Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

SRGC Shows and Events => Events => Topic started by: Palustris on March 06, 2011, 11:53:54 AM

Title: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Palustris on March 06, 2011, 11:53:54 AM
Off to the seaside. Saturday 12th March. Hopefully the lighting is better there and many of the same plants will have survived to be shown again. See you there?
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 06, 2011, 02:40:57 PM
Saturday 12th March  not only has the SRGC/AGS Blackpool Show but also the AGS Bedfordshire Group's 24th Annual Show  at the Wilstead Village Hall, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, MK45 3BX.

 A choice for some lucky forumists to make.... too far for me in Aberdeen.... I'm not really envious.... I'm just a little green round the edges.... :(
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Nick_the_grief on March 06, 2011, 06:01:26 PM
I'm in Hull :o
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Graham Catlow on March 06, 2011, 07:40:11 PM
I should be at the Blackpool show on Saturday so I thought I would, (for a limited period only), change my avatar to show myself. So if you see me and would like to have a chat you will know what I look like. On the other hand, now you know what I look like you will be able to avoid me too. ;)  The photo is a couple of years old but I still look as young and charming as I did when it was taken.

I promise I will return my avatar to the better looking Dexter on Sunday :)
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: David Nicholson on March 06, 2011, 07:47:26 PM
I'm in Hull :o

Suppose someone has to be!
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Nick_the_grief on March 07, 2011, 09:58:51 AM
It's worse than that David... I'm in Pontefract on Friday and I don't even like liquorice
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Darren on March 07, 2011, 10:48:31 AM
Susan and I will be at Blackpool as it is our local group which hosts it and we have both been volunteered for jobs on the day...

I am likely to be spending much of my time on the members plants stall (grumpy looking bloke in his 40s in a tweed jacket, and if previous years standing out in that atrium are anything to go by, woolly gloves and a bobble hat). If this description is not enough I will probably be wearing the forumists badge Johnny Dower made for us at the discussion weekend two years ago.

Susan will be one of those running the computer in the show hall. I won't describe her as I could not, of course, do her justice.  ;)  She does not look like the bumble bee she uses for her avatar though.



Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: David Nicholson on March 07, 2011, 05:12:12 PM
It's worse than that David... I'm in Pontefract on Friday and I don't even like liquorice

I bet you'd have a job to find any these days.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 07, 2011, 05:34:42 PM
Just learned from another thread that there is yet another show being held on the 12th March..the Tunbridge wells group will be holding their annual show at King Charles the Martyr Hall, Warwick Park Tunbridge wells, open to the public from 12 30pm till 4 00 pm.

 Lots of choice for the English members to attend even if they can't get as far north as Blackpool!
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Mick McLoughlin on March 07, 2011, 08:10:54 PM
It's worse than that David... I'm in Pontefract on Friday and I don't even like liquorice

I bet you'd have a job to find any these days.

Haribo is still in Pontefract David.
And of course there is always:
http://www.experiencewakefield.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=13&feature=1001&venue=2190309

The Liquorice festival
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Nick_the_grief on March 07, 2011, 10:41:12 PM
I think that the majority of Liquorice is imported from places like Australia these day Mick.  ALthough there maybe one or two who still grow it in their gardens ... I think it's related to the Ginger family not sure
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Darren on March 11, 2011, 08:17:27 PM
Just returned from Blackpool where 10 of us have been setting up for tomorrows show. Thought you might like to see the process which seems to be quicker each year - we have all been doing this for so long we are a quite well-oiled machine now!

Picture 1: we all arrived about 4pm (though we did pass Show Secretary Lionel Clarkson already putting posters on lamp posts in the pouring rain on the main road!).

Picture 2: Then the tables arrived.

Picture 3: The cloths go on. You can just make out Syd Cumbus arranging his usual photographic display in the background.

Picture 4: Just one hour later the tables are ready so it is time for a brew!

Picture 5: Peter Bland, Lionel Clarkson, Syd Cumbus, Jim & Wilma Wright, Gill Clarkson.

Picture 6: Gill Clarkson, Susan Sleep, Frank Hoyle, Tony Taziker, Peter Bland. This is all the crew except me but you already know what I look like  ;D

Picture 7: 6pm and Wilma and Jim are putting out the classes and cards.


Hope to see lots of you tomorrow but we hear parts of Scotland are having a touch of winter again! Take care if traveling.


Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 11, 2011, 08:25:07 PM
Good to see exactly what work there needs to be done to get the hall set- up, Darren. Some folks think all that stuff gets done by magic, you know!

