The Spring Bulb Show is hosted by The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, affectionately known as The Caley. This show is a long-standing tradition that invites gardeners of all levels to exhibit their beautiful spring blooms, with a special emphasis on daffodils. If you're a lover of these cheerful spring heralds, then a visit to the show is a must!
Daffodils are easy to grow in Scotland as all, except a very few, are very cold tolerant and will grow in any reasonable soil. It is not surprising then that there are quite a few keen daffodil enthusiasts in Scotland.
Many people are unaware, though, of the huge range of daffodil cultivars with their different shapes, sizes, and colours. With over 2500 different cultivars, they have been classified into groups called divisions, plus colour codes. This might appear to be confusing but is, in fact, fairly straight-forward, for the main groups at least.
The different divisions of daffodils offer a visual feast at the Spring Bulb Show and are a testament to the diversity within this single species alone, with the key distinguishing factors for each daffodil being the trumpet (corona), the perianth (petals), and their colours.
During our Scotland Grows Show episode with Pam Whittle, former president of The Caley, we learned that although daffodils take centre stage, the show isn't just about daffodils. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of spring bulbs, including tulips, amaryllis, muscari, chionodoxa, erythronium, Fritillaria meleagris, hyacinths, iris, and many others which thrive in the Scottish climate.
For those contemplating entering their own blooms, Pam emphasises that the show is open to everyone – from novice gardeners to seasoned exhibitors. It's a place to learn, share, and be inspired. Gardeners can bring any number of entries, and there are always helpful Caley members on hand to guide participants, ensuring their blooms are showcased in the best possible light. Pam herself discovered her passion for showing daffodils after attending this very event, which has since grown into an annual tradition for her – a testament to the infectious enthusiasm that fills the air at the show.
Beyond flowers, the show represents a community of growers from across Scotland who take joy in nurturing and sharing their plants. Attendees and participants alike have the opportunity to talk with each other and with expert growers, learn more about plant varieties, and maybe even spark a friendly competition with fellow gardeners as our very own columnist Eli Appleby-Donald found after last year’s event.
With the next Spring Bulb Show scheduled for the 5th and 6th of April, it promises to be a flower-filled weekend for anyone interested in horticulture. Whether you're coming to enter your own blooms or simply to admire the wide array of vibrant displays, it's an event that celebrates the joy of gardening.
Come along to The Caley Spring Bulb Show and immerse yourself in the colours and fragrances of spring. It's more than just a show: it's an invitation to connect with nature and community alike just as spring is awakening all around us.
For additional details about the event which takes place in Edinburgh at Saughton Park, EH11 3HR, or to register your entries, visit HERE.
The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, known affectionately as ‘The Caley’, was established in 1809 and remains Scotland’s National Horticultural and Gardening Society.
The Caley is always ready to welcome new members and offers a wide range of benefits in joining: from workshops and classes, to talks and trips, there is sure to be something to interest anyone in Scotland with a love of plants and gardening. Find out more about joining this wonderful charity to support their work, particularly their educational work, on the website.