Alpin 2003
A Glance Back at Alpin 2003
An International Gathering
Now the grand event, Alpin 2003, has come to an end – but what a gathering it was! Perhaps we’ll meet again in 10 years at Alpin 2013!
Göteborg’s Botanical Garden, fondly called Botan, was looking lovelier than ever: polished, blooming and buzzing with activities. With its strategic location, the event attracted visitors from near and far—especially from Norway and Denmark, who made the journey in great numbers. There were also prominent guests and speakers from the Netherlands, England, and several other countries, making the event truly international.
Friends, Forums, and Garden Wanderings
A large group of Forum members also convened, enjoying guided tours and swapping plants with one another. It was a delightful way to share expertise and horticultural curiosities.
Exploring Open Gardens
One of the real highlights was the opportunity to visit private, open gardens, which guests could explore independently this year, thanks to clear maps instead of organized buses. While some did get temporarily lost, everyone found their way in the end. Garden owners estimated at least 75 visitors to each garden, though counting soon became impossible with the lively crowds.
Symposiums, Parties, and Plant Passion
The popular lectures, or symposiums, proved to be great draws. The special Friday evening talk with Tony Hall from England attracted around 125 participants, with the four other symposiums also fully booked at 125 attendees each.
At the delightful Pottingshed Party held behind the scenes in Botan’s greenhouses, more than 200 guests mingled among rare plants, balancing glasses of beer and wine on greenhouse tables and discussing all things botanical. In a memorable moment, a staff member climbed the new tufa stone wall and, after several humorous attempts by international guests, a champagne bottle was finally smashed against the wall to inaugurate it.
There were also guided tours in the Trädgårdsföreningen, with about 100 signing up, and almost 90 people participated in a scenic boat tour around Gothenburg.
Market, Exhibition, and Gala Atmosphere
The gala supper was hosted in the vast, historic former shipyard hall at Eriksberg. The large venue ensured a grand, if not intimate, atmosphere, where attendees enjoyed a quality raffle. Many happy winners left with rare plants, beautiful art, and the ever-popular ergonomic watering cans.
Nearly 60 sellers joined the plant market, which was open only for members—over 500–600 of whom attended. This restriction, ensuring the event counted as an association activity, resulted in crowded aisles and bustling sales at the opening bell. The excitement was palpable as people vied for unique specimens.
The plant exhibition showcased both familiar favorites and truly rare plants in exceptional condition. Not only rare species, but also well-cultivated common plants stood out and were awarded prizes when in peak form. It was inspiring to witness such diversity on display.
Memories to Last
In summary, Alpin 2003 was truly one of the summer’s highlights—a joyful event that will stay in participants’ memories for years to come. If nothing else, the beautiful plants brought home serve as living reminders of this radiant, early summer weekend at the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.
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