NAPS Midland and West Section

27/07/2024

Three seedling Grey Edge Auriculas were standing at the back of my greenhouse bench. Lynn, my wife but known to many as ‘the Seed Lady’ (I have heard myself referred to at an Auricula show as ‘Lynn’s husband’ – a measure of humility is good for all of us) looked in and said, “I like that one” and then went off to destroy more weeds in the border. A short while later, the plants were standing in a different order at the back of the bench, when Lynn looked in, pointed and said, “I still like that one.” I wrote a note on the back of the plant label. The truss opened properly in time for the Northern Show of 2015 and was put into the Grey Seedling class. When we were allowed back into the hall after judging, there was the magic red card in front of the plant. While we were admiring this, the Secretary reminded me, “First Prize, Allan. That plant needs a name.” The steward, who was just passing, stopped, looked at his list and said, “It has a name already. I’ve written it down. On the back of the label it says ‘Lynn’s Favourite’. ”

23/07/2024

Pictured here "Roberto" and "Lynn's Favorite in Class 2 Romsley 2023
Roberto - Raised by Dr Robert Newton in 1965 and features in Argus 25. A John X Teem seedling. It's always great to see this on the bench.

Lynn's Favorite - Raised by Allan Guest in 2011 featuring in Argus 62 A Margaret Martin X Hawkwood seedling. I'm hoping Allan will do a nice feature on this stunning Auricula at some point in the future.

For more information on growing Auricula, memberships, seed lists and plant sales please do head over to our website.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/dates.html

13/07/2024

At the Saltford show in 2022 we were treated to a wonderful talk by Andy Kemp on how to dress an Auricula for a show (pictured here in the first three photos)

The Novice sections in 2023 and 2024 were at a great standard, seeing many new growers giving showing a go. I can say without a doubt Andys inspirational talk helped in this and certainly inspired many to get plants on the bench in the following years, with confidence.

The same can be said for Neil Tyers pictured in the second two photos preparing his plants for the bench, a real master at work, again always on hand to give advice and help in any way he can.

Joining our society not only gives you access to seed lists, sales benches but also a wealth of knowledge from experienced growers and share experiences with other growers.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.html

The last two pictures are me at Saltford and Knowle Auricula shows 2023 collecting my Novice Trophies form Andy Kemp and Derek Tilt a very proud moment but proof in how the experience from other will inspire and assist in your growing.

Have a great weekend

Graham

12/07/2024

"Sirius" pictured here from my collection in 2022, last year they had a year off.

Raised by Frank Jacques on 1979 and nearly ended up on the compost heap, but made it to the show bench and personally I'm glad it did, its one of my favorites. It's loved by many and loathed by some. What are your thoughts? Please share any photos of an Alpine you love and grown in the comments below.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.html

04/07/2024

Painted Ladies - " But the Painted ladies that are all powdered in which their chief beauty consists they (are) soon by rains and dews disrobed of these lovely ornaments and deprive you in an hour of what you was a year expecting to see and admire" - Brewer c1735

The term "Painted ladies" refers to a group which was distinguished by the coating of farina which enveloped the whole plant, it included flowers with varied coloration including striping, streaks and apparent edging.

Part of a wonderfully interesting article I'm reading tonight By David Tarver - Auricula history.

Graham

02/07/2024

Any Auricula put on the bench by John Green are always top quality in 2022 he entered two border seedlings, now known and named "Jess" and "Bailey boy" both wonderfuly named after two of John's Dogs pictured below.
Jess is a Black Belgian shepherd and Baily Boy is a white and brown Jack Russell. Sadly neither are with John anymore but what a fantastic way to remember these two characters forever.

We will be featuring John alot more in the coming months but for now let's admire two fantastic border varieties and of course his two beutiful dogs.

Graham

01/07/2024

Some fine Auricula raised by the great Derek Prasons, who gave us an abundance of Striped and Fancy Auricula plus a host of others. Many of which would look fantastic in any collection or show bench.

