THE CALEY SPRING FLOWER SHOW 2015
Put Spring into your Step!
The summer of 2014 was unseasonably long, with a very slow slide into autumn and there we were on All Hallows’ Eve, planting the garlic in a temperature of 18C! Therefore we were not even considering a long, hard Winter but looking forward to Spring 2015 already. Spring bulbs had been ordered, potted into 2 litre pots and placed in plunge beds ready for lifting in February 2015. All this preparation is for those exhibiting at Edinburgh’s premier Spring Flower Show run by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (The Caley) in March 2015.
The Show schedule is on The Caley website for those who wish to exhibit, at http://www.rchs.co.uk. This year there is a new class for Historical Daffodils, or Heirloom or Heritage varieties as they are sometimes called. The class specifies those registered before 1947 are eligible but some daffodil enthusiasts can identify daffodils from 1930 and before. Some names are familiar such as King Alfred (pre 1899 ) and Carlton (pre1927) , whilst others such as Mrs R O Backhouse (pre1921) and Coverack’s Glory (pre1927) are less well known. We are looking forward to a good entry into this new class.
Not everyone is as excited about exhibiting for the Show as members of Horticultural Societies, but for those who simply wish to immerse themselves in the sights and scents of Spring the visit will be well worthwhile. Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinths, Spring Flowering shrubs and Alpines, and Floral Art exhibits will delight. The specialist Daffodil grower R Scamp provides a wonderful display of the best of daffodil flowers, including new varieties. Macplants and Binny Plants will provide inspiration for new planting, Garden Solutions proffer advice on their composts, feeds and mulches and RCHS members are to be on hand to give Garden Advice. The John Hope Gateway hosts the children’s’ Eco Schools competition, where schools compete for the Scottish Daily Express Challenge Cup and young people under the age of sixteen have several Junior classes to enter in the main Show in the Fletcher building. There are also fun events for the younger members of the family at the John Hope Gateway.
After months of dreary, grey, winter weather, you will be able to celebrate the start of longer days and nights and warmer temperatures. There is a lot to look forward to -whether you want to exhibit or put a Spring into your step- pay us a visit.
Caley Spring Flower Show
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Fletcher Building)
28 and 29 March 2015 between 12 noon and 5pm.
Entrance is £2 Children, Students, RCHS members free.
Further information and details from :
Margaret Teale
RCHS Show Committee
growlearn@rchs.co.uk
Submitted by Margaret Teale
