Nigel H-C

That's the good thing with books, they generally increase in value over time, or until they are reprinted.

I remember seeing for about £100 at Wisley but was brassic at the time, same as I am now because of the kids. I have managed to get it since, and yes have seen it go for silly money.

Same here, had the vft at 7 and went form there. At that time there was nothing even approaching a quarter of what's around now, and the only chance we had to see the rare species were in some of the books, especially one or two Japanese titles which had sometimes grainy shots taken in habitat. Glad I bought most of these when they were published, judging by the cost of them now. Its amazing how things have changed, I remember the first time I saw a Heliamphora in the flesh, and how incredible it was, having only been privvy to a couple of old photos! Nigel

Hi Dennis, Wow, 11000 members over the years is impressive, what a pity they aren't all members still! I just miss the 3 digit number with 1022. Nigel

Hi Paul, A combination of black magic and excessive alcohol consumption to aid the enbalming process helps. Nigel

Hi All, This year is my 30th consecutive as a member of the CPS. How many others have been knocking about for so long? I guess Steve Morley, Mike King, and Dave Ahrens probably have, but who else? Feeling old anyone? Nigel HC

Hi Chj, That's great of you to say so, good luck with the move. Regards Nigel

Odd, tried it earlier and its still working from my ipad? Nigel HC

Hi All, I still have the offer of the 20% discount on website orders which is open until 10th April. To take advantage of this offer, simply enter the code HCCPSPR14 in the coupon code box which appears at the top of the shopping cart page, before you go through the address details. I have also created a new facebook page which can be found here facebook.com/hccarnivorousplants Please consider following us as I'll post news, the odd offer, and may even find the time to answer questions! Regards Nigel HC

Looking forward to receiving it. Please God no though, not more TC Dionaea abominations being given cultivar status.....? I look forward with bated breath. Nigel HC

Couple of them look good, certainly better than some of those named in the CPN in recent times, which frankly would struggle to bring anything of merit to the compost heap. Nigel HC

Thanks Dave, all well and all alive thanks. Got in touch with Vic. Hope you're well. Nigel HC

Hi All, Anyone have a phone number for Vic Brown? Please PM me if you do. Thanks N H-C

Yes indeed, especially outdoor plantings and containers! You can send them to the nursery address - sales@hccarnivorousplants.co.uk Many thanks Nigel

Fred-Absolutely, the costs associated with producing these kinds of publications are huge and a degree or pre-orders will help offset that expense. It's especially important as we're not dealing with a large publishing house here, rather a small number of dedicated and hardworking individuals who have the balls to put large sums of their own money in to the kind of projects that most companies wouldn't touch with a barge pole, as there is such a limited market and therefore minimal print run. Nigel HC

Of course, then don't pre-order. Nigel HC

Exactly my point. I've run both of my businesses for a number of years, and fortunately there are still people out there who recognise the bigger picture as I mentioned above. Still we can't expect everybody to see beyond the ends of their noses. Nigel HC

Well said Marcel. The same thing happens with us nurseries-how many times have I heard people complaining that the nurseries are expensive, when you can go on ebay and buy a plant for sod-all? Who introduces plants to cultivation? Who has the trial and error process to go through to succeed in growing a particular plant? The same people who have the high overheads as we are effectively businesses, rather than someone with a couple of surplus plants to get shot of. I'd like to see someone run my operation and sell plants for a couple of pounds per shot! Nigel HC

Hi All, I spoke to Stewart the other morning. The issue was the fact he was waiting for a few final images which had been held up, and which he now has. Those of us who have been around long enough will recall the inordinate wait between Allen's volume 2 in '89 and the long anticipated volume 3 in '98. Frustrating yes, but worth the wait? Undoubtedly yes again. Nigel HC

Hi Stephen, Did you get my PM? Regards Nigel

Hi Stephen, Yes, indeed I am. Did you send me an email the other day? Have been offline for the past few days but will reply soon. Many thanks Nigel

Hi All, Last call for nursery gift vouchers for Christmas! Can be found here: http://hccarnivorousplants.co.uk/Category/19-collections-vouchers.aspx Regards Nigel HC

Hi Chris, As mentioned if it's just for Sarracenia and temperate Drosera don't bother wasting your money on heating it. I let the nursery go cold-couldn't afford to heat it! You will also find a nasty sticky orange residue coats the pots by the spring as well. Gas is a better bet if electricity is not an option as it burns more cleanly, is more controllable, and cheaper nowadays than paraffin. Nigel H-C

Hi All, I currently working on an article for publication and am looking for good quality high resolution images of bog gardens and container grown cp's. Ideally I am after images of plants grown in Europe and the US, and any used will be credited to the owner. If you have anything suitable you're willing to share with the world, please send them to me at sales(at)hccarnivorousplants.co.uk Thanks in advance Nigel

Hi Richard, A friend of mine who also attends the flower shows has without doubt the best trees in the UK. He also runs many workshops for the complete beginner right through to master classes and maintains a number of high profile trees in other personal collections. Garden centre trees, like any plants, are a false economy. Buy from an expert, and this guy really can make a silk purse from a sows ear. PM me and I'll give you his details. Nigel HC