JOIN NOW.... Introduction.

HIMALAYAN PLANT ASSOCIATION: PLANTS FOR THE CONNOISSEUR

TO SOW A SEED IS A NOBLE DEED; PROPAGATION IS CONSERVATION (Professor Norm Deno)

Be Proud of Growing and Studying plants originating from the world's highest mountain range - along with supporting GENUINE botanical and conservation projects for Himalayan flora, becoming well-informed about the real issues. Follow in a fine tradition (see final section at the bottom of this page covering REAL CONSERVATION and: https://sites.google.com/a/shpa.org.uk/main/sir-george-taylor-s-contribution-to-plant-hunting-in-the-himalaya ). We cater for a wide range of interests and backgrounds - all are made welcome and valued. CONTACT CHERIS CHADWELL IF YOUR ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING: chrischadwell261@btinternet.com

25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF OUR JOURNAL WAS COMPLETED (March 2018 Issue) see:

https://sites.google.com/a/shpa.org.uk/main/back-copies-of-hpa-journals-3

Our next issue is almost completed: March 2019

Meconopsis staintonii photographed by © Steve Marshall

*Our exchange is small but it is THE BEST IN THE WORLD - the seed has been RELIABLY identified with photos of almost all the items listed. What our society provides this. Chris Chadwell's informal research suggests that AT LEAST half of the items offered in specialist society seed exchanges under Himalayan names, are IMPOSTORS - they have been misidentified! So get the best. On top of this you can have confidence in the viability of the seed as it has been inspected by Chris himself, who has more than 30 years experience behind him.

Typical genera found in the Himalaya: PRIMULA, MECONOPSIS, ARISAEMA, GERANIUM, CLEMATIS, IRIS, RHODODENDRON, CODONOPSIS, GENTIANA, ANDROSACE, LILIUM, SAXIFRAGA, CORYDALIS, ACER, BETULA, CREMANTHODIUM, DELPHINIUM, EUPHORBIA, ROSA, SALVIA

'Himalayan Peony' (Paeonia emodi) in cultivation © Chris Chadwell

What do you get for your annual subscription to the Himalayan Plant Association? Three LIBERALLY illustrated digital journals/year (an indication of their content can be seen below), access to the highest quality Seed Exchange (albeit modest numerically) anywhere in the world; meetings around the UK (where plant exchanges take place) and once re-established, a Display Garden of Himalayan plants, the world's smallest 'botanical' garden (close to London) available for visits by appointment plus you help support Chris Chadwell's on-going botanical research leading to scientific and conservation projects in the Himalaya

Arisaema speciosum photographed by © Steve Marshall

Annual Subscription Rate: £10 (payable by pay pal, [there will be a small additional amount to cover their transaction charges] by cheque [only for UK members], or cash [£10 sterling, $14* dollars or 13* Euros] * These figures (as of July 2016) are much lower than previously, due to drop in value of sterling! Membership of most specialist horticultural (andbotanical) societies is treble this amount - albeit they receive printed journals in the post, though the images within HPA Journal pdfs are of a good standard.

Primula minutissima on a wet ledge in Himachal Pradesh © Chris Chadwell

Secretary and Editor: Chris Chadwell Slough, Berks ENGLAND

e-mail: chrischadwell261@btinternet.com to receive an APPLICATION FORM.

Chris admiring a wonderful expanse of Cremanthodium decaisnei in the Western Himalaya © Chris Chadwell

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION

We are an informal association, (founded in 1990, with a break from 2013-2015). Membership is world-wide, covering horticulturists, botanists (amateur and professional), hobbyists, societies and those with just a general interest in the region. Our journals are well-illustrated, produced digitally as PDFs, sent by e-mail. Through these and events, the Association aims to bring together and spread information on plants from the Himalaya. The association’s web presence is currently a section within this site.

