A LIFETIME OF ALPINES

摘要

Close to retiring as Editor of the Alpine Garden Society after twenty-one years, Christopher (Kit) Grey-Wilson reflects on some of the places visited and plants seen, first as a senior botanist at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, later whilst with the Society. There is no doubt that gardening is a passion to many in the Society. Enthusiasm for plants is one of the most important features that brings Members together. Over the years I have been astounded by the breadth of interest in Members' gardens, and particularly the way in which some concentrate on a particular group of plants or even a single genus, often to the exclusion of almost any other. I hardly need to mention dionysias, fritillarias, cyclamen or, of course, snowdrops, the latter having reached almost 'cult' status, with prices to match. Of course I have been fascinated by various genera over the years but my real passion is for seeing and observing plants in the wild. Few other things get me so excited, except perhaps a Wagner opera, aBach cantata or a great work of art. When I try to analyse the thrill of seeing plants in the wild I realise that all manner of things come into play. I have been extremely fortunate over the years to have travelled to many parts of the world looking forplants but the journey, often through remote and little-known regions, by vehicle, on foot, or even once on a yak, is all part of the experience. Seeing other countries, meeting the local inhabitants and observing how they live is fascinating and absorbing in itself. Then to find the plants you have travelled so far to see is the culmination of the adventure.