Jean and Glassford have abandoned their plan to come down... the first year they've missed attending in living memory, I think.... but the forecast for the south of Scotland is pretty awful and it's not sensible to risk it.
I hope the weather won't be too bad and some will make it down to enjoy the usual fun of the day but you all know that our best wishes are with you whether or not we're there in the flesh!
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Darren on March 11, 2011, 08:31:58 PM
Really sorry to hear that Maggi, but better safe than sorry. I hope we can catch up with them in Hexham.

Apparently this is not so much of a joint show this year as so far we only have one exhibitor from north of the border! But then it has been another winter we will all be glad to see the end of!

I thank you for your comment about the work involved in setting up and running a show - if it was not for these folks our beloved shows would not happen.

Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Graham Catlow on March 11, 2011, 09:23:11 PM
The weather forcast has put me off too.
Will just have to hope there are plenty of photos posted to show what we have missed.
Good luck to the team and the exhibitors.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: angie on March 11, 2011, 09:31:24 PM
Darren Looking forward to seeing some nice pictures of all those tables full of gorgeous plants. When I first watched our show benches getting done I was amazed , Maggi and her team could have done it blindfolded. It was so quick and professionally done.    
Darren have a nice day and say hi to Susan from me.

Graham that's a shame you have to miss the show but the forecast doesn't look good. At least we will get to see what we have missed  ::) ;D

Angie :)
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: David Shaw on March 11, 2011, 10:34:49 PM
Hope it goes well, Darren, though I see that the forcast for northern England isn't that brilliant. :-[
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 11, 2011, 10:45:25 PM
Sorry to hear there is a lack of SRGC exhibitors.... as I've just been saying in another thread ( http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6892.new#new )
this second nasty winter in a row has had a really bad effect on so many plants that I think we'll see a few "thin" shows this year.  :'( :'(

Thank goodness there is always someone in a warm area, or who can afford glasshouse heating to bring along some gems, eh?!!
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Rob Potterton on March 12, 2011, 03:40:34 AM
Yawn, just gone 3.30am - time to leave for Blackpool ...... ;D
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: SusanS on March 12, 2011, 06:38:41 AM
We have had a lie in (!)  Up just before 6am to load the car, and now we are ready to go.  :D
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Palustris on March 12, 2011, 08:57:22 PM
Well, just to make Rob's day we did buy some plants from him. Sad that so many Scottish folks could not get there, the show was excellent, if a little lower on entries than perhaps it has been in the past. Still we enjoyed it very much.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 09:57:42 PM
Firstly, thanks to Lionel , Darren, Susan and all the gang from North Lancashire for their hard work today.
I'll start the ball rolling with some general views of the hall. 
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:02:09 PM
A "little" entry (WOW) ;D ;D  ;D from Mr Dionysia, Paul Ranson waiting to be staged.  What a fantastic set of plants, well done Paul. 
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 12, 2011, 10:04:26 PM
Such a pity that so many of the Scots who had planned to be there had to abandon because of the weather...... great to see that by the light coming in the windows it wasn't anything like a bad a day down there as it was in Scotland!
Far too much snow and slush for most of us.

What can be nicer than a show bench filled with colour?  
Looks good already... thanks, Diane.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:06:08 PM
Narcissus cordubensis shown by Tony Lee
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 12, 2011, 10:07:09 PM
A "little" entry (WOW) ;D ;D  ;D from Mr Dionysia, Paul Ranson waiting to be staged.  What a fantastic set of plants, well done Paul. 
By heck, they look good  :o 8)
Even the crates are colour co-ordinated... now THAT's attention to detail!

And is there even a bulb or two in amongst all those Grade AAAAA cushions?  ;D
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:09:10 PM
Viola trinervata, shown by George Young, grown from Ratko seed sown in 2000.  It was awarded a Certificate of Merit.  The plant was shown in a very large chimney pot shape pot.  What a little gem. 
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:13:28 PM
Such a pity that so many of the Scots who had planned to be there had to abandon because of the weather......

Yes, sadly several of the Scots pulled out, I believe the A9 was impassable at some point.  But some managed the long haul and several made it the day before and stayed overnight.  Hope they manage to get home safely.   
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:15:03 PM
Saxifraga oppositifolia "Duncan Lowe's form"  super white form shown by Dave Riley.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:16:16 PM
Scilla sibirica shown by Barry Winter
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:17:35 PM
Gagea fibrosa shown by Ian Leslie
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 12, 2011, 10:17:43 PM
Jean W and Glassford were devastated not to make it for the first time in many years, but it was a wise decision.
Quite a few are in the habit of going down the day before and perhaps staying over on Saturday night too, so that would make it easier.

