Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
SRGC Shows and Events => Events => Topic started by: Maggi Young on February 08, 2016, 11:40:32 AM
-
The news we have all been waiting for!
THE THIRD CZECH INTERNATIONAL ROCK GARDEN CONFERENCE IS ANNOUNCED
edit : Registration will open 1st July 2016 see www.czrgs.cz (http://www.czrgs.cz)
This happy message has been received from Prague……
On the behalf of the 3rd Czech International Rock Garden Conference Committee it is our pleasure to invite you to be a happy participant.
Using our experience from the two previous conferences we plan to “plant” this one only 15 kilometres from the centre of Prague in the vicinity of the castle and two state parks of Průhonice which is 24 kilometres from Prague Ruzyne Airport and just a hop from the highway D1 Prague-Brno.
The main idea is to have very compact economic conference connecting attractive lectures and exploring the best local rock gardens plus, of course, the May Show of the Prague Club and the medieval baroque parts of Prague.
The Event is planned for 10 – 15th May 2017 at the Congress and Educational Centre Hotel Průhonice
The time is ripe now! There are many reasons to continue in organising conferences here in Central Europe. The rock gardens are more mature with new adding (reconstructions) and the assortment of the dwarf bulbs and rock garden plants is after 4 years long activities richer and newer. Also new growing techniques are to be seen and discussed. The pictures for lecturing are in higher level and we offer well balanced choice of western lecturers from SRGC, AGS, NARGS and the continental ones from Sweden, Norway, Germany and Czech Republic. More pleasurable hours for chatting and a modern choir concert is in programme.
The precise programme will be announced as soon as possible.
We remember well the unique warm microclimate and session at the last conference induced or charged by the great numbers of the members of the Forum of the SRGC, the passionate lovers of Dryas and divine Celtic plants. Scandinavian Lovers of Czech Pilsner Beers will be satisfied with the quality and prices. We expect as usual a maximum 100 participants for two days long tour in three coaches.
Please, come and enjoy our hospitality.
Sincerely yours
Vojtěch Holubec, Jiří Papoušek and Zdeněk Zvolánek (the old chairman)
Group photo from Tabor in 2013
[attachimg=1]
(Venue for 2017 : Hotel Floret , Květnové Náměstí 391, Pruhonice, 252 43, Czech Republic )
-
How do we book!!!!
;D
cheers
fermi
-
All in good time, fermi, all in good time - you'll find out here when the arrangements are made. 8)
[attachimg=1]
-
Someone is keen! :)
I've heard so much about what a great time everyone had in 2013, so it's definitely a date I'll be pencilling into my diary (once I have one for 2017 that is!)
-
Link made to Forum Calendar !
-
Super!
-
Wonderful news. I hope to be able to come to this one.
-
Already in training for the beer intake. ::)
-
News from Prague :
3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017
We are updating the websites now and the expected opening of the registration will be 1st of July 2016.
http://czrgs.cz/conference-registration.html (http://czrgs.cz/conference-registration.html)
8) 8) 8)
Bear in mind that all arrangements have yet to be finalised.... check the website for updates !
Meantime :
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does the conference start and finish?
The conference begins on Wednesday the 10th of May 2017 and finishes on Tuesday the 15th of May 2017.
What about booking accommodation?
You must book your accommodation directly with the hotel. See the section accommodation.
What about special accommodation needs?
Please contact the hotel directly to discuss any special accommodation needs.
What about extra nights in the hotel ?
Anyone wishing to stay extra nights before or after the conference must arrange this with the hotel.
Conference rates are valid for any extra nights.
Where I can find info about Czech Republic?
http://www.czech.cz/en/Home-en (http://www.czech.cz/en/Home-en)
http://www.czechtourism.com (http://www.czechtourism.com)
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/czech-republic (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/czech-republic)
THE CONFERENCE VENUE
The conference will be held in Pruhonice, the village 2 km behind the border of Prague. The village is strongly influenced by two research facilities located in Pruhonice:
The Institute of Botany of the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic
The Institute of Botany keeps a large park founded by Silva Tarouca with the oldest rock garden in the
Czech Republic and also one of the oldest in EU (131 years).
The Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening (RILOG)
The RILOG keeps a large Dendrological garden that was founded originally as a repository garden for
ornamental woody plant germplasm, but now it is designed as a park. The congress center and hotel where
the conference will be held, belong to RILOG. The complex was reconstructed and now represents a farm-
yard complex.
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation will be in the Hotel Floret and in other hotels in Průhonice.
Details will be released as soon as possible.
-
Some pictures from Pruhonice Castle and Park.
Photographed 2007 and 2010
-
Pruhonice
-
Zdenek Zvolanek shows this picture of the Trillium nivale of Forumist Zdeněk Řeháček , picture from Prague outdoor show. visitors to the Prague Show may see this plant and others of this quality.
I have to say this is a superb plant, excellent form - grown to perfection. My favourite Trillium.
[attachimg=1]
-
We were lucky enough to go to the 1st Czech conference but missed the 2nd so hopefully we will make the 3rd conference :)
-
Can't wait to get my name down. :)
Angie :)
-
Might it be over-subscribed this time? :)
-
Might it be over-subscribed this time? :)
Hope not .
Angie :)
-
I hope we might be able to make it to this one as we had to move house last time, we had booked and paid but the conference was on the actually moving date so had to cancel.
By all accounts it sounds a wonderful conference in a beautiful area of the world.
-
Hi Viviene, we hope to see you here next year. Fermi can provide references about the last one.
-
Hi Jiri,
We tried to convince Viv to come along last time and leave her 3 sons to handle the house (and garden) move but she would've fretted about where things would've ended up ;D
A few of the others in our club are keen to get along next year so we may have a reasonably sized group of Aussies again. Alas I don't think we can convince Otto to do another overseas trip :(
cheers
fermi
-
It seems the organising committee are hard at work on making conference plans - or is that busy at lunch ? ;) :)
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
-
If we could only sneak a peek at some of those pages? :D
-
From Zdenek Zvolanek:
My team friend Petr Diviš from the committee preparing conference in Průhonice, May 2017 asked me to help him to reconstruct his patio garden in Roztoky near Prague. He had precise antique granite curbs. So we started a week ago. It is unusual 5 metres high back tilted wall. The finished result will be seen during the conference. The title Spáry means crevices in Czech .
[attachimg=1]
Tim Ingram:
Zdenek - is this the garden we stopped at and toasted Marika with glasses of vodka ? I remember a beautifully precise crevice garden there. Hope there will be such a delightful musical entertainment again at the 3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017.
Maggi:
Yes, Tim- it is that very garden. The Aberdeen folks felt very much at home because of the granite already used there!
-
KSP /3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017
"Every week we will introduce one of the speakers. The first speaker we are going to introduce is Panayoti Kelaidis.
Panayoti Kelaidis (USA) "Keeping in Steppe: cushions and rock plants from the semi-arid plateaus of the world, and how to grow them in a garden setting"
Panayoti Kelaidis is a plant explorer, gardener and public garden administrator associated with Denver Botanic Gardens where he is now Senior Curator and Director of Outreach. He has designed plantings for many of the gardens at there. He has taken 7 collecting trips to Southern Africa researching the high mountain flora there, as well as travels to the Andes, the Himalaya (in both Pakistan and China) as well as travels throughout much of Europe, and Turkey and of course dozens of expeditions throughout North America from Alaska to Mexico. Many of his plant introductions are available through Plant Select®, (a plant introduction program that has sold over 100 million plants in America and Europe). He has lectured in over 140 cities in seven countries, and has been featured in dozens of television, newspaper and magazine pieces. He has published widely in popular and technical horticultural journals. He has discovered a half dozen plants that have proved new to science."
[attachimg=1]
-
Fabulous news, Maggi!
Haven't seen him in ages - it will be great to catch up.
Keep posting these updates - I never remember to check the Conference website :-[
cheers
fermi
-
3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017
From the Team:
This week we are going to introduce David Rankin (edit: SRGC members may already know this fellow!)
David Rankin (Scotland )- 'The modern plant hunter: searching for long-lost primulas'
Several species of primulas, not seen for many decades, even more than a century, have been rediscovered. Finding them is a combination of hard work - at home and in the field - and good fortune.
As more and more information becomes available on-line, the original collection sites of plants can sometimes be identified from the comfort of home. Herbarium specimens are being scanned and made freely available, old diaries and notes enable the routes of the old plant hunters to be worked out, and on-line maps and satellite images reveal possible sites. It helps if you can speak half a dozen languages. But eventually you have to put your boots on and head for the mountains - where the local people may know more than you do.
Seeing live plants, possibly photographing them for the first time, provides insights that are not possible when using only herbarium specimens.
David Rankin is Profesor at School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh. At present he is the president of SRGC. Together with his wife they run successful Kevock Gardens nursery for alpines
[attachimg=1]
-
3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017
The conference will take place in Průhonice surrounded by beautiful park. Read more about it http://goo.gl/o1qpuW (http://goo.gl/o1qpuW)
-
An update from ZZ on the granite crevice garden of Petr....
"Well, my friend Petr Diviš proved to be talented builder and he finished himself the most upper part of granite desks crevice garden. See the steep access G shaped path. Now the rest of the rock work must be finished with irregular pieces of granite stones "
[attachimg=1]
-
Looking really good Maggi, what fabulous stone. Are they going to do something about the breezeblock wall behind it though?
-
Oh, I think all sorts of things will happen around it and the wall will be finished with some render - ZZ speculates there may even be a jacuzzi - though he MAY be kidding there ......
