Colchicum are out in force now. Although known as Autumn Crocus by the internet, they are not and point out the problem with common names. There is already a very special crocus that does bloom in the autumn: Crocus sativus, the source of saffron. Yes there are others – Crocus pulchellus and Crocus speciosus to name but two. But back to colchicum. They are much larger than crocus and will rise for a show when planted among Vinca minor.
Our October 18th BNARGS speaker at the Berkshire Botanical Garden is part of the NARGS Speakers Tour. Paul Cumbleton was head of the Alpine Department at RHS Wisely Garden for 11 years. His special interest is Pleione and winter growing South African bulbs. However in recent years, he was bitten by the crevice garden bug and will give us a talk on it. His second talk will focus on our natives: plants from our Wasatch Range from the Utah area, and the Ruby Mountains of Nevada.
And if you are a bulb fancier, you can also attend the Tri-State meeting at the New York Botanical Garden on the next day (October 19th) and hear two more talks from him. It will be free and open to all NARGS members. Note registration is required for the NYBG event.
And at our BNARGS October meeting we will first conduct our annual business meeting. Please be ready to volunteer. See you there.
Our exciting news is a joint meeting next May 2nd with the American Primula Society chapter. Additionally they will feature a show and hold a sale with vendors. And yes we will hear a top notch speaker too. It should be great fun!
Berkshire Chapter NARGS 