for alpine gardening and bulb collection.
Bright yellow daffodils in bloom, showcasing alpine garden flowers with vibrant colour and unique growth habits, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Yellow daffodil flowers with elongated trumpet-shaped blooms, vibrant and fresh, on a grey background, showcasing alpine garden flowers.

Fritillaria bucharica  ‘Pulkhakim’ form

These photographs give no sense of the scale of this charming fritillaria from Bob and Rannveig Wallis. It looks quite large and vigorous, when in reality this is no more than a six inch pot. I sometimes feel that in these standard ‘plant portrait’ shots, all plants look the same size, and it is something I have been trying to find a solution to.

White alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing rare and beautiful plants for alpine gardening enthusiasts. Perfect for garden hobbyists interested in succulent and alpine plant cultivation.
White alpine flowers in bloom, showcasing the beauty and diversity of plants cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society. Ideal for garden enthusiasts interested in alpine and rock garden plants.
Delphinium nutallianum, a native wildflower, blooming with delicate white flowers featuring dark markings, cultivated for alpine and rock gardens, and valued by plant enthusiasts for its unique appearance.

Dionysia  ‘Norlynn Heather’ NLJ0507/1

This Dionysia hybrid (between D. bryoides x. D. ‘Chris Grey-Wilson’) was raised by Norman Jobson and is a lovely colour. Here it was exhibited by Paul and Gill Ranson, who won the Elliott Bowl for the Open section aggregate from Bob and Rannveig Wallis by the narrowest of margins – they tied on first place points, they tied on second place points, but Paul and Gill won more third places, a result, so Rannveig announced, of filling up the car with ‘rubbish plants’. There is a keen spirit of competition at the shows, but a sense of humour as well.

Purple primula in a terracotta pot surrounded by gravel, ideal for alpine gardens and rockery planting, showcasing hardy, colourful flowers perfect for garden enthusiasts.

Dionysia cf. robusta CIA45-1(TBG5)

From the new or rare classes, exhibited by Paul and Gill Ranson.

Yellow Alpine primula flower cluster in a terracotta pot with gravel mulch - Alpine Garden Society plant collection.

Dionysia  ‘Annielle’

A small but neat specimen of the hybrid Dionysia ‘Annielle’ (D. curviflora x. tapetodes MK8809/2) also from Paul and Gill Ranson.

Bright yellow flowering plant in a brown pot, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries. Ideal for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance plants suitable for mountainous and rocky environments.

Himantoglossum robertianum

Barry Tattersall exhibited this pan of orchids for the third show in a row and I photographed it again as it was due to be considered by the JRGC, but in the end they decided not to make an award.

Pink orchid hybrid flowering potted plant for alpine garden displays and cultivation.
Close-up of a lush, colourful Alpines garden flower featuring pink, purple, and green hues, highlighting the beauty of alpine plants and garden collections.

Narcissus bulbocodium

This tiny clone of Narcissus bulbocodium was raised from seed from N. bulbocodium var. tenuifolius by Bob and Rannveig Wallis. I resorted to unconventional, and probably rather unsuccessful measures, to demonstrate its diminutive stature. These flower stems are no more than 3 inches high.

Delphinium flower in a terracotta pot, showcasing delicate pale yellow blossoms with green foliage, suitable for alpine gardening and indoor or outdoor garden displays.
Cream coloured alpine primula in a terracotta pot, showing delicate flowers and grassy foliage, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Fritillaria serpenticola

From the moment I entered the show hall, I wanted to photograph this tiny yellow fritillaria exhibited by Ian Robertson. It was one I felt was not well illustrated in the display I put on in Caerleon.

Yellow snowdrop flowers growing in a garden pot with brown pebbles, representing members of the Alpine Garden Society, highlighting rock garden and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Yellow spring flowers (Galanthus nivalis) blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring garden beauty.
Bright yellow primula flower blooming in garden soil, showcasing early spring floral display, part of Alpine Garden Society plant collection.
Bright yellow snowdrop flowers in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant lovers.
Bright yellow crocus flower blooming in an alpine garden, showcasing vibrant spring blooms and green foliage.

Muscari anatolicum

Exhibited by Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Lavender plant with purple flowers, ideal for alpine gardens and outdoor cultivation, showcasing hardy perennial characteristics and vibrant floral display.
Vibrant purple and white Church Mountain Grape Hyacinth flower in full bloom, surrounded by lush green leaves, perfect for alpine gardening and rock gardens.