"The Wagner opera singer wife of Petr Diviš must give her last word about the size of the patio terrace (Jakussi pot or what?) and it will give the rule for finishing granite layers."
[attachimg=1]
-
3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017
Next Speaker.......
Martin Hajman (Norway) – The arctic rock garden in Tromsř. Rock garden construction and excellent conditions for growing of high altitude plants
Subtitle: Building of Rock landscape by large rocks and growing high altitude plants - Tribute to Czech plant hunters.
Martin Hajman – working at dream job - gardener in Tromsř Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden – part of The Arctic University of Norway… far north above the arctic circle. Before move to Tromsř, having already dream job - Rock gardening professionally at Botanic Institute of Academy of Science in Pruhonice – Head gardener and curator of large historical alpine garden on natural rocks (UNESCO site) and running nursery. While became member of Prague Rock Garden Club than get the best rock gardening education during exhibition installations, lectures,… meeting Icons and look how they do it. Cofounder of The Czech Association of Perennial Growers. In Tromsř - cowork on large Rock Garden constructions with Bjřrn Thon – Man who made rock landscape of Tromsř BG.
Plant interests and specialisations are changing according season… since early spring Saxifraga specialist through summer Cremanthodium-Meconopsis crazy collector ends with Gentiana expert while snowing.
Botanical Trips : Smelling flowers of Daphne velenovskyi in Pirin mountains of Bulgaria, experienced sitting on Acantholimon during many trips to Turkey and, searching Peonies in Georgia’s Kaukasus , tenting in field of Galanthus fosteri in Syria’s mountains, also squeeze sand with teeth among black flowers of Iris petrana in Jordan and get almost kicked by ostrich while discovering beauty of Crassula obtusa in South African mountains. Always enjoying mountain-family picnics in fields of Rhododendron lapponicum around Tromsř.
[attachimg=1]
-
Excellent news, it was wonderful to meet Martin at Tromso and to be given a guided tour of this magnificent horticultural mecca by such a knowledgeable and charming host. Attending this conference will be an honour and a privilege.
-
Bill McGregor gave us a super talk on the 2nd Czech conference and the garden visits last night at the Aberdeen Scottish Rock Garden Club meeting - brought back many very happy memories. Anyone who is able to attend the 3rd Czech Conference in 2017 should book as soon as that option opens!
-
Scottish Rock Garden Club colleague and great friend - ZZ is the next speaker announced for the 3rd Czech Conference......
"First speaker from the Czech republic and also one of the comittee Zdeněk Zvolánek (CZ) – The Crevice Garden and its Plants.
Different designs of crevice beds in Czechia and the gardens of Western Europe. New happy saxatile plants for this technique of cultivation.
The speaker is retired architect rock gardening at Beauty Slope in Czech Karst, village of Karlík near Prague. He is an internationally recognized lecturer, horticultural writer, Prague Show Arranger and the editor of two journals. He is known as an apostle preaching crevice gardening.
Crevice gardens are not a new way of growing alpine plants; William Robinson mentioned them as early as 1870. But there is a renewed interest in them, particularly among Western European and North American gardeners, stemming largely, we think, from the greater access in recent years to the expertise of Czech gardeners who have been practicing and refining the art of their construction for more than 40 years. None has had a greater influence in this regard than Zdeněk Zvolánek, who has designed and built crevice beds varying in size from those in small troughs to the 3 acre crevice garden at the Montreal Botanic Garden, and the wonderful Bangsbo Garden in Denmark and in a wide range of climates on a varying range of soil types in N. America and Europe. He is, quite simply, a master of the craft who has studied both the aesthetics and practicalities of crevice garden construction very thoroughly. He has distilled his knowledge for the booklet of the Alpine Garden Society called “ The Crevice Garden and its Plants”. But Zdeněk is not just an excellent craftsman in rock work; he is also a very knowledgeable and well travelled plantsman who has introduced many exciting new plants to cultivation. He cares deeply about the plants and gives considerable thought to ensuring that in their placement in the crevice garden he is taking account of their ecological requirements, as gleaned from information about the habitats in which they grow. He will show various styles in crevice garden construction including soft travertine (tufa) beds and the end result, crevices full of happy and healthy plants."
[attachimg=1]
ZZ- a co-editor of the International Rock Gardener - shown hear admiring a plant of Saxifraga ´Křivoklát´
-
Next speaker announced....
Vojtěch Holubec (Czech republic) is a researcher and head of agricultural plant Gene bank. He is also part of the committee. He has been interested in alpines and botany since his 11 years. He loves mountains and he travels extensively to photograph plants and wild habitats, recently mainly to China and Central Asia. He got obsessed in crevice rock garden construction, he constructed main rock gardens in the show garden of Rock Garden Club Prague (RGCP) and in the International Horticultural Exhibition IGA Erfurt, Germany. He headed shows of the RGCP and served as the President of RGCP for 6 years. Together with his wife Lenka they run seed and plant propagation nursery. He published 2 books on Rock Garden construction with Ota Vlasak and The Flowers of the Caucasus with Pavel Křivka. He was awarded by Lyttel Trophy by AGS in 2010.
[attachimg=1]
-
Next speaker announced....
Vojtěch Holubec ....
Well, that should've been a "given" ;D
Shaping up as a wonderful conference!
BTW the Conference Website seems to be down at present - must be too many people clicking on to check it out :o
cheers
fermi
-
For those interested in learning a bit more about the reactions to the two previous conferences you can see lots in these threads - for 2007 - http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=471.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=471.0)
and 2013 - http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=10484.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=10484.0)
8) 8) 8)
-
Is there anyone/anyones that could consider to share room with me? If so, please send a PM to me.
Thank you
-
LATEST NEWS: Conference prices
Early fee: 390 EUR before 31.12.2016
Late fee: 410 EUR after 1.1.2017
The participant's registration fee includes morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch on Thursday till Monday (lunch boxes Saturday and Sunday), evening meal on Wednesday,Thursday, Friday & Sunday; Garden Tour and coach transport during the Garden Tour but does not include accommodation.
The registration will be open on 1st of July 2016.
-
Jiří Papoušek (Czech Republic) –is one of the committee but not a speaker for this conference. But you may try to persuade him for some bonus lecture :)
He visits European mountains regularly every year, his favourite place is area of Lago di Garda in the Northern Italy. He is enthusiastic grower of cushion plants, dwarf conifers and especially daphnes. In his garden there are crevices rock gardens, various planted troughs, collection of dwarf conifers and daphnes, woodland area with peat blocks and Alpine tunnel with tufa wall.
He is also known under his nickname Alpine parrot. He is member of Prague Rock Garden Club, SRGC and NZAGS. He has 30 years of experience of growing and exhibiting alpines at Prague Rock Gardens shows.
[attachimg=1]
-
Next speaker is Bob Wallis ....
"Bob Wallis (England) - “Flying to the Heights of Turkey: some highlights of the mountains”
I am a retired research scientist and, with my wife Rannveig, have been growing and showing alpines for more than 45 years. I cannot give up research, so now I am spending my retirement wandering all over the World looking at plants, and particularly bulbs, in the wild and trying to identify them. To this end we have published 2 new species of Fritillaria in Turkey and re-appraised the taxonomy of a third. We have visited Turkey more than 20 times and have fallen in love with the diverse bulbous plants which inhabit the snowy slopes."
[attachimg=1]
-
"This week we want to introduce you the conference team. Some of them you may not know yet. But we are all looking forward to meet you and prepare the best conference possible "
:)
Team members:
Zdeněk Zvolánek
Jiří Papoušek
Vojtěch Holubec
Petr Diviš
Ludmila Papoušková
Kateřina Papoušková
Zdenka Kosourová
[attachimg=1]
Clockwise from front left in the picture...... Ludmila, whose birthday it is today! :-*
Petr, almost hidden, then Jiří , Zdeněk, Zdenka and Vojtěch - it is the lovely Kateřina who is missing - behind the camera!
-
Is there anyone/anyones that could consider to share room with me? If so, please send a PM to me.
Thank you
Oh Susann, if only I could, I'd be thrilled to share with you. We got on all right last time didn't we, and Angie too? I'd give anything I had to be able to attend. I'll try a lottery ticket each week up until the booking time. ::)
-
3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017 added 2 new photos.
1 hr ·
Brigitte Fiebig and Michael Mauser ( Germany)- Persian treasures for the Alpinehouse - Tracing Dionysias in Iran (Impressions of Dionysias in their natural habitat from trips in 2015 and 2016)
Michael Mauser is an experienced landscape gardener and has been working at the Botanical Garden of Tübingen since 2003. He is in charge of the geographical part of the rockgarden, the alpinehouse and the Dionysia-collection. By visiting various expert growers of Dionysias in Europe he has gained experience in the cultivation of this precious genus.
[attachimg=1]
Brigitte Fiebig is the horticultural manager of the Botanical Garden of the University of Tübingen. As an enthusiastic plantswoman she is thrilled to see plants all over the world.
[attachimg=2]
-
[attachimg=1]
Henrik Zetterlund (Sweden) - "My favorite bulbs and how I use them in different gardens"
Henrik Zetterlund has more than 40 years of experience of the different aspects of a botanical garden. Starting in the tropical green-houses and later specializing in the cultivation of alpines and bulbs. Over the years a huge collection of bulbs has been built up in GBG. Starting with the contributions from the late Per Wendelbo. Completed by his successors in GBG of which HZ is one.
Henrik has been supervising the total renovation of the GBG rock-garden as well as the alpine houses and other areas of GBG.
