This is due in a big way to the sterling work done by their Show Secretary Gavin, who has implemented a “WhatsApp group” for members of both Irish Groups, which provides guidance and advice, and is especially welcomed by first time exhibitors, and in addition he has also implemented “WhatsApp” Growing from Seed – and he is hoping to organise a seed exchange at their plant sales in September. This will be a bonus for the future, especially with the absence of a specialist Alpine Nursery in either Ulster or Dublin.

In addition to the well-filled show benches there was a non-competitive display of wonderful bonsai by the Dublin Bonsai Group. A bright pink miniature azalea on their stand drew much admiration from members of the general public. As has been the practice for a number of years, gentle background piano encouraged the large numbers of general public to buy plants, enjoy the Show plants, and purchase and enjoy refreshments in the wonderful cafeteria of fantastic home-made food, organised and served by Gavin’s wife and family members. The Show was directed by Diane Clement who masterminded in a delightful but firm manner – she was never seen without a smile, and quite obviously appreciating and enjoying the high standard of the plants on the bench, as well as the Irish humour!

The excellent Novice Section had two first time exhibitors, but the Termonfeckin Trophy for the aggregate in this section was won by Aine-Maire NiMhurchu, who had an entry in every class bar one, with her excellently grown and beautifully presented plants.  For the best plant in the Novice Section a new award in memory of superb plantsman, the late Liam Byrne, was donated by the Group – this was a coloured pencil and graphic picture of gentians beautifully drawn by Dublin Group member Fionnuala Broughan. This was awarded for the first time to Judy Barry for Boronia pinnata, very well grown in a pot, remaining outside, except during the winter when it is moved into a polytunnel.

The Brian Wood Trophy, for a plant grown from seed in the Novice Section, was won by Keith O’Meara for a well presented Dionysia aretioides, from seed sown 4 years ago. Keith loves cushion plants and has a dehumidifier in his living room to keep plants in a dry cool atmosphere.

The Waverley Trophy for the best plant in the Intermediate Section went to Triona Corcoran for her well-presented Primula  henrici which she grows in a gritty mix, and keeps in a plunge bed, and waters carefully from below.

The David Shackleton Trophy for the best Primulaceae went to an absolutely perfectly grown Androsace studiosorum, exhibited by Show Secretary Gavin. He bought one small rosette at the Ulster Show in 2019, and with his skill the plant is grown in a gritty mix and remains in the Alpine House, and is an absolute stunner!

The Jacki Troughton-Smith Trophy for best pan of Ericaceae went to Gordon Toner, the only Ulster based trophy winner this year, for his Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’. This plant is now 20 years old and is grown in the garden, and dug up for the Show. Gordon uses blood, fish and bone when replanting.

Keeping the Moore name in the Trophy Presentation, Gavin’s father Billy was awarded two Certificates of Merit, one for Arisaema kiushianum, which is grown in well drained woodland compost, mainly in the Alpine House to protect from wind and slug damage, and another Certificate for Ramonda myconi, which requires very good drainage and doesn’t like to be in direct sunlight. Billy grows it outside in a shady spot, only removing to the Alpine House for a few months in winter.

And now we come to the Gentian King, namely Paddy Smith, whose blue and white gentians were show stealers! Paddy won two Certificates of Merit and four Awards with these stunning gentians, all expertly grown and meticulously presented – all are grown from seed, and the pots are outside all the time, and only covered over in winter because of the rain. Paddy’s mix for growing these outstanding plants is 10% soil, 20% leaf mould or peat, 20% perlite, 50% grit plus three grams of bonemeal per litre of mix!

Paddy’s two Certificates of Merit were for the exquisite pale blue Gentiana verna, and another for the stunning Gentiana dinarica alba.

Paddy also received the George Sevastopulo Award for the Open Section Aggregate and the Ulster Group Trophy for 3 pans grown from seed, and here were three outstanding gentians – Gentiana verna, Gentiana dinarica alba and Gentiana occidentalis var aragonensis (from Acaulis group but lacking green spots in the throat). Another 3 pans, native to any one continent, won Paddy the Bill Mackenzie Trophy with Gentiana verna, Gentiana dinarica (of the Acaulis group but lacking green throat spots) and Gentiana ligustica (of the Acaulis group with the tube green-spotted within).

The ‘crowning glory’ of the day was a superb pan of blue Gentiana verna with a few white interlopers, so fantastic they were almost breathtaking, as was obvious by the admiring glances by folk as they lingered at this pot on the bench, and it gave Paddy the joy of winning another well-deserved Farrer Medal – quite unique as you’ll see by the photo. Paddy won a Farrer ten years ago for a very similar pan of Gentiana verna. Well done Paddy, and thanks for sharing your Gentians, and imparting all your knowledge of best method of acquiring such high standard pots of exquisite blue!

Congratulations Gavin on a super Show, all your hard work and enthusiasm has certainly paid off in the 2024 Show!

Reporter Pat Crossley

Photographer Rory O’Hanlon