CGS Snowdrop Event

[JacquelineJ]

Had a wonderful day today with fellow Galanthophiles at the CGS Snowdrop event.

Carol Klein was filming for Gardeners World, March 2013 and chatted with us as we waited for the doors to open at 10am.  Apparently it is usually a more relaxed affair but they wanted a crowd waiting outside to add to the excitement they were creating for the programme.

Inside I didn't feel there was a scrum at all. It was very relaxed and polite, no sharpened elbows were necessary.  The talks by Rod Leeds and Joe Sharman were both interesting and informative.

Chas did a piece to camera with Carol so we may see him on screen next month. Will he still speak to us once he's famous    Along with Chas and his wife Janet I also met Steve Owen, Alanb, Rob a lurker  Wol and Sue and of course Joe and I acquired my hearts desire 'Ecusson d'Or'  Ray Cobb and the very fragrant Straffan.

After our lunch Chas and Janet very kindly took me to Kingston Bagpuize where we succumbed to yet another plant stall. I bought Cyclamen Coum to set off my snowdrops and Chas bought miniature Iris.  The garden tour was enhanced by the wonderful mild temperature and warm sun on our backs. 
Thanks Chas, Janet and Rob for your company today Look forward to seeing you next week at the RHS Halls!

[Alan_b]

It was nice to meet you, Jacqueline.  I found a very nice-looking elwesii in the garden at Kingston Bagpuize and managed to draw it to the attention of the owner.  It had a green inverted heart-shaped marking on the outer petals; reminiscent of some of the Trym derivatives.  The owner (Virginia Grant?) thought it might be similar to another of their snowdrop finds, "Bagpuize Elizabeth", but as that one wasn't in flower yet we could not make a comparison.  I don't suppose anyone has a picture of that one?  I'll post my picture when I can.

[JacquelineJ]

@Alan, well that's exciting!!  Was it in that area opposite the Church?

Unfortunately I didn't photograph 'Bagpuize Elizabeth"  I only took "Marlie Raphael"

[chasw]

Yes a very pleasant day and good to meet you Jacqueline,also Maxine
Many other forum users were there also,and now look forward to Vincent Square on Tuesday,where I think forum members and lurkers will be in abundance

[emma T]

I will be there on Tuesday 

[Ding Dong]

Great to meet you too Chas and Mrs Chas We had a great day, and thanks to Toby Jarvis and Pamela Lucas for organising such a lovely day

[Alan_b]

Here's the elwesii I found at Kingston Bagpuize.  To avoid trampling on other snowdrops I had to take the photo with my camera held at arms length.  Now that I can see the photo enlarged, I don't find it quite as pretty as I remember it.  But it's stil not bad, assuming it survives and continues to do the same thing year-on-year.

[Mavers]

Looking forward to more pictures if you have any.............

[Alan_b]

Here's Carol Klein filming interviews with the people waiting in the queue for the event to open.

[Lina Hesseling]

Carol should wear one of Emma's hats!

Lina.

[Alan_b]

Does anyone know the name of the man running the plant stall at Kingston Bagpuize on the CGS day?  I mean the stall outside the house itself.  His face was familiar and he was particularly helpful but I cannot think of his name, if indeed I know it.

[Ding Dong]

Don't know his name Alan, but I thought somebody said he was from a local Garden Centre??

[steve owen]

The gentleman I usually encounter is Mrs Grant's regular gardener John (second name unknown).

[Lina Hesseling]

Tonight Gardeners World starts again.
Maybe we can see the report on the snowdrop event with some forumists being interviewed.

Lina.

[KentGardener]

Looking likely Lina as the icon for tonight's program on iPlayer is a double snowdrop