More than 30 collection trips have brought many introductions of alpines and geophytes to the GBG. Corydalis henrikii, C. zetterlundii, Crocus henrikii and Dionysia zetterlundii are some examples.
-
From ZZ - re 3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017....
The late Ota Vlasák built a crevice garden with bold layers close to us in town of Dobřichovice ( the owner is Ota´s friend Jirka Pospíšil). Next year the Conference plan is to go there with buses.......
[attachimg=1]
Remember, registration for this event will open on 1st July - we think demand will be high - so be quick to register your intention to attend @czrgs...... http://www.czrgs.cz/ (http://www.czrgs.cz/)
https://www.facebook.com/czrgs (https://www.facebook.com/czrgs)
-
ZZ shares a photo of the sidewalls of the limestone outcrop in Jirka Pospíšil's garden. We can see the clever work of the late Ota Vlasák who was such a talented garden maker
[attachimg=1]
-
3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017
Jiří Papoušek:
"Greetings to all friends, hope to see many of you here next year on 3rd International Czech Rock Garden Conference. Don't miss it, number of places is limited. As you can see, my garden got thorough inspection yesterday from Vojtech Holubec and Zdenek Zvolanek, if it is ready for Conference garden tour.
Today's meeting was very successful and we would like to inform you that the registration will start on the 1st of July 2016. Don't miss it!"
http://czrgs.cz/conference-registration.html (http://czrgs.cz/conference-registration.html)
[attachimg=1]
Jiří, Vojtech and Zdenek
-
Well, Sue and I have registered … can't wait!!!! :D :D :D :D
-
Me too, can't wait something really nice to look forward to.
Angie 😀
-
Has anybody received a 'confirmation of booking' e-mail from the Hotel Floret yet? We have been warned that delays may occur, but I wouldn't wish to miss out on a room in the main hotel.
-
Not yet, Cliff - did you send to the recepce@floret.cz email ? I think they may just be a little slow.
-
I did, Maggi ... many thanks.
-
I'll post when we get a reply here.....
-
An addition to the Czech Conference website says the hotel is closed for 10 days, so expect something after July 11th,
cheers
fermi
-
Are we needing to book for the 10th to the 15th?
cheers
fermi
-
Just come in to find a message from CZRGS that the Hotel Floret is closed until 10th June - the Hotel hadn't told the committee and, to be fair - would YOU have asked the hotel if they might be closed in the middle of summer? I don't tihnk so! So, all is well.
Anyone who has registered but not had their confirmation email with their registration number should look in their email SPAM filter - it seems the emails are getting caught there. Ian's was.
-
That's how I read it, Fermi - and is how we have proceeded … I just hope that the hotel will be aware enough to handle bookings in the chronological order that they arrive or early 'bookers' (!!!) might be a tad upset. ;)
-
I've sent an e-mail because the Conference Site says that on-line booking is not possible for this event,
cheers
fermi
-
You have to email the hotel, fermi - there is not online booking for that hotel - there is for the suggested other two hotels.
I'm sure that Ludmila and her Gang will have the Hotel Floret under instruction to deal with the bookings in order - she will have our numbers to give them to check etc.
-
3rd Czech International Rock Garden conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017 (https://www.facebook.com/czrgs/?fref=nf) Dear participants,
we ask for your patience in waiting for the confirmation from the hotel Floret. We´ve just been informed that the hotel is closed from 1st till 10th of July 2016. All bookings will be processed gradually after 11th of July 2016.
We apologise for any inconvenience!
-
Just leaving one conference and now booked for Czech no 23. And have a reply.
Quite a few from NARGS have booked from USA and Canada, we all had fun trying to book whilst staying in Cody for Post Conf tour.
Sent email for Accomodation but they are closed for a week from 1 July.
Should be a great reunion. 😃
-
I'm registered now. Is it easy to pay from my on line banking in euros or should I go to my bank for them to do it?
-
Hotel staff are going to be very busy next week! Hope they do our bookings in order of sending too, Cliff.....
-
Hotel staff are going to be very busy next week! Hope they do our bookings in order of sending too, Cliff.....
Have faith, Chris!
-
We have just received a confirmation from the hotel … there must be a receptionist/manager covering the holiday period. Just the flights and transfers to worry about now … and the plummeting Euro, of course. :)
-
Yes, I've had my confirmation now too. Bravo organisers, must have been a nightmare for them.
-
I have a feeling that the hotel, being in receipt of furious contact from the usually dear, sweet Ludmila will have concentrated their minds wonderfully about getting someone on the case!
Can't remember how we did the payments last time, Christine - and Ian is off gallivanting to Alaska........
-
I'm going to try on line tonight for payment. If I can't do it I'll go to the bank tomorrow. They charge Ł20 yikes!
-
Hi Chris,
We have used TransferWise in the past and I have just investigated their page and they would charge just over three pounds to transfer mine and Sue's payments. I will try to post a screenshot of their page.
-
Thanks Cliff, I didn't see this and so went onto my on line banking and did it. Sure hope it went through ok, how will I know?
-
Sure hope it went through ok, how will I know?
It says in the conference site (http://www.czrgs.cz/conference-payment.html) about payment :
Please mention in the transfer message the participant's full name(s) for whom the transfer is made and the number assigned during registration.
Confirmation e-mail of the payment will be sent every 1st and 15th of each month.
-
Thanks Maggi, I'll keep watch. It's certainly gone from my account!
-
In case you haven't yet booked for this wonderful event - here are a few more photos to tempt you - A "Crack Team" of Alpine Parrots have made a reconnaissance ........ the inspection team was Jiří Papoušek, (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009162486885) Ludmila Papoušková and (https://www.facebook.com/ludmila.papouskova.9)Ondřej Papoušek (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009081474146).
First some photo of the town, Castle and park......
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
-
The park and rock garden....
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
-
Now for some shots of the main hotels.....
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
-
Huge anticipation …
-
Now for some shots of the main hotels.....
...
Looks the sort of place that serves lots of dumplings! :o ;)
cheers
fermi
-
Dumplings :o :o :o :o That's a good reason NOT to go!. Just as well I didn't win last night's $40million lotto draw! Not having a ticket had something to do with that.
-
Lovely to see Ludmilla and Jiri again though. And that rocky picture looks like a fabulous alpine garden. :D
-
We are booked and looking forward to a great conference again.
-
Got my confirmation from Ludmila on Saturday, what a relief, was sure I'd messed up the money transfer, but it is ok! Flights booked too so we are all set.....
-
All set here too: conference place, flights and hotel booked. Looking forward to finally meeting up with some far flung Forum friends next May!
-
Likewise, Matt :)
The last one was particularly fun and we had a great group photo,
cheers
fermi
-
A wee reminder about the lineup of speakers for the conference...
[attachimg=1]
-
As I hope you all know, there are many photos of the gardens visited in 2007 and 2013 after the Czech conferences in the pages of the forum, as a constant reminder of the quality of the Czech gardens - but the committee for the 3rd Conference are introducing some of those to be visited next year as an incentive to book!
"Now we would like to show you the gardens you will visit during the conference. So follow us every Wednesday to see more :)
And don´t forget to register: http://czrgs.cz/conference-registration2.html (http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fczrgs.cz%2Fconference-registration2.html&h=GAQGtULYtAQF4-xOSHK6B1cOeFCEB2tXKjVxBhYRNAVILEg&enc=AZNPvoows8tDTXYmb-93mgVb0zLo9AUJYXF1pO2p-V1YbXJAPcfYbCs_V25CrwKvjYNJQ-tLz25qxNiX1ZVbrdFr9cbdl-ulX_glU0gLlpm7_7MlHnwS965cn2WWBj4mo-sflDqMbwZoeSMUiCSFTZvZ5q1JnLr7VJhjyGlE91ZLb9oJaFHpzR9DFeRVDZcFB5X3mt1145xRQeWkpCi4zo0j&s=1)
First one to introduce is Martin Brejník.
Martin is promising “young” rock gardener and designer of gardens. His home limestone rock garden is one man rock work. Stones, large slabs are delivered with a track from Czech Karst quarry and all the transport and setting rocks into position is just enormous effort of one slim 50 years old gentleman. The rock work has two parts: one older with layers tilted to 30 degrees from horizon level and the second larger portion with deep canyon for collecting rain water has vertical layers. Top dressing is from limestone pieces. The great display in May is done with his large collection of small hardy Daphnes; all day sun treatment is seen in their blooming, compact growth and colour of the leaves. Martin is perfect in details of paths and stony troughs. Some alpines show nice effect planted itself with self sowing for example yellow Degenia velebitica."
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
-
"The garden and gardener to introduce this week is Stanislav Čepička.
