NEW Highland SRGC Show in Nairn 28th April 2012

[Stan da Prato]

The tea urn is an important feature as the show is set up not least for the teams of judges. Judging is done in two teams of three so if anyone has a plant in a class they drop out. One team start at open section class one the other with section two until they meet somewhere in the middle of the hall. The reserve judge continues to take  refreshments. Stewards follow the judges adding the coloured stickers and recording  so points totals can be calculated. The last decisions call for plants to be pulled fom their classes to be considered for awards - first the best in section two and from a new exhibitor then the Forrest medal for best in show. All this proves so demanding for Barry that he advertises  for  more nourishment.

[Stan da Prato]

now some pictures of people looking at plants

[Stan da Prato]

now  plants in the open section

[David Shaw]

Pic 071JPG is Jonny Karlsson from Sweden who came along with his wife, Pia, and two friends. We were also blessed with a visit from Raif Rockstroh and his wife from Germany. To these, along with the many visitors coming from Wick, Edinburgh and all places between, our thanks for your support. We had enough appreciative comments to last us right through until next years show 

[angie]

Thanks for the pictures of the show. Nothing better sitting here on a rainy day but being cheered up with some great pictures. I really wanted to go to the Nairn show  Its great to see so many plants as the weather hasn't been that kind to our plants. Well done to everyone.

Angie 

[Stan da Prato]

this batch of ten are all from section 2 which was the strongest section 2 in the country so far this year

[Stan da Prato]

Other things contribute to the day - seed is for sale as are books while the  local group put on a display of auriculas and fish box troughs as well as running a well stocked plant stall. Meanwhile  nurserymen   found time to talk - note the happy smile in the last picture as   the sales table  empties of plants.

[Stan da Prato]

The last view inside the hall shows a past president looking  on as the current president  opens  her wallet to buy a plant  from the Kevock stand.
 Scope for a caption competiton?
Some   rascal has already suggested 'Let us hope  the moths did not settle  on  the plants'.
Should reduce his chances of an award at the AGM in November

[David Shaw]

I have just worked out the statistics for the show.
Section I  - 117 entries and 169 pots on the bench
Section II -   79 entries and 94 pots on the bench
Total        - 196 entries and 263 pots on the bench
We are quite comfortable with that for a first effort and we are hoping that more showers will now feel that it is worthwhile making the trip north for next years show.

[Maggi Young]

David, you are justifiably pleased with the rsults of the first national show in Nairn.... and how fitting  for our club that you should have had such nice international visitors as well...  the Swedish party were here yesterday and said how much they had enjoyed the show!

We've often said in the past how important  food is : after all an army marches on its stomach and all that - and these pic, including that great pic of Barry and his judge's card just proves it!
Hard to grow good plants if the gardener is hungry!

You are fortunate to have a hall with such good light.... that always helps the plants to look their best.  Cunning ruse to have the gentians by the window so they opened nicely!

[Stan da Prato]

Driving south the Cairngorms looked impressive under  a covering  of fresh snow

[David Shaw]

Thanks, Maggie. It was nice to meet the international vistors and I am pleased that they told you they enjoyed the show. It was just happenchance that the gentians were by the window, you will have noticed the aroids alongside! These are things that we will have to work on for next year. We actually had to lower the blinds for judging as the SUN was so bright.

[Lesley Cox]

Congratulations Carole and David, and all the Highland Group members who worked so hard to make sure "going national" has been a great success. It looks like a wondrful show and something to be really proud of.

What please, is the pink rhododendron on both pages, next to the cassiope?

[Maggi Young]

What please, is the pink rhododendron on both pages, next to the cassiope?

I think that is Rhod. 'Snipe' - I think it  is grown/shown by "Snapper Stan" da Prato

[Lesley Cox]

Ah. Thank you Maggi. It is one I had years ago when the late Jim LeComte introduced many small rhodos but where is it now? It may still be around somewhere though. I find I'm getting quite good at dwarf rhodos (species) from seed.

Are you into summer time yet? It's about 11am here,, summer time stopped about 6 weeks ago.