We will be doing a feature on Derek Parsons and others in the coming months but for now please take a look at many more of Derek's wonderful additions to the Auricula world in the links below., and who knows you may be lucky enough to purchase one on a sales bench at a show.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/dp_2006/derek_parsons_2006_auriculas.html

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/dp_2014/derek_parsons_2014_auriculas.html

Don't forget we are also on Instagram so please do give us a follow in the link below

https://www.instagram.com/napsmidlandsandwest?igsh=ZmFkbmczc3c1ZWc5

Thankyou GP

24/06/2024

Seedling: Blyth Spirit x Brimstone and Treacle. From the seed in the NAPS Midland and West seed scheme 2023. Later flowers were double. Several Doubles came from the same cross but none good enough for the show bench. It would be interesting to hear from others who received a packet of the same seed. AG.

19/05/2024

Green Edged Auricula 'Septimus Green.' This plant was shown at Saltford on 20 April and only went out of flower today 19 May. A word of recognition and thanks to Brian Coop who raised this beautiful and characterful variety. AG.

09/05/2024

"Daisy Wood" was well shown at both Saltford and Knowle this year, raised by Hazel Wood in 2007 winning best seedling and premier in Cheadle 2008 and in the same year best seedling and best plant at Knowle.

Daisy Wood continued to do well winning best double in 2010, 2014, 2015 and continues to do well in 2024.

However one double jumped out on the doubles bench at Knowle this year "Prima" raised by Derek Tilt in 1999 and was a stand out double winning best in section. Shown in the third picture here by John Green. Derek was delighted to see his creation still doing well on the bench.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.html

06/05/2024

It was a joy to see "Bedlam Furnace" on the show bench at this year's Knowle show, and here it is in all its glory.

Here's a little bit of fascinating history behind this wonderful example of a gold centred alpine.

Bedlam Furnace won best seedling at the 2018 Knowle show and was raised by Ed Pickin, recorded as being named after a historic site in Bedlam, Shropshire close to the home of Ed and known as the Iron furnaces. It was these bedlam furnaces that were the subject by the famous 1801 Phillip Loutherberg painting "Coalbrooke by night" (pictured below)
You can see then why Ed came up with the name bedlam furnace after seeing this painting and then admiring a stand out Auricula that really does match well to the paintings colours.

Graham Prigg

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.html

04/05/2024

"Bilbo Baggins" bred by John Radford in 1999 and one of the parent plants of the mighty "Dragons Hoard". This one I found to my good fortune on the sales table at NAPS Midland and West Section and whilst buying it I was stood with none other than Ed Pickin who bred Dragons Hoard, these simple things really please me. Another reason to join the society and get to a show. Graham

27/04/2024

Thankyou to everyone who attended the show at Knowle today. Some fantastic Auricula on display and as always jolly good company. Here's a preview of things to come here on the page.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.html

23/04/2024

A double Seedling shown by Ed Pickin from this weekends Saltford Primula and Auricula show. Ed wasn't keen on it........what are your thoughts?

Ed is a fantastic grower of Auricula and you can see why his reputation so good from this example here. Closing words from Ed were "I suppose I'd better think of a name for it"

This weekend sees our Auricula show at Knowle, where the sales table is always very lively also the show benches teaming with beutiful Auricula. Please do come along and support the society also memberships can be obtained below.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/index.html

Graham

17/04/2024

Good morning everyone.

This weekend Saltford village hall opens its doors for our Primula and Auricula show this Saturday 20th April 2024.

Saltford Hall, Saltford, Nr Bath, BS31 3BY
10am start
Judging 12.00
Presentation and close 3.30

The show is open to all members of the society and guests are able to veiw the fantastic array of show plants from 2pm not to mention a look over the plant sales table.

Membership is advisable to get the best out of the shows and to get early access to the plant sales table. Please note beginners and novice growers are very welcome and we woukd love to see you join the society and get some plants on the bench in the novice section. There are plenty of people who will help you along your journey.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.html

Here are some photos of last year and some novice entries.

