Early Spring Show held at Capel Manor on 6th February 2010

With such recent cold weather, it was with trepidation that the BIS held its first show of the 2010 season. Often nicknamed the Reticulata Show, the cold weather meant that many members’ Reticulata irises were not yet in flower. Add to this the fact that the show was being held at a new venue that was not normally open at this time of year and you will understand the concern. However, we are pleased to say the show had enough exhibits to keep everyone happy. A big thank you to Peter Taggart and Sidney Linnegar who made special efforts to provide many pots of iris and iridaceae for our enjoyment and for sharing some of their tips & tricks with us.

A late decision in view of the weather was to combine a talk with the show and members not present will be kicking themselves for missing the rare treat of hearing Sidney Linnegar talk on irises. Sidney has been growing irises since he was twelve and was responsible for Waterer’s (Golden Mile) Nursery exhibits for many years at Chelsea in the 1970s. Yet again he pleased everyone with his large bowlful of reticulatas - 13 cultivars all in flower - let alone all his other exhibits.

The next show is on 8th May again at Capel Manor open to the public between 12.00-5.00pm. Please do come and say hello. As well as enjoying the irises, there are also the Capel Manor gardens to explore.

Alun Whitehead