Chionodoxa albescens

Again from Bob and Rannveig Wallis. It is so lovely, I photograph it every year.

Potted white blooming plants, primroses, garden flowers in terracotta pot, Alpine Garden Society, UK, gardening, floral arrangement, spring blooms, outdoor planting, horticulture enthusiasts, alpine plants.
White Blue Star Flowers of the Alpine Garden Society in springtime.
Vivid white hyacinth flowers in bloom, part of the Alpine Garden Society plant collection, showcasing early spring flowering bulbs with vibrant yellow centres and lush green foliage.

Hyacinthus orientalis subsp. chionophyllus

This hyacinth from Bob and Rannveig Wallis was past its best, but Doug thought that one spike would make a great closeup, and he was right.

White hyacinth flowers blooming in terracotta pot, ideal for alpine garden plant displays and floral arrangements.
White hyacinth flowers with green leaves, perfect for alpine and garden planting, showcasing the beauty of the Alpine Garden Society's collection.

Narcissus bulbocodium

We were nearing the end of the lists we had been given to photograph by now, and this N. bulbocodium clone from Bob and Rannveig Wallis was one I selected as being photo-worthy. The light has caught it particularly well and I thought it looked stunning.

Yellow daffodils in a terracotta pot, showcasing spring flowering bulbs suitable for alpine gardens.
Vivid yellow daffodil flowers blooming, symbolising spring and garden elegance, ideal for alpine gardening and floral displays.

Corydalis  ‘Lentune Rouge’

Don Peace’s hybrid between C. kusnetzovii and C. solida.

Violet flowers of an alpine plant in a terracotta pot, suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries, featuring lush green foliage and purple-white blooms, perfect for enthusiasts of alpine gardening.

Ophrys lapethica

I was intrigued by this tiny ‘bee orchid’ from Barry Tattersall last year and photographed it several times. This year, I think I got some better close-ups.

A rare orchid in a terracotta pot, showcasing delicate pink and purple flowers, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
- A close-up of an orchid flower with pink and brown markings on a green stem, showcasing alpine garden plant diversity and botanical beauty.
Orchid flower from the Alpine Garden Society showcasing rare alpine plants and floral diversity for gardening enthusiasts and botanical collectors.
A close-up of a bee orchid bloom with a bee-like appearance, vibrant purple and yellow petals, and a slender green stem, showcasing rare alpine garden orchids.

Ophrys mammosa

Another ‘bee orchid’, this time from Steve Clements in the Novice section. Again, I was pleased with the close-up – the LED lighting was working well for these.

Unique alpine plant seedling in a terracotta pot suitable for mountain garden collection.
Unique alpine orchid plant with delicate flowers on a slender green stem, showcasing rare mountain flora for enthusiasts and collectors.
Close-up of a rare and beautiful wild orchid with dark maroon and yellow markings, thriving in alpine garden conditions.
Anacamptis papilionacea, a rare orchid species native to alpine regions, showcasing vibrant yellow and dark maroon petals for alpine plant enthusiasts and orchid collectors.

Cymbidium tortisepalum

One final orchid, again from Steve Clements, and again selected by Doug Joyce on the grounds that it wasn’t a plant we had photographed before, and that there was a good close-up there somewhere.

Orchid flower from the Alpines collection at the Alpine Garden Society, showcasing unique alpine orchid species for enthusiasts and collectors.

Dionysia aretioides  ‘Bevere’

By this point there was just one plant on the ‘required’ lists and the two winning six pan exhibits to photograph. Doug and I had been waiting for some time for this plant to return from the JRGC and suspected that they had gone to lunch without returning it, but in the event the business part of their meeting was overrunning and we had to wait. This won a Certificate of Merit for David Charlton, though I didn’t see him, and suspect that someone else brought it for him.

Vivid yellow flowering cushion plant in a terracotta pot, perfect for Alpine gardening and rockeries at the Alpine Garden Society.

Small six pans of rock plants grown from seed

Bob and Rannveig Wallis won the Jane Baldry Memorial Trophy with six pans of bulbs grown from seed.

Vibrant potted spring bulbs including daffodils, muscari, and primulas displayed at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition, showcasing diverse alpine gardening and flowering plant varieties.

Small six pans of rock plants

There were two entries on the small six-pan class, from Ian Robertson and from Paul and Gill Ranson respectively. Paul and Gill won the AGS medal for the class.

