News &c
City plants ๐ฌ๐ง The new RHS Urban show is in full swing at Depot Mayfield in Manchester and from what I've seen on social media it looks great. (Sadly i couldn't get there in person). It's on all weekend and walk-in tickets are still available so do get along if you can. There are some great pics on Insta if you check #RHSUrbanShow or check out the RHS's highlight video.
Cactus commotion ๐ฌ๐ง British Cactus and Succulent Society chairman Greg Bulmer has resigned after receiving "sustained and strong opposition" to a ban on plants poached from habitat being entered in BCSS shows. The policy had been agreed and voted on by the charity's trustees, but that wasn't enough to make it happen, it seems. Greg writes: "I no longer feel that I have the support I need to deliver meaningful change to the charity". You can read Greg's resignation statement - which was emailed to members - in full on @greatnorthernexotic's Insta. The issue of cactus conservation is a live one (see On The Ledge podcast ep 283) and the news has caused consternation and debate on the BCSS Facebook group (it's public: you can see the main thread here). My view? I am in wholehearted agreement with the ban: I suspect it would be complex to enforce (not all poached cacti are distinguishable from decades-old, seed-grown specimens), but the BCSS must lead the way on this issue if it is to be seen as a champion of cactus conservation. I have also heard from US cactus growers that the same issues are causing schisms in cactus societies on their continent: I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one. I Interviewed Greg back in episode 221 when he was new in the role: have a listen here.
Cactus trial ๐ฎ๐น Continuing the cactus conservation theme, news from Italy that two alleged cactus poachers are being tried in Ancona following the seizure of more than 1,000 rare and protected Chilean cacti from a greenhouse in Senigallia. On the IUCN Cactus and Succulent Plants Specialist Group Insta post about the news, Dr Jacob Phelps, Co-Executive Director of Conservation-Litigation.org and faculty at Lancaster Environment Center, is quoted as saying โIf you harm nature, you can be held accountable for helping to remedy itโ. The full press release is here.
EU change ๐ฌ๐ง ๐ช๐บ Brexit-induced changes to the way imported plants are handled at the UK border are due to take effect on April 30 - and they're causing UK nurseries a headache, according to this Guardian article. The source is the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) who say in this news release that the Border Target Operating Model changes at the end of the month will impact businesses importing plants from Europe, forcing them to stockpile ahead of predicted delays. I'd love to hear how UK houseplant businesses are prepping, but it's interesting to hear from houseplant shop owner Tony Le-Britton aka Not Another Jungle that he believes the issue could be less serious than is being predicted. He told me that although there are bound to be a few teething problems, the likelihood is that delays will be caused by people ordering extra and creating an issue that wasn't originally there. "The delays are likely to be a few hours or a day or two - the lorries should be temperature controlled, so there really shouldn't be a problem - everyone has enough coverage in their stores for a busy day." I'd love to know what other UK planty businesses have to say, so do get in touch.
Plant aid ๐ฌ๐ง Joe Bagley aka The Houseplant Doctor is now offering his expertise to garden centres looking to refine their houseplant displays, and train staff to look after plants better - that sounds like a great service many GCs could benefit from. What's great about Joe's description of his services is he actually gives a tangible example about Alocasia that is definitely worth a read. All the details are on Linkedin.
Job offer ๐ฌ๐ง The Glasshouse Botanics - a social enterprise offering second chances through horticultural training to women based in UK prisons - are seeking a retail shop manager three days a week. Details here. You can hear more about The Glasshouse in On The Ledge episode 195.
Shop botanic ๐บ๐ธ Houseplant sellers Terrain have a new shop in Brooklyn, New York - specifically in Brooklyn Botanic Garden. One day I'll visit!
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