Pershore Early Spring Show 2019

Photographs of some of the wonderful alpine and hardy plants exhibited at our Early Spring Show in Pershore, Worcestershire. ...(more below)
February 23, 2019
AGS Editor
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Another weekend, another show. After an overnight stay at Caerleon (admittedly because I had my exhibit to put up) and a relaxed breakfast before the show, the early start to go to Pershore was unexpectedly hard.

Add to that the need to go via Oxford instead of Cirencester, because my wife Helen wanted to be dropped there, and the fact that I was driving through intermittently thick fog for the first two and a half hours, with suicidal cock pheasants appearing suddenly out of the murk in the middle of the road over the Cotswolds, and tractors which offered no prospect of passing them in the fog, and you will understand that I was weary by the time I reached the show.

My first task when I got out of the car was to take two trays of plants to the members’ plant sales table, on behalf of Robin White (owner of the now-closed Blackthorn Nursery); then a quick session of retail therapy around the plant stands followed by therapy of a more physical kind – two bacon rolls and a cup of tea and I was raring to go.

Views of the show the previous week had been straightforward – an airy well-lit hall, with high cloud outside and no direct sunshine made the lighting nice and even. Here things were different. As I crossed the top of the Cotswolds, I had driven out of the fog and into bright spring sunshine, and the same was now lancing down in shafts, creating little patches of flame in a hall which by contrast seemed thoroughly gloomy. So initially at least, I focused my attention on the benches furthest away from the sun, moving on to the artistic section. I also took the opportunity to capture some of the most striking plants in situ, though I was sure I would be carrying them later in the day.

Vivid display of potted alpine plants and chrysanthemums at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition showcasing alpine garden gardening and floral enthusiasts.
Vibrant spring flowers displayed in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse alpine plants and floral displays for gardening enthusiasts.
Bright yellow spring flowering plants in terracotta pots at Alpine Garden Society flower show showcasing diverse garden flora and plant displays.
A variety of vibrant purple and lavender flowering plants in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society event.
Alpine plants and flowering pots at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing rare alpine species in a vibrant display for garden enthusiasts and plant lovers.
Pink, yellow, and white flowering plants in pots on a garden patio, featuring delicate blooms and lush green foliage. Perfect for alpine gardens and create a colourful, vibrant display.
Vibrant display of potted alpine flowers including yellow, purple, pink, and white varieties at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Vibrant potted alpine plants and flowers displayed at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse colourful blooms perfect for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vibrant display of alpine flowers and plants at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse varieties of hardy plants suitable for mountain and rock gardens, attended by enthusiastic gardening enthusiasts.
Purple crocus flowers blooming in a garden pot during springtime.
Vivid display of alpine plants and flowers in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society event, highlighting diverse species and vibrant colours perfect for rock gardens and alpine collections.

Small six pans of rock plants

As on the previous weekend, Bob and Rannveig Wallis won the small-pan class for six rock plants, winning the Royal Bank of Scotland Trophy.

Vibrant collection of potted alpine flowers including cyclamen, iris, and daffodils displayed at the Alpine Garden Society plant exhibition.

Campanula raineri

At this show there is an Artistic Section. Photographing this during judging proved rather awkward, as sun was shining on some of the paintings, so I photographed what I could and made a mental note to go back, which I later sadly failed to do. This lovely pen-and-ink drawing of Campanula raineri was exhibited by Gemma Hayes, who won the Art Award for the Intermediate Artistic section aggregate.

Delicate black and white botanical illustration of Campanula caerulea, showcasing detailed flower petals and foliage, representing the beauty of alpine plants in garden design.

Arisaema

This Arisaema lampshade design was also produced by Gemma Hayes.

Wildflower illustration print of wild irises, vintage botanical artwork for garden enthusiasts, perfect for Alpine Garden Society members interested in native plant art.

Arisaema kiushianum

In the Open section, Rannveig Wallis, produced some lovely new paintings, including this Arisaema. From the reflections, it looks as though the sunlight was catching something red behind me.

Botanical illustration of Aristolochia schusteranum, showcasing its distinctive purple and green flowers and elongated leaves, representative of alpine garden plant species.

Fritillaria imperialis

Another beautiful painting also from Rannveig.

