NZAGS WINS GOLD AT THE “CHELSEA OF THE SOUTH”

[Maggi Young]

I've had an email from Doreen Mear  who tells me......."We (the NZAGS) have just had a big flower show in Christchurch and are over the moon that the NZAGS won a Gold Medal at its first attempt, so I volunteered (or the lurkers volunteered me, not sure which!) to spread the good news. Wonder if you would be interested in putting the enclosed blurb and pic(s) on the SRGC site, or wherever you think best for special events like this.
 
It's the first time I've been to the Ellerslie show (which until this year was held up in Auckland) and I must admit I was very impressed with the quality of the exhibits. It must be 15 years since I was last at Chelsea, but I think Ellerslie is certainly up there, with some really modern imaginative (but not outlandish) designs. "

Warm congratulations to the New Zealand Alpine Garden Society for their success 

Here is a wee report and some pix.....

NZAGS WINS GOLD AT THE “CHELSEA OF THE SOUTH”

Just got back from visiting the Ellerslie International Flower Show, held for the first time in Christchurch instead of Auckland, and billed as the biggest flower show in the Southern Hemisphere. The New Zealand Alpine Garden Society was exhibiting for the first time, albeit with some some trepidation with it being an autumn rather than a spring show when eye-catching flowering plants are rather thin on the ground, and worries over how the plantings would survive something like ten days in a marquee.

But everyone involved was thrilled when the display was awarded a Gold Medal, not least Merv Holland and his wife Sue, who designed, planned and largely put the display together single-handed. Members loaned plants and manned the stand for the five-day duration, whilst several sponsors supplied materials but most of the credit must go to Merv and Sue.

The theme of the display was ‘Alpine Plants from Around the World’ with a superb painted mountain backdrop. Half of the display was devoted to exotic plants, many planted up in a long trough formed from a double-thickness mock stone retaining wall. A dry riverbed separated the exotic plants from the New Zealand natives, planted in a dry scree.

I don’t know how Merv and Sue are planning to top this result next year (which will be the NZAGS’s 50th birthday) – maybe win the Supreme Award for the Best in Show?!

[ranunculus]

Absolutely wonderful news, Doreen.  Heartiest congratulations from alpine enthusiasts around the world.  Must be your East Lancashire Group background having some influence on your new compatriots?      
Please pass on our best wishes and congratulations to Merv and Sue and their team for their tremendous achievement.

[Carol Shaw]

Well done the NZAGS!

[ichristie]

Well done to everyone who built the display and produced such pristine plants love the big leaves *(Dysosma?) The Srgc have staged displays for many years and i hope you get some new members but whatever I am sure you have raised the profile of Alpine plants in N.Z, cheers Ian the Christie kind.

[Doreen Mear]

Thanks for the comments, everyone. If there was trepidation about entering this year, I think that all dissipated in an instant with the award of the Gold Medal so plans will soon be underway for next year's entry, if they're not already!
I'll pass on your congratulations to the team in Christchurch, Cliff. As I say, it was mostly Merv and Sue's project, with the loan of plants, musclepower and manhours from lots of Christchurch members. Being nearly 6 hours' drive south of Christchurch meant I didn't get called upon to do any of the work (apart from supplying some photos) so I could just go along and enjoy myself (like I did as a foreigner from over the border in Yorkshire at the East Lancs Shows!)
Yes, Ian, of the C kind, it was a Podophyllum in the corner, making a very dramatic statement. We have some rather splendid varieties here, some with equally splendid names such as "Spotty Dotty"!

[Maggi Young]

Just to give you all  a taste of what else was happening at this New Zealand "Chelsea" event, here's some more from Doreen......
"Some more photos, of some of my personal favourite exhibits at Ellerslie, starting with a fabulous garden called Seeking Shangri-La by a Singaporean designer. This depicts the fantasy city of Shangri-La, only submerged under a retreating glacier due to global warming. So fantastical you expected Captain Jack Sparrow, assorted Pirates of the Caribbean and a mermaid or two to float by!
 
Next favourite was a wonderful grotto of insectivorous plants, complete with wreaths of vapour issuing from a little cavern, very atmospheric.
 
I thought taking a bath in the front garden was a very stylish design idea (complete with suspended overhead heater) - all very well if you're still young and beautiful but it'd probably get me arrested!
 
Several other patio gardens caught my eye too, especially the one with the grassy settees, that would mean I could sell the lawnmower! All in all, an excellent show, I think Christchurch is on to a winner there. "
 
Doreen

 click the pix to enlarge....

[shelagh]

Terrific news and pictures Doreen, well done to all concerned.  By the way are you going to make the 'Pudsey Pig' this year?

[Doreen Mear]

Hi Shelagh, unfortunately no, it's late September before I come over so I won't be competing at the Pudsey Piggery (and I'm out of practice anyway!). Elaine and I had planned to go to the West Yorks Frit Day in Leeds but an unthinking non-gardening sister has arranged to have her 60th birthday celebrations down south on that day. And I gather the Frit Day has been rearranged anyway?

[shelagh]

Never mind Doreen, when its your 60th you can spoil her day.

[Ray]

Hi NZ,sorry to spoil your party but the real "Chelsea of the South" starts on Wednesday at the Exhibition Building in Melbourne!
So what ever you Kiwis do Australia will do it better and bigger
bye Ray

[Onion]

Then we hope to see some pictures.
Only bubbles in the air is not the way.

Your turn Ray 

[Lesley Cox]

Now look here Ray, on the Forum we in the south stick together. All pejoratives are to be directed to those in the north. 

[Ray]

Hi Uli,not sure what you are saying here Uli,but I think the Aussie translation is
"money up or shut up",and that's fair enough.
But you have given me the motivation to go and get myself a new camera,I only have a 2megapixel el cheapo so need to upgrade and get some good pics to post,am going to the show on Thursday,so all being should see some pics on the weekend.bye Ray

[Ray]

Hi Lesley,sorry just couldn't help myself,have you got your sights set on any one in particular in the north or will anybody do. : bye Ray

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Remember this is the friendly Forum Ray !!