This was certainly a most 'substantial' exhibit, the flat dome of flowers extending well beyond the container and a 'first' Farrer medal for Ron and Hilary Price.
This was a good example of an 'ordinary' plant being transformed into an exceptional exhibit! Mike and Christine Brown conjured up this display of bright blue blooms over immaculate foliage.
A classic 'rogue' often haunting the seed exchanges with various imposters. Shades of pink through salmon and quite unlike the other varieties, it remains a fairly easy going desirable North American alpine.
One of the earliest named hybrids and still going strong despite recent crossings. Lewisias cotyledon and columbiana combined with 'good' characteristics being maintained: free flowering and relatively easy to maintain.
Not as easy to please and an established panful is a wonderful sight with masses of small white flowers.
This is a form of the species, reduced in all it's parts but still bearing impressive blooms (which as usual need warmth to coax them to open!).
Slipper orchids were much in evidence and this exhibit received a certificate of merit for Richard Manuel. Has a wide distribution in nature and is quite variable - potentially a subject for outdoor cultivation as well.
I just adored this compact variety - from North America at the Northern end of it's range. The flowers are smaller than the type but perfectly proportioned - a little stunner!
A regular little firework display of bright blue flowers over straplike foliage. Quite easy to grow and flower but the foliage is an indicator for any neglect - appearing well before the flowers and needing a constant supply of moisture.
Rhodohypoxis are invaluable summer flowering bulbs, just needing a dryish, frost free winter rest. This clone has perhaps the deepest red flowers of all and is particularly compact - receiving an Award of Merit from the joint rock committee.
Iris innominata flowers can be pale and lacklustre but this clone is certainly on of the brightest you will see!
A most floriferous plant from high altitude, the clear flowers have a yellow eye and exserted stamens. Winter protection advisable as the sticky foliage resents winter wet.
There are several varieties of this species. If the flowers are as attractive as seen here, all should be worth growing. Inhabits very dry areas in nature.
The last remaining plant from cuttings following the 'dismantling' of Alan Taylor's Farrer winning plant. Rosulate violas are never easy and cuttings repotted too soon perished. With good light, ventilation, freedom from pests and fungal ailments (and luck)- this may well reach the size of it's predecessor?
Seen at their best at this time of year, miniature gardens are a testimony to their owners skill and dexterity in cramming the maximum number of plants/bulbs, ideally all looking good, into the confined spaces a 12" pan will allow. John Dower is anacknowledged master of the art!
Martin and Anna Sheader proved irresistable in the medal stakes winning both the large and small open classes. The small six pan, as usual a blend of the scarce and unusual well grown and neatly presented.