Fritillaria imperialis flowering plants with vibrant orange blooms and tall leafy stems, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing the beauty of alpine flora.

Paintings by Caroline Jackson-Houlston

However, the overall aggregate in the Open Artistic section went to Caroline Jackson-Houlston. Her entries included this set of three botanical illustrations.

Wildflower pressed plant illustrations showcasing alpine flora, perfect for Alpine Garden Society plant collections and botanical enthusiasts.

Cypripedium Parville

Caroline Jackson-Houlston also won the Florence Baker Award for the best painting or drawing with this wonderful orchid.

Corpeonopsis 'Fascinate' orchid botanical illustration, highlighting Alpine Garden Society's focus on rare and exotic plants, suitable for alpine and rock garden enthusiasts.

Crocus tommasinianus

Ian Robertson exhibited this lovely pan of crocuses as C. dalmaticus (pictured also above on the show bench), but discussions during the show and subsequently seem to have concluded that it is more likely to be a very good form of C. tommasinianus.

Purple crocuses blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring alpine flowers from the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for rock gardens and outdoor plant enthusiasts.
Purple crocus flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, highlighting alpine garden planting ideas and flowering bulbs for rock gardens. Perfect for enthusiasts of alpine plants and garden cultivation.
Vivid purple crocus flowers with bright orange stamens, showcasing early spring blooms at alpine gardens, perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden design.

Crocus scepusiensis var. leucostigma

I was following my normal routine of seeking out and photographing the crocuses and other flowers likely to deteriorate in the heat of the hall. This lovely little pan was exhibited by Lee and Julie Martin.

Violet crocus flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring alpine plants with vibrant purple petals and yellow stamens, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts.
Violet crocus flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries. Bright yellow stamens contrast with purple petals, perfect for snow-compatible plant displays.
Violet crocus flowers blooming in rocky soil, enhancing alpine gardens with colourful spring blooms. Perfect for enthusiasts of mountain flora and garden design.

Crocus tommasinianus ‘Barr’s Purple’

Another good form of Crocus tommasinianus, here exhibited by Brenda Nickels in the Intermediate section.

Purple crocuses blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring floral displays from the Alpine Garden Society.
Vivid purple crocus flowers with bright orange stamens, showcasing the beauty of alpine gardening and native plant cultivation at the Alpine Garden Society.

Crocus weldenii x chrysanthus ‘Middleton Cream’

Perhaps the most refined beauty of the day – Ian Robertson’s charming little pan of the rare hybrid clone ‘Middleton Cream’.

Yellow alpine crocus flowers blooming in a rustic pot, showcasing the beauty of alpine garden plants suitable for rock gardens and mountainous terrain. Ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.

Crocus pelistericus MESE 380

At the other extreme, John Dixon produced this huge pan of Crocus pelistericus in the heavyweight classes. Not open at the time of judging, it nevertheless received a Certificate of Merit and the photographer’s award for the heaviest plant of the day, for during the growing season it needs copious amounts of water. By the time I photographed it, it had spent the best part of an hour sitting in the sun near a window to make sure it looked its best.

Violet crocus flowers blooming in a terracotta pot with gravel, representing alpine garden plants suitable for rock gardens and alpine landscaping.
Violet crocus flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring flowering bulbs for alpine gardens.

Crocus tommasinianus ‘Claret’

This cultivar of Crocus tommasinianus is renowned for being as difficult as the species is usually easy, but Vic and Janet Aspland have maintained and exhibited a pan for several years now.

Bright pink crocus flowers in a decorative pot, showcasing early spring flowering bulbs for alpine gardens. Perfect for plant enthusiasts and alpine garden enthusiasts.

Crocus sieberi  ‘Ronald Ginns’

This crocus was exhibited by Ian Robertson the previous weekend, but it had many more flowers open now.

Vivid flowering alpine plants in a terracotta pot, showcasing the beauty of alpine gardening and suitable for rock gardens and containers.

Colchicum hungaricum

Not quite a crocus, but similarly included to close or sag depending on the conditions, this was a lovely pan from AGS Director of Seed Diane Clement.