 
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:20:22 PM
The fabled pot of Fritillaria alburyana shown by Geoff Rollinson
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:25:51 PM
Asarum heterotropoides var mandshuricum shown by the new AGS Director of Shows, Ray Drew.  It was in the new and rare class, hence the botanical notes
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:29:34 PM
Saxifraga x dinninaris shown by Alan Furness, winning the Duncan Lowe award for the best plant in a 19cm pot
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:31:43 PM
Corydalis solida 'Blushing Girl' shown by George Young
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:34:43 PM
Androsace ciliata shown by Chris Lilley
Androsace 'Millstream' shown by Ian Kidman
and ditto, close
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:37:38 PM
Saxifragas looked good, with two 3-pan entries from Tom Green (left) and Mark Childerhouse (right).  The back one of the right hand three was last week's Farrer medal plant, still looking pretty good this week.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:41:30 PM
And the front left of this entry, Saxifraga 'Riverslea' shown by Mark Childerhouse
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 12, 2011, 10:42:22 PM
That's all from me, but there were plenty more cameras snapping away in the hall, so there should be more pix to come. 
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Rob on March 12, 2011, 11:06:28 PM
A "little" entry (WOW) ;D ;D  ;D from Mr Dionysia, Paul Ranson waiting to be staged.  What a fantastic set of plants, well done Paul. 


Thanks for posting these photos, including the behind the scenes, before the plants are staged. It looks to have been a good show even if the weather prevented some people from attending.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 12, 2011, 11:18:51 PM
What a super selection of plants you've shown us Diane... many thanks for sharing.

What/who won the medal?
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Diane Clement on March 13, 2011, 07:39:42 AM
What a super selection of plants you've shown us Diane... many thanks for sharing.

What/who won the medal?  

Duncan Lowe award for the best in a 19cm pot was won by Alan Furness with Sax dinniniaris, Kirby cup for the best foliage was won by the Smethursts with their Celmisia (sorry no pic of this)
and I think Paul and Gill Ranson won most of the rest ;D  ;D  ;D (Forrest, large six pan medal, small six pan medal and the Hollett trophy for the most points in the open section)
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Mick McLoughlin on March 13, 2011, 09:44:45 AM
The best plant in show was one Paul and Gill Ranson's Dionysia.
Dinoysia 'Goteborg' freitagii x viscidula HZ-MKIII
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 13, 2011, 10:57:43 AM
Just had a minute to catch up with this before dashing off to the 'Sunday job' ..... Huge congratulations to Paul and Gill for their success... the Forrest plant looks to be a cracker.... great colour, isn't it?

What super plants from everyone after this nasty winter.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Palustris on March 13, 2011, 12:32:36 PM
Blimey! We got home about 6.30 and spent the rest of the evening recovering from the drive. How on earth does Diane find time to deal with her pictures? I am still going through mine (200 or so of them) putting on names etc. Trouble is the sun is shining and I really need to be out there getting on with the garden. This is a second coffee break, but back out in a moment. So photos will have to wait until tonight or if it rains.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: angie on March 13, 2011, 04:18:18 PM
Fantastic Dionysia, how do they do this, it's perfect. Thanks for posting the pictures of the show and looking forward to see many more.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: David Nicholson on March 13, 2011, 06:35:59 PM
....How on earth does Diane find time to deal with her pictures? I am still going through mine (200 or so of them) putting on names etc. ..........

I think the answer might be that she's a woman and is, therefore, well used to multi-tasking :P ::) :-X
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 13, 2011, 06:56:16 PM
 .... as Miss Peggy Lee said, in the song by Lieber and Stoller.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obUTg6vkdpk&feature=related

 or from an earlier recording ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9ZEYPQKAsw&feature=related
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: David Nicholson on March 13, 2011, 07:03:21 PM
.... as Miss Peggy Lee said, in the song by Lieber and Stoller.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obUTg6vkdpk&feature=related

 or from an earlier recording ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9ZEYPQKAsw&feature=related

She could really handle a song couldn't she.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 13, 2011, 07:07:40 PM
I think so, David... she's always been a real star in my eyes.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 07:11:17 PM
Sorry there were so few Scottish folk down but I would have stayed at home if we had had any snow. It was good to see the Bainbridge and Taylor clans in full flow...they travelled on the Friday but John Lee said he had had a hairy start from Glasgow to the south of Lanark.