[attachimg=1]
Garden Stanislav Čepička, Praha 5-Radotín
The steep garden built above rotten schist or slate is very famous in spring time for unique collection of dwarf bulbs grown outdoors without protection. Stanislav loves are Juno Irises. This hot rock garden enjoys full sun all day. It is in a steppe part of the relatively dry limestone area called Czech Karst so the owner of the garden must water it quite often. Half of the all rock work are local limestone stones placed in vertically converted layers connected with very natural limestone grit screes or fine top dressing. Second half of the rock garden is made from local soft travertine stones (boulders), which English speaking gardeners called tufa rock. It is probably the largest travertine outcrop in Czech Republic. This local soft travertine is bizarre in shapes and Stanislav is the master of assembling smaller stones into high compact ridges. The dense system of ridges has its purpose: to get plenty of places facing to the north for growing true alpine plants which hate scorching sun. Southern aspect here is fine for plants from Turkey, Central Asia and the Balkan. Gentiana angustifolia loves heavier soil among wet bodies of travertine boulders so you can see here thousand of deep violet-blue trumpets in May. Lovers of the small cushion plants will see broad assortment of Androsaces, Phloxes, dwarf yellow Linums. Very pretty are dense cushions, mats and domes of Arenarias and Gypsophila connecting the stones and decorating ridges all the year round. Stanislav Čepička has trial garden for many new introductions (he has always fresh seed of Czech famous seed collectors and he has green fingers for dealing with seedlings). One example of successful trial is blooming new dwarf Edraianthus pilosulus from Monte Negro, Komovi Mts. Very young seedlings are planted into drilled holes only10 mm broad. We hope that plantsman Čepička will be fully healed next year. At present he must drink only non-alcoholic beers so his fan is limited."
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
-
More from the garden of Stanislav Čepička
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
-
The next garden in the Czech plans for 2017 .... again this garden can be seen in photos from 2013 and also with later additions in the SRGC Forum - we love these gardens!! A smart small garden that also has a great new addition - Petr Divis is the audio visual expert for the Czech conference as well!
"This week we will show you smaller but also nice garden of Petr Diviš.
Rock garden has been built in 2011 and it is an example how even small narrow coridor and corner of the garden could be utilised. Used granite comes from very old quarry Žernovka about 30 km from Prague. As granite seldom creates suitable flat stones, it has been necessary to select right shaped stones directly in the quarry."
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
-
Wonderful ideas.
-
The fourth garden is probably well known by many but still promises a lot of new plants and improvements.
[attachimg=1]
Garden of Vojtech Holubec
"Vojtech loves natural geographically divided rockgardens. He belongs to founders of crevice garden constructing using flat layers. When he were looking for a source of suitable flat stones, he found excellent limestone blocks in an old quarry. The beauty of mossy large blocks convinced him to use blocks instead flat layers. He puchased 4 big trucks and together with his son David they constructed stratigraphical RG using the same principles like when using flat layers, most of it in 2001. In addition he has a travertin/tufa RG and volcanic red porous lava part. He grows mainly wild plants of his own collecting."
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
-
From the Committee:
"How are you doing during this week? Today some information about Jiri (known also as the Alpine Parrot) Papousek's garden
Jiri in his garden combines various features, enabling him to grow a wide range of plants with quite different requirements. You can see here two areas with crevices from limestone and also from slate, collected during construction of new highway. All slate stones were manually loaded on trailer with help of his sons Vaclav and Ondrej. On the East side of house Jiri built a 10 metres long tunnel covered with the roof and with tufa wall inside. Tufa was transported again on trailer with manual loading from quarry located 700 km from the garden. Tunnel shows encouraging results in a cultivation of various plants like dionysias, saxifragas, dwarf daphnes etc. In other part of the garden you can see raised beds from granite and peat blocks on more shaded sides. There is also new alpine house for the cultivation in pots. Jiri likes to propagate wide range of plants from cuttings, his main focus are cushion plants, daphnes and dionysias.
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
-
Next garden lined up for visits....
"As gardens may be known to those who attended the conference last years we promise you to see the changes and improvements.
Garden Jiří Pospíšil, Dobřichovice
Here is a memorial of late Ota Vlasák design of rock garden from the local limestone boulders, setting to the layers by heavy machinery. The layers are broad, massive. Regularly pinched Pinus mugo decorate the outcrop built in the front of an ancient cottage of late parents of the owner Iva Pospíšilová. Blue Moltkia petraea is nice spot on the high ridge above south facing side ridges. There is perfect top dressing among cushion forming alpines. Good to see is elegant pale pink marble trough with tufa and smaller plants. Saxifraga longifolia loves this stony place.
Garden is modern and large with nice rhododendrons, conifers and huge Magnolia tree. There is romantic pool with water cleaning plants suitable for swimming. Visitors enjoy hospitality of Iva, having coffee in big open fire place pavilion or tasting pumping beer during conference."
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
-
More photos form the garden of Jiří Pospíšil and Iva Pospíšilová
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
-
Next garden on the conference list....
"We are able offer a visit of very mature universal rock garden and natural garden in cooler nest placed to the northern bottom of Brdy Mts.
Garden of Jiří Sládek, Malý Osek
The cooler microclimate with small brook and great care of the owner make an oasis after visiting gardens in hot Czech Karst. Soil is neutral to acid here so everybody enjoys nice collection of rhododendrons, rare conifers, woodland plants and spring bulbs. Alpines are seen in groups of troughs and small outcrops made from different stones. There is pleasant turf and fresh baked refreshment offered by Mrs. Sládková. The owner Jiří Sládek is lover of experiments with rock garden plants including dwarf Daphnes. Pond is very natural enhanced with horizontal layers of limestone slabs and colours of nice shrubs and smaller conifers. Acers are in good shape here, Cedrus atlantica is shaped into friendly gate."
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
-
more from the garden of Jiří Sládek
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
-
Last but not least, the garden of Zdeněk Zvolánek.
"Zdenek Zvolanek (ZZ), the famous Czech crevice gardener, designer and builder has been rock gardening for 40 years at the 'Beauty Slope' above village Karlik in the Czech Karst. At the rented property (Czech Republic State Forest) in the state reservation called Beauty Slope there is 50 years old story of rock gardening; first lazy work in only for the weekend used recreational garden and then quite intensive rock work and planting dry tolerating plants for last 20 years. The garden has natural dolerite cliff (a remain of a medieval monk quarry) but plenty of structures looking like a weak crevice bed; it is a school example how to set alkaline volcanic stones into visible order. No rhododendrons are here to be seen. Rock garden is not watered last 6 years. The plants are mainly from Western Northern America, The Balcan Peninsula and Turkey. Moltkias, Aethionemas, Acantholimons, Dianthus, Daphnes and Sempervivums are the strongest players. The front crevice outcrop at the street is made from local limestone slabs. At the patio terrace is now fresh tufa miniature rock gardens with smaller alpines and watering. The rock garden is very large for a private person."
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
-
some plants from the "Beauty Slope"
[attachimg=1]
Convolvulus cneorum
[attachimg=2]
Lewisia cotyledon
[attachimg=3]
Daphne
[attachimg=4]
Daphne
[attachimg=5]
Sternbergia sicula
-
last from ZZ - Gentian clusii subsp. clusii 'Zdenek'
[attachimg=1]
-
Well, our flights are booked … Easyjet have a sale starting today … so roll on May 2017 and our second visit to beautiful sunny Prague. Who else is going?
-
Will and I are booked in and flights too!
I think a certain Pixie may also be looking at a return visit!
cheers
fermi
-
There are still some places left - so if anyone is thinking about a return visit, or going to the Czech Republic for the first time, I'd suggest making a booking as soon as possible. You'll have a wonderful time! Interesting conference speakers and gardens to visit that are beyond super.
-
Gonna try to do the return trip in 48h, already busy with travels in the mountains at the same dates.
-
Update of the Preliminary Program
- Wednesday 10.5.2017
- Registration (afternoon)
- Dinner
- Introduction
- Lecture 1: Robert Wallis - "Reaching the Heights of Turkey"
- Thursday 11.5.2017
- Lecture 2: Brigitte Fiebig and Michael Mauser – “Plant exploration in Iran with BG Tubingen”
- Lecture 3: Zdeněk Zvolánek – “The Crevice Garden and its Plants”
- Lunch
- the Pruhonice park (http://www.parkpruhonice.cz/index.php?site=en&p=index) (alpinum)
- Lecture 4: David Rankin – “Searching for long-lost primulas”
- Dinner
- Lecture 5: Panayoti Kelaidis – "Keeping in Steppe: cushions and rock plants from the semi-arid plateaus of the world, and how to grow them in a garden setting"
- Friday 12.5.2017
- Lecture 6: Vojtěch Holubec – “Chinese flowering Paradise”
- Lecture 7: Henrik Zetterlund – “Bulbs in nature, in the GBG and in my private garden”
- Lunch
- Lecture 8: Martin Hajman – “The arctic rock garden in Tromsř”
- the Pruhonice park (http://www.parkpruhonice.cz/index.php?site=en&p=index) (botanical garden)
- Social dinner (raut)
- Saturday 13.5.2017
- Garden Tour
- free evening without dinner
- Sunday 14.5.2017
- Garden Tour
- Concert (Marika Singers)
- Farewell dinner
- Monday 15.5.2017
- May Exhibit of the Prague Rock Garden Club
-
- Sunday 14.5.2017
- Garden Tour
- Concert (Marika Singers)
Cultural AND Horticultural!
So looking forward to this conference 8)
cheers
fermi
[/list]
-
Just about 15 spaces left for this event - book quickly or miss out!!
-
Only about 10 (ten) spaces left now - I hope you'll be quick enough to book a place if you're interested! Hurry!
[attachimg=1] [attachimg=2] [attachimg=3]
-
I entered my registration details on the conference website yesterday. The website says "If the confirmation email does not arrive immediately after registration, please check your SPAM section". Nearly 24 hours later I haven't received an email (not in my spam folder either). Has anyone else had a delay in receiving the email after submitting their details on the website or did you receive an immediate email?
I hope I'm not too late! ??? I haven't been to the conference before.
-
Hi Jon,
As I recall there is not an automated email reply system, it requires a human to receive, reply and send a response. Being busy folk this might take them a little while. I think my reply came after a few days. At least you have your registration request in so you stand the best chance of getting a place if there are any available. Hope you get in.
