David Charlton: Flowers of the Dolomites

My first encounter with tiny alpine gems was in the alpine house at Kew Gardens at a time when my wife Judy and I lived in a tiny apartment in London with no garden or outside space.  In
1985 we moved to our present home in Derbyshire in the English Midlands and I began growing alpines on raised bed, in troughs and in pots in alpine houses. 

I love exploring wild places and discovering the plants that grow there.  Paradoxically, in the bleakest, most inhospitable habitats grow the loveliest flowers.  That is why I take so much pleasure in cultivating mountain plants and trying to pass on my enthusiasm to others. 

I joined the Alpine Garden Society after seeing a spectacular display exhibited at one of their Shows.  I have been secretary of the AGS Derby Local Group for many years and served for four years as a Trustee of the Society.  I am a regular exhibitor and judge at AGS Shows.  I am a frequent speaker at AGS Groups and other gardening and natural history societies. 

Since 2007, when I began to wind down from my working life as a Solicitor (Attorney), I have led mountain flower walks for Collett’s Mountain Holidays in the Dolomites, the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa.  My good friend Cliff Booker and I have published pocket field guides to the flowers of those mountains. 

I was privileged to carry out a lecture tour for NARGS in New England and am delighted to have received a further invitation to visit NW America this June.  I look forward to this wonderful opportunity with eager anticipation.