CULTIVATION

Thought-provoking articles appear in our journals on cultivation, propagation, plant profiles, accounts of botanic and other gardens growing Himalayan plants. Chris encourages members to submit informal notes and articles. Editors of all specialist horticultural journals are constantly on the look out for accounts of first-hand cultivation experiences – they are aware that their members have valuable knowledge. Too many articles and indeed books, are full of second-hand “know-how” just copied from other articles and books! Unfortunately, such out-put can then be consumed un-critically, ending up as ‘conventional wisdom’ amongst gardeners. Our Secretary, from his own efforts combined with 35 years observing hundreds of gardeners during visits all over the UK, to many parts of North America and other countries plus corresponding with many more growers, has absorbed smarter ways of doing things that really will improve your success at growing Himalayan plants. Association members are in an ideal position to share what they know and are actively encouraged to do so.

Corydalis beside a stream in Kashmir © Chris Chadwell

Variant of Geranium wallichianum in cultivation © Chris Chadwell

SEED EXCHANGE

Our Seed Exchange (details are sent out in February) is of the highest quality, both in terms of viability of seed offered and accuracy of identification - most other seed exchanges, large or small contain a high proportion of items which are misidentified; Few items have a “chilling” requirement, so seed sown in March or April can be expected to germinate well. Indeed Chris has on many occasions (due to other commitments) sown Himalayan seed as late as May or even early June and achieved good results. A Seed Exchange is dependent upon donors – so please contribute. However, what matters is quality, rather than quality. Chris can help check the identity of seed submitted. Given the increasing rules and regulations which are restricting access to wild-collected seed, it makes sense to devote energy to developing seed exchanges further and contributing to their quality by learning from Chris how to more reliably identify plants being grown in our gardens.

Rhododendron lepidotum in cultivation photographed by © Steve Marshall

DISPLAY GARDEN

At one time Chris’ small town garden operated as a mini-botanical garden (dedicated the P.N.Kohli), built up over a period of 30 years, containing species introduced from the Himalaya (many used in Tibetan Medicine). It was featured on BBC Gardeners’ World in 1995 (one of the final efforts of Geoff Hamilton). Unfortunately, at present, there is no garden as such – though a limited number of shrubs and perennials survive. Due to difficulties, his garden was largely “raised to the ground” in 2014 in expectation that he would move, realising that his neighbours’ did not appreciate what was there! Chris’ intention is to restore it. He would welcome donations of plants of known Himalayan provenance to speed up the process, such that he can open it to visitors once again and continue to pay tribute to Prem Nath Kohli.

A 'Blue-poppy' in cultivation © Chris Chadwell

CONSERVATION

We highlight GENUINE conservation issues relating to the flora of the Himalaya. Chris established the FLOWERS FIT FOR A DALAI LAMA Plant Conservation Project in 2010. He currently would like to pursue further initiatives such as: helping turn Ladakh’s high-altitude deserts green; planting of Giant Himalayan Stinging Nettles to aid soil stabilisation in Nepalese Villages; planting of trees native to bordering districts, rather than unsuitable ‘alien’ trees, in borderlands of Western Tibet. Our Secretary NEEDS the support and encouragement an active association brings.

Chris Chadwell with a Ladakhi family © Chris Chadwell

PLANT HUNTING and local heroes

Articles on the adventures of plant hunters past and present appear in our journals – as do accounts of people from the Himalaya, whose expertise and contributions were not always acknowledged, let alone fully appreciated in the past.

Dr Walter Koelz with Thakur Rup Chand photographed in the US © Chris Chadwell

TRAVEL

Chris is happy to advise members on exploring for plants in the Himalaya – whether as independent travellers or within an organised group. During the 1980s he escorted a number of ‘botanical tours’ in the Western Himalaya and is now very much an “old hand” as to travelling in most parts of the Indian sub-continent. So take advantage of his exceptional knowledge to get the best out of such visits. Or “look back on” and “relish” your trip by sending Chris images of plants seen, so he can name them for you – maybe then sharing your experiences by being encouraged to submit an article describing your travels in the Himalaya in our journal. This is a way you can contribute to the association.