-
Thanks Matt! I can relax now knowing that I'm not missing an automatic response. :)
-
Here is a chart showing the distribution of people booked to attend the Czech Conference - in only three months' time -
So many folks looking forward to attending this event - a mix very like the membership of the Scottish Rock Garden Club!![attachimg=1]
-
Meanwhile, work continues for the youngest member of the committee-
the lovely Katka (Kateřina Papoušková )at work for the Czech Conference in May
[attachimg=1]
-
Wonderful image … so welcoming … and lovely green folders of each of us. Can't wait.
-
Today I also signed up for the third CZECH INTERNATIONAL ROCK GARDEN CONFERENCE 8)
I look forward to seeing you in Prague in May :)
Marit :D
-
The conference program and more information about transport were updated. Check the websites. The Conference is coming! :)
http://www.czrgs.cz/conference-transport.html (http://www.czrgs.cz/conference-transport.html)
-
Can't wait!! The only proper holiday I have planned this year :D
-
I am so sorry not to be going - but I know all my friends will enjoy seeing each other gain - and meeting other friends, like Marit and Matt who haven't been before . It will be fantastic! I will be hoping for lots of pictures!
-
Oh, Maggi, I'm so sorry you are not coming. Will I ever see you again? xxxx
-
Mercy, Christine - I certainly hope so!
M x
-
Sorry that you not will be going this year Maggi. We will miss you!
Marit :)
I am so sorry not to be going - but I know all my friends will enjoy seeing each other gain - and meeting other friends, like Marit and Matt who haven't been before . It will be fantastic! I will be hoping for lots of pictures!
-
I'm going for the first time this year; very excited! I was wondering about currency - will Czech koruna be Ok for everything or would perhaps some of the nurseries attending prefer paying in Euros? Just wondering what to take. Could anyone who has been before advise please?
Thanks
Paul
-
Participants should have received an email about this recently -
Czech Koruna (Crowns) are best for buying plants from any of the gardens or the main Prague Show . Euros are accepted in some shops. "Plastic" works in many places. Czech crowns are easiest.
As usual, The Conference committee is thinking about everything!!
"Dear participant,
time is running quickly and in two months we´ll welcome you in Pruhonice.
Program and transport to Pruhonice:
We would like to draw your attention to updated information about the conference on web http://czrgs.cz/ (http://czrgs.cz/) and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/czrgs/?fref=ts. (https://www.facebook.com/czrgs/?fref=ts.)
You can find there a detailed program and transport information.
Plants:
Similarly to the previous conference, we are able to arrange a phytosanitary certificate for participants outside EU.
We offer again also a quick transport of plants with TNT Express, but it is limited only to EU countries. Maximum weight for a parcel will be 30 kilograms, price 25 Eur or 700 Czech Crowns. For most of EU destination, transit time is 2-3 working days.
There will be available so-called dirty room in the hotel Floret, where would be possible to clean roots from the soil.
Payment:
In most of the places in our country you can pay with credit card, however for a purchase in gardens and Prague show, it is necessary to have Czech Crowns in cash.
Weather:
In May is the average temperature in Pruhonice around 14°C but it could be unstable. To be on the safe side we recommend you to take a waterproof jacket.
Entertainment:
One evening we are going to enjoy participant´s music session so if you want and can, take your instrument with you. Our chairman and great musician Zdenek Zvolanek is looking forward to it.
Diet requirements:
Please write to us any diet requirements you have. We´ll hand it over to a chef.
See you in May. We´ll try to prepare everything to you be happy and satisfied participant.
CZRGS committee "
-
Thanks Maggi!
I'm going on my own but am looking forward to meeting many old friends and no doubt others who currently I only know online from this forum. I am staying at the Pension Coloseum - anyone else booked in there?
Paul
-
Unfortunately Henrik Zetterlund is not able to come for the conference but the organising committee are happy to announce that Olga Bondareva will take over his place as speaker.
[attachimg=1]
Sorry to hear that Henrik Z. is unable to attend - but Olga Bondareva is a very fine replacement.
-
The registration for the conference has been officially closed. The committee reports that the event is fully booked and they are looking forward to see you all in May in Prague!
http://czrgs.cz/ (http://czrgs.cz/)
-
Something that can be seen and appreciated by those attending the 3rd Czech International Rock Garden Conference in early May -
From Tromsř Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden: "Youngest alpine garden helps to oldest one !
Recent 2 years our garden has participate on reconstruction of historical alpine garden and gardens surrounding Pruhonice castle. Alpine garden is there since 1885.
This is possibly the only alpine garden in UNESCO cultural heritage."
Pictures : http://www.ibotky.cz/ (http://www.ibotky.cz/)…/fotogalerie/22-park-of-pruhonice.html
[attachimg=1]
-
Anyone going to Prague on the 10th May and arriving at approximately 16.30, who would like to share the cost of a taxi with Sue and I to Pruhonice?
-
Ian and Co. are arriving the previous day - I'll get him to send you the name of the firm we used last time and this, if you like, Cliff.
-
Many thanks, Maggi ... that would be great.
-
Getting excited now. Not long to go :) :) :)
Angie :)
-
Hello everyone!
Now it is soon time for departure to Prague and I'm wondering if anyone wants to share a taxi from the airport? I arrive on Wednesday 10th May at 12:30, but I would like to wait if someone arrives a little later.
Marit :)
-
See you there Angie, glad you could come! Not long now...
-
See you there Angie, glad you could come! Not long now...
Same here, nice to catch up. Aren't we lucky that we are going again.
Chris you will be proud of me . I collected my hepatica seeds like you said and I have lots of little hepaticas babies now. Only one white one though, disappointed about that.
Angie :)
-
On our way! Will arrive lunch time May 9.
See you all then
cheers
fermi
-
Looking forward to seeing you both again.. Have a safe journey.
Angie :)
-
Long journey Fermi, see you both soon...
-
Did anyone know if it is possible too visit the conference at 1 Day.
I would like too go at 11 May.
I also write a mail too the CZRGC but dont get a answer.
MfG Maik
-
Hello everyone!
Now it is soon time for departure to Prague and I'm wondering if anyone wants to share a taxi from the airport?!
I have just been in contact with the taxi agency and they say they have 7 cars with participants for the conference but they can not offer me space. Those who have booked a car and have free space must invite me :)
I arrive on Wednesday 10th May at 12:30, but I would like to wait if someone arrives a little later.
Best regards,
Marit 8)
-
Ian and the Aberdeen friends are already there, Marit. Julia flies tomorrow- I will message her.
-
Marit, I've sent you the emails of a few pals I know are flying tomorrow... hope you can meet up with some of them.
-
Thank you Maggi :)
I'm in contact with Julia and we are planning to share a taxi 8)
Marit
Marit, I've sent you the emails of a few pals I know are flying tomorrow... hope you can meet up with some of them.
-
We're here! ;D
Staying tonight at the Hotel Tulipan but the rest of the conference at the Hotel Floret!
And we've just seen on TV that Australia has made it into the Eurovision Finals!
cheers
fermi
-
Congrats Fermi and Will. For making it here safely and on your countries Eurovison success! I have a bottle of something in my bag we can celebrate with! See you tomorrow.
-
Fermi and Will have arrived - and sent this pic yesterday of rhododendrons at the Frankfurt Palmengarten....
[attachimg=1]
Arie and Lee Van Spronsen have arrived too, and met up with some other nice SRGC folks - they've already started eating, as you can see!
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
-
Fermi - Keep in mind it's spargel season in Germany, a kilo for two people is just about right. The Scots have likely pre-ordered ALL the desserts.....
BTW All the unsprouted Cercis griffithii seeds are sprouting now, hopefully yours will follow suit in the spring.
john
-
Panayoti Kelaidis has arrived in Prague and taken a wee trip to the show - look who he found there.... Carole and Ian Bainbridge - all headed to Pruhonice for the conference
[attachimg=1]
-
The poster for the Prague KSP show- opening today - seems all three of those above got the jump on the others :P
[attachimg=1]
-
Registration going well......[attachimg=1][attachimg=2][attachimg=3]
-
and.....
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
Note the "Shoe Pixie" in her golden shoes!!
-
Of course, the "A" team of the Best Girls are on registration duty - Kateřina and Ludmila Papoušková !
[attachimg=1]
-
The Team have a dress rehearsal with their caps .....
[attachimg=1]
All preparations were made ....
[attachimg=2]
Jiri at the ready....
[attachimg=3]
ZZ prepares for his opening remarks
[attachimg=4]
-
Harman Laporte from Belgium, seen having a coffee with ZZ - so there may be Daphnes for sale from Herman too....
[attachimg=1]
This picture of the rock garden in the nearby park is from Chris B.
[attachimg=2]
-
The Third International Czech Rock Garden Conference got off to a great start. We were welcomed by Ivan Suchara the director of RILOG (Research Institute Of Landscape and Ornamental Gardening) and the Team of the Conference. Martin Hajman, a transplant from Pruhonice to Tromso, started off with an introduction about Pruhonice Dendrological Institute and the importance it played over more than a century of horticulture in the area. Janis Ruksans also related how he first got crocus from here (and had to sneak them back into Latvia!) so we owe a lot to this Institute!
Bob Wallis took us to the heights of Turkish mountains with some of his explorations highlighting some of his favourite flowers.