My computer has saved pictures in alphabetical order so my usual mix of winners  and things that tickled my fancy

Androsace brevis.....Ian Kidman
Androsace ciliata ....Chris Lillie
Callianthemum kernerianum....Brian Burrow...the true plant
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 07:16:11 PM
Colchicum szovitzii....Diane Clement....no matter how often I write this name down I always have to correct an error in my spelling....still a great plant
Corydalis kuznetzovii....Don Peace
Corydalis maracandica ....Ivor Betteridge....not the best pic in the world but give the right idea
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 07:26:05 PM
Corydalis schanginii ainii...J & C Dower....is a difficult exhibition plant as it tends to be leggy if it does not get enough light and then is difficult to transport to a show without 'collapsing'...this is a reasonable try
Corydalis solida 'Blushing Girl'     George Young....I had kept this plant outside through all weathers to stop it getting floppy, it only came in when temp was going below freezing...was supposed to go to Loughborough last week but I didnt go so it obliged by hanging on till yesterday. Is a Ruksans c/v
Crocus corsicus  F & P Bundy   this is a crocus I like but find slow to bulk up, my original bulbs came from Eric Watson
Cyclamen libanoticum....Ray Drew....the new AGS director of shows
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 07:32:27 PM
We move into Dionysia territory and I make no aplogies for repeating specimens already posted by other contributors as we had a fantastic display of pristine Dionysia at the show....just wish I could grow them
Dionysia 'Zdedenek Zvolanek'....Ian Kidman....another spelling hurdle....is one of my favourites
Dionysia 'Goteborg' ....Forrest Medal for Paul and Gill ranson
Dionysia bazoftica....Ian Kidman
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 07:37:58 PM
Dionysia 'Bernd Wetzel'....Paul & Gill Ranson
Dionysia bryoides....Derek Pickard
Dionysia 'Manuela'....Paul & Gill Ranson
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: ChrisB on March 13, 2011, 07:41:17 PM
Keep em coming.... super show there.... thanks all for posting.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 07:43:45 PM
Douglasia nivalis...Ian Kidman....will be better next week I would think
Draba rosularis....F & B Hoyle
Fritillaria alburyana...Geoff Rollinson....was at its best last week but still a fantastic exhibit...I gather 20 years in the making
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 07:52:35 PM
Frits have been few and far between this year so I send two pictures of
Fritiilaria raddeana which are not the best but it was a 'nice' plant...shown by Peter Farkasch
Fritillaria stenathera...Jim Watson....who easily won most points in the 'B' section...he lives just round the corner from me and is a former begonia man, now heavily into alpines
Hepatica japonica 'Shuiriyaka' (I think)...also by Jim Watson. There were quite a few Hepaticas at trhe show but sadly my photos let them down...this was the only one that was in any way postable
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 08:03:29 PM
now for a couple of Iris...one of my favourite species which are just (I hope) being a bit late into flower power this year
Iris 'sindpers'...Ivor Betteridge...is on my want list but don't seem to see it available too often
Iris winowgradowii....F & P Bundy...my own are just coming through in the pots but not seen any sign of the ones in troughs yet, I live in hope
This seems to have been a bad year for Narcissus...at least my bulbs have not enjoyed -15C over a few weeks so it was good to see the following on the bench
Narcissus cyclamineus...B & H Price
Narcissus romieuxii..... C & I Bainbridge...showing the flag for Scotland
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 08:10:08 PM
turn of primula now, probably my favourite palnt and one I certaily have the most of but for me they have not enjoyed the winter, however others have had more success
P allionii 'Allen Queen'    R & S Johnson
P allionii 'Eveline Burrow'...Ian Kidman
P allionii 'Fritz Kummert' ...sadly I did not note the exhibitor as it is a good example
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 08:14:35 PM
I would guess by the I/d that this is an old cultivar...I find it not too easy
P allionii GFS 1984....M & C Brown
P Allionii 'Judy Burrow'
P allionii 'Mrs Dyas' P & G Ranson
 
