Pershore Summer Show 2019

A selection of the plants exhibited at the AGS Pershore Summer Show 2019. ...(more below)
July 12, 2019
AGS Editor
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I’m taking a short break from posting about the Picos de Europa to show you my pictures from the AGS Show last weekend at Pershore.

Miniature Gardens

Before things got too busy I managed to photograph two miniature gardens exhibited by Aberconwy Nursery, together with the winning garden from the show, exhibited by Mavis and Sam Lloyd.

Vibrant alpine plants and succulents display in a terracotta pot, showcasing diverse species such as Raoulia, Sempervivum, and Anagallis, ideal for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vibrant alpine plants display various succulent and flowering species in a wooden container, showcasing the beauty of alpine gardening and collection at the Alpine Garden Society.
Vibrant Alpine plants and colourful flowers arranged in a terracotta pot, showcasing diverse species suitable for alpine gardening and rockeries.

Walking round the show

For this midsummer show, the benches were crowded and there were some spectacular plants on display. Which one catches your eye as you look around ?

Vase of white hydrangeas and purple heathers in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society plant show.
Bright spring flowers in pots at an Alpine Garden Society plant show with attendees examining the displays indoors.
Vivid display of various potted alpine plants and flowers showcased at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, highlighting plant diversity and garden design.
Vibrant potted alpine and garden plants showcased at the Alpine Garden Society exhibition, highlighting diverse species and colourful floral displays for plant enthusiasts and garden lovers.
Violet and purple flowering plants displayed at the Alpine Garden Society show, showcasing diverse plant varieties for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
A variety of colourful cacti and succulents in terracotta pots at alpine garden society plant display.
Brightly coloured alpine flowers displayed in terracotta pots at an Alpine Garden Society exhibition. Visitors observe the diverse range of miniature plants suitable for alpine gardening.
Vibrant display of potted garden plants and flowers at an Alpine Garden Society event, showcasing diverse varieties and colours for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Alpine Garden Society display of colourful potted flowering plants including white, purple, and green blooms, showcasing alpine gardening expertise and plant variety.

Six small pans of rock plants

The only six pan exhibit was this one from Peter Farkasch.

Brightly coloured potted alpine plants including purple, pink, and white flowers displayed indoors at the Alpine Garden Society show, highlighting diverse alpine garden plants and floral varieties.

Artistic Section

There is always scope to photograph the art whilst judging is in progress. The Open Section aggregate went to Caroline Jackson-Houlston. Here are her paintings of Lilium pyrenaicum, Ophrys sphegodes, and an illuminated letter ‘W’ featuring Pyrola, or Wintergreen.

Lilium pyreniacum flowering plant illustration, detailed botanical artwork from Alpine Garden Society, highlighting unique lily species and alpine garden plant collections.
V is for Wintergreen illustrated with real plant and decorative alphabet, celebrating alpine plants and gardening tips.
Alpine garden plant illustration featuring orchids and green foliage, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant collectors.

The Intermediate Section artistic aggregate went to Gemma Hayes. Here is her creative image of Pulsatilla vernalis.

Alpine garden landscape illustration with mountains, clouds, and blooming flowers, showcasing alpine flora and scenic mountain scenery.

Cut Flowers

Another thing I can always photograph during judging is the cut flowers and flower arrangements. Ben and Paddy Parmee produced a most attractive grouping of six vases of cut flowers.

Rhodohypoxis and flowering plants in glass containers with pebbles for alpine garden displays, showcasing colourful blooms and thriving alpine species.

Flower Arrangements

There were two excellent entries here. Ben and Paddy’s arrangement would have been a worthy winner, if it hadn’t been outclassed by this superb creation from Lee and Julie Martin. Probably my favourite exhibit of the day.

Pink and purple alpine flower arrangement in a gold bowl, showcasing the diverse and vibrant flora prized by Alpine Garden Society members. Perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden displays.
Vibrant floral arrangement featuring lilies, orchids, and delphiniums in pink, purple, and white, showcasing stunning blooms for Alpine Garden Society garden displays and floral competitions.
Flower arrangement featuring alpine plants with pink, purple, and white blooms for alpine gardening enthusiasts and flower arranging enthusiasts.
Vibrant mixed flower bouquet featuring lilies, orchids, and hyacinths arranged for a floral display at the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for garden enthusiasts and floral art lovers.
Vibrant floral arrangement featuring pink, purple, and white Alpine garden flowers, perfect for displaying the beauty of alpine plants and surrounding natural habitats.

