Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
SRGC Shows and Events => SRGC Shows Questions and Answers => Topic started by: DaveM on October 16, 2015, 12:54:39 PM
-
Feeling a little lost after this year's fiesta?? :( :( :(
Then here's a starter for next year's event. :) :)
The 2016 Discussion Weekend will be held in the beautiful surroundings of the Tweed valley in the heart of the Southern Uplands, between Peebles and Innerleithen, from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October 2016.
The venue: Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Spa, Horsburgh Ford, Peebles EH45 8NE
Web site: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/cardrona (http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/cardrona)
Speakers booked include Harry Jans talking about his travels, Jim Jermyn talking about the early years at Inshriach Nursery, Bob and Rannveig Wallis on Fritillaria, and Jenny Wainwright-Klein about growing alpines at the Schachen alpine garden, Germany. There will be much to choose from for the Saturday morning; there are local walks; Edinburgh Botanics' fine arboretum at Dawyck is only a short distance away; or for the more adventurous, you could try mountain biking at nearby Glentress. ;D
Full programme and booking details with the January edition of The Rock Garden.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Edit by maggi 15th February 2016 : News of a change to the DWE programme: Due to unforeseen commitment changes Harry Jans cannot make the DWE this year. David & Margaret Thorne have stepped up to take his place. The title of their talk is “Sikkim: the long route to Kanchenjunga”
-
Looking GOOD … about time I travelled north again.
-
Looking GOOD … about time I travelled north again.
Hmmmm ......... Do you have room for two more???
-
It would be wonderful to welcome you to Scotland, Anne and Joe … I wouldn't be surprised if the SRGC wouldn't be THRILLED to hear one of your lectures!!! Wink, wink.
-
It would be wonderful to welcome you to Scotland, Anne and Joe … I wouldn't be surprised if the SRGC wouldn't be THRILLED to hear one of your lectures!!! Wink, wink.
That's a great idea..... Embra Committee, are you seeing this?
-
Piggy bank might well be rifled.
-
You never know, Cliff. It sounds wonderful. I see it's held at a golf resort and I know who would be very pleased at that!!
Will there be a plant show as well?
-
Oh yes, Anne … but I can't promise a Pro-Am golf tournament for dear Joe!!! LOL.
-
Definitely coming - a richness of speakers to tempt anyone. :)
-
You never know, Cliff. It sounds wonderful. I see it's held at a golf resort and I know who would be very pleased at that!!
Will there be a plant show as well?
Yes, there will be a plant show.
Who knows - the prospect of other golf-playing partners attending might be a boon for some others "of that ilk" :)
-
Scotland in October - is it still golf weather? And are the gardens already down for the winter?
-
Down for the winter? Are you joking? Scots golfers play all year. Autumn weather can be glorious for golf - ask Angie's husband....!!!
-
Thanks for the information, Maggi. Will take this up with the Travel Plans Committee for serious consideration. I think as CEO of this committee I have a strong vote.
-
SRGC Discussion Weekend 2016
After three years of superb Highland hospitality in Grantown-on-Spey, we now venture south to Peeblesshire to the delights of the Scottish Borders. This area of outstanding beauty and rich history offers ruined castles, sweeping valleys, magnificent forests and wonderful things to see and do.
The organizing team invites you to the modern Cardrona Hotel, sitting by the River Tweed, midway between historic Peebles and Innerleithen. With views of the Border hills, this 4-star hotel offers spacious and comfortable accommodation, an award-winning restaurant, an 18 hole golf course and a spa. Even dogs are welcome. Peebles and the Borders are easy to reach, with major routes touching the boundaries of the region. Peebles is about thirty minutes by car from Edinburgh and an hour from Glasgow, Newcastle and Carlisle. Airports at Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle are within easy distance. There is a twice-hourly bus service between Peebles and Edinburgh.
Saturday morning offers you free time at the hotel or further afield.
Peebles is a Royal Burgh and a picturesque market town of unspoilt character. Stroll through its medieval alleyways or follow its walkways along the beautiful River Tweed. The traditional High Street boasts fine
independent shops and a good selection of top quality eateries. A guided visit to the Royal Botanic Garden’s satellite at Dawyck promises magnificent trees and autumn colour in mid-October. Traquair House, one of the oldest and most romantic in Scotland, is only seven miles away and is well worth a visit; it houses a privately run brewery. Staying with the historic theme, Neidpath Castle, dating from 1370, lies on a bend on the river Tweed and is a pleasant walk one mile out of Peebles. Both Peebles and Innerleithen are within easy walking distance along the river from the hotel and the latter also provides a wide range of attractions. For those who wish to stay longer, there is a wealth of possibilities within driving distance of the hotel.
