Flower Power Fairs - Welcome

Hello and welcome,

The season has thrown all sorts of obstacles at us this year - a hard winter, a late spring, hot, hot weather and now a hosepipe ban for those of us living in the North West. And, for many of the plant fairs, high, gusty winds which have been an absolute pain for those nurseries with wonderful stately herbaceous perennials.

The fairs in July were definitely varied - we had high winds at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire, rain but humid at Lytham St Annes in Lancashire and a lovely sunny warm day at Ashbourne in Derbyshire. And all this in the space of just three Sundays - no wonder we all talk about the weather.

August brings us back to HEATON PARK on Sunday 15 August - visitors to the plant fair should enter through St Margaret's Road entrance, off Bury Old Road as the fair is held in the old walled garden, now known as the Horticultural Centre! So don't park anywhereelse because its a long, long walk to the fair. Parking is charged on weekends and is £1.50 you can stay all day, bring a picnic, walk the dog or visit the boating lakes. We shall be holding the event inside the Hidden Gem at the Horticultural Centre as always and the cafe will be open throughout the day. Car parking is right next to the entrance so you don't have far to carry all those wonderful plants. No dogs allowed into the Horticultural Centre but are welcome in the park.

Back to Yorkshire to Newburgh Priory on B H Monday 30 August. This fair is always popular, with both visitors and plant specialists and I have a full compliment of nurseries attending, including some new ones to our fairs. Refreshments in the Priory Kitchens, the gardens, park and water gardens all included in the entry fee of £3.50 and hopefully, wonderful sunshine. Dogs welcome.

September sees the final plant fair of the year on Sunday 26 September at Duncombe Park, Helmsley. Again this is always a popular event with the fair tucked away behind the Fountain Cafe and shop. Admission is just £2.00 and dogs are welcome. Why not take the opportunity of walking around the wonderful gardens, wandering along the terraces overlooking the River Rye and looking at the "open" and "closed" temples, one of which is mirrored at the Rievaulx Terraces nearby. There are some wonderful woodland walks opening out into secret places and it is full of wildlife.

All the fairs open from 10am - 4pm and many include entry to gardens and grounds. Refreshments and toilet facilities are always close by and all sites give disabled access. All venues offer FREE PARKING (Heaton Park being the exception: £1.50 nominal fee).

I'm just working on my dates and venues for 2011 and apart from the favourites, there will be some new places to visit next year. Unfortunately Jodrell Bank will be closed for a £3 million rebuild of the Visitor Centre and Skipton Castle will be creating a new car park so we won't be there next year but I'm sure you will enjoy the new places I have to offer.

If you would like to be kept up to date with events and nurseries in attendance, or if you have any queries, please complete the form. I look forward to welcoming new and familiar faces to Flower Power Fairs. Meanwhile, happy gardening, Judy Popley