Bright white and pink alpine flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing hardy plants suitable for mountain gardens and rockeries.
Blooming white autumn crocus flowers with yellow stamens in a garden bed, featuring rich soil and foliage, representing Alpine Garden Society floral displays and native alpine plant collections.

Iris svetlanae

My first Juno iris of the year, from Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Yellow flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot with lush green leaves, suitable for Alpine Garden Society collections and rock gardens, showcasing vibrant blooms and alpine gardening beauty, perfect for enthusiasts.
Alpine-garden-society-yellow-iris-flower.jpg.

Corydalis sewerzowii

Peter Hood was awarded a Cultural Commendation by the Joint Rock Garden Committee for this corydalis.

Yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing hardy plants suitable for mountain gardens and rockeries. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Bright yellow alpine flowers with green buds, showcasing wildflower blooms and botanical beauty, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Corydalis integra

This plant won the Susan Clements Memorial Trophy for the best plant in the Intermediate section for Ben and Paddy Parmee.

White orchid-like alpine plant in terracotta pot with dark grey background, showcasing rare and beautiful flora for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vivid white orchids with purple-centred blooms displayed in a lush green plant for alpine gardening and plant enthusiasts.
White orchid flowers with purple accents, showcasing exotic alpine flora.
Delphinium flower, a stunning alpine plant with white petals and purple markings, perfect for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts and rock garden enthusiasts.

Corydalis kusnetzovii

Somehow it was the small neat corydalis which caught my eye at this show. This one was from Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Flowering alpine plant in terracotta pot with green foliage and small rocks, part of Alpine Garden Society collection for rock gardens and mountain plants.

Corydalis erdelii

From George Elder.

Vicia lathyroides, a flowering plant with small white and purple blossoms, thriving in a terracotta pot, representing alpine garden flora and perfect for rock gardens or soil conditions.

Corydalis verticillaris

Again from Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Rare Himalayan flowering plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing unique, delicate blooms suited for alpine garden enthusiasts.
Pink alpine lily flowers blooming, showcasing vibrant colours and intricate details, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Delphinium flower in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms and lush foliage, suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries.
Vivid pink and white Alpine flowers blooming, ideal for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.

Corydalis popovii

Two contrasting forms of C. popovii – the first (white) from Bob and Rannveig Wallis and the second (pink) from Peter Hood.

Vandal involved in native orchid plants, featuring a close-up of the Dactylorhiza orchid with distinctive dark purple flowers and green foliage, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Pink and burgundy wildflower from the Alpine Garden Society, showcasing unique floral structure and vibrant colours, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and botanical collectors.

Corydalis schanginii var. ainii

I always love this one – it looks like a group of little figures with their arms in the air.  Again from Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Vivid yellow and white alpine flowers with dark tips, showcasing alpine gardening beauty and plant biodiversity. Perfect for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts and rock garden plant lovers.

Corydalis cheilanthifolia

Last but not least. This is a familiar garden plant, but made a very pleasing exhibit for Lesley Travis in the Intermediate secion.

Wild yellow flowering fernleaf mountain laurel plant in a pot, showcasing vibrant blooms and lush foliage, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Pleione Hekla ‘Locking Stumps’

In the Open large pan class for Orchidaceae, the judges awarded two equal firsts. One went to Don Peace for this pleione. I knew it was his as soon as I realised it had had its morning shower – sprayed over with water on arrival on the bench to keep it looking fresh.

Purple alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, ideal for garden enthusiasts and alpine plant collections. Perfect for alpine gardening, rock gardens, and container planting.
Vibrant pink and purple orchid from the Alpine Garden Society, showcasing rare alpine plants and expert horticultural care. Ideal for garden enthusiasts and alpine plant collectors.
Violet pink orchid with fringed lip, part of the Alpine Garden Society's collection, showcasing the beauty of alpine flowers and their unique structure.

Himantoglossum robertianum

The second first went to Barry Tattersall, for the same pan of giant orchids I photographed the previous week at Caerleon. I wanted another go at the close-up.

Violet pink orchid with speckled petals, highlighting alpine garden flora and rare plant species for gardening enthusiasts.

Neotinea lactea

The small pan Orchidaceae class went to Barry Tattersall for this tiny orchid – always one of my favourites.

