Blooming locations for plant fairs

Every exhibitor has been invited to the fairs, ensuring the plants are to a high standard, with some of the larger nurseries attending shows at Harrogate, Chelsea, Malvern and Hampton Court.

As well as an emphasis on quality, many of the plants are bee and butterfly friendly to attract wildlife into your garden.

Judy Popley, who has been organising the fairs for eight years, explains their appeal:

“This is a chance for people to find plants that they may not necessarily find in other outlets. Smaller nurseries are not usually open to the public, and so these fairs introduce them and other growers to the public.”

“Also, it’s an opportunity for people to visit some inspirational venues and to wander through some beautiful gardens.”

New venues added to the Flower Power programme include Worsall Hall near Yarm, held today. This takes place in a garden rarely opened to the public and which includes formal, herbaceous, orchard, vegetable and arboretum areas.

On Sunday July 13, Flower Power will be at Wentworth Castle, near Barnsley. Over 25 specialists from the North will be attending.

Dalton Hall, in Beverley, is the venue for the first Flower Power fair to take place in the East Riding of Yorkshire. On Sunday August 10, the event will be held within the recently restored Walled Garden.

More dates include the well-attended locations of Newburgh Priory, in Coxwold, on the Bank Holiday Monday August 25 (dogs are welcome), and Sutton Park near York on Sunday September 21.

All fairs are open between 11am and 4pm. Refreshments, often including home made catering, will be available at all venues.

To find out more about the plant fairs taking place and admission prices, visit www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk.