AGS Kent Show 2011

[KentGardener]

A 7am knock at my door was the start to my Saturday.  I had agreed once again to help man the AGS plant sale stall at the Kent Show, Rainham.  A quick 10 minute drive to the venue and we were greeted by a hive of activity with Nurseries setting up their stands and exhibitors busy with tiny brushes and pairs of nail scissors making their show plants look as perfect as possible.  Unfortunately I had managed to double book yesterday so I had to rush away from the show at 11am to get to the a theatre for a different kind of show in the afternoon, which was equally enjoyable.   

Here are some pictures of plants that attracted my attention in the morning before judging started - sorry I have no idea what achieved a prize. 

1 - The Luc's managed to be some of the first visitors to arrive after a 5am start from Belgium (4am UK time)
2 - Final preperations to the show plants
3 - Dionysia
4 - Dionysia bryoides
5 - Dionysia MK0353/2
6 - Dionysia adrastea
7 - Dionysia aretioides 'Susan Hale'
8 - Class 14
9 - Asarum maximum
10 - Asarum delavayi

[KentGardener]

Some more nice looking specimens.   

1 - Fritillaria carica
2 - Fritillaria aurea
3 - Fritillaria aurea JJA491-810
4 - Fritillaria davidii
5 - Tulipa kurdica
6 - Tulip ancilla
7 - Sempervivum cilosum var borisii
8 - Primula marginata caerulea

[KentGardener]

And the final few I hurriedly managed to take between selling, shopping, selling, eating (a rather tasty bacon and melted cheese bagel  ) and chatting.

1 - Cyclamen coum 'Pewter group'
2 - Draba longisiliqua
3 - Iris x graeberiana
4 - Narcisus watieri (wow    )
5 - Pleione formosana 'Kate'
6 - Primula
7 - Primula allionii 'Mary Berry'

That's all from me folks.  

[Maggi Young]

Goodness me John, you had a busy day.... and all fueled only by a bacon and cheese bagel.... remarkable  

Looks to be  another grand show... more plants than we saw in Dunblane, but with a bigger catchment area and further south where spring is seemingly well -sprung I suppose that is to be expected.

I love the overall shots of the hall... really captures the sheer breadth of colour to be enjoyed, then the close-ups show us the individual perfection of the show plants. Great fun, thanks!

[Luc Gilgemyn]

1 - The Luc's managed to be some of the first visitors to arrive after a 5am start from Belgium (4am UK time)

You seem to have caught us by surprise there John !     
I have to admit that a first tray of newly acquired little gems had already been taken to the car by the time you took the picture ! 
It was great seeing you and the other friends again and the show was truly excellent !!
I took some pix as well but I have to sort them out first - I'll try and post some more later !

For starters, just the Farrer medal winner from Nigel Fuller. : the amazingly gigantic pot of Narcissus Watieri 

You already posted it John, but I think it does deserve a repeat !!

[angie]

John looks as if it was a great show. Thanks for posting the pictures.
Like those Asarum 

Angie