Hibbertia pedunculata

By now judging had finished and it was time to grab shots of the plants I was afraid would go over.  The genus Hibbertia is one I have known and loved for a long time, and grown intermittently and lost, and have never photographed. I think it was Hibbertia procumbens that David Sampson used to sell at shows twenty years ago. This fine plant of Hibbertia pedunculata was exhibited by Chris Bowyer.

Yellow alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, thriving in rocky soil, representing alpine garden plants and horticultural beauty.

Echinopsis subdenudata

There were nine entries in the class for one pan of cactus. The winner was quite a small, young plant of Echinopsis subdenudata exhibited by David Charlton. This came out ahead of larger, older and more difficult plants simply by the serendipity of having three flowers open for the show. There were only three buds but they had opened together. By Sunday they would all have closed and that will be it until next summer.

White cactus flowers blooming on a small potted cactus, showcasing stunning alpine flora from the Alpine Garden Society.
Giant white cactus flowers blooming on a small potted cactus plant.
White blossom of a cactus flower in a pot, showcasing the unique flora cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society.
White cactus flower in bloom, ideal for alpine and succulent plant enthusiasts, showcasing Alpine Garden Society’s collection of hardy plants.

Rebutia heliosa var. condorensis

Razvan Chisu showed a good plant of this slow-growing Rebutia in the Novice Section.

Cluster of small round cacti with vibrant red flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing drought-tolerant succulent plants ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Saxifraga caucasica (Mt Oschen)

Razvan Chisu also exhibited this saxifrage, which won the Wessex Water Trophy for the best plant in the Novice Section.

Dense green moss plant in a round pot with small stones, suitable for alpine garden displays.
Dense green succulent plant with small, rosette-shaped leaves, ideal for alpine and rock gardens. Perfect for gardening enthusiasts interested in hardy, drought-tolerant plants.

Talbotia elegans

This South African monocot was also in the Novice Section, exhibited by Sue Bedwell.  Although I have seen photos of lilac pink forms in the wild, this white one seems to be the only one in cultivation. I have grown it for many years, and have a large plant of it, but find it surprisingly difficult to grow well. The old leaves get leathery and tend to have brown marks and for me it flowers sparsely. Sue’s plant was in much better condition.

Miniature white flowering plant in a black pot, ideal for rock gardens and alpine collections. Perfect for enthusiasts of alpine gardening and flora appreciation.
White alpine flower with green foliage, perfect for rock gardens and alpine plant collections.

Triteleia  ‘Rudy’

The next plant from the Novice Section is this pan of Triteleia from Steve Clements, who won the Dudfield Cup for the section aggregate.

Violet Agapanthus flowers in a pot, showcasing vibrant blooms suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Epipactis  ‘Passionata’

Steve Clements is an orchid specialist and he had several pans of those in the Open section. His plant of the week was this Epipactis (a hybrid grex between E. palustris var. ochroleuca and E. royleana) and there were at least three pans of it at the show, including this small one in the Novice Section.

Exhibition of vibrant, blooming orchids with green foliage against a grey background, showcasing the beauty of alpine garden plants. Perfect for garden enthusiasts and alpine plant collectors.
Deeply coloured alpine orchid with pink and yellow blossoms on tall green stem, suitable for Alpine Garden Society displays and collections.

Spathoglottis ixioides

Steve Clements deservedly won the class for a plant rare in cultivation, with this lovely orchid from Bhutan and Sikkim. Just one flower open but several more to come.

I was second in this class, with a pan of Tigridia augusta (formerly T. violacea) with one flower which steadfastly refused to open properly. The following day it had four flowers all fully open. A bit like David Charlton’s cactus in reverse.

Yellow Cymbidium orchids flowering among lush green foliage, showcasing alpine gardening beauty and orchid cultivation. Ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts and orchid lovers interested in hardy plant varieties.
Vivid yellow orchid bloom from the Alpine Garden Society, showcasing rare alpine plants for enthusiasts and collectors. Perfect for gardening, nature photography, and alpine flora lovers.

Goodyera tesselata

This pretty American ladies’ tresses was also exhibited by Steve Clements.