Vibrant potted alpine flowers including daffodils and crocuses displayed at an Alpine Garden Society event for plant enthusiasts.
Vivid collection of alpine plants in terracotta pots featuring Primula allionii, Daphne, and Dianthus varieties, showcasing colourful blooms suited for alpine gardening and rockeries.

Narcissus  ‘Elka’

That was it; the lists were finished. I knew immediately what I would photograph first.  The few plants I had brought in had somehow won me two firsts in the Open section. A red-letter day when I normally win one every other year, a small step nearer to my gold medal, and producing a slightly ridiculous sense of glee and a little happy dance. In many ways I was lucky – there were better daffodils in the Intermediate section and in some of the multi-pan entries in the Open section. Nevertheless, I was pleased by the grace and delicacy of this little pan of N. ‘Elka’. I had to repot it earlier in the week – it had been half tipped-out by a night-time visitor to the garden.

Daffodil flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring blossom, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and bulb growers.
Daffodil flower in bloom, showcasing pale yellow and white petals with a vibrant yellow trumpet, perfect for alpine garden displays and cultivation.

Narcissus moschatus

My second first was also for a daffodil, and again somewhat fortunate, but I was still pleased with the plant.

Bright yellow daffodils blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring floral displays perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and collectors.
White daffodils blooming in a garden, spring flowers, beautiful bulbous plants for garden decoration, native to temperate regions, perfect for garden borders and flower beds, part of the Alpine Garden Society plant collection.
Bright white daffodil flower with green leaves, showcasing alpine garden flora, perfect for plant enthusiasts and gardeners interested in alpine plants and flowers.
White daffodil flowers in bloom, showcasing the beauty of alpine plants cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for gardening enthusiasts and lovers of rare mountain flora.

Narcissus moschatus  ‘Nadder Moon’

In the large-pan classes, Ian Robertson staged a wonderful large pan of Bob and Rannveig Wallis’ selection of N. moschatus named Nadder Moon, with green backs to the flowers.

Delphinium in a garden pot, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and rock garden designs, showcasing vibrant early spring flowers.
Bright yellow and white daffodil flowers in full bloom, ideal for alpine gardening and garden displays, showcasing the beauty of alpine flowers and garden plants.

Narcissus x johnstonii

I have always loved the form of this Narcissus, here exhibited by Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Yellow daffodil flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, featuring long green leaves against a dark background, illustrating early spring flowering plants for garden enthusiasts.
Narcissus daffodil flowers with yellow blossoms and green stems, perfect for alpine garden displays and gardens.

Narcissus ‘Oxford Gold’

New to the show benches this year, and a cultivar we hadn’t photographed before, this N. bulbocodium selection, exhibited by Peter Hurren, is huge. Many of the nurseries in the sales area were selling pots of it, so it would appear to be a new mass offering from the Dutch growers.

Bright yellow daffodils blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring flowering bulbs at the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Bright yellow alpine flower, likely a type of crocus or similar mountain blossom, showcasing vibrant colours and delicate petals, representing alpine gardening and plant beauty.

Narcissus henriquesii

A fabulous pan of this jonquil from Maurice Bacon. By now the sun had come out, and was casting bars of shadow from the windows across where we were working, so we had been forced to lower the curtain, and the lighting had become quite dingy.

Narcissus jonquilla

This is N. jonquilla itself, grown from their own seed by Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Bold yellow daffodils blooming in a garden pot, showcasing alpine gardening and springtime flora. Perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden design ideas.
Bright yellow alpine flowers in a garden pot, showcasing hardy and vibrant plants for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vivid yellow daffodil flowers blooming against a dark background, showcasing alpine garden floral variety and garden plant diversity for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Fritillaria ariana

Another pan of F. ariana grown by Bob and Rannveig Wallis from JJA seed sown in December 1999. Again I thought it would make a good close-up.

Pink Alpine flowers in a terracotta pot with rocky soil against a dark background, showcasing rare and beautiful plants cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society.
Pink and yellow alpine flowers on a grey background, showcasing rare mountain plants, suitable for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.

Fritillaria gibbosa

Likewise F. gibbosa, also from Bob and Rannveig Wallis, though the limited lighting was causing me great difficulty.

Violet and pink alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing rare alpine garden plants, suitable for rock gardens and hardy garden enthusiasts.
Pink and purple alpine flowers with yellow anthers on a tall stem, ideal for mountain gardens and rockeries. Perfect for gardening enthusiasts and alpine plant collectors.