After the "official" talks there were some "non-mandatory" sessions starting with Martin Sheader's "Cushion Nightshades of Patagonia" - excellent as always and making us all envious! Janis spoke a bit about his book on crocus (he will have supplements soon as the number of species keeps increasing!) and Vojtech Holubec told us about a new book he is preparing with David Horak on the Tian Shen - in effect "a second volume after the Caucasus" book he released which many of us already have on our bookshelves. We have a chance now to per-order to help with its publication.
Lastly but definitely not least we heard from two "youngsters" - Paul Spriggs from Canada and Kenton Seth from USA - about the Crevice Gardening diaspora spreading into North America. Those who went to bed early missed out on some real treats!
Apart from the joy at meeting so many friends - many who have been to the previous two Czech RGG Conferences - it has been an exciting time to see what has happened in rock gardening in the last few years. To me one of the best things is seeing a younger generation who are just as enthusiastic as us "mad oldies"!
cheers
fermi
-
A couple of pix from fermi of the Castle gardens
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
This picture by Oron Peri is of fermi with Panayoti Kelaidis, as they try to establish a "shirt of the day" trend. Behind the terrible two anre Marie Paginton - and the top of Diane Clement's head!
-
Again from fermi - Martin Hajman, who was the leader of the castle garden walk - is he delivering the sermon on the mount?
[attachimg=1]
no, he is actually explaining how he created this area for cacti 20 years ago! And it has been very successful! (Martin works now at the Tromso Botanic Garden)
-
From the posts by the Conference Team .... Elke and Rudi Weiss - I am so sorry not to see them this time in person.
[attachimg=1]
-
The assembled gang at the Castle yesterday.....[attachimg=1]
-
Maggi we are all missing you here. I know you are missing Ian so thought this might help.
Two good looking boys.
Angie :)
-
[attachimg=1]
Just in case one picture of hubby wasn't enough here is another :-*
Angie :)
-
My word, his sun hat is quite the fashion statement, isn't it?!! ;D
-
Trying a link to a video from Facebook - I don't know if it will work...
https://www.facebook.com/caroline.seymour.127/videos/10154932101219475/ (https://www.facebook.com/caroline.seymour.127/videos/10154932101219475/)
Zdenek Zvolanek playing the accordion, with his Bonny, Zdena, to the right of the picture.
These video clips are by Caroline Seymour from Poole.
-
Some more party clips from Caroline....
https://www.facebook.com/caroline.seymour.127/videos/10154932098954475/ (https://www.facebook.com/caroline.seymour.127/videos/10154932098954475/) - ZZ again - on guitar this time.
https://www.facebook.com/caroline.seymour.127/videos/10154932098094475/ (https://www.facebook.com/caroline.seymour.127/videos/10154932098094475/) - Paul Spriggs from Canada - not the type of song he usually plays, I don't think!
-
Some more photos from Angie.....
[attachimg=1]
the Dutchman from Canada- Arie Van Spronsen
[attachimg=2]
Ian Young and Julia Corden take their ease
[attachimg=3]
Liz Mills, Paul Cumbleton, Richard Green, Julia Corden, Matt Topsfield, Pat Watson and Ian Y.
[attachimg=4]
Minna and Kai Andersen, with Carol Marriott behind
[attachimg=5]
Olga B. and Elena D.
-
[attachimg=1]
Paul Spriggs and ZZ "jammin'" - Dieter Zschummel is to the right
[attachimg=2]
Susann Nilsson and Michael Mauser
-
Bit of garden visiting going on now .... from the garden of Vojtech and Lenka Holubec -
[attachimg=1]
Vojtech by Panayoti Kelaidis
Two pix from fermi .....
some retail therapy.... Elisabeth Zander with a big smile - and I spot Oron Peri and Olga Bondareva there too! And that's Dieter Zschummel in the centre..... happy souls!
[attachimg=2]
photographers having a ball in the Holubec garden
[attachimg=3]
-
Now from fermi at the garden of the Alpine Parrots - the Papousek family.....
SRGC Emblem in the garden - Dryas octopetala
[attachimg=1]
Jiri addressing the masses - Harrie de Vries in front - Jiri on top of the rock garden extending from the tufa tunnel to the front of their house.
[attachimg=2]
-
Four gardens were visited today - those of Vojtech Holubec, Petr Divis, Jiri Papousek and Stanislav Cepicka -
here is Marit at the Divis garden....
[attachimg=1]
-
Everyone there seems to have good moments :D
-
Yes Yann, I think there is much fun to be had.....
[attachimg=1]
The Bulb Despot enjoying himself - photo by Margaret Edwards.
-
Is that a finger salute I see?? :) :D
-
Some photos passed on by Susan More - otherwise known here as "the Shoe Pixie" !
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
-
some more
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
Cliff Booker - looking very svelte.
-
At the ZZ garden - featuring the Pixie herself! -photos by fermi
[attachimg=1]
More from ZZ's garden ...
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
-
some more from fermi... this time at the garden of Martin Brejnik - Martin has done a HUGE amount of work since the visits there in 2013- all the excavations are done by hand !
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
Oron and Royston, Ger and Herman behind
-
Cliff Booker - looking very svelte.
Or breathing in, or maybe it's a corset!
-
Hadn't thought of that!
::)
-
In 2013 the company was delighted to be entertained by the wonderful Marika Singers - and at this conference the organisers have not forgotten the success of that evening - this photo from fermi of the Marika Singers, under the musical direction of Marika Divišová are again on stage.......
[attachimg=1]
-
From Panayoti Kelaidis:
"Finally, after over 40 years, I have visited my old friend Zdenek Zvolanek's unbelievable "Beauty Slope" at Karlik. The day exceeded my fondest expectations: it was mind bogglingly glorious! Bravo ZedZed, and bravo Czech Rock Garden Group for a spectacular conference! "
[attachimg=1]
-
A video of the Beauty Slope, by Panayoti Kelaidis
https://www.facebook.com/panayoti.kelaidis/videos/10211955649997842/ (https://www.facebook.com/panayoti.kelaidis/videos/10211955649997842/)
-
ZZ welcomes the visitors, complaining that they brought rain - which soon cleared up, says PK.
"All you brought us bad weather".....it was raining when we arrived, but soon the sun came out!"
https://www.facebook.com/panayoti.kelaidis/videos/10211955614716960/ (https://www.facebook.com/panayoti.kelaidis/videos/10211955614716960/)
-
I hope you are all able to see these videos- I think you should be able to, even if not Facebook members
This is from Elisabeth Zander of Martin Brejnik's garden -
https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525379234163733/ (https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525379234163733/)
-
Elisabeth Zander's videos of the Prague Show planted garden
https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525957197439270/ (https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525957197439270/)
and
https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525960730772250/ (https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525960730772250/)
and
https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525962864105370/ (https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525962864105370/)
and
https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525963960771927/ (https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.b.zander/videos/1525963960771927/)
-
Blog post from Panayoti Kelaidis about Vojtech Holubec -
http://prairiebreak.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/serious-maniac-vojtech-holubec.html (http://prairiebreak.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/serious-maniac-vojtech-holubec.html)
-
Well, it's time to say many thanks to all who have been posting pictures/videos from the Conference for the enjoyment of the ones at home :)
-
I arrived home from Pruhonice yesterday exhausted and completely rocked-out! It was my first International Conference, and any worries I had about going were immediately banished by the wonderful welcome from both the Czech organisers and all the other attendees. The international mix of participants were universally welcoming and everyone was determined to have a good time.
My grateful thanks and congratulations go to the Czech organisers for a splendid event. I would also like to thank the owners of the 8 gardens we visited. It is a huge thing to entertain three complete busloads of Rockers, one after the other, into their private gardens during the course of just one day.
-
John and I couldn't attend this year, due to some fairly, serious health problems with John, after getting rear ended on his bicycle by a car. I was so disappointed, especially, not being able to get Daphnes from Herman, and Saxifrages from Karel Lang. I would have loved to see the follow up of Jiri's tufa tunnel.
Please post photos of your new plants. Would love to savor them with you. Cecile and John
-
Just want to thank everyone for all the hard work that made such a wonderful holiday for me . The weather was perfect not sure how they managed this . It was lovely to catch up with everyone again and meet new folks . Just can't wait till the next conference.
As Richard said it was amazing what the Czech organisers did for us . Everything was thought out and nothing was to much trouble. Even organising boxes and posting our plants . My box arrived this morning making me so happy :) :)
The gardens that we visited were so lovely , everyone different . We are so lucky to be members of the SRGC without this I wouldn't have met so many gardeners from all over the world.
Thanks everyone for the fun time and even though I don't want to wish my life away I can't wait till the next time .
Take care folks and happy gardening .
Angie
-
Great to see all those pictures Maggi - a lot I haven't seen on Facebook. Really envious of all those at the Conference this year - need to work on some nursery and garden help by the time it comes round again...
-
From the Czech organising team :
3rd Czech International Rock Garden Conference in Prague 10-15th May 2017
We would like to again thank you all for being the best participants we could have wished! :)
Now we are collecting all pictures to share them with you to keep them as a great reminder of the conference.
There are 3 ways how you can share your pictures with us:
1) Use - https://wetransfer.com/ and transfer them to email: conference@czrgs.cz
2) Send them directly to email: conference@czrgs.cz
3) Send them to this page as a message.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Have a great weekend.
-
Better late than never ;)
Here are some pictures from a fantastic Third Czech International Rock Garden Conference 8)
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
I agree with everyone who has thanked for a great arangement! I loved everything with the conference except that I broke a toe. Special thanks to the committee and all the garden owners!
[attachimg=4]
Thank you!
Marit
-
Poor Marit! I heard about your broken toe - but I also heard it did not seem to stop you from enjoying yourself!
