About Us

The Great North Carnation Society was formed in 1989 by a few dedicated Carnation enthusiasts who felt that the Dianthus Genus deserved a Society which would devote all its energy into the propagation of these wonderful blooms.  It seems that quite a few other people in the North East felt the same as membership is now well over 100 and this number grows with each passing season.

If you join the GNCS you will find that there are many benefits for the carnation grower, we have listed just a few.

Expert information through our Newsletters and the Year Book

Pest Control.  Plants

Composts, Feeding programme,

Talks by top growers & Nurserymen

All of these things and more will available to you whatever your aim is, to grow exhibition quality blooms or for cut flowers Of course you don't have to grow blooms to show, that decision is left entirely up to you.  Many of our members are quite happy growing carnations for their own pleasure.  Whatever you choose to do we are always there.

YEARBOOK

We publishes a yearbook which is sent out to members early in the year, no definite date is given for publication as the editor may hold back printing for a week or two if it means some important information may be included in that issue but it is usually early in the year and no later than April.

The yearbook usually contains a selection of articles and photographs submitted by members.  Anyone may send in an article the only criteria being it must be Dianthus orientated.  This could be anything from a cultural point up to a full week by week account on the growing of carnations or pinks.  Members can comment on an incident humorous or serious.  It can be used to give your point of view on any Society or Dianthus related topic, In the society we believe everyone is entitled to have their own opinion.

The yearbook also contains all of the seasons show results and prize winners, there are reports on every show in which we are involved and finally we try to include an article from someone outside the Society it may be Nurseryman or a very well known exhibitor usually a nationally known figure in the carnation world.

NEWSLETTER

We also have newsletters which are sent out when we have information which may be helpful to the members.

Meetings

The society holds its meetings in the St Georges Clubhouse Gateshead on the last Thursday of each month except November, December, January and February . The AGM is held in October.  At the meetings we are entertained with talks given by experts in the growing of Pinks, Borders or Perpetuals; a slide show is available, practical demonstrations on staging blooms for exhibition

The meetings of course are an excellent way of keeping up to date with what is happening here and around the country in the Carnation world.  The Great North Carnation Society is affiliated to the British National Carnation Society as well as other Carnation Societies.

PLANTS

We hold plant sales at various times of the year which is a good way of geting hold of plants which the nurseries do not stock.  

Society Shows

The Society holds three shows a year,all shows are in Dobbies Garden Centres these are all members shows.  2 are at Birtley Co. Durham and Ponteland Tyne & Wear,  one of the shows will be a British National Carnation Society Area Show.