Primula capitata in cultivation © Chris Chadwell

KOHLI MEMORIAL GOLD MEDALS

This Association has been recognising both individuals (including posthumous awards) and Institutions from countries in the Himalaya, along with Westerners, who have made a significant contribution towards the study, cultivation or conservation of Himalayan flora. The Kohli Memorial Gold Medal honours Prem Nath Kohli – an Indian forestry officer turned horticulturist and conservationist. Recipients to-date: Urvashi Suri, (India); Ghulam Rasool Beigh (Kashmir, India); Narsim (Naryanswamy Ashram, Kumaon Himalaya, India); Thakur Rup Chand (Lahoul, India); Wangyel & Richen Gialtsen (Lahoul, India), Prem Singh Bodh (Himachal Pradesh, India); Amchi Tsewang Smanla (Ladakh, India); Materia Medica Department (Dalai Lama’s Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute, Dharamsala, India); Botany Department (University of Kashmir, India); Walter Koelz (University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, USA); Ole Olsen (Norway); Alastair McKelvie (Scotland).

'Royle's Inula' (Inula royleana) photographed in Kashmir © Chris Chadwell

BOTANY

A plant identification service is offered – whether of specimens in cultivation of known Himalayan origin or photographed in Himalaya. Chris has helped botanists access plant material in cultivation of known Himalayan provenance – an under-utilised resource, as taxonmic revision can be based upon scrappy, inadequate herbarium specimens. Chris has recently set-up a FLOWERS OF THE WESTERN HIMALAYA web-site – this represents the beginnings of a PHOTOGRAPHIC REFERENCE and IDENTIFICATION GUIDE to the flora of the region, in the form of a digital ‘herbarium’.

Himalayan peaks in Central Nepal © Chris Chadwell

MEETINGS and PLANT EXCHANGES

These are an important aspect of the association, allowing members to meet fellow enthusiasts. Chris makes an effort to arrange these all over the UK. Numbers attending are modest, typically 6-10, enabling a special atmosphere to develop, never possible with larger group outings – the association has often been able to secure privileged access “beind-the-scenes”. Chris usually gives a digital presentation about plants seen on his Himalayan travels, bearing in mind the interests of those present. Often there is a second presentation by another member, lunch and either a tour of the host’s garden or a visit to a nearby botanical garden or specialist nursery. Venues for our gatherings have included: Threave School of Gardening, Hergest Croft and Samye Ling Tibetan Monastery plus several members private homes and gardens – combined with visits to nearby places of interest such as Kew, Savill Gardens, Wisley, Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh Botanics. There is also the opportunity to exchange any excess plants with those attending. We all have different tastes and succeed in raising some specimens but not others – so this is an ideal way to enrich members' gardens.

You don't have to only or primarily, grow Himalayan plants to be a member of the association - there is plenty of interest within the journals and other aspects of being a member for any CONNOISSEUR of plants, now matter where they come from!

SO WHY NOT JOIN TODAY - YOU ARE SUPPORTING A WORTHWHILE CAUSE!

Contact Chris for an APPLICATION FORM by e-mail on: chrischadwell261@btinternet.com - if you choose to pay using pay pal, he will send YOU a payment request, so do advise him if you have a separate e-mail/account for such payments.

BACK-COPIES OF HIMALAYAN PLANT ASSOCIATION JOURNALS

The front cover illustration of the March 2016 Journal was the 'West Himalayan Blue-poppy' (Meconopsis aculeata) © Chris Chadwell

The March 2016 Journal honours the contribution of Mrs Urvashi Suri, daughter of Prem Nath Kohli, who took over from her father as Proprietor of P.Kohli & Co.; Choice & Rare Seeds offered for sale from Kashmir in the 1930s; Early colour photos of Kashmir plants; thoughts of 'Valley of Flowers' author F.S.Smythe: "You must have a garden before you know what you are treading on" and "Conditions of Success" (for mountaineering expeditions); Part I of an account of an expedition to Zangskar; Some Kashmir Primulas; Part I of a series about the first plant collectors in Kashmir & the Punjab covers William Moorcroft, the first to explore in the region, leading to several species being named after him such as Saxifraga moorcroftiana and Salvia moorcroftiana; Scutellaria prostrate is described in detail, whilst Delphinium brunonianum is profiled photographically.