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: David Nicholson on March 13, 2011, 08:16:04 PM
Beautiful Primula allionii's there  George.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 08:20:47 PM
P allionii 'Duncan Lowe'   Brian Burrow....a very new c/v, hopefully will get around in time as it sure has flower power
P allionii 'Lepus'......Brian Burrow....slowly getting out there
From the small pan to a v large pan
Primula megaseifolia....Terry Mitchel
Primula nana alba.....Don Peace
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 08:29:50 PM
P allionii 'Steven Burrow'     Brian Burrow
Two of Saxifraga Coolock Gem
one by forumists Mick Mandy McLoughlin and the second pic by Mark Childerhouse, ace sax grower
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 08:34:25 PM
a bit out of order but done to fit the posting allowance
Primula x miniera     Ian Kidman
Polemonium chartaceum.....Brian Burrow....seldom seen, difficult to grow and even more difficult to keep alive
Saxifraga 'Coolock Kate'....Edward Barraclough
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 09:16:48 PM
Getting near the end...I am pleased to say, too much like hard work, had a short break for food
Saxifraga oppositifolia @icelandic Form'....Don Peace, for me I find oppositifolia hard to grow, even when left out allyear round with no protection
Saxifraga 'Riverslea' ......Mark Childerhouse...I know Diane hads posted a picture already but it is a nice example
Trillium nivale...also meant for last week but still held on for yesterday as been a cold week
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Palustris on March 13, 2011, 09:21:30 PM
This is the only plant where I failed to get a clear shot of the label. Anyone?
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: veteran vet on March 13, 2011, 09:24:32 PM
To say I am really agrieved to find out my recording of the Scotland v England match has failed to record is putting it mildly

last three
Saxifraga columnaris.....Alan Furness....looks a classic alpine, the pundits says not sue re 100% columnaris...who cares!
Saxifraga kotschii....Mark Childerhouse....raised a fair bit of comment among the cognesenti...you can make your own mind up
Saxifraga dinninaris...Alan Furness...might have put up already....getting tired but if so worth seeing twice
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 13, 2011, 09:32:32 PM
Quote
To say I am really agrieved to find out my recording of the Scotland v England match has failed to record is putting it mildly
You'd only have been upset to see England be awarded a very dodgy try, Geroge.... ::) :-\ :-X
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: David Nicholson on March 13, 2011, 09:49:27 PM
Dodgy? Nah! ;D
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 13, 2011, 09:56:03 PM
Well, I  call it dodgy, David.... the BD called it ******** illegal    :-X
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Lesley Cox on March 14, 2011, 01:00:17 AM
A "little" entry (WOW) ;D ;D  ;D from Mr Dionysia, Paul Ranson waiting to be staged.  What a fantastic set of plants, well done Paul. 

Beautifully iced cakes never looked better. :P
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: David Shaw on March 14, 2011, 08:39:49 AM
Palustris' yellow saxifrage - Saxifraga x apiculata?
There was one good, honest try in the match........
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: SusanS on March 14, 2011, 09:03:47 PM
Now that I have had 5 minutes to sit down I thought I would post some people pictures from the show.   As I was being a "Jill of all trades" I was in the show hall during judging, so here are a few photos of the judging in progress and some more of Lionel's helpers.  

You will spot John Forrest, who was once very active on this forum, a number of you have been asking after him recently so I thought I would include a photo of him.  The lady helping John on the computer is Pamela, Tommy Anderson's wife.  Many of you will know Tommy from shows.  There is picture of Tommy here with Jim Wright who is also a well known exhibitor with his wife Wilma.

We also had a visit from a BBC film crew, they were interviewing an ex pupil of the school.

The members 50:50 plant stall was staffed by lots of people throughout the day.  We had a really good selection of plants on sale this year.  Darren was really pleased that all the plants he donated sold well - it meant he could get an Indian takeway on the way home  ;D



Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: SusanS on March 14, 2011, 09:08:32 PM
Darren and I had a lovely day.  It was great to meet up with some forumists in person.  We hope to catch up with the Scots that couldn't make it to Blackpool due to the bad weather, when we go to Hexham show.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 14, 2011, 09:25:37 PM
It's always especially nice to see some people pix, susan... and seeing John Forrest  with that big smile is just GRAND!  Thanks!
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Lesley Cox on March 14, 2011, 09:29:06 PM
Yes indeed, I am very pleased to see John Forrest because all I've heard of him recently or even for a couple of years was that he was very ill. I hope this picture means that things are much better now. He looks a really nice man and I know he is generous.

There were comments earlier about the lighting at Loughborough. Too yellow. Blackpool looks just that. Like a black pool. Was it really as dark as the pictures suggest?
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: SusanS on March 14, 2011, 09:44:32 PM
The photo with John on it is very dark as it was taken up on the stage which wasn't lit very well. 