A full breakdown of prices and a booking form may be found in the 2016 Year Book and Secretary’s Pages and attached to this post.
For other queries, please contact E.MacKintosh@rbge.ac.uk
Booking forms and remittances to
The Registration Secretary, Mike Hicks, 11 Lidgate Shot , Ratho, Newbridge, Midlothian, EH28 8TY
Programme
Our programme offers you a veritable ‘Quality Street’ selection of speakers, a box of classic favourites interspersed with new flavours. Our home-grown ‘classics’ feature Jack Drake’s world-famous alpine nursery,
bulbs and plants at home and away, and two genus-specific lectures on the cultivation of fritillaries and hellebores. Scotland’s native plants are not neglected and three ‘new flavours’ are also introduced: growing alpines in the Bavarian Schachen, gardening on rock (USA), and botanizing in Peru.
The only question is ‘Who is the big purple one?’
Friday 14th October
● Bob Wallis, Wales: The Jim Archibald Bulb Lecture: ’Fritillaries in the
Wild and in Cultivation’
● Small Bulb Exchange
Saturday 15th October
Morning
- Optional activities
- Plant show
- Plant sales
Afternoon
● Jim Jermyn, Scotland: The John Duff Lecture: ‘Inshriach Nursery’
● Jenny Wainwright-Klein, Germany: ‘The Alpine Garden on the
Schachen’
● Anne Spiegel, USA: ‘Gardening on Rock’ ( note that someone was listening to us here!!)
Evening - Drinks reception, dinner and plant auction
Sunday 16th October
● Rannveig Wallis, Wales: ‘A Plantaholic, Home and Away’
● John Massey, England: The William Buchanan Lecture: ‘The World of
Hellebores’
● Heather McHaffie, Scotland: ‘Growing Scottish Native Plants at the
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh’
● Harry Jans, Netherlands: The Harold Esslemont Lecture: due to unforeseen commitments Harry Jans cannot make the DWE this year. David & Margaret Thorne have stepped up to take his place. The title of their talk is “Sikkim: the long route to Kanchenjunga”
Booking Form and full details : [attachurl=1]
-
Had a look at the link Dave. Not sure I'm up for picture 7, hope it's not obligatory :D
-
I wonder if I was the first one to book, pay and get flight tickets this year?
-
News of a change to the DWE programme:
The Harold Esslemont Lecture: due to unforeseen commitments Harry Jans cannot make the DWE this year. David & Margaret Thorne have stepped up to take his place. The title of their talk is “Sikkim: the long route to Kanchenjunga”
David and Margaret are popular Speakers and have great experience of travelling, often as Tour Leaders, to study plants in the wild. 8)
-
Hearing of members already heading to Peebles - from Scandnanavia, USA, all over the UK .... and some plants too... like these from Jacques Amand International
Colchicum in glorious flower
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
-
Have fun everyone. Miss you all. Look forward to hear and see all about it.
Angie :)
-
Some photos from the DWE from various members - Thanks to all!
CB is Cliff Booker, JC is Julia Corden, IS is Ian Smith NJ is Nesta Jolliff
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
[attachimg=1]
Autumnal posy which wone the Wellstanlaw Cup for Barry and Cathy Caudwell by CB
[attachimg=2]
Stan da Prato's three pan entry of a huge Raoulia, a Petrocosmea and a Gentiana
-
[attachimg=1]
meeting room
[attachimg=2]
Jenny Wainwright-Klein gave a great talk on The Alpine Garden on the Schachen. Jenny works at Munich Botanic Gardens which also looks after The Schachen which is open for 3 months a year.
-
more
-
and
-
A professional Forrest Medal was awarded to Macplants for this Gentiana 'The Caley' - pic JC
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
This Cyclamen cilicium wn the Jim Lever Trophy for David Millward - pic CB
[attachimg=5]
pic JC
[attachimg=3]
Cyclamen hederifolium album, with lovely silver leaves - winning Best Plant in Section 11 - pic CB
[attachimg=4]
pic JC.
-
Ann Christie with John and Jackie Thomlinson
George Sevastopulo and Alan Furness
Great silvers - Celmisia
Celmisia spedenii
Stan da Prato - unusually with a camera in hand but not at the eye!
