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In fact, the sales
began even before the weekend formally opened, at 5pm on the Friday
afternoon. The attendant nurseries and growers were allowed to stage
their offerings from 2pm in either the Sales hall or the Sales tent.
However, from about 1.30 onwards, as the van doors were opening, to
reveal trays and crates full of plants……the assembled watchers
got stuck in, these vultures clearly sensing an opportunity for some
early pickings! The UK attendees were amongst the foremost of these
and considerable sums changed hands as Ariocarpus, Obregonias, and
similar choice plants were handed over to their new owners. In fact
it was probably fair to say that most of the choicest of these
species, never made the Sales venue at all, but there was still
plenty left for others to consider, the sheer size of the gathering
ensured this.
The Friday afternoon
and evening was a pre-cursor to the main events on the Saturday,
when it was so busy that at times it became difficult to move
around, due to the pressure of people. However, it was very good
natured and everyone seemed pleased with their purchases. Language
rarely proved a problem, euros and C&S were common to everyone
and even if someone got first to that plant you fancied, well, then
there was probably another one, either close by, or still lurking
under the table!
The highlights, for
me were the sheer size and scale of the event, which were amazing,
as was the quality and quantity of plants on offer. As expected
grafted plants were the norm, but there were many plants on their
own roots, especially, smaller Ariocarpus, Turbinicarpus,
Epithelanthas, Coryphanthas and some Pediocactus and its relatives.
Prices were also reasonable, typically from say 2-3 euros upwards to
several hundred euros, for mature specimens, although prices were
subject to rapid change, as some growers noticed their pricing was
out of line!! The offerings from some Czech growers were outstanding
overall though, in terms of price, as they offered many unspotted,
miniature gems, at what would be incredibly attractive prices in the
UK. I suspect that more than a few of these were acquired by UK
visitors and are likely to find themselves offered on eBay, in the
next few weeks and months.
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Top:
Bare root Arios at €4 (£2.70)
Bottom:
Giant ‘elephants
foot’ for a 100 quid!
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What else? Well, I am
on an Echinocereus from Baja focus right now, so the sight of a huge
clump of Echinocereus grandis, ex a Lau collection 0016, from Isla
San Esteban, in an 18 inch pan (at about 100 euros) was considered,
but left – it was just too big! I did however acquire one of the
two smaller clumps of Echinocereus affinity barthelowanus, which was
in flower, its big purple trumpets being virtually unknown in the
UK. Hopefully it can be encouraged to repeat this performance next
year in Bedford!
There was also a ‘flat’,
a big seedling tray of Lophophora diffusa v koenigii plants –
containing at least 250 plants, yours for about 180 euros, although
the price was steadily going down, as the sale moved towards its
conclusion at 11.00 on the Sunday morning! So best offer secures!
The succulents were not ignored either, Specks and Uhligs were both
in attendance, as were many local growers, so there was a mass of
Aloes, Euphorbias and their ilk available. The star, for me though,
had to be a huge Testudinaria elephantidens (above), a striking
caudex plant, with a tangly vine emerging. The pot was at least 14
inches in diameter, and the caudex was of a similar height.
Certainly a candidate for a UK National Show. It was gorgeous, but
what would Julie have said if I had brought it back to Bedford!
Anyway, if its 160 euros price tag proved too high, then what about
its two slightly smaller brothers, both in approx 12 inch pots, each
a snip at about 120 euros!
What else? Well the
accommodation varied from very good, some of the bedrooms, to
something more basic, but overall it was quite OK, for a few nights
stay. I had a large studio, with kitchen, fridge and table , plus
seating which was fine. The food was about average, although it got
better and as for the Belgian beer, well everyone seemed to like
this! Most of the UK contingent also took the opportunity to see
Bruges, the ‘Venice of the North!’ on the Saturday afternoon.
This is a beautiful city, full of quaint cobbled streets, with many
tourist shops and eating places, interspersed with canals and
importantly, a Cashpoint facility! It was ideal for a quick tour,
and to purchase the obligatory Belgian chocolates for her indoors
– as a peace offering! Next year though, we will have to visit the
Brewery a little earlier if we want to make the full tour, and not
just visit the bar area…..!!!!
So in conclusion,
what did I think? Well, basically I enjoyed every minute of it,
apart from the ferry crossing from Hull, the sea was rough which
unfortunately left me feeling a bit seasick - I am not a good
sailor. Back on dry land however, it was a great experience, I
really enjoyed the social side, making new friends and renewing old
acquaintances and of course, I also brought back some fine plants
and an associated overdraft! Finally, a huge ‘Thank You’ is due
to Bob Clayton for arranging and managing the transportation, let’s
do it again in 2007!
Roll on ELK 42 in
2007!
Ian
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