You are here: Shows & Events | Club Events | 2025 |  2025 Scottish Autumn Show  | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021

After last year’s hugely successful inaugural event we are delighted that we will be returning again to Livingston this autumn. In addition to the usual elements of our shows (competition and display, alongside an impressive selection of nurseries) we’re offering a series of engaging talks and demonstrations as well as a range of informative gardening club and society stands that will cater both for the ardent alpine gardener as well as those with a broad interest in gardening and plants.

Our headline speaker at the event Neil Huntley, the well-respected plantsman and proud proprietor of Hartside Nursery, will share his enthusiasm for the charming beauty of Roscoea. Neil will then be followed by a series of 30 minute talks and demonstrations by a diverse range of interesting speakers.

The program of talks and demonstrations for the day will be as follows:

10am-10.30am  Talk:  "Roscoea - plants of altitude and beauty" with Neil Huntley.  

A familiar face at SRGC shows and events, Neil Huntley stands out not just for his rock gardening expertise but for his passion for these stunning plants. Native to the cooler, mountainous regions of the Himalayas, China, and its southern neighbours, Roscoea captivates with its stunning hooded, orchid-like flowers. These tuberous perennials are suitable for rock garden enthusiasts and general gardeners alike and are ideal for adding a touch of elegance and interest to any garden. Get ready to explore with Neil the species, varieties and cultivation techniques of these marvellous plants.

11am-11.30am  Talk:  "The genus Aeonium: its surprising distribution and habitats" with Frazer Henderson.

Frazer, who is convenor of our local Edinburgh SRGC Member's group, takes us on a tour through the genus, highlighting its fascinating history, unique habitats, remarkable growth patterns and ease of cultivation. Whether you are a green-thumbed novice taking your first steps into gardening or a seasoned plant explorer with a thirst for knowledge, Frazer will seek to convince you that aeoniums have something to offer.

12noon-12.30pm  Talk:  "Light and Shade - where rock and hardy plants grow best in the garden" with Drs Carole & Ian Bainbridge.

Carole & Ian are both past Presidents of the SRGC, and garden in Galloway in south west Scotland. Their talk will look at plant requirements in the garden, what wants full sun and good drainage, what wants shade and moisture; in essence, "right plant right place" for your alpine, rock and herbaceous plants.

1pm-1.30pm  Talk:  "Ferns are Fantastic!" with Heather McHaffie.

Heather is a keen fern grower from the British Pteridological Society (Fern Society). Her talk will describe some of the ferns we can grow, especially indoors, where their range of textures and colours can be fully appreciated. We will also hear about their amazing life-cycle and how to propagate them from spores. The Fern Society has a Scottish group whose members enjoy growing ferns and visiting them both in the wild and in gardens.

2pm-2.30pm  Practical Demonstration:  "Cultivating Cacti" with Alan Weepers.  

Alan, SRGC Council Member and Vice President of Fife branch of the British Cacti & Succulent Society, is well-known for his expertise in growing and exhibiting show-quality plants. In this practical workshop Alan will share his invaluable insights and experiences, giving you all the tools you need to cultivate stunning cacti and succulent plants successfully. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from the best and elevate your gardening skills.

As well as our usual classes for SRGC members, we have classes where the general public can bring plants to exhibit - see here for the Show Schedule of Classes. We wish to encourage participation by everyone who attends the Show.

8am-9.15am Show hall open for staging of plants.

9.30-11am Show closed for Judging.

11am (approx) Show open to the public

3.15pm Presentation of Prizes

3.30pm Show closes

You can click on the following link to view the Schedule of Classes for exhibitors and also the Show Rules.

. 

Plants and bulbs can be purchased at the event, starting from 10am and larger orders can be pre-ordered for collection at the event.  The nurseries attending will be the following:

Ardfearn, Bunchrew, Inverness

Our Own Members' 50:50 Plant Stall  

Please bring your spare plants and seedlings for sale (these can be on a 50:50 basis with you retaining half the proceeds and the other half donated to help pay for the cost of running this event.

Several other organisations will be attending and will man stands and provide information to visitors:

National Trust for Scotland  will have an Apple Identification table with other information.

For Satnav use EH54 6BW and follow brown HPC tourist sign. From Glasgow or Edinburgh exit M8 at Junction 3; follow A899 dual carriageway towards Livingston Centre; take the Almondvale exit (Howden, Craigshill South), then 2nd exit at roundabout. At traffic lights beneath dual carriageway turn left and follow brown road signs to Howden Park Centre.
Alternative route from south‐west via A701, A71 to A899, exiting at Almondvale slip road.

By bus: 10 minute sign‐posted walk from Livingston bus station.

Free car parking is available at the venue on Saturday (charges only apply during weekdays).