-
a few more
-
Problems with computer have led to loss of Photoshop thus the indifferent quality of these snaps. Some winners have already been shown. For the sake of completeness we start with David & Liz Livermore 's Correa which was one of their entries that led to an SRGC Bronze medal. Christine Boulby's cyclamen that won the East Lothian cup for the best plant in section 2 has already been posted as have the Caudwell cut flowers that won the Wellstanlaw Cup. Show secretary David Millward's cyclamen that won the Jim Lever Memorial trophy has also been posted but is well worth repeating. The JL Mowat trophy for the best conifer went to Lionel Clarkson who brought several fine little trees.
-
The McNaughton gentian The Caley which won a professional Forrest has been shown already It also received an award at the Joint Rock committee as did another of their gentians of which more in a later post. This show used to be held in East Lothian and generous judging allowed the East Lothian Trophy for three alpines to return there via myself along with the Peel trophy for 3 gentians, the Logan Home cup for a mini garden and the Mary Bowe trophy for bringing most pots to the show.
I will try to solve computer probs. before posting any more snaps
-
Maggi
Thank you so much for putting pictures on forum, sorry FB is quicker!
It was a great weekend with excellent speakers, Accommodation and great meeting lots of old and new friends :)
You 2 were missed, see you soon
Julia x
-
Please may I echo Julia's comments above and add my thanks to Maggi for her efforts. The Conference was magnificent, the lectures were of the very highest quality, the venue was exceptional and the organisation was perfect. Many thanks and hearty congratulations to everyone involved.
-
Looking forward to hearing all about the weekend.
Apart from one I missed when nursing my Mother I think this is the first time Ian and I have missed an SRGC DWE in many, many moons - decades!!
We missed seeing so many friends and were especially disappointed not to be able to meet up again with Anne Spiegel - and meet Joe! Ages since I've seen Jenny Wainwright-Klein too - that's another talk I would have loved to have seen. Mind you, the programme was a cracker so it was a shame to miss any of it!
One question that puzzles both Ian and myself - was there not a "standard" Forrest Medal awarded? Only word of that lovely Professional Forrest so far - and it is , of course, perfectly possible for a show to have awards of both types...... ?????
-
Hi Maggi,
None of the plants on the bench at this show were judged to merit a Forrest Medal. Unusual but there we have it. Also a few classes with no firsts awarded. A lot of growers have been talking of an early year from some plants and others that were not quite at their best. Nonetheless, there were lots of superb plants on display (and Alan Furness was lucky to get his much-coveted Celmisia spedenii out of the building safely and in one piece!)
You were both very much missed, but it was great to meet up with the regular as well as some Forum friends but I fear I missed some. A great weekend. John Massey was a hoot!
-
Thanks for that update, Matt.
John Massey is a grade A, genuine STAR in so many ways - simply the best!
-
Over 140 delegates, lecturers and organisers enjoyed a wonderful conference full of humour, erudition, conviviality and beer (the wine is ALWAYS expensive at these events) … truly a class event.
Thanks for that update, Matt.
John Massey is a grade A, genuine STAR in so many ways - simply the best!
-
As Matt has said, no Forrest was awarded - sadly. The judges deliberated long and hard over this and did not reach their decision lightly. There were 162 plants on the bench (144 in Open section and 18 in Section II), from 18 exhibitors. However, there were no large Cyclamen and though the many smaller pots of gentian were superbly presented, the large pans of gentian didn't quite reach the standard the judges were looking for, and they - Jim Jermyn, Julia Corden and Cyril Lafong - know full well what is required.
The large pan of 'The Caley' awarded the Professional Medal was displayed on MacPlants' stall. This was later given an AM and Cultural Commendation at the Joint Rock meeting.
Stan dP had an incredible 57 plants on the bench - no wonder he was able to snaffle most of the trophies. Well done Stan.
Matt Topsfield won the Reivers Trophy for a photo of a Scottish plant (lovely photo of Saxifraga oppositifolia). How about posting a copy Matt? Matt also picked up 3rd prize in the Holiday Photo competition with pix of his visit to SE Spain in the spring.
Second prize in the Holiday comp went to Liam and Joan McCaughey for their trip to the Dolomites. First prize went to David Livermore, of Barley, near Royston with 12 photos of David and Liz's trip to Lake Van, Turkey. This was very competetive and there can't have been much in it. This was David and Liz's first DWE - they only joined the Club in February - and to cap David's success they won a Bronze Medal, for the most points in Section II. We wish them every success in the future and look forward to welcoming them in Peebles next year.
-
Thank you Cliff and Matt for your kind comments. We are pleased that you found the weekend so enjoyable. My colleagues John Mitchell, Elspeth MacKintosh, Mike Hicks, Struan Harley and I were heartily glad that things went so well. Some things to sort, post event during the next couple of weeks, then we'll start planning for next year ........ From our perspective, one of the really good points of the weekend was the manner in which delegates participated - there was a really good buzz about the whole event. We are hoping this can be repeated next year and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Peebles for part 2! One of the speakers will, of course, be Harry Jans, who couldn't make it this year.