Hope Stig survived without you! M x
-
Some more pictures!
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
-
It was just making the best of it! It was so much fun that I forgot it completely ;D
M
Poor Marit! I heard about your broken toe - but I also heard it did not seem to stop you from enjoying yourself!
Hope Stig survived without you! M x
-
Some more pictures :)
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
-
And the last ;)
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
On my blog you will find a post with more pictures, today or tomorrow. It is in Norwegian but you can find google translate up in the right hand corner.
Marit
-
Look at all these happy people! Does my heart good to see them!
-
So many great memories!
[attachimg=1]
Now the first of two posts are posted on my blog.
Marit 8)
Look at all these happy people! Does my heart good to see them!
-
Great blogs and fantastic photos, Marit - just as I expect from you!
In your blog photo of " UN, Cliff og Susan B, Ian Y and Julia C " - the unknown is Adrian Young (no relation) the Saxifraga expert from England.
In the photo of your blog, and also here in the forum, with "Matt, Ian and…?" the third man is the American crevice garden builder, Kenton Seth.
-
Wonderful photos, Marit! They bring back many happy memories of a great time we all shared. Looking forward to your visit this summer.
I have finally managed to sort through my snaps too and will post a few here.
-
I'm slow coming to this party, but was only back for a few short days before a family holiday to Devon and didn't have time to revisit these few happy days. I'm delighted that I decided to attend the 3rd Czech conference. Yes, the organisation, lectures, garden visits, weather and catering were all superb, but what really made it a special occasion was the people - meetings with friends old and new from all over the world for a thoroughly enjoyable, and occasionally riotous few days will stay with me forever.
As folk have said, the conference venue, Hotel Floret is right next to the Průhonice Park with it's acres of landscapes grounds, including a 1km long rock garden. We were treated to two visits to the park.
1. Assembled delegates admire a small rock garden planting on a natural rock outcrop within the castle courtyard.
2. L to R: obscured (may be Iain Wright), Oron Peri, Lionel Clarkson, Celia Wright.
3. Delosperma nubigena steals the show.
4. The ornate and well maintained castle.
5. Martin Hajman (former gardener at Pruhonice, now at Tromsř) tells delegates about the development of the rock gardens.
-
6. View of the castle across the lake from within the park.
7. Asplenium septrionale.
8. Vibrant colour was everywhere, and delegates (L to R: Rick Lambert, our own Ian Y and Diane Clement) were allowed onto pathways normally closed to the public.
9. Rock gardening on a grand scale! Descending the path, L to R: Rick Lambert, Caroline Seymour, Ian Y and Diane Clement.
10. More Delosperma growing through Opuntia on a sheltered rock exposure home to many permanent cacti and succulent plantings.
-
Day 2 in Průhonice Park:
1. Plenty more colour, including some lovely Iris.
2. An eye-opener for me were the Phlox - easily grown, readily and cheaply available, but super colour and flower power.
3. Teamed with Gentians and Armeria.
4. Massed as great carpets.
5. Some in more subtle shades - wish I had a name for this pretty one.
-
The Park also hosts a Botanic Garden with a number of collections, including Iris, Roses and Peonies.
6. One of the more floriferous Iris beds.
7. Delegates shelter from a brief shower by the Peony beds - Carole Bainbridge in the red coat.
The plant sale was held after our second tour of the Park:
8. As usual, mayhem ensued so I was happy to stand back and watch (note Jiri (the alpine parrot) at far right holding his head in his hands!).
9. Here we can see: Anton Edwards, Christine Boulby, Olga Bondareva, Adrian Young, Marit Friberg, Kenton Seth, Kaj and Minna Andersen amongst others.
10. Much interest at the stall of Karel Lang, the rabble includes Herman Laporte (far left), Ian and Carole Bainbridge, Karel Lang himself (to R of Carole) and Zdenek Zvolanek (far R) - I did mop up a handful of the leftovers.
-
We boarded three buses for the garden tours, each visiting the gardens to a different schedule so they were not overwhelmed by too many trampling feet at one time. First up on the white bus was the varied garden of Vojtech Holubec packed with interesting plants.
1. The rock garden is made from hugs blocks of stone.
2. Vojtech talks to visitors, L to R: Ian and Carole Bainbridge, Liz Mills, Vojtech, Pat Watson (partly hidden) and Sue Booker.
3. Rhododendron flourish in the cool shade of the house.
4. Rhamnus sp. featured in many of the gardens we visited. Is this R. pumilus?
5. Gorgeous colour on a tree peony.
-
6. Angela Townsley and Ian Y have a blether.
7. View from the back of the rock garden towards the house.
8. The step up to the front door were lined with troughs.
9. A wall was lined with peat blocks, providing home to ericaceous plants including some nice Shortia.
10. The sunlight falling on the rock garden demonstrates the ingenuity in a well-designed scheme, giving both shady and sunny niches for plants with differing requirements.
-
The second garden we visited was that of Petr Divis (and Marika of the fabulous Marika Singers). I think opinion was divided amongst a few of the visitors. There are some nice small crevices neatly tucked into the front and side gardens at this house. However, the main event is a new crevice garden on a north facing slope at the back of the garden, next to a new extension on the house. Much of the rock used is recycled kerbstones, with additional rock sourced direct from the quarry. Some people were not so keen on the regular, square-cut blocks, but I think overall the design works well and once the plants (only planted a few short months ago) have grown the effect will be softened.
1. A crevice at the front of the garden.
2. An outcrop at the side passage.
3. The bold new crevice garden - here the section made with recycled kerbstones.
4. The section made with new stone from the quarry.
5. An overview of the whole garden, with the block walls yet to be finished - on top of the garden, L to R: Cliff Booker, Caroline Seymour, Celia Wright. At ground level, R: Iain Wright with David Rankin just visible behind him.
-
Our next stop was just a short walk away, a garden containing features that will be familiar to Forumists, that of Jiri Papousek. What a treat!
1. Jiri sporting a SRGC sweatshirt and Gardens North cap.
2. Visitors admire the well-established rock garden, note the fabulous Daphne in foreground! - we can see, L to R: Richard Green, Liz Mills (back to us), unknown, Carole Bainbridge taking a snap, unknown (headless person bending over behind Carole), Diane Clement at back, Iain Wright, Pat Watson turned away from us behind Ian Bainbridge.
3. Another view of the rock garden, and L to R: Kenton Seth, Philip Duplock, Celia Wright, Pat Watson and Liz Mills, Richard Green.
4. Jiri's incredible tufa tunnel that has been shown here on the Forum. Wonderful to see this in real life, with so many healthy plants thriving in the protection of the tunnel. Admiring it are, R to L: Ian Young (yellow t shirt) with Jiri behind him, Anton Edwards, David Rankin, Rick Lambert, Margaret Edwards and Julia Corden.
5. Some plants are also growing well in tufa outside without protection.
-
6. Ramonda looking superb in tufa outside.
7, 8 & 9. Overview of plantings in tufa under cover.
10. Choice plants needing more cosseting are grown in Jiri's comfortable alpine house.
-
11. Overview of the rock garden from a different direction - folk clustered to the right are gathered around Jiri's nursery and include Chris Boulby, Maggie Duguid, Angela Townsley, Julia Corden, David Rankin and Philip Duplock. Admiring the rock garden are, R to L: Ian Young, Kenton Seth, Carole Bainbridge and Cliff Booker.
12, 13 & 14. Exquisite crevice work provides a home for so many gorgeous plants.
15. Lionel, Maggie and Chris enjoy a shady rest.
-
Our last visit on the first day was the garden of Stanislav Cepicka - a huge construction of limestone and tufa on a site that slopes approximately south east(?) above the house - all materials were brought up several flights of steps by hand! The rock work has been arranged to provide different aspects and niches for different plants. At the top of the garden were beds for bulbs including Onco irises.
1. Erigeron scopulorum.
2. Asperula boissieri(?) A. arcadiensis was also here.
3. Stanislav pointing out some treasures - we can also see, L to R: Cliff Booker behind Stanislav, I think it's Lionel hidden at the back, Roma Smith under Stanislav's arm then Liz Mills. I should know who the seated lady is.
4. Edraianthus spp. in great variety and profusion were the stars here.
5. Orostachys spinosa in tufa.
-
6. Edraianthus niveus - what a treasure! A fleet-footed friend was able to bag me a plant from the sales stock at one of the gardens.
7 & 8. Overview of the tufa outcrops, which rise up to about waist height with different aspects and planting opportunities for plants requiring different conditions.
9. Bellevalia(dubia?) sp. in the bulb beds.
10. A view up the garden from the back of the house. Folk we can see are, L to R: Celia Wright (backpack), unknown (check shirt), Anton Edwards, Paul Cumbleton, unknown, unknown (back to us taking a photo) and Kenton Seth (blue t-shirt).
-
Thank you Maggi :) Always nice to get the right name on people ;)
Marit
Great blogs and fantastic photos, Marit - just as I expect from you!
In your blog photo of " UN, Cliff og Susan B, Ian Y and Julia C " - the unknown is Adrian Young (no relation) the Saxifraga expert from England.
In the photo of your blog, and also here in the forum, with "Matt, Ian and…?" the third man is the American crevice garden builder, Kenton Seth.
-
Thank you Matt :) Great pictures from you too! We look forward to meeting you in July!
Marit
Wonderful photos, Marit! They bring back many happy memories of a great time we all shared. Looking forward to your visit this summer.
I have finally managed to sort through my snaps too and will post a few here.
