Eighth International Rock Garden Conference, 2011

[David Nicholson]

Can there be a logical explanation for the lateness of information packs?

Quite possibly too few people trying to do too much too late.

[Lesley Cox]

You do realise Lesley, that EVERYBODY will now be vying for that prime spot beside Susan ... if only to hear about the llama and the green ... ?   

Suggest you escort her to the podium and give her a microphone.

Note for Susan - I chatted briefly with David at the market yesterday. He looked very happy, not at all deprived or underfed and was cheerful. (Just so you're not to worry about him. )

[Susan]

Thanks Lesley,

I understand David has been eating very well! Told him to eat up large there as Venison striploin in Harrods was 69.95GBP and lamb racks 39.95.  Have been to Tescoes and they have a large selection of NZ wine, and even larger selction of single malts!

First day of tour - wonderful weather and Wisley looked absolutely stunning.  MArcelle and I went there yetsrday courtesy of Melvyn, so  we have had a wonderful couple of days.

Looking forward to the rest.  It has been lovely to catch up with some of the forumists.

Must away before the Wifi runs out.

Susan

[Lesley Cox]

Thanks to you too Susan. Please keep up these brief notes as it gives those of us getting chillier by the day, a little taste of the conference and tours etc. You could start a new thread "A blog for Southerners" or something, if you had time. Fermi, Otto and their mates could also add to it.

[ranunculus]

This will be the Eighth International Conference (and my third), but I can find little information about the others - i.e. venues, duration, speakers, etc.   The Fourth was held at Harrogate in 1971 and I have a copy of the report for that event, but does anyone have comprehensive details about all the others (and any interim conferences as well if possible)?  This information should, if possible, be preserved for posterity on such a site as this.
Many thanks if you can assist in any way.

[Diane Clement]

This will be the Eighth International Conference (and my third), but I can find little information about the others - i.e. venues, duration, speakers, etc.   The Fourth was held at Harrogate in 1971 and I have a copy of the report for that event, but does anyone have comprehensive details about all the others (and any interim conferences as well if possible)?  This information should, if possible, be preserved for posterity on such a site as this.
Many thanks if you can assist in any way. 

I've got all the Conference reports except the first, (not even sure when that was, I think it wasn't in 1941)

2nd - London and Edinburgh 1951
3rd - London and Edinburgh 1961
4th - Harrogate 1971
5th - Nottingham 1981
6th - Warwick 1991
7th - Edinburgh 2001
They have almost all been in April, the exception was Edinburgh 2001 which was in June (or was it July?) so they could use student accommodation.
I wonder who has been to the most?

[Maggi Young]

The first was in London in 1936, held by the RHS and the AGS I believe.

Otto Fauser has been to everyone since 1961 - not too many with this fine record!

Just looking at the Conference report for 1981- it is 300 pages long.... a bit on the long side for the forum!

Southern Alpines, the report of the interim conference in New Zealand in 1996  is 183 pages.

 The AGS intends to publish the report of this conference as its next Bulletin.... and this is due very soon... I believe that not all the speakers responded with written summaries of their talks and since it is due so soon I have no idea what chance there is for actual "reports" of the proceedings, tours etc.  

[Maggi Young]

I've been contacted by some overseas delegates, makingtheir way to Nottingham to ask what arrangements have been made for plant inspections and certification for exports from the Conference.
I have to say I have heard nothing of any such preparations. I hope that all will be clear tomorrow in Nottingham.  Sorry I can't tell you more. 

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Have fun everyone !!!

[Lesley Cox]

I don't know if any NZers are planning to bring plants back home (into quarantine it would have to be) but I would expect that any one taking plants from the conference to other countries would surely be expected to make their own arrangements re inspections, phytos etc. The conference is just that, not some kind of internation import/export business.

[johnw]

Lesley - It is customary here in North America to have a plant inspector on site the last day of a conference or winter study weekend to issue phytosanitary certificates and any other necessary documentation.  At least the rock garden societies and rhododendron societies, I believe the hosta societies do as well.

A luxury eh?

johnw

[Lesley Cox]

Mmmmmm, I don't think it happens here and it didn't at Nottingham in 1981. Alan Bloom very kindly made arrangements for my plants from all over the UK, to be inspected at Bressingham, by hort people from Cambridge. That was in the balmy days when we could import of course.

[Darren]

I recall it definitely did happen in 2001 at Edinburgh.

[johnw]

Can there be a logical explanation for the lateness of information packs?

Quite possibly too few people trying to do too much too late.

Or a profound state of disorganization....

johnw

[David Nicholson]

Can there be a logical explanation for the lateness of information packs?

Quite possibly too few people trying to do too much too late.

Or a profound state of disorganization....

johnw

I was trying to be nice and polite John