Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
Bulbs => Galanthus => Topic started by: David King on February 04, 2016, 07:47:02 PM
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As you may know The Norfolk Group of Plant Heritage held a Snowdrop Gala last Saturday, 30th January. I have just uploaded two galleries of photos to their website and the link below is to the news page if you fancy having a look. Just follow the link under previous event to the gala page. From there you can link to a further gallery of Norfolk snowdrop pictures put together by Brian Ellis and myself. You should be able to see quite a few forumists in the pictures plus a few lurkers. To wet the appetite here are two pictures:
1. There are at least four forumists in this picture. Not sure if the fifth is a forumist or lurker!
2. Bet you have never seen so many red balls on a snooker table!
http://www.norfolkplantheritage.org.uk/groupnews.html (http://www.norfolkplantheritage.org.uk/groupnews.html)
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I've just enjoyed a pleasant browse through the photos, David , many thanks for the links. The snowdrop gallery is super - worth a link to that too, methinks, if you don't mind .....
http://www.norfolkplantheritage.org.uk/norfolksnowdrops.html (http://www.norfolkplantheritage.org.uk/norfolksnowdrops.html)
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For those who attended from a distance you might like to see the fairly accurate report of the weekend in the local rag:
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/snowdrops_are_appreciated_in_east_tuddenham_and_langmere_1_4400419 (http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/snowdrops_are_appreciated_in_east_tuddenham_and_langmere_1_4400419)
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For those who attended from a distance you might like to see the fairly accurate report of the weekend in the local rag:
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/snowdrops_are_appreciated_in_east_tuddenham_and_langmere_1_4400419 (http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/snowdrops_are_appreciated_in_east_tuddenham_and_langmere_1_4400419)
Obviously the Journalist (and I use the word reservedly) believes that his readers lack the intellect to absorb no more than one paragraph at a time.
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In the earlier stages of putting the event together there was mention of a local radio involvement. Did that not come to anything in the end?
Excellent picture, of course David.
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In the earlier stages of putting the event together there was mention of a local radio involvement. Did that not come to anything in the end?
Excellent picture, of course David.
Well, we didn't know anything about that and as you were not involved in any of the event planning it would be interesting to know where that information came from?
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Super photos of what appears to have been an excellent day. A pleasure for those of us who are far away to see.
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Congratulations David and Brian for your excellent photo report of the Norfolk Plant Heritage Snowdrop Gala and for capturing both the people and the plants. I particularly enjoyed seeing photos of G. 'Swanton', G. 'Alburgh Claw', and G. 'Priscilla Bacon'. Brilliant photos of special drops not often seen. Thank you for allowing us to tag along. Rick
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Lovely photos David, a great weekend for snowdrops in Norfolk.
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... it would be interesting to know where that information came from?
As far as I can remember it came from some early publicity put out by Ben Potterton (of Blacksmiths Cottage Nursery) on social media. The (his?) idea at that time was to bill the Plant Heritage event last Saturday and his event the following day as a Norfolk Snowdrop Weekend. I guess this idea was not carried forward into actual publicity, although it lodged in the minds of a few of us - like Mark Smyth who travelled a long way in order to make a weekend of the two events.
I thought the Plant Heritage event was very successful and the way you coped with the absence of one of your two billed speakers was admirable. The people on the sales tables possibly had a difficult time in trying to supply both the galanthophile and the non-galanthophile alike. The display of snowdrops put on by the MacLennans was excellent and perhaps deserved a more prominent position in the room? And giving away a named snowdrop to all attendees was an original idea that I'm sure will get a few more people hooked on snowdrops. I got a pot with two bulbs of 'Colossus' which, to buy, would surely have cost the price of admission to the event.
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The snowdrop gallery is super -
I completely agree, Maggi. I had never heard of "Novers Green" before and now I've rather fallen in love with it.
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I completely agree, Maggi. I had never heard of "Novers Green" before and now I've rather fallen in love with it.
Agree on Novers Green - is this the virescent plicate found in Brian's garden? (I like it a lot wherever it's from!!)