Fritillaria gibbosa yellow form

Another pot with no sense of scale. This tiny yellow form of F. gibbosa from Bob and Rannveig Wallis was no more than four inches high.

White and yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing native mountain flora for alpine gardening and plant enthusiasts.
Vascular plant with white and yellow flowers, featuring green, elongated leaves, ideal for alpine gardens and rockery planting.

Fritillaria pinardii

A nice dark form of F. pinardii from Mike Chadwick. Again, it was the closeup that I wanted.

Purple fritillaria flowers in a terracotta pot with small pebbles, showcasing alpine plants suitable for mountain gardens.
Rare alpine troughs with stunning botanical displays from the Alpine Garden Society. Explore beautiful plants suited for mountain and rock gardens, perfect for enthusiasts and collectors.
Purple and yellow alpine flower with green leaves, ideal for Alpine Garden Society plant collections and rock gardens. Suitable for cold, mountainous environments.

Fritillaria davisii

An interesting colour form of F. davisii from Ian Robertson, grown from seed from a yellow form, and possibly the result of some hybridisation.

Orchid in a terracotta pot with green leaves and delicate flowers, suitable for alpine gardening and grown in a controlled alpine garden environment.
Fritillaria meleagris flower, with maroon and yellow patterned petals, surrounded by green leaves, showcasing alpine flora suitable for garden and wildflower enthusiasts.

Mukdenia rossii

This is always a ‘banker’ for Lee and Julie Martin at this show.

White flowering alpine plants in a terracotta pot on a dark background, illustrating alpine gardening and plant care techniques.
Tiny white and pink flowers of the Alpine Garden Society’s featured plant, showcasing alpine flora with detailed petal structures.
White alpine flowers in bloom with green stems, part of the Alpine Garden Society collection, showcasing mountain plants and wildflowers, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant conservation efforts.

Flower arrangement

One of Lee Martin’s great unsung skills is the production of these wonderful flower arrangements. I steeled my nerve, and took my life in my hands, to carry this across the hall to the window and back again.

Bright colourful floral arrangement featuring an assortment of Alpine garden flowers in a green vase.
Vibrant spring flower arrangement featuring a colourful mix of cyclamen and other native alpine plants against a dark background. Perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant lovers.

Dionysia  ‘Claire’

A quick visit back to the Primulaceae classes. This hybrid was raised and exhibited by Nigel Fuller, and named for his grand-daughter.

Vivid purple Primula malacoides in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine gardening and flowering plant varieties, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.

Primula allionii JF9128

An old P. allionii clone from Jules Fouarge in Belgium, exhibited by Nigel Fuller.

Vivid pink primula flowers growing in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardening and flower cultivation.

Primula allionii  ‘Tamara’

Another lovely clone, raised by Nigel Fuller and named for his daughter.

Purple flowering plant in terracotta pot, highlighting alpine garden plants and gardening enthusiasts.

Sanguinaria canadensis

Finally, Doug and I had been waiting for this pan of the lovely single form of S. canadensis from Joy Bishop all day. It wasn’t open for judging, nor for most of the day, but the sunshine in the afternoon brought it to life.

Primula auricula flowering plant in a garden pot, showcasing alpine garden gardening tips and alpine plant cultivation.
White alpine flower in a pot with a dark background, showcasing the beauty of mountain plants for garden enthusiasts.

Thanks to Kit Strange and all her helpers for staging an excellent show in very tricky circumstances and for keeping a smile upon her face in the midst of adversity. This photo of her was taken by Doug Joyce.

Vibrant potted daffodils and primroses displayed at an Alpine Garden Society event, highlighting early spring blooms and gardening enthusiasm in a community setting.

It was wonderful to see past master exhibitor Cecilia Coller, though she wasn’t exhibiting. Again a photo by Doug Joyce.

Colorful spring bulb displays and potted plants at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing a variety of daffodils, crocuses, and primulas in an indoor setting with gardening enthusiasts.

Thanks also to all the ladies and gents who brought me cups of tea during the day, and to Ray Drew, who provided some small bottles of lager for the judges’ lunch which brightened the mood in photographers’ corner considerably. Last but not least, to Doug Joyce for his companionship and able assistance which made it a pleasure to perform this potentially gruelling task.

Next week I will be doing it all again at the Loughborough show. A bit of a daunting prospect; I suspect there will be serried ranks of huge pots there, journeying down with Frank Hoyle and the other exhibitors from the north.

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