Alpine plant in a terracotta pot with tall flowering spikes and green foliage, suitable for alpine gardening and rock gardens.
Agalinis purpurea flowering plant, native to alpine gardens and wildflower habitats, showcasing delicate white blossoms along a tall green stem.

Epipactis palustris

Steve Clements was not the only person to exhibit orchids. This pan of the native Marsh Helleborine (in its dwarf, dune-slack form ?) was exhibited by Eric Jarrett.

Vibrant orchid plants in a terracotta pot, showcasing delicate flowers and lush green foliage. Perfect for alpine gardens and succulent displays. Ideal for botanical enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Unidentified orchid species from Alpine Garden Society collection, showcasing intricate petals and natural beauty.

Ponerorchis graminifolia

Finally Vic and Janet Aspland exhibited this attractive form of the Japanese orchid Ponerorchis graminifolia.

Violet flowering orchid in a terracotta pot, floral close-up, native to alpine environments, cultivated for garden aesthetics, known for its delicate purple blossoms, ideal for alpine garden enthusiasts, UK plant collection.
Vanda orchid flower with purple and white patterned petals, cultivated in a pot, showcasing alpine garden plant diversity and ornamental horticulture.
Vanda orchids with purple and white patterned petals, ideal for alpine gardens and horticulture enthusiasts.

Hosta  ‘Blue Mouse Ears’

Moving back to the Intermediate Section, this neat pan of Hosta was exhibited by Brenda Nickels.

Purple flowering plant in a pot, alpine garden plant with green leaves and delicate purple flowers, ideal for rock gardens and alpine plant collections, showcasing natural beauty and resilience, perfect for British alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Cyclamen purpurascens(not C. colchicum)

The Florence Baker Memorial Trophy for the Intermediate Section aggregate went to Lesley Travis, who grew this charming little plant of a Cyclamen we seldom see at shows.  [Correction: I am told this is C. purpurascens, not C. colchicum.  The main difference is the thickness of the leaves.  So I have still never photographed C. colchicum.]

Cyclamen plant in a terracotta pot with colourful foliage, ideal for alpine gardening and rock gardens.,.

Campanula cochlearifolia  ‘Tubby’

Lesley Travis also exhibited some good pans of Campanula. This is one I love in the garden; sadly the slugs love it too.

Bluebell flowers in a terracotta pot, vibrant purple blooms with green foliage, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries, highlights the beauty of alpine flora, garden enthusiasts DIY gardening ideas, seasonal plant displays in UK gardens.

Campanula garganica  ‘W H Paine’

Again from Lesley Travis.

Purple flowering Campanula plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing a vibrant display of bell-shaped blooms, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries. Ideal for gardeners interested in alpine and mountain plants.

Campanula betulifolia

This was grown from AGS seed by Lawrence Peet.

Vernalised Alpine clematis in a terracotta pot, flowering plant suitable for alpine gardens and container planting, showcasing delicate white bell-shaped flowers.
Pink bell-shaped alpine flowers growing in a terracotta pot, showcasing unique horticultural varieties from the Alpine Garden Society.

Campanula fragilis

This plant of Campanula fragilis from Eddie Spencer won the class for one pan of rock plants, and a Certificate of Merit.

Purple alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, vibrant and densely packed, representing alpine garden plants for mountain gardening enthusiasts, suitable for rock gardens and alpine plant collections.
Violet blooming flowers of alpine plants, perfect for garden enthusiasts and rockery gardens. Discover the best alpine species at the Alpine Garden Society for colourful, hardy plant displays.

Campanula  ‘Blue Pearl’

Class 8, for one pan of Campanula or Favratia, was contested by some fine plants, and won in the end by a pan of Favratia zoysii exhibited by Ian Instone. Runner-up was this plant of Campanula ‘Blue Pearl’ exhibited by Paul and Gill Ranson. It is a hybrid between Campanula myrtifolia and Campanula asperuloides, raised originally by Martin Sheader. This plant was given an Award of Merit by the Joint Rock Garden Committee (JRGC).

Vivid alpine plants in a terracotta pot, showcasing diverse hardy flora suitable for alpine gardening and rockeries.
Creamy white Agapanthus flowers in full bloom, showcasing the beauty of alpine garden plants for enthusiasts and gardeners.

