THE SOCIETY

 

Today only one society remains specialising in tulips, the  Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society dating from 1836.

 

The Annual Show is held in the Wakefield Area each year, and open to the public . As well as the classes for English Florists’ Tulips, there is a section for Dutch Tulips. In recent years the Society has revived its Dutch Tulip show which is held at the Harrogate spring Show.

 

The Society holds its Annual General Meeting in October with entertaining discussions and presentations following the items of business. The Society publishes a Newsletter for Members, arranges a Garden Visit Day, and sends out schedules of competition classes in advance of the shows.

 

English Florist Tulip bulbs are not available commercially, but a limited number of bulbs are made available for new members each year. Other members of the Society contribute these. New members are encouraged to bring the flowers from their bulbs, however small, to the Annual Show, where there is a section for Novices. Other members will then be able to give advice on growing and showing techniques.

 

Dutch Tulip bulbs are readily available from garden centres and mail order suppliers at reasonable cost. Successful varieties can be found listed in past show reports.

 

The Society has published a 44 page booklet English Florists’ Tulips into the 21st Century, which contains 40 colour photographs of current varieties. The booklet can be obtained from the Secretary for £5.99 (including postage and packing within UK).

Dr Hardy Flame