Hope to see lots of you on Saturday

Graham

27/03/2024

"Regency Valentine" bred by John Powell 2012 winner of premier spoon Great Bookham 2014

"Regency Symhony" bred John Powell 2012. Regency emperor X Red wine. Best in section Knowle 2013,2015,2016, and 2016. Saltford 2015

For more information on shows, seed list and membership please head over to

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.htm

Graham Prigg

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

07/03/2024

Double trouble.

"Daisy Wood"
shown here at Knowle show 2023, I believe by Mr A Guest (I may be wrong) bred by Hazel Wood in 2007.
And it has history 🫨
Best seedling + premier Cheadle 2008. Best double Newbottle 2010,uplands 2012,Newbottle 2014,Romsley 2015 Saltford 2015 (same plant)

Joanne

Bred by Derek Salt 1999
Seedling X Walton Heath
Premier medal southern show 200

Please do head over to the society page. New members are always welcome

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.html

GP

06/03/2024

"P.Farinosa"

Best Primula in show Knowle 2023

GP

23/02/2024

A very good morning everyone.

Just reading through our Spring newsletter over my morning cup of tea and noticed that Hillview Hardy Plants Ltd are offering 10% discount to all NAPSMW members until December 2024. There has never been a better time to join our wonderful society and begin your journey growing and showing. Please ask for your discount code after joining.

Thankyou Hillveiw hardy plants

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.html

GP

N.A.P.S. Midland & West Section The Honorary Secretary, Neil Tyers, 6 St. David's Crescent, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 4SS. United Kingdom. 01530 [email protected] Application [email protected]£1.50 chargePaypalMembers (not paying by Standing order) ...

19/02/2024

Two light centred Alpines from the Knowle show 2023. Stella North and Stella South.

Both bred by the great Dave Skinner, Stella South bred in 2001 and two years later Stella North 2003. Both named after power stations on the river Tyne.

Stella North winning best in section at Knowle 2017, Saltford 2019 and Ossett 2022.

Stella South winning Premier medal Cheadle 2012 and 2015. Best alpine and Premier medal Newbottle 2012.

07/02/2024

A feast for the eyes for the winners of Class 2 at the 2023 Knowle show. I hope everyone is excited as we are for 2024 shows. Here we have

Warwick - Bred by Peter Ward in 1976. Walhamton x Teem.

Roberto - Show green edged . Bred Dr Robert Newton 1965. A John x Teem.

Brasso - Show self. Bred Tim Coop

Royal Marine - Show Self - Bred by Allan Chadwick

Don't forget to also follow us on the gram 😁
https://www.instagram.com/napsmidlandsandwest?utm_source=qr&igsh=ZmFkbmczc3c1ZWc5

Please do support and join our wonderful society on the link below, we also have seed lists, beginners zoom talks and at the show amazing plant sales. Everyone is welcome.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/index.html

See you soon Graham

05/02/2024

I am happy to say that yesterday’s post was incorrect and was the result of a misunderstanding on the writer's part for which apologies. Please do not attach any blame to Neil. He does not intend to stand down as Secretary with immediate effect. He will continue in post until a successor can be appointed at the next Annual General meeting in September. He will also continue to carry out the tasks which he has performed so far and hopes to be able to offer appropriate and support to whoever succeeds him. I am sorry for any problems which may have arisen.

The Committee will however continue to look at the number of jobs which Neil currently carries out and seek for ways to share them out so that the newcomer does not have to take on the sheer volume of tasks which Neil has carried out over the ten years or so of his tenure of the office.

