Life Under Canvas

REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL COLLECTIONS CO-ORDINATOR

CHRISTINE MOLE

For the plant sale at Helmingham Hall in May we acquired some
new gazebos in case of a rainy day and decided to use one for
displays from collection holders. So the second half of May turned
out to be quite a hectic time organising and picking up all the plant
material which the collection holders had promised me for exhibits.
Even though rain was forecast we managed to have a record
number of people attend, but I must say I was disappointed that
very few people visited the Collection Gazebo. We had all made a
huge effort to put on an interesting display about the collections, so
I am hoping to see all you NCCPG members at future plant sales.
I know the saying “Less is more” but I say “We need to be seen to
be known”, so when we were given the opportunity this year to
have a stand at the Suffolk Show we went for it!

All the plants (except the Equisetums as they are so fragile) and
exhibition material I had collected for the plant sale were
transported to the showground, with the NCCPG gazebo positioned
at the entrance to the floral marquee.

We had rhizomes of Sarah Cook's iris 'The Black Douglas' (rare -
with only one listing in the plantfinder) and some large pots of
hostas from Robin Milton to sell for our funds which helped create
an interest in our stand. I would like to thank all those who
contributed information or plant material for both these events.
The committee were delighted that five of our Collection Holders
exhibited at Hampton Court Flower Show; four in the Heritage
Marquee, with the Miltons from Mickfield Hostas having a stand
near Stud Gate.

Josephine Mitson and I went along to help Sue Wooster with her
campanulas as we'd done last year. Everything in the marquee was
to a very high standard, so it was a shame that despite all the efforts
of Jo Jones at head office, BBC Gardeners World could not be
persuaded to make a feature of it.

The Suffolk collections all did themselves proud. Mickfield Hostas
had an excellent exhibit (trade stands are not judged for medals).
The results from the marquee were:

Delphinium: Ken Harbutt, Rougham Hall Nurseries - Bronze
Dianthus (Malmaison): Jim Marshall, Marshalls' Malmaisons -
Silver
Hibiscus syriacus (cvs): Notcutts - Silver Gilt
Campanula (Alpine) Sue Wooster - Gold and best exhibit in the
Heritage Marquee

Congratulations to all and a special one for Sue!