Last Tuesday (14th February), I was back at the RHS Halls in Vincent Square to photograph plants for the Joint Rock Garden Committee. It was a pleasure to be back in the square, under the limes in the balmy sunshine. This show always reminds me of my friend Ruby Baker, who used to come up on the train from Farnham to see what snowdrops might be exhibited, and would be surrounded by galanthophiles at the show.
Arum concinnatum Agia Varvara
RBG Kew exhibited three different cultivars of Arum concinnatum.
Arum concinnatum Kato Poros
Arum concinnatum Somatas
Draba hispanica var atlantica
Also from RBG Kew were two draba species.
Draba sphaeroides
From the USA
Galanthus woronowii
This fine clone of G. woronowii has been maintained at RBG Kew for some time, and was awarded a Preliminary Commendation, subject to selection of a clonal name.
Iris regis-uzziae
Also from the collection at RBG Kew.
Romulea bulbocodium var leichliniana
Again from RBG Kew
Speea humilis
The last plant from RBG Kew was an unusual bulb from Chile - awarded a Cultural Commendation.
Iris Dance On
Jacques Amand International exhibited several Iris reticulata hybrids raised by Alan McMurtrie from Canada. There were more on their display down in the hall below.
Iris Eye Catcher
Iris Mars Landing
Iris North Star
I was interrupted in the middle of photographing this by the arrival of the committee members, and forgot to take a close-up.
Iris Scent-sational
This final Iris reticulata hybrid exhibited by Jacques Amand International was given an Award of Merit.
After this I was able to make a short tour of the show in the two halls. As you can see, the halls were far from crowded; I can remember times not long ago when each stand was packed six deep and it was hard to get photos. Some of this can be put down to a reduction in the nurseries attending, but surely the introduction of an entrance charge by the RHS (£5 for members, £9 for non-members) has something to do with it.
Near the entrance was a stand with bulbs including tulip and lily cultivars. The tulips are Princess Irene and Top Draw.
Nearby a familiar stand covered in Streptocarpus
Helleborus Ice Cream
W & S Lockyer produced their usual stand of spring bulbs, including the attractive Helleborus Ice Cream.
Harveys Garden Plants
Hippeastrum
I didn't get the name of this stand. The two Hippeastrum photographed are Evergreen and Quatto.
Avon Bulbs
I thought Avon Bulbs had decided to stop exhibiting at Westminster; it was good to see them there anyway, with a stand full of Galanthus.
Galanthus Dragonfly
This and the following snowdrops were all from the Avon Bulbs display
Galanthus Godfrey Owen
Galanthus Grave Concern
Galanthus Jonathan
Galanthus Kildare
Galanthus Madelaine
Galanthus Moortown Mighty
Galanthus Phillippe Andre Meyer
Galanthus Seagull
Galanthus Trumps
Galanthus Trymposter
Galanthus Veronica Cross
Galanthus Vertigo
Galanthus Walker Canada
Lindley Hall
Over in the Lindley Hall there was a bizarre installation on the end wall, with flying pots of cyclamen and a wickerwork pitcher with lips. The cyclamen were echoed by an attractive ground level display.
Jacques Amand International
The display from Jacques Amand consisted mainly of Iris reticulata hybrids from Alan McMurtrie. I found Iris Painted Lady particularly attractive, though apparently that isn't one of Alan's crosses.
Cacti and Succulents
These always provide good opportunities for a photographer, and although the light was rather poor I managed to capture some interesting close ups.
Beaucarnea recurvata
Aloe Star Fish
Echeveria pulvinata Ruby
Ferocactus latispinus
Ferocactus pilosus
Haworthia herbacea
Jane Anashka Photography
Finally, there was a stand featuring photography by Jane Anashka. Jane presses flowers and then photographs them to get this translucent effect. I found the whole exhibit fascinating, and recommend a visit to their website: http://www.savemeimwild.com/