Campanula punctata  ‘Rubriflora’

Another plant I love, and feed to my slugs regularly, is Campanula punctata. I thought this red form exhibited by Anne Vale was particularly striking.

Pink bell-shaped flowering plant in a black pot, suited for alpine gardens and rockeries.
Pink bell-shaped alpine flowers blooming on dark background, showcasing alpine gardening and plant conservation.
Pink bell-shaped alpine flower in close-up, showcasing vibrant colour and delicate petal structure, perfect for alpine gardening and rock garden enthusiasts.
Vibrant pink bell-shaped flower from an alpine garden, showcasing hardy flowering plants suited for mountain and rocky terrains.

Campanula raineri

I thought this pan of Campanula raineri from Eric Jarrett was slightly unusual in the flower shape and presentation.

Violet alpine flowers in a terracotta pot showcasing vibrant blooms and lush green foliage, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts and lovers of hardy plants from the Alpine Garden Society.

Campanula topaliniana

A very large, tricky to carry pan of Campanula topaliniana from Peter Farkasch. I was surprised to find that this is another plant I had not previously photographed.

Violet Lobelia in a terracotta pot, showcasing vibrant purple flowers and lush green foliage, ideal for alpine gardens and container planting.
Vivid purple alpine flowers, perfect for garden rockeries and borders, showcasing the beauty of alpine plant varieties at the Alpine Garden Society.

Favratia zoysii

Ian Instone exhibited several pans of Favratia (formerly Campanula) zoysii, of which this was the finest. It was awarded a Certificate of Merit.

Violet bluebell flowers in a terracotta pot, perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing vibrant colours and delicate blooms.

Allium caesium

There are some plants which are reliable exhibits for the same show year after year, and at this show some of the Allium species are among them. This is one of my favourite summer show plants. I love the subtle colouring of the flowers, mixing silver and grey with a subdued blue. It was exhibited, as every year, by Bob and Rannveig Wallis.

Moonlight Garden Allium, flowering plant from the Alpine Garden Society collection, showcasing striking purple spherical blooms, ideal for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Allium giganteum flowers, purple ornamental garden blooms, popular in alpine gardens, showcasing striking globe-shaped flower heads, perfect for outdoor garden design and landscaping.

Allium kurtzianum ACW 2372

This is another onion I have photographed before at this show in previous years, here exhibited by Vic and Janet Aspland.

Pink and purple flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot, featuring small clustered blooms and slender green foliage, suitable for alpine garden cultivation and display.

Allium paniculatum

Finally, another onion I always admire, Allium paniculatum from Lee and Julie Martin.

Umbrella plant with pink flowers in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine and garden plants, suitable for rock gardens and alpine collections.
Bright purple and green flowering plant, nature photography of alpine flora for garden enthusiasts.

Triteleia laxa  ‘Dexter’

Robert Rolfe exhibited this quite exceptional pan of Triteleia laxa ‘Dexter’.

Vivid purple alpine flowers in a terracotta pot, blooming beautifully against a neutral background, showcasing the diverse and stunning plant varieties cultivated by the Alpine Garden Society.
Vivid purple gentian flowers in a garden pot, showcasing alpine plants at the Alpine Garden Society for rock garden enthusiasts and alpine plant lovers.

Ledebouria socialis

John and Clare Dower weren’t at the show (a pity, I would have liked to chat to them about our respective holidays in the Picos) but they sent some of their plants, including this beautifully grown pan of Ledebouria, which was awarded a Cultural Commendation by the JRGC.

Ledebouria socialis
Aloe vera flower spike with small green and purple buds on a grey background, showcasing alpine garden plant varieties and succulent blooms.

Eucomis vandermerwei

In times gone by, the Glebelands Trophy was awarded for the ‘wierdest plant’ at the Summer Show. This always provided some light hearted merriment but apparently it made things too difficult for the judges, who couldn’t decide what constituted a ‘wierd plant’. So now the trophy is presented, rather boringly, to the plant with ‘the most attractive foliage’.

This year, the winner was this Eucomis from Lee and Julie Martin. It could easily have won the same trophy under the previous requirements.

Aloe Vera plant in a terracotta pot with textured grey background.
Vivid close-up of a variegated Aloe Vera plant with green and cream striped leaves, showcasing its succulent and drought-tolerant qualities, ideal for alpine and succulent gardens.
Vriesea plant with green and purple mottled leaves in a terracotta pot, close-up of tropical foliage for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Eucomis zambesiaca

One of my favourite plants on the show bench was this little (3-4in) green Eucomis exhibited by Simon Bond. Not all forms stay this compact.

