Specialist Plant Fair

 

Saturday 6th September 2008

We were overjoyed at the success of our plant fair on 6th September. Over 1200 people attended and over £1000 was raised for charities. Despite an awful forecast for the day, we were lucky to get only a few short showers, plus a couple of power cuts, but everyone enjoyed themselves from the customers to the stallholders.

 

This years Plant Fair was supported by the RHS. Each year they pick one region to hold their regional event. This year it was East Anglia’s turn and they chose our Plant Fair. The regional event will not be back in this area for a few years, with it being held in Warwickshire in 2009, so this was a unique event for East Anglia.

 

 

 

Bob Flowerdew lecture on Organic Gardening.

All monies raised from this lecture went to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice.

Lecture Marquee

Throughout the day we had a number of talks and demonstrations in our Lecture Marquee. Bob Flowerdew gave a morning talk on Organic Gardening to start the day off. Several hundred pounds was raised for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice from the ticket sales. This was followed by a book signing.

 

Guy Baker with the help (or hindrance) of Ben gave an entertaining flower arranging demonstration with flowers kindly donated by Howards Nurseries, Wortham.

 

Ian Le Gros, curator of RHS Hyde Hall Garden, gave an informative talk in the afternoon, as well as being on hand throughout the day to gave advice and answer any gardening questions the public had.

Also we must thank the other stalls exhibiting including the local artists, wood turner, potter, Suffolk Wildlife Trust (above), Pennoyers School Trust, East Anglia Air Ambulance, Samphire and Rushall Farm Shop who did a great job providing hot food throughout the day.

18 specialist nurseries and growers from across the region attended selling a variety of plants from Apple Trees, Carnivorous Plants and Ornamental Grasses to Clematis, Shrubs and Perennials. We would like to thank all the stalls who attended provided a huge range of choice for all the visitors.

 

 

After walking around and speaking to each of the nurseries Roy Lancaster completed the day with a talk on ‘Plants Deserving Wider Recognition’. This talk raised several hundred pounds for the RHS.

 

We must thank our army of friends and family who’s help before and on the day was invaluable, we could never have pulled this off without them - Will Mason, Mary Deare, Emma Forster, Gill Sarchet, Mark Leeds, Mike and Jack Holden, John Marshall, David Howard for donating flowers, Vic and Elaine Prewer for offering there field for parking, and anyone else we forgot to mention. Also thank you to the local residents who came along and supported us on the day.

 

A special thanks must go to Bob Flowerdew, Guy Barker, Ian Le Gros, Roy Lancaster and Ali, Rachel & Elisa from the RHS who found time to come to sleepy Langmere and put us on the map.

 

Don’t forget next years event will be Sat 5th Sept 2009

Next Years Plant Fair

 

Sat 5th Sept 2009

 

Check our events page nearer the time for more details