What a nice reward for Robert Rolfe, having introduced and selected various forms of this recent introduction virtually on his own. Just missing out the previous week, at least the judges got it right this time!
A slow growing tight cushion which is up there with the 'best' cushion plants to grow. Grows in limestone crevices at high altitude in Turkey - it will relish a similar regime in cultivation, don't over pot it.
Proving that he can put his skills to more than one Draba, this is an incredibly well flowered exhibit from Robert Rolfe. It pays to select good forms of Drabas and with this species even more so. The merits of a well flowering and relatively short stemmed variety (this one a 'better' EMR 2551) are instantly obvious.
Judged the best bulbous plant in the show and no doubt a pleasing diversion from cushions etc for Ian Kidman. Seed raised and not too difficult to grow but maintaining large pans is never easy.
At least 15 years old and never easy to flower well, this just had to receive a certificate of merit. Watering in early Spring is crucuial for success, too early and the flower buds rot, too late and they abort. Looks like Ian Kidman got it just right!!
A nice later flowering hybrid, raised by Ray Fairbairn crossing S. Quarry wood with S. georgii. Sumptuous pink flowers, covering the cushion.
Undoubtedly the most popular Primula, indeed the most 'exhibited' plant in the show with an amazing 22 examples staged. This is a typical example of a plant 4-5 years old and completely smothered in creamy white flowers.
Quite scarce in cultivation and if it has a fault - it can produce too many flowers which then struggle to open. A prudent removal of excees bloom may pay dividends!
A long established mid season flowering Primula raised by Ken Wooster (190-48). Slow but quite easy to grow, the flowers having a crimped appearance.
Raised by Margaret Earle (HME 466 87) this is clearly one of the better yellow P allionii crosses. A small plant which shows off the flowers to their full potential.
A named selection from Latvia and I suspect this may be of hybrid origin. Taller and more floriferous than usual specimens but undoubtedly influenced by the named species.
Raised by Arnis Seisums and combines big bold flowers in the most spectacular shade of deepest blue. With feeding makes immense bulbs and is destined to become the 'hybrid' to grow!?
This is one of my own seedlings, flowering for the first time and a very good form with bright yellow orange blotch covering most of the falls. It is of very stocky habit as well, this species usually flowers with the stems well developed.
A most unusual Crucifer, this originates in the Pamir mtns of Tadjikistan at very high altitude. It will certainly need good drainage, very eyecatching with bright pink flowers.
A naturally occuring hybrid between O. tenthredinifera and O. speculum this was amazingly raised from seed sown in 2002. The skill involved was noted by the judges who awarded the AGS Seed Distribution Award to Richard Manuel for his efforts.
An AGS medal for Ian Kidman in the 19cm pan class. Fritillaria bucharica, Cyclamen pseudibericum, Primula Broadwell Milkmaid, Dionysia bryoides H1986, Dionysia Maria and Primula Wharfedale Crusader.
