Contents of the Summer 2008 Northants News
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The Zone 6 Show 2008 Trev, Barry and Roland |
Trev writes: Early in the year I planned to exhibit at the Zone 6 Show. Things never work out like that and we, (the FL and I) had an engagement in London on the day. Looking at the route I noticed that Ruislip was but a diversion – if we started early. We did. The FL gave me an hour, not a second longer.
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Sat-nav led us there by a scenic route from the M25. Traffic lights controlled access to the single lane bridge over the canal (was that actually grass in the middle of the road?) and we crawled by the horse riders. It was the really, really scenic route. And almost London. At the show I packed Sue off in the direction of the shops of Ruislip High Street and urged her to linger ‘as long as she liked’. “See you in one hour and no seconds…” The FL does not take prisoners. |
I started fast, taking flash shots of plants I liked, and whole classes. I located a contender for ‘Best Cactus’ and posed a photo with the grower and his son. Got to get the kids involved. Having mentally placed the entries in some order of merit a late exhibitor brought some big and probably superior plants. Our Barry called me over to a beautiful Pelecyphora aselliformis he had brought, “that’s going to be the best plant in the show!” So far.
The problem with a show like this is the people. Each picture takes just a fraction of a second. Point, click, flash. People are different. Tony Morris told me the history of some of the best show plants there. Only some were his. I met David Minnion and we had such a lot to discuss from our recent field trips to the US. Later, definitely. Barry and I had a chin wag. Forcing myself away from human contact I concentrated on the photos. Completing the pictorial record with shots of Judges Stuart Riley and Cath Darbon in action I ran to the plant sales as the FL walked into the hall.
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“You have two minutes. Would you like a coffee and a cake?” A whiz round the sales and I was dragged out to the car. “Drive” “Follow the highlighted route.” Oh well, there is always next year. I had my pictures of the show but I actually think that chatting to other growers is as much fun and certainly part of the showing experience. There is a lot to learn about our hobby at any show. So take note: the National is on Saturday August 16th. See you there? Trev
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| The FL teases the show stewards when she sees a dandelion ‘clock’ at the show. (The fruit of a Senecio cephalophorus) “Well, I wasn’t actually going to touch it!” |
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| Above: A well grown Copiapoa krainziana proves that this species can flower in cultivation. | Above left: Cathy Darbon judges the other succulents while Stuart Riley (right) judges the cacti at the Zone 6 Show. | |
Barry writes: The show was a most enjoyable day for all those who attended, but was disappointing for the fact that there were only 5 exhibitors from Zone 6 Branches other than the hosts Harrow. Nevertheless, the show was very competitive with the main awards being split as follows:
Richard Bleay achieved most points in the cactus classes just ahead of yours truly, David and Gill Wilson did the same in the succulent classes, but it was Tony Morris who took the Grantham Medal for most points in the show.
When it came to the individual plant awards, the Pelecyphora and the huge Mamm. bombycina won awards of merit, but it was Richard Bleay's very old Ferocactus fordii that took the Best Cactus in Show.
I'm not sure which plants were in contention for Best Succulent in Show, but Cathy made a very wise choice in selecting my Euphorbia gymnocalycioides for the award (perhaps it will go to the National after all).
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From a personal point of view, I was using the show as a trial for the National in August. Fortunately, of 20 entries, 9 got 1st, 5 got 2nd, and 4 got 3rd. What I want to know is what was wrong with the other 2!! Joking apart, it was a really useful exercise and helped me make my mind up on several plants. Mind you, winning some Zone show classes is not in the same league as the National, when the big boys come out to play - we shall see in August. Finally, the People's Vote for best plant in the show didn't go to the bombycina as expected, but to Tony's stunning Copiapoa dealbata (left) - quite right too!! Barry |
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Tony Morris's Copiapoa dealbata |
Roland writes.... Washing-up Bowls -- It’s Official …
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Roland writes: Your intrepid NN reporter snapped a clear endorsement of a recent revision to BCSS Show Rule 7.6 at the terrific 2008 Zone-Six Show hosted by Harrow Branch. This revision encourages exhibitors to use washing up bowls for their larger specimen plants, but to ensure the award of the extra point for container presentation the supplier’s label must remain attached firmly to the washing up bowl. Class-25 for one Gymnocalycium included a very fine example of a supplier’s label. Congratulations are offered both to the exhibitor, for many years a well-respected Shows Committee member, and to the judge. It is gratifying to know that our members are keeping up with the latest rule changes. Ho Ho. Roland |
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A superb ‘Wham’ pot at the Zone 6 Show |
Ed; I couldn’t find any mention of these rule changes - perhaps they should be given wider publicity by the Shows committee. Barry?