-
Matt Topsfield won the Reivers Trophy for a photo of a Scottish plant (lovely photo of Saxifraga oppositifolia). How about posting a copy Matt?
Thanks Dave.
Saxifraga oppositifolia photographed on 11 April 2016 at The Storr, Isle of Skye. Don't believe everything you read about this plant: growing in full sunshine, on a basalt rock face facing SE-S. However, there must be plenty water in the crevice it is growing in and this site is often in cloud/mist.
-
Thank you Cliff and Matt for your kind comments. We are pleased that you found the weekend so enjoyable. My colleagues John Mitchell, Elspeth MacKintosh, Mike Hicks, Struan Harley and I were heartily glad that things went so well. Some things to sort, post event during the next couple of weeks, then we'll start planning for next year ........ From our perspective, one of the really good points of the weekend was the manner in which delegates participated - there was a really good buzz about the whole event. We are hoping this can be repeated next year and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Peebles for part 2! One of the speakers will, of course, be Harry Jans, who couldn't make it this year.
The highpoint of these weekends is always meeting and making friends, but mention should be made of the standard of speakers, which was exceptionally high and the accommodation was very comfortable (indeed, we were spoilt with a pool and gym etc.) I've no doubt many folk were beavering away in the background to make it a success, but delegates only saw a smooth, well-coordinated event. Congratulations to the whole team on a successful weekend. I hope you will all be taking a well-earned short rest before starting work on planning for 2017!
-
A belated round of the benches.
-
more
-
and more
-
continuing
-
and onwards
-
and more
-
still in open section
-
nearing end of open section
-
two plants from RBGE then section 2
-
For me the most interesting and rarely seen plant in the show was Gentiana melandriifolia, shown by Roma Fiddes. I've not seen this in cultivation before, though I have seen it in the wild. I don't have an image of Roma's well flowered plant and hope that someone will post one. This gentian is native to Yunnan in SW China and I saw it in the Cang Shan, above the town of Dali. Here's some pix of this in the wild - another of the fabulous autumn gentian which deserves to be better known.
-
Super looking show, even without a Forrest.
Glad all went well and you're pleased too, David!
Pretty good going for those nice Livermores - good of them to support the show so well and get rewarded for it too!
-
For me the most interesting and rarely seen plant in the show was Gentiana melandriifolia, shown by Roma Fiddes. I've not seen this in cultivation before, though I have seen it in the wild. I don't have an image of Roma's well flowered plant and hope that someone will post one.
One is a few photos back in the group of three not for competition gentians though we could do with a close up.
-
Matt has already posted his winning pic for the Reivers trophy. He was also an entrant to the holiday photo competition with two very talented couples the Livermores and the McCaugheys. Hand held snaps do not do justice to these pictures but do give a flavour of them for anyone not at the show.
-
and the others
-
nurseries and the club stand
-
Just settling in to the usual routine after a first class weekend in Peebles at the DWE.
Hotel excellent; food excellent; facilities excellent; organisation excellent; speakers excellent and Dave Millward and the team are to be congratulated on a first class job.
Of course it's great to re-meet with friends made at last years DWE as well as to make new ones but the important point to me is that regardless of it being your first visit or umpteenth you are welcomed, enveloped and included. That is the SRGC.
Personal highlights for me were to meet, for the first time, Anton Edwards (Editor of The Rock Garden) and Christine Boulby (Subscription Secretary) both of whom I have worked closely with for some years in my role as Advertising Manager. Good to meet too Dave Millward for the first time and splendid to chat with Lionel Clarkson and Alan Furness two giants of the Showing world. Having utterly and completely fallen for Bette Ivey last year it was lovely to see her again (and to be reminded that we had a 'date') and also to sit at Jean Whyllie's left hand (Matt Topsfield had the right one) at the Conference dinner.
All of the Speakers were first class and really on top of their game and Mike didn't have to nudge me in the ribs once. It's probably unfair on all of them to name my highlights but our own Anne Speigel (Astragalus) really went down a storm. I think the member's wondered how such a petite young lady could move mountains with a minimum of help and grow some of the most challenging plants in the World. It was a fantastic talk and boy does she know how to time a joke. Have a good flight home Anne and I hope Joe gets the rust off his clubs! I must mention also John Massey. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard and for so long as I did on Sunday morning at his talk 'The World of Hellebores'. His experience, skill and knowledge about this group of plants is legendary and that came out in spades but it was the asides, and there were many asides. Surely not all those were scripted, they couldn't be, no-ones mind works like that! From camouflage trousers to a huge Pinus (think about it!) he had us roaring.
