It started with creating a flower for a loved one ten years ago that has led to a desire to bring to Brighton a new flower show to rival that of the Chelsea Flower Show.

For Mr Walter Sargison has big plans: he would like not only to start a pot plant group in Brighton but also go onto bigger things. “ I want to try to give people experience in how to grow geraniums,” said Mr Sargison. “And when the club gets big enough it would be nice to go on outings to flower shows, then eventually have a big flower show here in Brighton - something to match the Chelsea Flower Show.”

Mr Sargison explained that the humble geranium originates from South Africa and there are over 240 species! When I asked if there was any demand Mr Sargison showed me that there are clubs and societies dedicated to the humble geranium and that huge flower displays are put on annually just with regards to this plant. Mr Sargison had brought a variety of scented pelargoniums, as they are called, to Moulsecoomb Family Fun Day, including some whose leaves smelt of orange spice and peppermint.

Mr Sargison explained that you can cross types to make new varieties through the pollen, and said that he himself had succeeded in making a new hybrid pelargonium, which was grown at Wisley Nursery and now stocked there, and sold in catalogues. This new hybrid pelargonium was called “Olga Shipstone.” Described in catalogue as “Appetising strong apple scent with attractive curly leaves and white flowers.”

Ten years ago Mr Sargison used to do gardening work and amongst his clients were two sisters, one of whom was Olga Shipstone. Mr Sargison became fond of Olga and created a flower for her, which he did give to her. However, life circumstances caused him to move several times and in the meantime Olga died. Mr Sargison had not created another flower since then, but recently he decided that he would start again now that he was settled in Brighton.

If you are interested in buying some pelargoniums or joining his club and potentially becoming a founder member of what could become the annual Brighton Flower Festival, Mr Sargison invites you to contact him on: 07772 834 232. Mr Sargison is local to Moulsecoomb and has produced a very informative booklet about the pelargonium, including some of its history, and tips how to grow the plant. It is a very interesting and informative booklet and would be a great way to get started if you want to learn how to grow a pot plant.