The front cover illustration of the July 2016 Journal was 'Hooker's Iris' (Iris hookeriana) © Chris Chadwell

The July 2016 Journal pays tribute to Dr Ralph Stewart, 'The Father of Pakistan Botany', with the award of a posthumous Kohli Memorial Gold Medal; there is information on the progress of the first donations to help restore the Kohli Memorial Botanical Garden; we feature Victor Jacquemont, a young Frenchmen who was the first botanist to visit Kashmir in 1830, leading to a number of plants being named in his honour, best known of which is the pure-white barked birch Betula jacquemontii; there is the final part of an account of a botanical expedition to where the BBC 'World About Us' Series in the 1980s described as the 'Last Place on Earth'; Phlomis cashmeriana is described in detail, whilst Aconitum violaceum is profiled photographically; experiences of germinating seed are shared, whilst Saxifraga chadwellii - reportedly 'new-to-science', is investigated; new sections on SCENERY, PEOPLES OF THE HIMALAYA and Human Geography of Ladakh are begun

The front cover illustration of the November 2016 Journal was the 'Kashmir Creeping Primula' (Primula reptans) © Chris Chadwell

Our November 2016 Journal contains further information about germinating Himalayan seed along with some comments on seed sowing and growing conditions along with advice to be patient when waiting for signs of germination; the final part of the series on Plants of Horticultural Value from Kashmir & the NW Himalaya; a new section covering Conservation begins with an explanation of what the grossly and falsely over-used 'Critically Endangered' category actually means; a series on Medicinal Plants of the Himalaya starts with Saussurea costus; Part I of an account of an expedition to East Nepal; Vigne & von Huegel are covered in the First Plant Collectors in Kashmir & the Punjab; Delphinium vestitum is described in detail whilst Ephedra gerardiana is profiled photographically; the series on Scenery, Peoples of the Himalaya and Human Geography of Ladakh continue.

Our March 2017 contains further germination records, flowering of Irises in a Welsh garden and the start of a series on general Cultivation Tips for Himalayan plants, covering Arisaema; Correspondence with Dr R Stewart; View of Kanchenchunga Himal from Darjeeling; Attributes required to botanise in the Himalaya; Medicinal Plants of the Himalaya: Inula racemosa; Final part of account of Expedition to East Nepal; Human Geography of Ladakh, settlement types & religious structures; Wild Flowers of Kashmir: Androsace muscoidea; Geranium lambertii is profiled photographically; more images of Himalayan mountains and peoples;

First Plant Collectors in Kashmir: Falconer & Thomson.

Back copies of HPA Journals

The Himalayan Plant Association, founded in 1990, re-started in 2016, after a short gap due to the ill-health of its Editor & Secretary Chris Chadwell.

Back copies of issues 46-51 are available as pdfs sent by e-mail @ £5 each or £10 for 3. Below you will find a summary of some of the contents of each along with the front cover illustrations. Each journal typically contains about 50 pages with some 60 colour and a few black & white illustrations - remarkable value for the high quality, often unique content available - though why not actually join the association, with the benefit of access to the annual Seed Exchange. See: https://sites.google.com/a/shpa.org.uk/main/latest-situation

CONTENTS OF ISSUE 52 include: Plants for the Connosiseur - Anemone falconeri; Medicinal Plants of the Himalaya - Cannabis sativa; Wild Flowers of Kashmir - Notholirion thomsonianum; Plant Portrait - Arisaema costatum; Experiences with Himalayan Seed in Washington State; Germination and initial cultivation of Himalayan Seed in Wales; Ethnobotany of Lahaul; Human Geography of Ladakh; Spying on the Royals; Roland Edgar Cooper; Missionaries & Clergymen as botanists in India & Pakistan. 63 pages, 71 colour photos, 2 black & white.