-
Then the last blog post from the Third Czech International Rock Garden Conference has been published. These are pictures from all the beautiful gardens we visited 8)
[attachimg=1]
Marit
-
Another great blog, Marit full of more excellent photographs. It amazes me that we all visited the same gardens, yet something different catches our eye. You've photographed some plants and views I don't remember noticing.
-
Day two and we board the buses again. The first on our itinerary is that of the master of the crevice, Zdenek Zvolanek - the famed Beauty Slope.
1. What stood out for me in ZZ's garden was the cunning use of Sempervivum in every available nook and cranny.
2. The gardener's friend visits the Erinacea flowers.
3. The Aethionema were in peak bloom.
4. An overview up the slope towards the natural cliff face.
5. Not just Semps in the crevices, here a white Ramonda and a Cyclamen.
-
6. A sign of the skilled gardener's hand here, with a very naturalistic vignette.
7. The low sun for our morning visits highlights the Pulsatilla seed heads.
8. Margaret Edwards and Ian Young take a rest in the arbour, made from recycled ladders.
9. A stunning form of Lewisia cotyledon.
10. Plenty of room for visitors to explore. Amongst those in this shot are: Paul Cumbleton, Richard Green, David Rankin, Philip Duplock, Celia Wright and Liz Mills.
-
11. Floral profusion.
12. Aethionema.
13. Globularia.
14. Edraianthus.
15. The terrace by the house included many pots and troughs.
-
Next up we were treated to the kind hospitality of Jiri Pospisil and Iva Pospisilova in their garden that surely caters for great parties and gatherings with a natural swimming pool, sauna, outdoor home cinema, home brewery, BBQ fire pit and bar. Their traditional home sits amongst the mature trees and shrubs, with some well integrated crevice gardens and troughs.
1. Haberlea rhodopensis.
2. A view across the main rock garden towards the house.
3. Part of the main rock garden, with many Saxifraga longifolia coming into flower.
4. View of the house and main rock garden from the gate.
5. A stone trough integrated with a crevice and well.
-
6. Polygala (calcarea?)
7. Edraianthus
8. Mossy saxifrage.
9. Dwarf pines are a great feature.
10. Gentiana (acaulis?).
-
Some of us sat out a brief summer shower before stepping out of the bus into Martin Brejnik's garden. Others were off like a shot to look at the sales stock! Martin has recently completed a large project to construct a canyon as part of this mature rock garden. Amazingly, the work was all carried out by hand. The bottom was quite moist, and should provide a home for plants that wouldn't normally cope with the drier Czech climate.
1. Another good example of the use of Sempervivum.
2. Kenton Seth and Adrian Young demonstrated the depth of the canyon. Also in his shot, at ground level are, L to R: unknown in pale green rain coat, Jiri Papousek, Christopher Peed our very own Bulb Despot, Ian Young (crouching), the next two I cannot name, then David Rankin, Caroline Seymour and Maggie Duguid.
3. Again, Aethionema star, along with many Daphne in this garden and other plants yet to flower. L to R: Paul Cumbleton, Julia Corden, Carol Marriott and Angela Townsley.
4. Saxifraga longifolia.
5. One of many superb Daphne!
-
6. Another Rhamnus.
7. Daphne domini - one of many specimens in this garden.
8. The canyon from another angle.
9. Mature plants filling crevices nicely.
10. Antenarria dioica rosea contrasts nicely with the fresh green foliage of a Daphne.
-
The last garden we visited was something quite different. At a higher elevation the climate was slightly cooler and moister, allowing Jiri Sladek to grow a wider range of plants. The garden is packed with shrubs, which help to divide the space and create interesting corners where many troughs are tucked away.
1. Hymenoxys scaposa on the rock garden.
2. Overview of the rock garden.
3. Daphne tangutica.
4 & 5. Rhododendron.
-
6. An example of a trough with a crevice arrangement and showing how interesting foliage and form alone can be.
7. A form of Rhododendron campylogynum.
8. Rhododendron.
9. A Cedrus atlantica glauca pendula has been trained to form an arch at the entrance.
10. Saxifraga granulata on a roadside verge.
-
Thanks Matt for showing these wonderful images, and to Marit earlier (whose blog I have yet to look at).
-
Some of us sat out a brief summer shower before stepping out of the bus into Martin Brejnik's garden. Others were off like a shot to look at the sales stock! Martin has recently completed a large project to construct a canyon as part of this mature rock garden. Amazingly, the work was all carried out by hand. The bottom was quite moist, and should provide a home for plants that wouldn't normally cope with the drier Czech climate.
2. Kenton Seth and Adrian Young demonstrated the depth of the canyon. Also in this shot, at ground level are, L to R: unknown in pale green rain coat, Jiri Papousek, Christopher Peed (crouching), the next two I cannot name, then David Rankin, Caroline Seymour and Maggie Duguid.
Beg to differ - that figure is of the crouching Bulb Despot, hidden husband!
-
Maggi - Easily enough done. It's just there appears to be no flagon in hand unless he's just dropped it, hence the confusion. It remains to be explained how Matt managed to take pix with one in his hand as well.
john
-
:)
-
Thanks Matt! These were gardens filled with exciting details, so it's good to share pictures so we can see what we did not see when we were there ;)So many great pictures you show!
Marit
Another great blog, Marit full of more excellent photographs. It amazes me that we all visited the same gardens, yet something different catches our eye. You've photographed some plants and views I don't remember noticing.
-
Beg to differ - that figure is of the crouching Bulb Despot, hidden husband!
Oops, of course it is! Crouching Figure, Hidden Despot. ;D
-
Maggi - Easily enough done. It's just there appears to be no flagon in hand unless he's just dropped it, hence the confusion. It remains to be explained how Matt managed to take pix with one in his hand as well.
john
Well, the beer was cheaper than water. And herbal tea. And anything else really. The excellent quality Czech beers were the cheapest way to stay hydrated!
If you use the auto setting it's quite easy to both sip and snap :P
-
I'm happy to be able to share a small part of the fantastic experience we all had. I'd urge you all to consider going if there is a 4th Czech conference...
My last posts here will be a few photos from the Prague Spring Show, held on the edge of Charles Square in the centre of Prague city. The show is held in the grounds of a church and includes show plants plunged for the show amongst permanent plantings in the garden. This way of presenting the show plants is a nice contrast to the usual benches of plants we see in the UK.
1. As we entered we were all herded in to the plant sales area. Priorities! Here are Pat Watson and Steve Stehouwer in the queue to pay.
2. Marit Friberg looks for something to buy.
3. These crevices included permanent plantings and some show plants.
4. L to R: Susan More, Fermi de Sousa and Will Arthur.
5. L to R (folk at front first, then back) Barbara Cooper, Bella Seiden, Julia Corden, Richard Green, Ian Young walking away, YY (Adrian Young's wife) and Roma Smith at back.
-
6. Iris elegantissima.
7. A shady woodland bed with show plants.
8. Orchis purpurea.
9. A view over the colourful rock garden.
10. Rod Zander and Ian Young found a comfortable perch for a natter.
And so this brings my photographic overview to an end. There was so much more I have not shown in these pictures, including the great talks, sociable gatherings and friendships made and reaffirmed.
I'd like to echo the sentiments of others in commending the conference team for a superb job well done. From the perspective of us delegates, everything went perfectly and we all have an amazing experience. However, I know that the small team put in an awful lot of hard work behind the scenes, before and throughout the event. Even now they are still making information available and collating photographs of a memorable few days.
Thank you, very much, dear friends Zdenek, Zdena, Jiri, Ludmila, Katerina, Petr and Vojtech!
-
Thank you so much Matt for the wonderful photos, recalling great memories. I enjoyed the Conference so much, both with the lectures and catching up with so many wonderful plants people.
I returned home only a couple of weeks ago, after dragging my poor unsuspecting husband around rather a few more gardens than he anticipated when he flew over to meet me! I think he thought I might have got it out of my system in the Czech Republic - how wrong could he be. At present there is a smattering of snow with a heavy frost on top outside, so I have finally had time to look at all the postings and try to catch up with the SRGC.
It always fills me with enthusiasm to see how the rest of the world gardens and a bit depressing knowing that there are so many things we simply cannot bring in here.
Susan
-
Panayoti Kelaidis has mentioned his pleasure at attending the Czech Conference in 2017 in various places before now - and now comes a "crowning glory" so to speak - his blog entry about my dear friend and colleague, Zdenek Zvolanek and his remarkable garden in Karlick.....
PK writes : "My tribute to a dear friend and the Master rock gardener of our age."
http://prairiebreak.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/the-master.html (http://prairiebreak.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/the-master.html)
[attachimg=1]
-
Supporters of the "Alpine Parrot" might be interested in this https://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2017/oct/24/kea-voted-new-zealands-bird-of-the-year-video (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2017/oct/24/kea-voted-new-zealands-bird-of-the-year-video)
As Jiri has adopted the Kea as his totem I thought I should post this here ;D
cheers
fermi
-
Sad news from Prague that Lenka Holubec has passed away.
Lenka was closely involved in the organisation of the Czech International rock garden plant conferences and well known to many of us. She will be much missed. Lenka's admirers in Scottish Rock Garden Club are so sad - and send all sincere condolences to her husband, Vojtech Holubec and the family.
Photos of Lenka by Olga Bondareva and of the Czech committee by Zdena Kosourová
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
Lenka and Vojtech
-
Such sad news ... our love and deepest sympathies to Vojtech and family.
-
Sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Angie .
-
Very sad news, sincere condolences to Vojtech and the family