Green flowering plant with broad leaves and a tall, dense inflorescence in a black pot, suitable for alpine gardening and succulent collections.
Aloe vera plant in a black pot with green succulent growth, suitable for alpine gardening and plants collection.

Freesia laxa alba

I have always loved the pure white form of Freesia laxa but I tend to neglect it and it seems to dwindle without renewal from seed. Paul and Gill Ranson exhibited a beautifully grown and well-flowered pan of it.

Vivid blooming white flowers of an alpine plant in a pot, showcasing alpine gardening and rock garden plant care.
Delicate white orchid flowers blooming amidst lush green foliage, highlighting alpine garden flora suitable for garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.

Alstroemeria presliana subsp. australis

George Elder exhibited an Alstroemeria again this year but it was smaller and less spectacular than those he brought to the same show last year, though still a very attractive plant. Apparently last year’s showstoppers are going to be better than ever this year but are not out yet.

I am always surprised to find Alstroemeria in the bulbous classes, although the AGS definition seems to equate bulbous with monocot, so it is just another anomaly that arises from that definition.

Red alpine lily flowers in a pot with a grey background, showcasing unique alpine plants perfect for alpine gardens and rockeries, suitable for gardening enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Vibrant pink Alstroemeria flowers in full bloom, showcasing intricate patterns and long stamens for the Alpine Garden Society. Perfect for flowering plant enthusiasts and garden displays.

Colchicum heldreichii

One last bulb. Bob and Rannveig Wallis exhibited this little curiosity, a very early flowering Colchicum. I photographed it more for completeness than anything, as I have an exhibit of Colchicum images. It looked better when I had managed to prop up one of the flopping flowers.

Alpine plant in terracotta pot with rocky soil, flowering snowdrop buds, alpine gardening, hardy plants for rock gardens, alpine flora, gardening accessories, plant care, outdoors.
Unique alpine flower with white petals and yellow stamens growing in rocky soil, representing alpine gardening.

Anagallis tenella  ‘Studland’

Anne Vale exhibited several lovely pans of this well known cultivar of our native Bog Pimpernel. My own plant got rather set back last winter and is only just starting to make buds, but these pans were beautiful.

Pink flowering alpine plant in a black pot, showcasing vibrant blossoms, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts and rock garden designs. Perfect for garden displays or plant collections.
Pink alpine flowers in a pot, showcasing vibrant blooms for alpine gardening and garden society enthusiasts.
Vivid pink alpine flowers densely packed, showcasing vibrant blooms ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Chaenorhinum origanifolium

Lee and Julie Martin exhibited this little toadflax which we saw in the Picos a month ago.  This cultivated form was far better than anything we found in the wild.

Purple flowering alpine plant in a terracotta pot, ideal for mountain gardens and rockeries. Perfect for enthusiasts of alpine gardening and floral displays.
Violet salvia flowers in a lush garden setting, showcasing vibrant purple blooms ideal for alpine gardens and plant enthusiasts.

Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum

This was a fine plant, exhibited by Edward Spencer.

Alpine succulent plant in terracotta pot showcasing hardy alpine garden plants for cold weather gardening.
Blooming alpine plant with delicate white and pink flowers, ideal for rock gardens and alpine collections, showcased on the Alpine Garden Society website.
White flowering alpine plants in terracotta pots, showcasing the beauty of hardy garden flora.

Galax urceolata

I was rather intrigued by this American woodlander exhibited by Bob Worsley. It was something I am not familiar with and have never photographed. I might have to track a plant down and try to grow it.

White flowering plant with tall flower stalks in a terracotta pot, set against a dark background, representing alpine garden flora.
White flowering veronicas, alpine garden plants, vertical stems with delicate white blossoms, suitable for rock gardens and alpine plant collections.

Gentiana cachemirica

No AGS show is complete without a gentian. This was a species I haven’t seen before, and a very attractive one, exhibited by Eric Jarrett.

Blue gentian flowers growing in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine plants suitable for rock gardens and mountain alpine environments. Perfect for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts.
Vibrant blue Gentiana flowers in full bloom with green foliage, ideal for alpine gardens and plant enthusiasts.