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No nothing to do with me, apart from input on naming, the photograph was passed on by a friend who is going to bulk it up - you (and I) might have to wait for several years before seeing it in the flesh.
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As far as I can remember it came from some early publicity put out by Ben Potterton (of Blacksmiths Cottage Nursery) on social media. The (his?) idea at that time was to bill the Plant Heritage event last Saturday and his event the following day as a Norfolk Snowdrop Weekend. I guess this idea was not carried forward into actual publicity, although it lodged in the minds of a few of us - like Mark Smyth who travelled a long way in order to make a weekend of the two events.
I thought the Plant Heritage event was very successful and the way you coped with the absence of one of your two billed speakers was admirable. The people on the sales tables possibly had a difficult time in trying to supply both the galanthophile and the non-galanthophile alike. The display of snowdrops put on by the MacLennans was excellent and perhaps deserved a more prominent position in the room? And giving away a named snowdrop to all attendees was an original idea that I'm sure will get a few more people hooked on snowdrops. I got a pot with two bulbs of 'Colossus' which, to buy, would surely have cost the price of admission to the event.
Thank you for your input which I will pass on, however, Ben had been approached to see what date his event was this year so that the organisers of the event for Norfolk Plant Heritage members would not clash with it, but would ensure a weekend of snowdrop activity. It was Ben’s choice to mention it on Facebook and was not ‘advertising’ from PH. As both Ben and Kathy received comments on the day clashing with a sale in Suffolk the group did not publicise the event as such, apart from initially through the National Plant Heritage website, this was subsequently taken up on the forum of course. We were pleasantly surprised by how many people thought what a good idea it was to have the events together so that those travelling a long distance could stay overnight and not travel twice! I have to admit that was my comment as I find long distance travelling a problem and would not consider travelling to such events myself without staying overnight - or in really long distances making a weeks holiday to include an event. Mark Smyth and Jo Hynes happened to be two of the first people I ran the idea past to see whether galanthophiles would be happy to make up the numbers if the event was not full of Norfolk PH members who had preference until late October.
As you say it was unfortunate that Joe Sharman was unable to speak at the last minute (in fact we knew the previous evening) but we were very grateful to Richard Hobbs for stepping in (and although we have heard the talk at least four times it has been different each time so held my interest, I hope that others were equally satisfied).
As you know the space in the hall was tight and the plan showed Joe’s large stand to occupy the space which Ann Borrill, The Maclennans and I were occupying on the day as we had been told by another Nationally known and well respected seller that diagonally opposite the main entrance was a good position to hold. Things changed somewhat at 8pm the previous evening when we had to adjust our plans, all the local sellers being asked to bring as many plants as possible to try and make up for Joe’s absence.
I personally was amazed at how many non-galanthophiles from Norfolk were happy to buy reasonably expensive snowdrops that they could see in flower and hope that they were all happy with their purchases. We did try to ensure that there were plants that they could buy either at a reasonable price or as value for money (e.g. three ‘Wasp’ for £15, nine ‘Heffalump’ for £12) to give them instant clumps.
It is a shame that you did get, as your free snowdrop, one that you already have although you should be aware that it is now known as ‘Colossus’ in another thread you refer to it as ‘Colesborne’ which is an old synonym.
The committee were very pleased with how the event went and thanks all those who attended for their support and help in making it such a friendly day.
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I have to say that it was a thoroughly enjoyable week end,and as usual great pictures David
And as per Brian's statement having the two events on consecutive days helped,we ourselves stopped over in Norwich on the Saturday evening,maybe this is an idea to carry forward to other event organisers during the silly season...................oops that should read snowdrop season....................or should it????
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No nothing to do with me, apart from input on naming, the photograph was passed on by a friend who is going to bulk it up - you (and I) might have to wait for several years before seeing it in the flesh.
