The Hardy Plant Society (Somerset Group) is delighted to announce a new collaborative venture. On Saturday 24 September 2016 at 10.00 am (until 4pm) the gates at Forde Abbey will open for our first ever Autumn Plant Fair. Working closely with Forde Abbey we have assembled a fantastic line-up of exhibitors, including some of the best specialist nurseries in the South West. Forde Abbey’s own plant nursery will also be open. In addition to a wide selection of hardy plants, many of them not seen in garden centres, there will be garden accessories and rural crafts with both demonstrations and products for sale including basket making and woodwork. Moreover, there will be something for the children as well to make it a family occasion. Look out for the Hardy Plant Society’s own table where children can get their hands dirty planting a free pot of bulbs to take home! Entry will be £5.00 for adults (half the normal entry price to the gardens) and free to children under 15.
Forde Abbey itself is well known for its beautiful and interesting gardens which surround the stunning 12th century former monastery where events take place all year round.
Alice Kennard (Owner) says, “We are delighted to welcome the HPS to Forde Abbey at this glorious time of year when the dahlias particularly will be putting on quite a show. You might also spot the giant pumpkins we are nurturing in the Kitchen Garden ready for our October half-term activities. We love to see visitors enjoying all that Forde Abbey has to offer.”
Confirmed participants include:
- Avon Bulbs
- Barracott Nursery
- Blooming Hill Plants
- Coates Willow
- Desert to Jungle
- Dorset Perennials
- Elworthy Cottage Plants
- Entwood Farm Plants
- Gardeners Delight Nursery
- Gillard Garden
- Hidden Valley Nursery
- In Clover
- Kevin Hughes Plants
- Millwood Plants
- Picket Lane Nursery
- Shady Plants
- Shaker Woodwork
- Steve at Bobbin Wood
- Tolman Topiary
- Tortworth Plants
- Waytown Nursery
- Wild Thyme Plants
The Abbey Nursery will also be open.