Ancient Society of York Florists stage final show of the year (From York Press)
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Ancient Society of York Florists stage final show of the year
9:14am Friday 4th November 2011 in Gardening
Coun John Galvin among cactus plants at his home in Bishopthorpe
POLITICIANS are used to getting needled at times – but one York councillor’s plant collection takes it to a whole new level.
Long-standing Bishopthorpe councillor and cactus fan John Galvin will be displaying some of his array of the plants when the Ancient Society of York Florists, of which he is the secretary, stages its final show of the year this weekend.
Coun Galvin has between 400 and 500 cacti in his greenhouse, having been collecting them for about eight years, and said: “I find them very interesting and also quite forgiving, because you can leave them to go on holiday for a fortnight and not have to worry about watering them.
“It’s an interest outside politics and they don’t take up much room. I’ve grown some of my own, bought some as small plants, exchanged some and had others given as presents — it’s just like collecting stamps.”
The Ancient Society of York Florists is the oldest horticultural society in the world, having been founded in 1768.
Its show will be held from 11am to 3pm on Sunday at Askham Bryan College. Everyone is welcome to attend.
