What a splendid day we had.  On arrival, members were greeted with refreshments, had the chance to buy some choice plants from two local nurseries - The Plantsman's Preference (www.plantpref.co.uk) and Hedgehog Gardens (www.theinterestingplantnursery.com), could buy raffle tickets plus had the chance to chat and socialise. 

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Most  importantly members had the opportunity to enter the competition to name the Kniphofia (unofficially 'Coral and Plum') as a permanent commemoration of our twenty five years.  This plant was raised by Alan Bloom and has never been sold and was a 'pending' item as Alan was considering it.  It really is one of Alan's 'missing introductions'.  Jaime Blake, Curator of The Dell Garden at Bressingham, judged this - there were over 40 entries - so quite a difficult task, unfortunately the chosen name has already been registed in 2010 so the search is stil on!

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In the morning Jaime gave a wonderful talk entitled 'The weeding of the five thousand....with two hoes and five wishes'. 

After enjoying a ploughman's lunch we re-grouped at Bressingham Gardens for a guided tour of The Dell Garden by Jaime, and what a treat this was.  This is an important garden for our group as Alan Bloom was a founder member of the Hardy Plant Society and some of the numerous plants he raised and named were pointed out to us.  We didn't lose too many members as we meandered round the island beds as we were enthralled listening to Jaime and in complete admiration and awe of the spectacular planting and high levels of maintenance.  There were also plenty of questions and comments from the members!
photos no4 Anemone x hybrida 'Pamina with Aster laterifolius 'Prince' - photo no6 Bothtrichloa ischaemum -photo no8 Agapanthus 'Loch Hope'
photo no10 Actea 'Scimitar'

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To finish the end of a wonderful day some of us enjoyed a train ride - you're never too old!

photographs by Linda Hall