NEW NATIONAL COLLECTION

THE National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens has recently awarded us full National Collection Status for our collection of Striped Auriculas. We already hold National Collections of alpine, show and double auriculas.

STRIPED auriculas - very popular in the 17th century - had virtually disappeared until some thirty years ago. We only have them now because of the patient hybridising efforts of Allan Hawkes, who sadly died recently, Derek Parsons, and other members of the National Auricula and Primula Society.

AND...IT'S ALMOST SPRING!

OUR new printed colour catalogue is ready, and includes an expanded section on auricula cultivation. If you would like one please let us have your postal address. It costs £2.00, but if you are already on our mailing list you should receive it automatically.

FOR on-line customers, the monthly availability list should no longer be necessary - we aim to keep the website up to date, and displaying only those auriculas which are available now. We will still issue a monthly printed version for postal customers.

THE 2008 annual Open Weekend at Pops Cottage will be May 17th and 18th, from 1000am to 4.30 pm. We'll be displaying as many as possible of the NCCPG National Collection plants in flower, as well as stocking the auricula theatre.

AS usual, members of the National Auricula and Primula Society will be on hand to offer advice. Admission will be £1.00 for adults, children free, in aid of the Alzheimer's Society. Please contact us for further details and directions.