Leptodermis oblonga

This very attractive small Chinese shrub was exhibited by David Richards.

Alpine Garden Society plant with small purple flowers and green foliage in a terracotta pot, suitable for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Lavender pink alpine flowers with green foliage, ideal for rock gardens and mountain planting, showcased by the Alpine Garden Society.

Leptosiphon nuttallii

This beautifully grown American Phlox relative was exhibited by Chris Bowyer. Perhaps not as compelling as some of the annual species in this genus, it does nevertheless have a quiet beauty of its own.

Alpine garden society white flowering plant in terracotta pot for rock garden and alpine plant collection.
White flower cluster of alpine plants, ideal for rock gardens and alpine collections, showcasing diverse flora.

Lysimachia japonica

I brought this to the show, and was pleased with it, as I have never before managed to get it to flower this well. Usually it gets mown off at some point during the spring by molluscs. Apparently the judges thought it was poorly grown and not as lush as it should be. In my garden lush = snail food.

Yellow-flowered alpine plants in a terracotta pot, suitable for rock gardens and containers, perfect for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts.

Pelargonium auritum subsp. carneum

Robert Rolfe was insistent that this was the best he had ever seen this, and George Elder was awarded a Certificate of Merit for it. Robert was right – it was even finer than when George won a Certificate of Merit for it last year at this show.

Unique alpine plant with white striped flowers in a terracotta pot, perfect for rock gardens and alpine collections.
Alpine flower with white and pink striped petals and orange stamens, suitable for garden enthusiasts and collectors of alpine plants.

Pelargonium endlicherianum ex KKAS 9316

This lovely form of Pelargonium endlicherianum was grown by Lee and Julie Martin, from a plant given to them by Ray Drew, and was awarded a Certificate of Merit. If you haven’t guessed, Lee and Julie won the Hilliard Cup for the Open Section aggregate.

Pink flowering cyclamen plant in a terracotta pot, vibrant blooms with green leaves, ideal for Alpine gardens, outdoor or indoor gardeners, showcasing plant care and flowering garden attractions in the UK.
Vivid pink geranium flowers from Alpine Garden Society, showcasing vibrant blooms and buds, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Sinningia tubiflora

This is another plant I took to the show. It is a gesneriad from Mexico and grows from potato-like tubers. I treat it like Rhodohypoxis – cold dry conditions in winter, lots of water in the summer. I put it out in full sun as soon as the danger of frosts is past but the judges still felt this plant was much too tall. Nevertheless, the long tubular flowers are very graceful, presumably moth-pollinated and have an unexpected beautiful scent, particularly in the evening.

Striking alpine wallflower plant with delicate white trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green foliage, ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries, showcasing hardy native flora.
Delphinium flower with two delicate white bell-shaped blooms on long, slender stems, set against a dark background. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and botanical collections.

Thalictrum kiusianum

This spectacular pot of Thalictrum kiusianum was exhibited by David Richards.

Pink flowering alpine plant in a black pot, suitable for garden or indoor display, perfect for alpine garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.

Thymus serpyllum  ‘Coccineus’

Finally, the Farrer medal plant. Did you spot it when I wandered round the show benches? It was a stunning plant, beautifully grown by Chris Lilley, and fully deserving of the award, for all it is a common garden plant.

Vivid purple flowering plant in a terracotta pot, showcasing alpine garden plant varieties for outdoor gardening and landscape design.
Thymus serpyllum coccineus exhibited by Chris Lilley
Vivid pink alpine flowers densely packed, showcasing the beauty of alpine gardening and succulent plants in a garden setting.

That’s all the pictures I had time for. As it was, there were lots of people I should have spent more time talking to but time always seemsm short at a show. I wish I had captured Tuberaria lignosa early in the day when it still had all its petals; it is so ephemeral we rarely see it on the show bench.

After that I had a lot of packing up, and then what became a long walk back to the car with my photography gear, my plants and those of Paul and Gill Ranson, which we were taking back for him.

While I was doing that, Helen joined the small team of helpers assisting the new show secretary Razvan Chisu in stripping and taking down the show tables and then cleaning the plant sales area and setting school dining tables in it again. Thanks to Razvan for taking on the unenviable task of running this show and to all those who helped, before, during or afterwards.

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