Ayr Flower Show 2011

[Stan da Prato]

A few pictures from the show over the first weekend of August.  The local rock garden group always try to show the flag though it is not the best time for alpines. This year they entered the pallet garden  competition and I think came second (first photo). The next picture is of the winning pallet. The rest are begonias for which Ayr is famous. Very different plants to alpines but any gardener should be able to admire skill in cultivation which  these growers certainly have.
the 4ft X 4ft boards from various local begonia clubs and individuals
foreground is a board with Begonia  species and their cultivars
Begonia sutherlandii from southern Africa
large doubles - winning pot plant entry
cut bloom bench for the British championship
winning 6 bloom entry
winning 12 bloom entry
Scottish Begonia Society stand

[Maggi Young]

Super pallet garden entry from the Ayr Group.
They always do well no matter what form their entry takes.


Quite a feat to get all those seemingly perfect dahlia blooms on display.... you only need to look at them the wrong way and they bruise and blacken... those all look lovely.

[fermi de Sousa]

Dahlias
 
cheers
fermi

[Maggi Young]

Dahlias
 
cheers
fermi

 Ah good! Someone IS paying attention .... sorry... that would be BEGONIAS! 

[Stan da Prato]

A dahlia picture attached though as these are Cactus Dahlias even more confusion is possible. The dahlias and the other pictures were taken on Saturday at the East Linton village show. Shows like this take place all over the country at this time of year and are enjoyable community events. Not so many people grow exhibition  blooms  and vegetables these days but note the popularity of home baking, floral art,  photography and the children's corner, all  now vital ingredients of a successful show.