Advertising with The SRGC

[David Nicholson]

I'm writing this in my (new) capacity as the Club's advertising manager. I have a customer, who freely admits to being somewhat less than proficient computer wise,  so I'm going to prepare some artwork for his approval. This will, I think, make my predecessor, Chris Boulby, smile a bit since she's doing her level best to teach me how to use Microsoft Publisher. Bit like knocking a nail in granite eh Chris!

The customer would like me to use a picture of Alstromeria hookeri as part of the ad. and, as I don't have one I wondered if someone out there has a pic and would be prepared to let me use it. I wouldn't be able to credit it as part of the ad. but will happily "trumpet" it here. If anyone is able to help would they please send me a jpeg file of the pic, as large a size as possible, to my own email address (see my profile).  Many thanks in anticipation.

Whilst I'm writing this can I get a plug in. If any Nurserymen or women out there who haven't used us for advertising before and would like to have more information, prices etc. do please get in touch by PM or by email. I'm sure we could help, we get to the right "audience" and what a wonderful way to support the Club for all the fun and information The Forum provides for us all.

[Maggi Young]

David's post brings this subject into focus. Thanks David!

There are a number of sellers who benefit greatly from the exposure they receive in this forum - it would be good to think that more of them would support the existence of the Club which gives them this platform by taking some advertising inthe Rock Garden.

Those who already do so are much appreciated of course. Just a little "reminder" to others, perhaps, of the facility available?

[Lesley Cox]

Here's a thought for you, David, and those who are the SRGC council. Is a "classified" page or half page a possibility? From this end of the world small ads of that type could advertise, say, seed available or wanted, or accomodation for a visiting member or whatever. The regular ads are rather expensive, for me at least and don't target those who might buy my plants. Ad prices could perhaps be in accordance with ad size, e.g. two lines, 3 lines over half or quarter page, or whatever worked in the format. Just a thought.

[David Nicholson]

Worth considering a bit further Lesley. I can see some "pros" and I can see some "cons" too.

A revenue surplus from advertising, however small, contributes a little towards the not inconsiderable costs of production and distribution of The Rock Garden (a cost that would be much greater if the services provided by members involved were paid for rather than being provided on a voluntary basis-and long may that continue).  There does need to be a proper balance between advertising and revenue raising and the high standard of editorial content we all receive, and expect, from The Rock Garden and I think we have that now.

I have to write a paper in the near future for Council to consider and I will include something in it along the lines that Lesley suggests.

[ronm]

Would it also be worth considering allowing lists to be published on a lists thread ( in the members only area ), here on the forum? Obviously a fee would be paid ( via the PayPal button?), for this service. Perhaps policing the payment part may be too difficult , and maybe that goes against the 'spirit' of the forum . Just bouncing .......

[Lesley Cox]

Our one specialist alpine nursery does a seed list now and would perhaps think abouit advertising it in a classified section (I can't speak for them of course) and I have in mind something along those lines myself but an ad in the  main section is too expensive. Can't make up my mind quite, about selling seed. I like to give it away in general.
Anyway David, that's all I ask, that you think about it.

[FrazerHenderson]

David

I have open in front of me the 1957-58 SRGC Year Book and Show Schedules. It runs to 112 pages because additionally to the show information it contains details of every member. However, what is intriguing is the large number of advertisements (all in black and white):

JR Aitken – nurseryman, Perth
Alexander & Brown- seedsmen, Perth
American Primrose Society*
Ballie & sons – civil & building engineers, Haddington
Bannatyne &Jackson – nurserymen, Hamilton
Boothman – nurserymen, Maidenhead
WH & L Collingridge – publishers, London
Miss H Davenport-Jones – nurserywoman, Hawkhurst
Dobbie & Co – seedsmen, Edinburgh (now Dobbies, part of Tesco plc)*
Jack Drake – nurseryman, Aviemore*
Edrom Nurseries – Coldingham*
Joe Elliot – nurseryman, Moreton-on-Marsh
C Field – tufa, Denbigh
Glendoick – rhododendrons, Perth*
Grant – compost, West Calder
J Hillier & son – nurserymen, Winchester*
Jackmans of Woking – nurserymen, Woking
J De Jager – bulb merchants, London*
Reginald Kaye – nurseryman, Carnforth*
Kibble & Clare – nurserymen, Ascot
King & Paton – nurseryman, Dalbeattie
Lasco Ltd – fertiliser, Liverpool
Mrs Laing – nurserywoman, Hawick
Loch Leven Hotel – Onich*
DF McConnel – nurseryman, Colmonell
Maryfield Nurseries – Leslie, Fife
George Murray – nurseryman, Kippen
National Trust for Scotland*
Peter Nimmo and sons – buildings, Newbridge, Midlothian
PBI – fertilisers, Waltham Abbey*
JR Ponton – nurseryman, Edinburgh
Lynn Ranger – seeds, USA
James Robb – Pathhead
Root-O-Pots – Glasgow
Small advertisements  (Rate 2½d a word, minimum 7/6d – five advertisements including seeds from India)
Allan Smith – alpines (“speciality sempervivums”), Kent
John Smith – booksellers, Glasgow
JH Stitt – nurseryman, Blairgowrie
Tay Sand Co – Dundee
James Thomson – gravel contractor, Edinburgh
W Thomson Ltd – fertilisers, Clovenfords
HP Tyler Ltd – bootmakers, Glasgow (“For Nursery or Market Garden: Trenching or Digging”)

Those marked thus * are known to be still going strong.

Frazer

[Gerry Webster]

That's quite an evocative list Frazer.   Although  Hilda Davenport-Jones did not discover 'Potter's Wheel', one of the most famous forms of Helleborus niger, she was responsible for propagating  it as a  carefully selected seed strain. Her nursery in Kent, just outside Hawkhurst, was taken over by Elizabeth Strangman who continued the interest in Hellebores. Washfield, alas now closed, was a superb nursery, full of rare & wonderful plants.  

[Maren]

I've got a link to the SRGC Forum on my website. Every little bit helps.

[Lesley Cox]

So many probably NOT now existing and it seems to be the same around the world. A few come but most go.

[Tecophilaea King]

I don't mind doing my bit to support the SRGC financially.
I could donate 100 Tecophilaea's to be auctioned/sold on the forum by a capable auctioneer.
What do you think David, Maggi?
Where/who would I send the dormant  Tecophilaea's corms to?
Bill.

[Maggi Young]

Bill that is a generous offer. 
We will contact you privately.

[David Shaw]

Maggie has a  great track record as an auctioneer, blood out of a stone comes to mind, or wallets out of weekenders.

[Rob Potterton]

Bill, SUPERB photographs and SUPERB plants of Tecophilaea