Unique alpine plant with tall flowering spikes and lush green leaves, ideal for rock gardens and mountainous landscapes. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and collectors.
Orchid flower with intricate white and purple speckled petals, perfect for alpine gardening and horticulture enthusiasts.

Fritillaria ariana

This was a lovely form of F. ariana, with huge flowers with a prominent pink central stripe on a small plant. It was grown by Bob and Rannveig Wallis from JJA seed sown in December 99 – sometimes exhibitors have to be very patient.

Elegant pink alpine flowers blooming on a potted plant, showcasing rare and beautiful alpine garden flora suitable for rock gardens and mountainous regions.
Pink alpine lily flower with green leaves, showcasing unique mountain garden flora, perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and gardeners.
Pink alpine flower with elongated petals and green leaves, showcasing the beauty of high-altitude flora.

Further along the bench, Bob and Rannveig Wallis showed another small pan of F. ariana, from Michael Kammerlander seed sown as recently as February 2005.

Unique alpine plant in terracotta pot with pink and green foliage, ideal for rock gardens and mountain gardening enthusiasts.

Fritillaria euboeica

Not all fritillaries require such patience. This pan was grown by George Elder from seed sown in September 2014.

Bright yellow flowers of an alpine daffodil (Narcissus) plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine gardening and cultivation of hardy plants for mountain gardens.
Bright yellow alpine flowers with bell-shaped blossoms, showcasing the beauty of mountain flora at the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for fans of alpine plants and garden enthusiasts.

Fritillaria kittaniae

Tiny and delicate, from Ian Robertson.

Wild snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) growing in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring flowering bulbs with slender green leaves and delicate white blossoms. Perfect for alpine gardens and rockery displays.
A vibrant yellow flower with green leaves, showcasing alpine garden flora for plant enthusiasts.

Fritillaria obliqua

Again from George Elder, this time sown in September 2011. I loved this and took a long time photographing it, but got distracted trying to photograph the interior of the flowers and forgot that I wanted one of the glossy bloom on the outside of the petals.

Stunning dark purple Fritillaria meleagris flowers in a pot, showcasing their distinctive checkered pattern and elegant shape, perfect for alpine and bulb gardening enthusiasts.
Fritillaria meleagris, also known as snake's head fritillary, with dark purple bell-shaped flowers and green stems, perfect for alpine and rock gardens.
Rich deep red flowers with yellow stamens, part of the alpine garden collection at Alpine Garden Society, showcasing hardy plants ideal for mountain and rock gardens.
Dark red Fritillaria flowers with yellow stamens, showcasing alpine garden plant varieties for display and cultivation.

Fritillaria pudica  ‘Richard Britten’

A fine clone of F. pudica, which we used to see in large pans 20 years ago, but which seemed almost to have faded out of cultivation. Vic and Janet Aspland have been building up this pan slowly over the last few years.

Yellow alpine snowdrop flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring alpine garden plants for rock gardens and garden borders. Perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and gardeners.
Bright yellow daffodil flowers blooming in a garden pot, showcasing early spring blooms perfect for alpine and rock gardens, as promoted by the Alpine Garden Society.
Yellow alpine flower with green foliage, showcasing alpine gardening and plant care, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts.

Fritillaria stenanthera

The Audrey Bartholomew Memorial Award for the best pan of bulbs in the show, and the Farrer Medal for the best plant in the show, went to George Elder for this wonderful pan of Fritillaria stenanthera, again grown from Jim Archibald seed, apparently collected in Afghanistan, and sown in January 2000. It will probably be even better next week, as the stems elongate a little, but George is not going to the Harlow show.

Pink and white alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing hardy flora suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries.
Pink and white alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant foliage and delicate blooms, perfect for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts and rock garden planting.
Pink alpine flowers with green leaves, showcasing alpine gardening and plant cultivation.
Vivid close-up of pink and white orchids with green leaves, showcasing the beauty of Alpine plants and flowers suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Narcissus alpestris

There were more pans of daffodils than a week previously. This was exhibited by Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Daffodil flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing Alpine garden plant variety for spring bloom, ideal for alpine garden society enthusiasts and garden lovers.
Yellow daffodil blooming among green leaves, early spring flower, natural floral image.

