Comments on: PRIMROSES, WARBLERS AND GENERAL SPRINGYNESS

By: Matt Mattus

Matt Mattus — Tue, 20 May 2014 17:02:10 +0000

It wasn't, we were talking about the Daffodil show. Warm weather, early in the season eliminated any competition, and entries were few.

By: Rodney

Rodney — Sat, 10 May 2014 19:55:27 +0000

I don't recall that our show was cacelled last year.

By: Matt Mattus

Matt Mattus — Wed, 07 May 2014 19:26:33 +0000

I hate to admit it, but I find all plant society shows disappointing lately. I can't imagine how the venue could ever change the fact that plant societies have fewer members, and fewer entries. I am convinced that most plant societies don't really want to change, and if they were totally honest, they would say that they just want it to be 1940 again (including me sometimes – but that is unrealistic. This position makes them even more protective of any ownership they have left and less willing to reach out and evolve. Few really want to be collaborative. I'll admit that this one venue isn't making it easy by establishing ground rules, basic contracts and fees for their space rental, but they have financial responsibilities too. A balance needs to be reached, but most every society who hold a show here has refused to either meet in the middle, or discuss changes – instead, they took a defensive position and either left with a huff, or refused to negotiate based on grounds of entitlement. So sad, really. The real issue is a far deeper problem than where a show is held. Even I – plant geek- find some societies either too uninviting, or too unwelcoming to join today – or more often than not, particular people with power within these groups make it too stressful to deal with – if these groups cannot be inviting to me – why would a novice approach and join? Plus – in many ways, Pinterest and Facebook may be replacing what plant societies offered. So you may be totlly right – plant shows may have had their day. That is, until more progressive societies and botanic gardens learn to evolve together. Hopefully, these are just growing pains.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 07 May 2014 11:14:15 +0000

disappointing shows overall I thought compared to previous years. not sure why but that was general vibe I got saturday. same thing with african violets. maybe the venue? do not know what to make of tower hill these days. maybe plant shows have had their day? don't know but something not working.

By: Janneke

Janneke — Wed, 07 May 2014 00:31:48 +0000

Wow, I envy the double mustard yellow aruricula and the bronze/copper one such a beauty. In our country auriculas are difficult to obtain, and there is not such a thing as a Primula society.

By: Matt Mattus

Matt Mattus — Tue, 06 May 2014 23:38:09 +0000

In reply to Mlle Paradis. Oh, Mlle Paradis…..you are always so sweet. Thanks!

By: Matt Mattus

Matt Mattus — Tue, 06 May 2014 23:37:35 +0000

In reply to Unknown. Holy Cow, Alexandre! I'm so sorry that you had to read them all!!! Even I have not been able to do that. Really though, thanks for the words of encouragement. Now….if only I could make the time to go back and rewrite them all and catch all of the errors! Thanks for your dedication!

By: Unknown

Unknown — Tue, 06 May 2014 23:00:14 +0000

There, I did it! During the last few weeks of off time at work I've scrolled through all and read through (most) of your posts dating back to March '06! I can't wait to keep reading your blog for years to come! I have a lot to learn! Hopefully my small-ish Dartmouth, MA garden can one day amount to something interesting!

By: Mlle Paradis

Mlle Paradis — Tue, 06 May 2014 20:55:19 +0000

as the brits say….your blog/growing is a "tonic"! congrats on those seed-grown primulas!!!