On a separate topic, we have been asked whether it would be possible to send out mixtures of any seeds remaining from the Seed List. The Pot Luck mixtures have once again sold remarkably well and, by way of example, it might be possible to put together a packet of 40 seeds comprising 10 Exhibition Auriculas, 10 European hybrids, 10 soft-leaved poly/prims and 10 garden types such as japonica. If you have already purchased as much seed as your shelves will hold, it would still be interesting to hear your views for future years. As ever, we can offer seed to members of the Midland and West Section only.
AG

04/02/2024

For the last ten years in the post of Secretary, Neil Tyers has guided the Midland and West Section through a period of success and development. He has brought well-considered thought, solid determination and his experience as one of the most respected growers and exhibitors to the role. Neil has hinted for a time that the demands on his time were becoming difficult. Although we knew that he leads a very full life with a responsible job in industry and as a family man, it still came as a surprise when he informed us recently that he is no longer able to devote the time and energy which he feels is needed to the tasks of the Secretary. He therefore feels compelled to step down from the post with immediate effect.

The Committee discussed Neil’s decision at their meeting on Saturday and decided that the jobs which he has been carrying out should be shared out amongst the remainder of the Committee and that we should look for a replacement immediately. A list of the responsibilities will be published in the Spring Newsletter later this month. The post is open to any member of the Society. In the course of the discussions, Peter Squire announced that he would be prepared to take on the task. Members who attend the shows will know of Peter’s successes as a grower of European primulas, while his page, the European Primulas Group, has a following of 559 enthusiasts across the world.

Any future Secretary has to be elected at the Annual General Meeting in September. If you would like to offer yourself for the post, please contact me by email at the usual address: [email protected]. I will then pass on all the information to the Committee who might wish to offer recommendations to the AGM. We also need additional members of the Committee who are prepared to help out in any way to keep our Section running smoothly. All meetings are conducted via Zoom so that we can draw on expertise from the widest possible area of the country.

In the meantime, we hope to function much as before, learning as we go along without the steady hand which has characterised Neil’s time in office. All queries previously addressed to Neil should be emailed to me and I will endeavour to find a competent member to respond.

29/01/2024

The second phase of the NAPS M&W Seed Scheme began a week ago. Stocks are running down quickly but there are still some bargains to be had. Seeds cost £1 per packet plus post and packing. You can find the full list of varieties currently available on the Midland & West website. There are just single packets of many items. Remember that we are not a commercial firm. We can supply seed to NAPS M&W members only. If you bought seed in the first phase, you can still send in an order for the second phase. Good luck with your seeds.

09/01/2024

Showtime.......6 show plants and what a feast of them we have here. Which set is your favorite?

07/01/2024

Some combined Auricula Shown by Allan Guest in 2023. Amazing to see some different varieties put together on the bench.

Don't forget our seed list for 2024 is now available and live on our website and open to all members. https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/m&w.html

GP

06/01/2024

Good afternoon everyone. The yearly seedlist is now Live to all paid members over on our website . What an amazing amount of donations once again this year. Please see the link below for access and memberships.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/seedlist2024.html?fbclid=IwAR3AGhlccpCR4PxdIlIXpFFp7hWYEy-vwl5d4j1i5l8tCYvKEfrlGUKxjVM

04/01/2024

Here are some dates for your diary for 2024 (Please see attached photo)

The shows are a great place to be with many top growers exibiting and with a fantastic beginer section to classes for experienced growers, plant/seed sales. Above all its great place to learn and mix with other growers. The show halls are always buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm with people sharing the same passion.

Please do join the society at the link below for all of the above plus an amazing yearbook. GP

http://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/index.html

18/12/2023

To all who love the beautiful flowers:

Happy Christmas
Frohe Weihnachten
Joyeux Noël
Nadolig Llawen
Nollaig Shona duit
Fijne kerst
Счастливого Рождества
Щасливого Різдва
God Jul

Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.
AG

28/11/2023

This year's Primula shows had some fantastic show plants. Here are a couple of photos from the two of the the sections.

If anyone has anymore info on these please feel free to add in the comments. (Basic info added below photographs)

Photos courtesy of Graham prigg

To join the society and get regular show info, seed lists, zoom talks and plant sales please do join in the link below.

https://www.auriculaandprimula.org.uk/index.html