Thanks Brian - remember seeing it in thread from a while back (partial memory recall's not bad I guess!). Always happy to wait for a nice virescent, especially plicatus
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I agree with Chas that it makes excellent sense to co-ordinate snowdrop events where possible so having the two Norfolk events on the same weekend was ideal in that respect. But, as Brian mentioned, unfortunately there was a clash with a Suffolk event (a snowdrop talk and sale) which was a pity. I strongly suspect that there was one person that did manage to attend both of the two clashing events, albeit with a rather brief appearance in Norfolk.
The Norfolk sales tables offered very good value for money, something I should have highlighted in my previous comments. And Avon Bulbs was there with a good selection at their regular prices. I had no idea that sales were influenced by position in the room, Brian. Unfortunately the far corner from the entrance was actually a little alcove and with people keen to see what Ann Borrill and Brian had for sale, I wad to wait for a lull in the crowd to get close to the MacLennan's display at the back. But plans had to be changed at the last minute to accommodate the loss of Joe Sharman and overall this major upset was handled tremendously well.
As it happens, I had heard Andy Byfield talk on similar subject matter before and I heard Richard Hobbs speak last year. But both these speakers are very good and had altered the content of their talks. So I did not at any time feel that anything might have heard before did not bear repetition.
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The committee were very pleased with how the event went and thanks all those who attended for their support and help in making it such a friendly day.
The Committee should be very pleased, it was an excellent day and we both expressed as much to Cathy.
It was great to meet and swap current status with friends from all over the country, plenty of interesting and useful insight! The presentations were interesting and the catering was first class. It was good to meet Avon's new guy, 'Micky' and collect my order.
All in all, a delightful experience and wonderful photos David ;D
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Everything I have heard from those attending suggests it was great fun and went well - I am so pleased that David has taken the trouble to allow those of us unable to attend such an event to enjoy at least some of the day, by his photos.
If I might add a comment on the timing of such events - it is MUCH more difficult that any "civilian" might imagine to coordinate the timing of such a day - as well as the myriad difficulties in knowing just which of the multitudinous organisations across the country might be planing something similar, there are the restrictions locally on availability of a venue, volunteers to help,etc . If only the organisation of such events WERE as simple as Jack phoning Mary to agree a date between them! Just not the case!
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Ah, that comment sounds like it came from the heart, Maggi.
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unfortunately there was a clash with a Suffolk event (a snowdrop talk and sale) which was a pity.
There was nothing unfortunate about the date as Maggi indicates. As I have said before on this forum this was a Norfolk Plant Heritage event primarily for Plant Heritage members. The fact there may have been sales or events elsewhere is irrelevant as most or our members would not attend snowdrop events let alone out of the county. People had a choice where they went indeed we were surprised to see some attend particularly as they seemed to favour attendance at the Suffolk sale some 47.4 miles away. While it was hoped to open the event to non-members it was touch and go as demand from members far exceeded expectations. Clearly people voted with their feet! Good on them!
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Unfortunately the far corner from the entrance was actually a little alcove and with people keen to see what Ann Borrill and Brian had for sale, I wad to wait for a lull in the crowd to get close to the MacLennan's display at the back.
I think you are rather overstating that Alan. The alcove, as you call it, just to right of the screen, is just under 20 feet wide and in my estimation had plenty of room for movement. While you may have had to wait it clearly wasn’t for long as the two picture below show. Taken at 11.11am and 11.12am, i.e. some 11 and 12 minutes after the event opened, they show people looking at Ann Borrills table, the National Collection display, with just three people looking at it at that time, and Brian’s table. And who is that at Brian’s table in the first photo and in the second looking over the shoulders of the people at Ann’s table? Not much lack of space methinks!
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Thanks to all who organised a great day
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David, I'm sure you (and many others) put a lot of work into the Plant Heritage Snowdrop Gala and I, and everybody else who has commented, thought it was very successful.
The truth of the matter is that, faced with a conflict, I had originally hoped to attend both Roger Harvey's Suffolk sale and your Norfolk Plant Heritage Gala (taking advantage of its later start time). Then Roger scheduled a talk before the sale which rendered that plan impossible so, for a variety of reasons, I picked the Norfolk Gala. I was sad not to attend the talk by Valentin Wijnen but, hey, that's life and I enjoyed the Norfolk event. Sure, I mentioned a few bit and pieces I thought might be improved on next time but these were minor little things in the overall context of a really good day.
