What an interesting post.
It has prompted me to try to put this "show business" into perspective.
No, I have no claims to either Farrer or Forrest medals but I did manage the occasional Certificate of Merit from time to time and thoroughly enjoyed the show scene and aiming for "perfection" in a particular class.
HOWEVER....having moved to the inhospitable climate (for alpines that is) of Kentucky, how I have come to truly appreciate the "not so special" alpines of this world. I would have been hard pressed 10 years ago to admire the common sedums, phloxes, helianthemums and delospermas of this world....and of course with the absence of shows in this neck of the woods, who cares if my trilliums, anemonellas and hepaticas only have one or two flowers on them?
Do I miss the shows? Of course I do....and the wonderful exhibitors I have long called friends......but give me a colorful garden every time....or just let me walk in the woods all day long. Happiness is enjoying the plants whether they be on a show bench, in the garden or out in the wild. You couldn't have said it better Maggi. "For people who love plants".