Narcissus atlanticus hybrid

A tiny jonquil hybrid, again exhibited by Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Yellow daffodils flowering in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring garden plants for the Alpine Garden Society.
Yellow daffodils blooming with green leaves against a grey background, typical of Alpine Garden Society plant collections.

Narcissus bulbocodium citrinus

A nice pan of N. bulbocodium from Ben and Paddy Parmee, who won the Tomlinson Tankard for the Intermediate section aggregate.

Golden yellow gladiolus flowers in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens and succulent displays, showcasing vibrant colours and unique plant varieties.

Narcissus  ‘Snow Baby’

Also from Ben and Paddy Parmee

White daffodil flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring blooms for alpine gardens. Perfect for enthusiasts of native and cultivated daffodil varieties.
Daffodil flowers in a bouquet for Alpine Garden Society plants and gardening enthusiasts.
Soft yellow daffodil flower with green foliage, showcasing classic spring blooms at the Alpine Garden Society.

Galanthus  ‘Minipoc’

The only snowdrop I photographed at this show was this tiny poculiform clone, exhibited by Ben and Paddy Parmee.

Delicate white snowdrop flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, symbolising early spring and alpine gardening. Perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and snowdrop collectors.
White snowdrop flowers in bloom with green foliage, alpine garden plants, early spring bulb, botanical gardening, snowdrop species for alpine gardens.

Daubenya aurea

The strident colour and unusual form of the red form of D. aurea is familiar to me, with my interest in South African bulbs, but many people, both visitors and other exhibitors, were very taken with this bulb grown by George Elder.

Bright orange alpine flower with green foliage in a small terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant bloom and hardy plant characteristics for alpine gardening.
Bright red and orange fiery flower with yellow stamens, native to South Africa, showcasing vibrant tropical floral beauty for garden enthusiasts.

Muscari adilli  LST 097

I intended to photograph this plant from Bob and Rannveig Wallis the previous weekend, but it escaped me, so I was delighted to see it reappear at Pershore.

Purple muscari flowers blooming in a terracotta pot, early spring alpine garden plant display.

Eranthis  ‘Guinea Gold’

Don Peace staged two excellent pans of the exhibitors’ favourite aconite clone.

Yellow alpine poppy in terracotta pot, vibrant mountain flower for alpine garden enthusiasts, floral display showcasing hardy plants suitable for rocky and mountainous terrains.
Yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms suitable for alpine gardening and garden society involvement.
Vibrant yellow winter aconite flowers in a garden pot, showcasing early spring blooms, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Vibrant yellow alpine flower in full bloom, showcasing delicate petals and floral details, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Pieris japonica  ‘William Buchanan’

An unusual little ericaceous shrub from Eric Jarrett.

Dense flowering shrub with small white blooms in a terracotta pot, ideal for alpine garden displays, showcasing hardy plants suitable for rock gardens and container planting.
White bell-shaped flowers of the alpine plant with dark green glossy leaves, showcasing alpine gardening beauty and plant care.

Aletes humilis

An unusual high-alpine cushion umbellifer from the Rockies, exhibited by Brian Burrow in the new or rare classes, barely bigger than when I last photographed it three years ago.  This tiny plant is something like eight years old now.

Alpine plant with small yellow flowers growing in gravel bed, suitable for alpine gardening and rockeries.
Yellow alpine flowering plant in rocky soil, showcasing the diversity of Alpine Garden Society flora. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and rock garden enthusiasts.
Bright yellow flowering Sedum plant showcasing lush succulent foliage and vibrant blooms, perfect for alpine and rock gardens. Ideal for Mediterranean-themed gardens and drought-tolerant landscaping.

Ypsilandra thibetica

This plant won a Farrer medal for Diane Clement two years ago at this show. This year, she had to be content with a Certificate of Merit, and a Cultural Commendation from the Joint Rock Garden Committee.

Exquisite white flowering alpine plants in a terracotta pot, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing the beauty of mountain plants and garden species.
White flowering crocus plant with green leaves, suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing early spring blooms.
Exquisite white flower cluster from alpine plants, showcasing delicate blossoms with slender stamens, ideal for alpine gardens and succulent plant enthusiasts.
White alpine plant flowers with elongated stamens, part of the Alpine Garden Society's collection, showcasing diverse mountain flora.

