Generally a much smaller following for Late Chrysanthemums in Scotland compared with the Earlies. Nevertheless a small band of enthusiasts keep plugging away, trying to encourage new growers to take up the hobby.

The Perth Late flowering show is held in the Institute Hall at the Bridge of Earn. The main class for Large Exhibition calls for 9 blooms and with five entries this year good competition was guaranteed. In first place was Alan Ainsworth from Arbroath, with a very heavy set. Alan used Peggy Ann (2), Golden Gigantic, Cream Duke, Pink Duke (3), Yellow Duke and Duke of Kent. George Anderson, Scone, made two entries in the class and came in second and third. One of George's blooms (Silver Gigantic) was awarded the National Society Bronze medal for best Large Exhibition in Show. A tremendous effort from George less than 24 hours after coming second in the 18 Large Exhibition Class at the NCS Late National at Stafford.

In the decorative classes Jim Cathcart remains almost unbeatable. In the class for three vases of five blooms Jim used Dynasty, Golden William Florentine and West Bromwich to take the red card. Jim's vase of Dynasty was also awarded the NCS Silver Medal for Best Vase in the Show. Paul Barlow, with two entries in this class was second and third.

The other multivase decorative class requires three vases of three blooms. Alan Ainsworth showed he's not just good with the Large exhibition by winning this class using Primrose west Bromwich (2) and Charles Tandy. Paul Barlow and Jim Cathcart  were second and third respectively.

In the classes for late Sprays Bill MacConnachie showed us how it's done with excellent vases of White and Yellow Rynoon.  Just beautiful!

To round off an excellent day for Alan Ainsworth he won the class for medium singles with a lovely vase of Yellow Mason, gaining the National Society Certificate of Merit in the process.

Not a big show but still the benches were full with good quality flowers rounding off a good year for the Perth Society.

Medium Singles Yellow Mason	Best Vase in Show Rileys' Dynasty	Nine Large exhibition
Late Sprays Yellow Rynoon	Three vases of five blooms	Best Large Exhibition Silver Gigantic

The final show in the exhibitor's calendar takes place at Cupar in Fife at the YMCA Halls. A last chance for the growers to get together to discuss the show season and think about plans for next year.

This year's Cupar show benefited from the late season with some quality blooms on display, especially the Large exhibition. The premiere large exhibition class calls for six blooms and was won by George Anderson with Fittons Reward(2), Golden Gigantic (2), Silver Gigantic and Gigantic. Immense blooms well worth the red card and National Society Silver Medal for Best Exhibit. One of George's Fittons Reward was particularly good and won the Best Large exhibition award.

In the new class for three Medium Exhibition Alan Ainsworth put up a fine entry of three Cossack. Exceptional red colour and good size for a medium.

In the decorative classes Jim Cathcart completed a winning season by taking the red card in the class for three vases of three blooms. Jim's entry included Pauline White (2) and Edward Shaw.

In the single vase classes red tickets were awarded to Dorothy Spencer, Paul Barlow and Jim Cathcart.

Conclusions - 1998 Late Show season

The late shows that were held early in the 998 Show Calendar were unfortunately poorly supported. This was largely due to the lateness of the growing season. The Dunfermline show (24th October) suffered more than most by the lack of blooms. Perth Show, two weeks later, was particularly good with Large and Medium Exhibition, decoratives, singles, sprays and charms all finding their way onto the show bench. Quality was especially noticeable in the Large Exhibition this year with George Anderson and Alan Ainsworth producing some tremendous blooms.

Quality in some decorative cultivars was not as good as in previous years.  Some plants failed to ripen properly due to the dull and wet summer, resulting in damping of blooms and those that were showable did not in many cases reach the quality standards we have come to expect. Still, there were good blooms to be found showing that some growers can produce the goods whatever the season.

A good year for singles this year with the Masons family of cultivars producing good blooms for a number of shows.

Not a vintage year in many ways.

If you would like further information or wish to comment on this publication please send your e-mail to: paul.barlow@chrysanthemums.info

Last updated on 15 December, 2001