The hall itself is darker than many venues, with limited natural light.  One wall of the hall is glass panels however it is on the North side of the room.  No natural light enters on the east side of the hall, the south side has small windows very high up, whilst the west side is again glass it is not directly adjacent to the show area.  This area is where the nursery stands and catering are.  The magnolia paint on the hall walls gives the photos a yellowish cast.  The ceiling lights as you can see from the attached photo appear to be ordinary incandescent bulbs.  (The photos were taken with a little compact camera which does not have a very strong flash, which doesn't help.)

For viewing the plants in person, the lighting is adequate and does not cause strange colour effects in flowers of a certain colour, unlike the lights at Hexham which makes Darren's red Ranunculus asiaticus "Ken Aslet" look very peculiar indeed.  ::)

Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: angie on March 15, 2011, 12:20:07 AM
Susan it looks as if it was a great show, when I see all the lovely plants I just think to myself why didn't I go. I should make more of a effort. It's nice to meet members as well and I could have bought some plants.
Maybe next year I will just pop down.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: David Nicholson on March 15, 2011, 09:35:57 AM
Lovely to see JoF and looking so well too.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Palustris on March 15, 2011, 12:38:01 PM
Some of the plants at the show. If you spot any mistakes in the labelling, please let me know, if you can spare the time.
http://www.ideasforgardens.net/palustris/Blackpool/
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Dionysia on March 15, 2011, 02:39:26 PM
Hi Palustris
Excellent pictures and plenty of them!! You asked for spelling alterations, I've spotted a few.
5  delavayi
11 Asarum heterotropoides
36 angustifolius
44 Bernd
49 Ewesley
50 Ewesley
51 gaubae
54 lurorum x aretioides
55 Lycaena
58 termeana
61 Zdenek
73 aurea
77 elwesii
101 romieuxii
145 Derek
146 Derek
177 Bridget
184 Goring
190 poluanglica
191 poluluteo-purpurea
Keep up the good work.
Paul R

Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Darren on March 15, 2011, 03:11:37 PM
Congrats on the Forrest Paul!

I'm afraid the genus Dionysia (except aretioides) have a lifespan measured in milliseconds with me, so I'm envious of your ability.

Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Maggi Young on March 15, 2011, 04:05:12 PM
Yes, Paul, and Gill, congratulations on that Forrest win and all your other fine plants.... you had a very successful outing there and we have all enjoyed seeing the show even though we could not be there.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Palustris on March 15, 2011, 05:09:02 PM
Cheers Dionysia, will attempt to correct them.
Ewesley Theta is spelt Ewersley on the plant label.
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Dionysia on March 15, 2011, 05:45:35 PM
Thanks for the sentiments Darren and Maggi. It all depends what you've devoted your energies to. I find them easier than Saxes and other supposedly easier genera but they do punish any inattention at all. Don't even get me going on bulbs. Maggi you were right there was a single pan of bulbs in the coordinated boxes, the Fritillaria aurea on Palustris' site (recorded as glauca) but that was an exception. I am full of admiration of anybody who can grow bulbs well. If I can't see it; ie when it's dormant then I'll probably either over or underwater it!! The only ones I'm reasonably competent with are those that need to be kept reasonably moist all the time like Crocus banaticus and Erythronium dens-canis.
Paul
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Dionysia on March 15, 2011, 09:50:05 PM
Hi Palustris
The Ewesley mistake has been perpetuated in the trade. The series was created by the late Eric Watson who I visited at his home in Ewesley Gardens in Wide Open, Newcastle. Ewesley is 100% the correct spelling as confirmed by several show and joint rock write ups (not to mention maps!!), the latter actually setting the validity of the name even if misspelt. A great grower, primarily responsible for the genesis of hybrids along with Michael Kammerlander.
Paul R
Title: Re: Blackpool SRGC Show
Post by: Palustris on March 16, 2011, 08:44:04 AM
Hopefully the mistakes in the web pages have been corrected now, thanks to Paul and Maggi. I am not an expert on either plant names or web page creation so am very much reliant on others for getting things right. Have to say I did notice a  number of plants wrongly labelled at the show (and at others too). Even more frustration is given when the labels are either positioned so that one cannot see them at all or are illegible. It might not matter to the cognoscenti, but to us ordinary mortals it is very annoying.
BUT if you want real frustration, the web pages I created are visible to me when being made, but once on the web I cannot see them except by being very very patient.
Thanks again folks!
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