Black Country doctor swaps ops for running Birmingham Botanical Gardens show

Dr Maurice Jackson was a medical consultant at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital for three decades and also helped to lead an Express & Star campaign to raise £150,000 to set up a kidney unit there.

Following his retirement he has spent time exploring his passion for gardening and his behind Saturday's Cyclamen Society’s Annual Show being held at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Now he hope's more enthusiasts from the Black Country, Staffordshire and Wyre Forest will flock to the event.

Cyclamens are hardy tuberous perennial flowering plants which providing colour in flower beds when little else is flowering, particularly in late winter or early spring. 

Show secretary and successful grower Maurice says:  "This is a great opportunity for local people to get along to see some of the best alpine growers in the country. "Cyclamen are wonderful winter-flowering plants and cheer us up in these gloomy days. The show will also give them a chance to buy some of the quality cyclamen which will be on sale there." 

The retired medical consultant, who lives in Wolverhampton, is organising the national annual show which will bring top alpine growers to the region. 

Attractions include displays, mementoes, seeds and plants which can be  purchased directly from the growers. 

The historic botanical gardens are home to more than 30,000 plants including collections in four Victorian glasshouses and stunning outdoor landscapes.  

The show is open from 1am-4pm at the Terrace Suite.  Entry is free with gardens admission ticket or membership. 

For more details see websites cyclamen.org and birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk