Reports from the 2nd International Czech Rock Garden Conference and Garden visits

[Tim Ingram]

I would just like to thank Jiri for those files - they make more sense of my scribbled notes and there some beautiful images.

[Maggi Young]

It was undoubtedly a great deal of work to prepare those files for conference delegates to access.

I am a little surprised that so few of those present have shared their thoughts and photos with us here.... the offer to do so still stands, of course 

[Susan]

I totally agree with Tim,  a lot of work went into those files and it is much appreciated.  Thank you Jiri.

I have not had much time to look at my photos  yet as I have been busy moving a rather large collection of bulbs  that I have been left,  into my own garden,  so instead of going through my photos during the  winter, the lovely mild weather we have had has been dedicated to recovery of hundreds of bulbs. No doubt I shall be posting photos to ask for help in identification.

Susan

[Maggi Young]

Susan, I absolutely understand that you have been really busy organising the plants from your late friend -  of course real life has a way of   coming into play with our other interests.

That is the case for several friends like yourself and Lesley -  and we will be delighted to see your "memories" of the Czech event whenever time permits.   

P.S. good luck with the bulb IDs !

[Lesley Cox]

It's odd that when one has at last "retired," there's even less time for the things one wants to do than when one was employed. Perhaps we (I) organized the available spare time better. Certainly I was out of bed earlier than I have been recently. But this winter has been quite good on the whole, except for a couple of wet weeks in June so it's very easy to go out and garden in some way rather than turn on the computer. Having said that I don't want a wet and soggy spring so it looks like earlier rising will have to be the solution. I've not really looked at my Conference pictures at all so far but now that Susan has so kindly put Jiri's files on a stick for me, I'll hopefully get back to the Czech Republic, virtually, and sort my own stuff.

[Maggi Young]

I do hope I will get back to the beautiful Czech Republic in person some time - but the chance to revisit virtually may have to  do - better than nothing though!

I don't really mean to make everyone not able to attend the SRGC Discussion Weekend jealous 
- but there is  terrific news that Jiri is coming across to Scotland to give a talk there ! 
Unfortunately Chris Brickell is no longer able to attend the DWE : His place is taken by Jiří Papoušek from the Czech Republic.
Jiří  will talk on 'Propagating and Growing Daphnes from Cuttings to Crevice Garden'.

[Lesley Cox]

Lucky Scots. Oh well, we'll have Jiri's daughter and her boyfriend with us soon.

[ChrisB]

The lovely little phlox - Phlox boranovice, that I got from Ota Vlasak last year is flowering nicely in a sink today.

[angie]

Very nice  Brings back some good memories.

Angie 

[ChrisB]

I'm going to take a few cuttings soon, not tried phlox before but it should be ok I think.

[Tim Ingram]

I am giving a talk on the Czech Gardens and meeting and make reference to the Marika Singers who entertained the Conference so beautifully. I would like to ask permission of Marika Divišová to use one of her songs from the CD she gave us - Motýlem být - which is especially lovely, as an interlude in the talk.

Here is a picture of this harmonious group...

[Maggi Young]

Such a pleasure to remember that wonderful evening, Tim. 
You can email via     marika.singers@gmail.com  - I expect you know.

There are more photos of the evening on the Marika Singers' website http://www.marikasingers.cz/fotogalerie/2013/452013-tabor.aspx -and even a copy of the letter we wrote afterwards to Group and to the Mayor of Roztoky!

[Tim Ingram]

Thanks Maggi. You only have to watch a few of the videos of the Marika Singers on U-tube to realise how very good and versatile they are - just wonderful to listen to.

[Maggi Young]

Seems a good idea to add the You-tube link for the Marika Singers....
https://www.youtube.com/user/MarikaSingers

[Lesley Cox]

When in the Czech Republic Tim, can you find out whether Marika's wonderful group have yet released a CD that is buyable, of the kind of songs they sang for us? Or anything else of course. Her own disc is super but I'd love one of the whole group. Thanks