Late Spring Show held at Capel Manor on 8th May 2010

The cold start to the year was still having its repercusions as several growers reported that their bearded irises were yet to bloom. However, the cold was helping in other ways as the general feedback we heard was that people's irises were looking "better than ever" and promising an exuberant flowering season. Despite the fewer entries, there was still a good range of irises for visitors to enjoy.

As well as the eye-catching Arilbreds and early species, there were a range of bearded irises including new seedlings from Olga Wells as well as some recent introductions from overseas. There was a beautiful yellow historic variety kindly shown by Sharon Evans and Anne Blanco White brought along some of her Evansia irises (crested iris) which are so intricate visitors sometimes mistake them for orchids!

For those hardy souls who lingered to help clear up, there was a special treat. Peter Taggart, the Show Secretary arranged an inpromptu visit to the nearby garden at Myddelton House. This was the garden of the very well known E A Bowles which is now starting a phase of renovation. It is always fascinating to see the before and after effects, so this evening visit when the garden was closed to the public was something really special. For the iris enthusiast, the garden also hosts the National Collection of irises which have won the Dykes Medal. A large thank you to the Andrew Turvey, the head gardener who left his shopping especially to show us round. We wish him and his team well with this interesting restoration project.

The next show is on 5th & 6th June again at Capel Manor and open to the public between 12.00-4.00pm. Please do come and say hello. It should also be a good time to visit Myddelton House (about 1 mile from Capel Manor) where the irises are likely to be in flower.

Alun Whitehead