Alan claimed it's time to retire the plant after winning a third Farrer medal with it (bet he doesn't). If nothing else, this should save his back - having picked the plant up for photography, I can testify to the fact that whatever he uses for groing medium - its heavy!
Every best in show plant has to earn the right against fierce opposition. This wonderful Trillium grown by John Forrest had it's share of admirers and claimed a deserved Certificate of merit.
A substantial plant grown by David Mowle from seed collected by Alan Dunkley. This species is a fairly recent addition to cultivation, somewhat similar to A muscoidea but noticeably different in flower. Very attractive and deserves wider acclaim.
This species has a wide distribution in nature but certainly less so in cultivation. Geoff Rollinson conjured up this well flowered picture of health (a slave to aphids or red spider mite here!)
A tricky high alpine species, rarely seen so healthy and in good form. When happy, flowers on very short stems cover the cushion. It must never dry out in the winter but receive protection and during the active growing season, is best exposed to the elements outside.
From SW Turkey and seen here in close up, this is one of the taller yellow flowered Frits. Stems up 20cm bearing one or more narrow campanulate blooms.
Shows aren't just for great rarities and Ipheions are obliging for pot work. This clone is one the best 'blues' - deep sky blue with a white eye, increases well and ideal for alpine house work.
Each new introduction seems to bring different forms to light. Certainly not a deep a shade of yellow but very attractive, the style exserted in this pin eyed form.
This species is proving to be more amenable than most, seed has been set and passed around so the future looks promising. Forms a somewhat lax cushion of rosettes covered in farina. The flowers are of good size, giving good coverage when grown well.
Originating many years ago from a Jim Archibald introduction and still one the best. The pink, white eyed petals have deeply cleft petals and can give a neat cover of bloom without crowding or overlapping.
Much more recently introduced, one of several from the 'Lindum' stable. Not many of the 'Lindum' clones are available commercially yet, but this one has been offered. Free flowering, a choice Primula.
A nice small pan of this dwarf form of the type species, courtesy of Diane Clement. Slow growing plant for shady conditions, very floriferopus when happy.
I'm always amazed by the Orchid exhibits and this was one of the best. Aawarded a certificate of merit, this is similar to O. quadripunctata from Sardinia and Sicily but has a very small lip with tiny side lobes!
From the recent John Watson / Anita Flores collections (F&W 9370), a quietly attractive cushion former with long tubed white flowers sitting on the foliage. Quite slow in growth, this was raised from a Dec 2000 sowing.
How about this for a free flowering Draba. North American in origin and almost unheard of in cultivation - certainly worth the space in any alpine house!
A very nice six pan put together by Don Peace: Primula Clarence Elliott, Trillium rivale, Dionysia bryoides, Fritillaria aurea, Androsace baltistanica and Saxifraga 'Firebrand'
That's all for now folks, more of the same after next weeks South West show.........
