On a grey 1st of April morning with torrential rain for the journey from the North to Cabinteely Community School, the long-time venue for the Dublin Show, not even the grey weather could dampen spirits as exhibitors from north and south exchanged friendly greetings as plants were carried into the Show Hall! But there the greyness ended as the first glimpse of a wonderful display of superb colour greeted us on the Show Bench. This was obviously a huge relief to Dublin Show Secretary Gavin as he had been most concerned about a much earlier Show date than usual.

A major concern for Gavin last year, like many other Show Secretaries, was the low entries in the Novice Section. But much credit must be given to Gavin who implemented a WhatsApp group for members, gave advice, gave free plants, and answered many questions, and encouraged these members along the way. Subsequently a seed growing group was introduced, with much helpful advice from Gavin, and recently a propagating workshop took place in the National Botanic Garden in Dublin, where much helpful advice and encouragement was given by Gavin and senior members of the Group. Gavin’s hard work and enthusiasm certainly paid off as there was a much improved Novice Section, in fact there were only three classes with no entries. Brexit has changed everything for exhibitors. However, Dublin members can buy from Europe, and this is so important as there is no longer an Alpine Nursery in Northern or Southern Ireland.

The quality and presentation of Novice entries showed that new exhibitors had put into practice what they had learned from Gavin and others. A good Novice Section is the lifeblood of the Society!

There was a gentle relaxed atmosphere as judging was carried out, overseen by Gavin and masterminded by our Director of  Shows in the person of Martin Rogerson, with his efficient quiet expertise, and delightful sense of humour. A superb 6 pan exhibit, each plant at its best, won the AGS Sewell Medal for Gordon Toner, which is the only medal he hasn’t won at the two Irish Shows!

In the Intermediate Section Mac Dunlop won the Waverley Trophy for the best plant, with a beautiful pot of Narcissus jonquilla minor. The original bulbs came from Brian Duncan, and Mac grows them successfully in 50% JI No 3 and 50% potting grit. The pot is kept in the greenhouse because of the weather, dried off in summer, and kept well-watered when the bulbs start into growth in the spring. In the Novice Section a Narcissus won the Millennium Cup for first time Exhibitor Aine Maire NiMhurchu – a superbly grown, well presented pot of Narcissus ‘Angel’s Whisper’ which is always kept outside, and it also was awarded a Certificate of Merit. Aine Maire also showed a miniature garden which was well designed with an excellent variety of plants, and won a first prize.

First Class Plantsman Billy Moore won the David Shackleton Trophy for best Primulaceae with his perfectly grown Primula henrici var. dubernardiana. Billy grew this plant from seed, and grows it as Dionysia, plunged in damp sand, grown in a clay pot, and absorbing moisture from it.

Like father, like son – Billy Moore’s son and Show Secretary Gavin won his 4th Farrer Medal, as well as the Margaret Orsi Bowl for best plant from North America with a pan of shimmering Erythronium hendersonii. Gavin got one or two bulbs from Aberconwy many years ago. About three years ago he lifted a few bulbs from the good clump that had formed, and kept them for showing. After flowering, the pot is planted in the garden for the summer. In September when dormant they are lifted again, and potted up.

A perfectly grown and pristine Cassiope sp. won the Jacki Troughton-Smith Trophy for Liam Byrne. A well-presented Tropaeolum tricolor shown by former Show Secretary Val Keenan was awarded a Certificate of Merit, and was much admired by members of the general public. This plant was purchased in 1989 and Val repotted it last year and got a number of tubers which she passed on to others for them to enjoy.

A Bonsai display added interest in the Show Hall, as did a display of excellently photographed plants by Liam McCaughey. Soft live background music  added to the enjoyment of the general public and encouraged them to partake of the excellent goodies in the coffee shop organised by Gavin’s wife Niamh along with young family members and friends.

Gavin is to be highly congratulated for a superb show, as well as his hard practical work and enthusiasm in encouraging new members to take their first steps into the world of showing alpine plants – an addictive hobby! Well done Gavin.

Show Reporter: Pat Crossley
Photographer: Rory O’Hanlon