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The Alpine Garden Society is
an international organisation dedicated to the conservation of and education
about alpine plants. 2008/2009 was the Society's eightieth anniversary
year. Although membership of the Alpine Garden Society is not
required to join the Bedfordshire Group, it is encouraged as the
benefits are huge! Membership comes with a newsletter and bulletin
which are sent out four times a year, information about and free
entry to over twenty national shows a year, discounts on books, an annual
seed exchange, the chance to take part in workshops, access to the
'members only' sections of the AGS website, the chance to attend national and
international conferences about alpines and their habitats, opportunites to take part in events such as the RHS
Chelsea Show and much more! The Alpine Garden Society is based in Pershore,
adjacent to the horticultural college. The centre is home to an extensive
library, the Society's book shop and an ever-evolving and developing garden,
which demonstrates how alpines can be incorporated into any garden. Some people believe that the Alpine Garden Society is an elite
organisation for those who only grow alpines. This is an absolute myth! The
majority of members are simply gardeners who grow alpines and not pure
'alpinists'; the Society warmly welcomes anyone who wishes to learn more
about this huge family of plants. Alpines are not impossible plants for all but the
most dedicated and experienced grower. Whilst some, such as Dionysias,
require a little bit more care, there are some that can be left in the garden
and will grow and spread happily. Plants such as Cyclamen coum,
Cyclamen hederifolium and a large
number of bulbs (Crocus,
Iris, Galanthus, Narcissus to
name a few) can be grown by almost anyone! It's not even necessary to have a
garden; a pot of Sempervivum adds a bit of
colour and personality to a patio or doorstep. To find out more about the Alpine Garden Society visit their
website, www.alpinegardensociety.net The Eighth International Rock Garden Conference: In April 2011 the Alpine Garden Society, together with
the Scottish Rock Garden Club, hosted the Eighth International Rock Garden
Conference. This was a highly successful event. The Group sponsored two members
to attend through the Wilscher Legacy. Robert
Amos has produced the following report: (opens in new window)
Photo taken by David Livermore |