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Sure, I mentioned a few bit and pieces I thought might be improved on next time but these were minor little things in the overall context of a really good day.
Sorry to disappoint you but it is unlikely there will be another one. We move on to a completely different genus.
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The only downer on the day was when Cathy told us there would not be the snowdrop gala again next year, I was ready to pencil it into my diary right there and then.
It was a very comfortable atmosphere and lovely that so many people were happy to come up and introduce themselves. I will miss it next year and consider Blacksmiths as an option, depending on structure and offering.
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David, I'm sure you (and many others) put a lot of work into the Plant Heritage Snowdrop Gala and I, and everybody else who has commented, thought it was very successful.
The truth of the matter is that, faced with a conflict, I had originally hoped to attend both Roger Harvey's Suffolk sale and your Norfolk Plant Heritage Gala (taking advantage of its later start time). Then Roger scheduled a talk before the sale which rendered that plan impossible so, for a variety of reasons, I picked the Norfolk Gala. I was sad not to attend the talk by Valentin Wijnen but, hey, that's life and I enjoyed the Norfolk event. Sure, I mentioned a few bit and pieces I thought might be improved on next time but these were minor little things in the overall context of a really good day.
I was quite surprised Harvey's announced a speaker, it seemed almost at the last minute, he
doesn't normally have one and I'd seen no earlier advertising of one.
Had he kept his opening time at its normal slot, I and I'm sure others may have gone
there first but putting it back later messed up that idea.
Wasn't his snowdrop event moved forward for the last 3 years, I'm sure before it used to be
after the Blacksmiths weekend.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plant heritage event and thought Blacksmiths was superb,
and thought Rod Leeds was wonderful, plus what lovely and unusual snowdrops
he had for sale, plus of course Joe Sharman and others had a fantastic selection.
I look forward to Blacksmiths Cottage nursery spring plant sale with visiting
nurseries on Saturday 9 th April too.
As a member of plant heritage I think they are a fantastic asset for Norfolk with
great speakers and events throughout the year and I'm grateful for all the hard work
people do behind the scenes.
I thought the event well thought out and also set out and organised in the hall.
Personally I'm pleased the radio didn't attend as it would have been a distraction, but
Richard Hobbs, Ian Roofe and Ben Potterton all garden party panelists were present
over the weekend and are all approachable and delightful personanalities if you wanted
to engage in conversation or ask them anything.
I certainly feel lucky to have such events on my doorstep.
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My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed both events and thought that the Plant Heritage free plant was a great idea, a generous gift and one that must have taken a lot of time and effort to sort out. We were each given a snowdrop that we already had but gave them to the two snowdrop novices sitting next to us at lunch to encourage them to get started. They went away with well loaded bags so they may become familiar faces only seen in February. Your comment, David, about moving on to a different genus next year creates visions of an enormous 'free gift stall' or was that a one-off or restricted to small plants?
There was such a friendly atmosphere at both events and being able to stay over was certainly easier than the Shaftesbury/Chedworth dash next week. Grateful thanks to all concerned.
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Your comment, David, about moving on to a different genus next year creates visions of an enormous 'free gift stall' or was that a one-off or restricted to small plants?
Very pleased to hear you enjoyed the NPH Day and also the rest of the weekend. Certainly the feed back we have all had was most positive which is very gratifying for the NPH committee and especially Kathy Gray who works so hard to ensure everything is as it should be. I think the free gift was a one off as they all need sourcing, but who knows, it is never-the-less something the committee may consider doing again in the future.
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Have only just found this - great photos as usual David thank you. I now see people I missed on the day!
I think I can say Cliff, Joan and myself enjoyed our weekend in Norfolk as per usual. Congratulations to the Plant Heritage team on their superb organisation and reorganisation. I really liked the different approaches to snowdrops by Richard and Andy.