AGS Summer North Show Bakewell Sunday June 15th

[Maggi Young]

Thanks Jon - for the SRGC shows where the plant stalls are in another hall, that is mentioned in the schedules to let newcomers know what the set-up is,  but there is  nothing like that in the AGS show schedule.  That's  rather missing a trick for those not in the know who want to visit the plant stalls. 

[Martinr]

Already in the plan for next year's handbook. I'm trying to confirm the sales are in a separate area at Bakewell. Waiting for a phone call.

cheers

Martin

[Martinr]

And finally......officially the plant sales will be open at 10 but, as Jon has said, they'll probably be up and running by 9. Depends how early you want to get up on a Sunday morning!

11 nurseries in attendance

[Maggi Young]

Thanks for that, Martin- much appreciated, I'm sure.

[Maggi Young]

A "stop press" notice on the AGS website gives this list of nurseries attending the Bakewell Show tomorrow  -

"Edrom Nursery: Rare and Unusual Plants

Choice Landscapes: alpines, conifers, Acers, bulbs and many other interesting plants, something for the beginner or the plants person.

Aberconwy Nursery: alpines, shrubs, herbaceous & woodland plants

Slack Top Nursery: Hardy alpines for beginners or enthusiasts.

Alpine Plant Centre: Alpines and Rockery Plants

Hartside Nursery: Rarely offered hardy plants from around the world.

Little Heath Farm Nursery: alpines and herbaceous perennials, alongside shrubs, ferns and trees

Evolution Plants: better, more interesting, more exciting garden plants

Old Court Nursery: A range of interesting garden plants including alpines, herbaceous. as well as the National Collection of Michaelmas Daisies.

Hall Farm Nursery: An Individual Range of Garden Plants, propagated and grown on the nursery

Jacques Amand International: Flower Bulb Specialists "

[shelagh]

WOW Better dig out the sock from under the bed.

[Maggi Young]

WOW Better dig out the sock from under the bed.

That's what I was thinking - plenty of opportunity there for  plant-based retail therapy and no mistake.
 I could enjoy a bit of that myself....... anyone got a helicopter they can lend me?

[Graeme]

as long as someone has some rhodohypoxis I will be happy

[ranunculus]

Just returned from the inaugural AGS Summer Show North held at the Agricultural Business Centre in Bakewell, Derbyshire. Congratulations to joint Show Secretaries, Chris & Jim McGregor and their wonderful team of helpers on a highly successful show that attracted many of the leading exhibitors, twelve excellent nurseries and quite a number of interested visitors.  The Farrer Medal (for the Best Exhibit in the Show) was won by long time exhibitor but first time winner; Tony Lee from Long Eaton with his beautifully flowered, Sempervivum arachnoideum. Nice to see a semp' winning such a prestigious prize.

[Maggi Young]

Good to hear it was such a successful day, Cliff. 
Tony's plant is a "bosker" - no wonder his smile is so wide - WELL DONE TONY!!

From the background of your photo there was plenty able competition for the Semp. as well - even better!
As you say, an exciting  result for Sempervivum arachnoideum - a super plant ( especially in such perfect condition) but one which anyone can  source and enjoy growing - which is not the case for medal winning plants very often. This must be a huge boost to would-be exhibitors worried that they need terribly rare plants to enter and succeed at the shows.
Tony's plant is of a species readily available and is a fine example of how a well grown plant can win  the premier award. Very good news for all concerned, I reckon 

[Martinr]

....and nobody deserves a Farrer more than Tony, grows some superb plants!!!!

I'm knackered, time for bed 

[ranunculus]

I agree totally, Maggi and Martin … and it couldn't have happened to a nicer chap!   Tony actually told me that he would have preferred to have gained his first Farrer Medal with an androsace (for kudos perhaps), but I suggest that this was, in some respects, a greater achievement … to raise the profile of sempervivums and in the knowledge that this was probably one of the finest S. arachnoideums ever to be exhibited.

[Maggi Young]

I agree totally, Maggi and Martin … and it couldn't have happened to a nicer chap!

  ...... I suggest that this was, in some respects, a greater achievement … to raise the profile of sempervivums and in the knowledge that this was probably one of the finest S. arachnoideums ever to be exhibited.

 Absolutely! Spot on! It must have been better than best!

[Graham Catlow]

For those of us that grow and exhibit Sempervivums this is indeed great news. I think most of us think they are one of the over looked classes and a bit of a bind for the judges. I only hope that other quality Semps. that aren't in flower will be looked on with a more favourable eye. I also hope that like my S. calcareum, that I showed successfully this year, grown more naturally will be looked on as favourably as those grown flat. There is a skill to growing them both ways.

[Martinr]

It's not a bind...I enjoy judging semps. Not going to win a Farrer unless they are in flower, need to go and read my SRGC show book to ascertain the Forrest rules.

Now as for 'flat constructions' versus 'natural lumpy bumpy' we're in to a debate with fierce proponents in both camps. Both camps have valid arguments. There is no correct answer

Now, judging dwarf conifers