CONTENTS OF ISSUE 51 include: Plants for the Connosiseur - Adonis chrysocyathus; Medicinal Plants of the Himalaya - Dactylorhiza hatagirea; Wild Flowers of Kashmir - Anemone rupicola; Plant Portrait - Hedychium spicatum; Experiences with Himalayan Seed in Washington State; Germination and initial cultivation of Himalayan Seed in Wales; Ethnobotany of Lahaul; Human Geography of Ladakh; Peoples of the Himalaya - Gujjar tribesmen and children of Kashmir. 40 pages, 53 colour photos, 1 black & white.

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CONTENTS OF ISSUE 50 include: Plants for the Connosiseur - Aconitum cordatum; Medicinal Plants of the Himalaya - Sinopodophyllum hexandrum; Wild Flowers of Kashmir - Colchicum luteum; Plant Portrait - Rhododendron barbatum; Experiences with Himalayan Seed in Washington State; Germination and initial cultivation of Himalayan Seed in Wales; Ethnobotany of Lahaul; Human Geography of Ladakh; Peoples of the Himalaya - Nepalese locals in Pokhara. 46 pages, 65 colour photos, 1 black & white.

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CONTENTS OF ISSUE 49 include: Medicinal Plants of the Himalaya - Inula racemosa; Wild Flowers of Kashmir - Androsace muscoidea; Plant Portrait - Geranium lambertii; Cultivation Tips - Arisaema; Further Germination results in Cambridgeshire; British & Royal Nepalese Army Expedition to Mt. Kirat Chuli, Eastern Nepal; Human Geography of Ladakh; Peoples of the Himalaya - Auto-rickshaw driver & botanic garden staff, Kashmir; Attributes required to botanize in the Himalaya. 51 pages, 63 colour photos, 4 black & white.

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CONTENTS OF ISSUE 48 include: Plants of Horticultural Value in Kashmir & North-West Himalaya; Medicinal Plants of the Himalaya - Saussurea costus; Wild Flowers of Kashmir - Delphinium vestitum; Plant Portrait - Ephedra spp. ; Comments on seed sowing and growing conditions; Be PATIENT when sowing seed; British & Royal Nepalese Army Expedition to Mt. Kirat Chuli, Eastern Nepal; Human Geography of Ladakh; Peoples of the Himalaya - Nepalese locals in Pokhara, Nepal. 48 pages, 66 colour photos, 4 black & white.

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CONTENTS OF ISSUE 47 include: Plants of Horticultural Value in Kashmir & North-West Himalaya; Wild Flowers of Kashmir - Phlomis cashmeriana; Plant Portrait - Aconitum violaceum; Germination results for Himalayan Seed in Cambridgeshire; Southampton University Botanical Expedition to Zanskar; First Plant Collectirs in Kashmir - Jacquemont; Human Geography of Ladakh; Peoples of the Himalaya - local family in Ladakh. 51 pages, 75 colour photos, 7 black & white.

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CONTENTS OF ISSUE 46 include: Honouring Mrs Urvash Suri, Proprietor of P.Kohli & Co.; Plants of Horticultural Value in Kashmir & North-West Himalaya; You must have a garden before you know what you are treading on; A few choice & rare seeds offered from Kashmir in the 1930s - illustrated by Coventry; Wild Flowers of Kashmir - Scutellaria prostrata; Plant Portrait - Delphinium brunonianum; Southampton University Botanical Expedition to Zanskar; First Plant Collectors in Kashmir - Moorcroft. Conditions of Success. 50 pages, 75 colour photos, 7 black & white.