Hepatica japonica  ‘Murasaki-Shikibu’

There were lots of lovely hepaticas on the show bench, many exhibited by Bob Worsley in the Open Section. But this little one was in a two-pan class with the following plant, exhibited in the Novice class by Anita Acton, who won the Henry Hammer Cup for the Novice section aggregate.

Violet alpine flowers with layered petals, vibrant purple hues, and green foliage, perfect for garden enthusiasts and alpine plant collectors.
Violet dahlia flower in full bloom, showcasing vibrant purple petals and intricate detail, suitable for Alpine Garden Society plant displays and botanical collections.

Hepatica japonica ‘Yu Zuru’

The other half of Anita Acton’s two pan exhibit. I photographed it at Caerleon, but it had many more flowers open here.

Pink and yellow primula plants in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing vibrant spring blooms and hardy perennial growth.
Colorful primrose flowers in soft pink and yellow shades, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing vibrant spring blooms with delicate petals.

Hepatica japonica

This striking striped form came from Lesley Travis in the Intermediate section.

Vivid purple and white striped garden primroses in a terracotta pot, showcasing early spring flowering and alpine gardening beauty.

Hepatica japonica

I love the colour of this Hepatica japonica clone from Bob Worsley, falling somewhere between blue and purple.

Vivid purple Alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing the beauty of alpine garden plants. Perfect for rock gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes, these hardy blooms add colour and texture.
Vivid purple alpine flowers blooming in a garden setting, showcasing the beauty of hardy mountain plants suitable for rockeries and alpine gardens.

Hepatica henryi

Best of the hepaticas was this wonderful plant of H. henryi from Bob Worsley, which won the Ashwood Trophy for the best plant in a 19cm pot, an Award of Merit and a Cultural Commendation from the Joint Rock Garden Committee.

White alpine primula in terracotta pot, showcasing delicate alpine garden plants for rockeries and containers. Perfect for enthusiasts interested in alpines and garden design.

Dionysia curviflora  ENF93/11

The Mooney Cup for the Open section aggregate went to Paul and Gill Ranson, whose exhibits consisted mainly of dionysias.

Purple primula vulgaris in a terracotta pot with small pebbles, popular among Alpine Garden Society members for rock gardens and alpine plant collections.

Dionysia tapetodes  PMR10R1314/12

Also from Paul and Gill Ranson.

Yellow flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot, ideal for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Dionysia tapetodes Turkmenistan form

And a slightly different colour, the Turkmenistan form of D. tapetodes again from Paul and Gill Ranson.

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

Primula allionii  BB08/18/2

A Primula allionii seedling from Brian Burrow.

Pink and purple primula flowers in a terracotta pot, alpine garden society plant, vibrant garden flower display.

Primula  ‘Fritz Kummert’

I always love the deep colour of this primula from Eric Jarrett.

Purple primula in terracotta pot with small rocks, ideal for alpine and rock gardens.

Cyclamen libanoticum

I was almost at the point of packing up when I noticed this cyclamen from Bob Worsley.

Pink cyclamen plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant blooms and lush green foliage, ideal for enthusiasts of alpine plants and gardening.
Vivid pink and white cyclamen flower in close-up, showcasing delicate petals and intricate details, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts and alpine plant collectors.

Romulea bulbocodium leichtlinii

Exhibited by Ian Robertson. Normally I would have been desperate to photograph this first thing in the morning, but it took all day for the sun to come round and for the flowers to open.

Bright yellow and white alpine flowers growing in a terracotta pot with gravel mulch, perfect for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.

Crocus malyi  ‘Sueti Roco’

Finally, another late-opening plant which missed judging, a lovely form of Crocus malyi from Ian Robertson.

White crocus flowers blooming in a garden pot with gravel soil, symbolising early spring and alpine gardening.

By this point I was exhausted, mainly from being on my feet all day, and dragging my gear back out to the car was considerably more effort than bringing it in. Still, all in all a very successful show, with some fine plants. Thanks to all the exhibitors for bringing them, to the show secretaries and all their helpers for organising the show and last but most important, to the ladies in the kitchen who keep us all going through a long day.

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