Nbs' Outbox

I used to travel up to the Aye show each year and I stayed in Coalburn at John Hamilton's home.
There was a wonderful old couple who took all of the prizes at the Coalburn annual show and I have not seen such quality brought from a back garden.
They were truly champions.
Derek

This is quite easy to grow and it is quite handsome in a house.
Derek

This is Henry who lives in Coalburn, Lanarkshire and he made this garden to celebrate his daughter's wedding.
He is a member of the Scottish Begonia Society and he has won the multi pot class in the begonia section at the Ayr Flower Show in Rozelle Park.
I judged the begonias that particular year.

I have loved begonias for many years and I have competed against other growers who are now valued friends. My main pleasure is the appreciation of visitors to the shows where I exhbit - reward enough - and Mark's remarks add to this feeling of feeling that it is all worth while.

This is the 3 pot class of tuberous begonias at my local show.
From left to right:- George McCormick, Mrs. E McLauchlan Jessie Cruickshank and Ruby Young. The latter was in the one pot class and both exhibits received 1st prizes. The 3 pot exhbit won best in show.

Begonia Vista

Ancient Society

Kathryn Hartley

Funny Valentine

A fancy named Fanfare

Double auricula Chiquita

Stella Sout (named after a Power Station)

Piers Telford named after my youngest grandson

Divint Dunch raised by me . A Geordie saying meaning don't bump.

Alpine Auricula Dilly Dilly

Alpine auricula Andy Cole which I named when he played for Newcastle.

Alpine Auricula Ancient Society

Double auricula Trouble.

Fancy Auricula Bitter Sweet.

Fancy Auricula Angel Eyes

Double auricula Kentucky Blues

Double auricula Crimson Glow

Red Hanging Basket Ayr 06

Double Auricula Somersby

Mrs. E. McLauchlan Best in Show at Southport 2006 for Vincent Potts. He doesn't use cotton wool but he prefers to drape lace curtaining over the plant to prevent moving.

Begonias grow with a centre bud and two side buds.
The centre bud is a double flower (the male)whereas the side buds with the seed bud behind are single flowers - the females.
Form 1.25" the centre bud will take 5 weeks to bloom to maturity

It requires great care top carry a begonia plant to the show,
Synthetic cvotton wool is carefully packed between flower and leaf and between each flower.
The flowers have to be carefully spaced after the cotton wool has been removed at the show.

Yet another immaculate member's garden.

Begonias suitable for outdoors pot work

A garden with bedding begonias.