[Good guy]

I went to this show, which was held in Cabinteely Community School last Saturday. I've been interested in the idea of growing alpines for some years and my interest was further piqued by the pics of KindredSpirit's alpine troughs on this forum. So when I saw the show advertised I jumped at the opportunity to see some of the best 'in the leaf'.
My trip was well worth while: not only did I get to see lots of lovely plants, very well grown, but I also got to buy some small ones and I met with KindredSpirit to enjoy a coffee and a chat. It's nice when you can put a real person to the virtual presence on the forum.
I've included some photos of plants that took my eye. I was particularly taken by the Erythroniums and the Trilliums. I bought a little pot of Narcissus Bulbocodium and two different japanese Painted Ferns.
The bus pass paid for the transport!

[kindredspirit]

There were some some stunning plants there, Guy. I particularly liked the Soldanellas.

Mike Keep's fern stall was brilliant as well. (Shady Plants in Waterford.)

[kindredspirit]

Have a look at this Northumberland Gardener's blog for Alpines.

http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/diaries/Northumberland/+April+/666/

You can click back to his index at the bottom. Happy reading.

[Good guy]

Yes, they were lovely too. And thanks for the link.
I've just had a read through it - the authors comment on the weather remind me of the conditions when we were over in England. We were just a bit further south and it was bitter cold!
He has some beautiful plants, there. I'm intrigued by the primulas. Until I saw them in Dublin I hadn't thought of them as alpines. Primroses grow well for me; I haven't introduced them, they have just decided they like my garden (as have the spotted orchids) and cowslips do well, too (I did plant them). I don't have much success with the drumstick and candelabra kinds, though; they just don't thrive for me and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.
I'll bookmark that link for future reference, thanks again.