A first Farrer medal for Roger Norman, secured against some stiff opposition. So often seen as youngsters, a perfectly presented mature specimen of this Japanese species, with numerous clusters of fragrant yellow flowers, is a sight seldom seen.
Numerous hybrids and cultivars normally dominate the scene so it was nice to see a species collect the award for best Galanthus, shown by Bob and Rannveig Wallis. For more details, see the plant portraits
A choice cultivar, easy in the garden and somewhat similar to the better know G. Magnet. The flowers have a different inner marking and the pedicel does not have the arching habit - a Snowdrop for every garden!
From the Lebanon and surely on of the best hardy Romuleas. Violet flowers with a yellow throat, seen here in profusion. They are not long lasting but the succession more than makes up for this.
Having to get used to name changes is not always easy but isn't 'alpinum' easier to say that trochopt... This exhibit was awarded a certificate of merit, well grown and presented.
This is the exceptional bright red purple form found near Tovil-Dara in the Darwas mountains. Three exhibits were staged in the same class and a little late afternoon intimacy, courtesy of a paint brush, may have ensured a little seed set?
It pays to seek out a good form of this species, noted for the very large standards. Here, there is good violet colouration to the flowers - one of the most desirable around.
From South Africa and readily raised from seed. This close up of the flower shows what you're missing if you haven't tried this. Certainly hardy under cold glass in the UK but a risky proposition outside.
This is one of the best early flowering Fritillarias. From Soviet Central Asia, easily raised from seed and not to difficult in a pot given a dry summer rest. Pink flowers in profusion....
There were some very fine pans of Crocus and this exceptional panful, grown by Robert Rolfe was the recipient of the Crocus Spoon - best on the day!.
Another lovely little Crocus which had everyone drooling - mainly due to the bright blue colouration of the tepal exterior, with comments such as "Tecophilaea like". Crocus often look at their best at the 'nearly open' stage and this proved the point - Certificate of merit duly followed.
Peter Furneaux, taking the plunge in Section B at his first show, recorded his first 'first' with this delighful pan. Truly in character, the flowers were borne on compact stems to 10cm. With schanginii ainii just a few inches away, a good opportunity to examine these beauties at close quarters.
John Dixon raised, selected and is still keeping this form going from some years ago . Thoroughly deserving a Cerificate of Merit for the sheer quality of the plant and of course, the cultivation - perfection indeed.
One of Margaret Earle's super forms (HME 146-85). The thrum eyed flowers are a delightlful shade pale pink fading to white at the centre. Despite it's small stature - packs flower power.
A good start to the season for your enthusiast in a keenly competitive six pan class - four entries!. From the back: Corydalis henrikii, Fritillaria stenanthera, Corydalis paschei, Iris Kathryn Hodgkin, Crocus biflorus ssp tauri and Cyclamen coum