I agree with Cliff as far as the wine prices are concerned (but they always are in Hotels aren't they?), £19.50 for a couple of large glasses of not excessively good Sauvignon Blanc, only eased somewhat later in the evening by finding that a couple of double Malts wighed in at 50p cheaper. No contest from then on.
So, to sum, if next year's is only half as good it will be a cracker.
Missed you both I & M.
-
people and plants
-
more
-
around the weekend
-
and more
-
and to finish
-
Thanks very much for the pictures, Stan. I was very disappointed not to be able to come. Nice to see the plants and people enjoying themselves.
-
For me the most interesting and rarely seen plant in the show was Gentiana melandriifolia, shown by Roma Fiddes. I've not seen this in cultivation before, though I have seen it in the wild. I don't have an image of Roma's well flowered plant and hope that someone will post one. This gentian is native to Yunnan in SW China and I saw it in the Cang Shan, above the town of Dali. Here's some pix of this in the wild - another of the fabulous autumn gentian which deserves to be better known.
Thank you for the pictures of Gentiana melandrifolia in the wild. I remember seeing it, many years ago, at a Discussion Weekend, shown by Mike and Polly Stone. I think I may have bought my plant from the Club sales table then. I can't find a reference to their plant in the Journals but found a picture of my plant at the 2002 DWE show in the January 2003 Journal. I hope Ian Christie can propagate it and spread it around.
-
SRGC Conference at Peebles this weekend.
-
SRGC Conference at Peebles this weekend.
-
Sandy Leven's Show report of the Professional Forrest Medal at Peebles is now online - click HERE to download (http://files.srgc.net/Showreports/Forrest-Peebles-DWE.pdf)
Wonderful to see the broad smile on Ian McNaughton's face!!
Thank you, Sandy!
-
Just to say how much we enjoyed our first Discussion Weekend and thanks to everyone for making us very welcome. We were very surprised and pleased to win a Bronze medal and also the photographic holiday competition. Our plants (and us) are now back safely in Hertfordshire. We very much hope to come back up to Peebles next year - our plants are already missing the cooler damper climate!
David and Liz Livermore
-
David - how lovely to hear that you enjoyed your visit - you'll be welcome back anytime, of course! Thanks for supporting the show as well - well done to you and Liz on your successes.
-
It looks like you all had a fantastic time - sorry not to have been there this year.
-
Sandy Leven has returned to "work" for the SRGC, after a hectic time of birthday celebrations with his family in a very swanky establishement, not unconnected with a famous son of Dunblane!
His full report of both the Discussion Weekend Show and the talks over the weekend is now online!
Download it HERE 8) 8) (http://files.srgc.net/Showreports/PeeblesDWEshowandtalks2016.pdf)
-
As always Sandy, an excellent report and a great reminder of it for all who enjoyed the weekend so much.
-
Well said, Mr. N. - it really was a splendid weekend and Sandy has captured the atmosphere perfectly.
-
Probably no one had a better time at the Discussion Weekend than I did, on my first trip ever to Scotland. John Mitchell picked us up at the airport despite our inconsiderate arrival at 7a.m. Our first day (Thursday) set the tone with Joe on the golf course and me exploring Peebles at the invitation of Beryl and Ian MacNaughton. It was wonderful to put faces on to Forum names: Dave M.(Dr. Rock), David Nicholson, who was immediately a buddy and so much fun, Matt T, and too many others to name, not to mention old friends like Cliff Booker and Ian Christie, and new ones like Cyril Lafong. Everyone was so welcoming it calmed the nerves enormously and I so enjoyed all the talks. After visiting a number of gardens it became apparent that the fall blooming gentians are just weeds in Scotland, sigh. I'll post pictures as soon as I do some resizing. I was so sorry to miss seeing Maggi and Ian, but the week just flew by and when we went home Wednesday it really felt we had barely arrived. Jo managed 5 rounds of golf in 6 days, pretty good. Really loved meeting all of you and thanks so much for inviting me. The welcome mat will always be out for any of you who will cross the pond.
-
It was great meeting you both and your lecture was great, such an amazing garden you have made.
-
Thanks very much for the pictures, Stan. I was very disappointed not to be able to come. Nice to see the plants and people enjoying themselves.
Just what I was thinking Roma. We will have to go next year. Great plants everyone .
Angie :)
-
It was great meeting you both and your lecture was great, such an amazing garden you have made.
Thanks, Julia.