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Plant Hunters Fairs 2014

MrsT 12MrsT 12 Posts: 77

Hi, just wondering if anyone has visited one of the Plant Hunters Fairs this year? 

I have not been before, however, I have noticed that there will be one at Bodnant Gardens in Conwy, which is not too far from me on Sunday 17th August. Thought I may pop along and see what is on offer, (and being a NT member I can have a wonder in the gardens too ). 

Any recommendations for what I should be buying and from who would be appreciated from any of you who have been and bought before.

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  • SalinoSalino Posts: 1,609

    ..I don't know that one, but I hope you have a lovely time... sometimes I get one of these Plant Fairs locally, which I think is similar.  This one won't be near me, but perhaps it is for you...?

    http://rareplantfair.co.uk/fairs/2014-llanover-house,-nr-abergavenny.aspx

     

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    Haven't been to one in the UK but there are several each spring and autumn here in Belgium and I always go to my favourite at the Abbaye d'Aywiers.   There are nurserymen and women form Belgium, France, The Netherlands and sometimes England and Germany depending on which fair.

    I look for good herbaceous perennials in colours or forms you don't find in garden centres where the plants are mass produced and bog standard.   I have a favourite clematis supplier, another for roses, another for bulbs and another for hostas and hardy geraniums.   The quality is always good and I like to chat to the groers and make sure a new plant will cope with my garden conditions.

    I also find things like seeds, obelisks, garden ornaments,a  supplier of chipped bark in bulk and so on.

    For anyone looking for a plant fair near them in the UK, check here - http://www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk/    For Belgian plant fairs you can PM me.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307

    There is one at Dearnford Lake near Whitchurch on Sunday 3rd August.

    All the Nurseries are worth looking at, good prices usually and good plants.

    We go to as many of these as we can, don't always buy anything, but that's 'cos the garden is full.

     

  • MrsT 12MrsT 12 Posts: 77

    Thanks Salino for the information, unfortunately, that particular one is about 3 hours away from me. Have bookmarked their page though in case they happen to come any closer in the future.

    Hi obelixx, yes I am particularly interested in gaining more knowledge from the actual growers instead of the 'garden center' staff in my local area . The places near me are a little set in their ways as regard their stock. I hope to gain a few specialist contacts for future purposes. 

    Berghill, thanks for the information, that one is a possibility. I may just have a nose too, but it will give me some ideas and inspiration for my garden and next years planting!

    Thanks to you all.

  • artjakartjak Posts: 4,167

    image The nearest Plant Fair is 137 miles away; they all seem to be around Birmingham and points West of there.

  • MrsT 12MrsT 12 Posts: 77

    artjak I can totally relate. This is the first time I have ever seen a plant fair held relatively close to me at all. They normally finish in Cheshire and then next appear in South Wales - it's like the North and Mid Wales do not exist! 

  • BizzieBBizzieB Posts: 885

     Hi, not sure how useful this will be but some plant nurseries don't open to the public, unless on open days, but do go to Farmers markets or weekly markets in and around their own area/ county. 

    They are not necessarily specialist nursery/plants people and when contacted could tell you where they will be.

     I'm hunting for specific herbs and after finding a list of those close to me (on the website) found dates of their days at market, where I can go and talk with them, buy the plants or they will advise.

    Worth a try image

  • artjakartjak Posts: 4,167

    We do have fantastic plant auctions in Wisbech. A neighbour had a huge area a couple of years ago to turn into an herbacious border; she and I went to the auctions and had such funimage

    The problem with these auctions is you often have to buy a whole tray of plants. With the larger things you can buy singles. I have seen serious London garden designers gobble up a 'lot' of roses cheaply; wonder what the sell them on atimage

  • MrsT 12MrsT 12 Posts: 77

    Hi BizzieB, many thanks for your advice. I have attended a couple of local village's farmers market days, where I have picked up a couple of plants at. The plants I got were ok, but they were not grown by 'proper nursery people'. However, the jams I picked up were great image

    I have been to the nearest trade center to me too - were the local of garden centre's go for their tree's and perennials -  and I could not believe the mark up that is made! 

     

  • BizzieBBizzieB Posts: 885

     Salino, that's a good link, thanks image  useful when away from home.

     

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