Plant fair returns to historic garden

PLANT Hunters’ Fairs return to Donington Le Heath 1620s House and Garden on Sunday.

Specialist nurseries and artisan growers will be bringing blooms and fragrance to the attraction’s spring plant fair.

Martin Blow, of Plant Hunters’ Fairs, said: “We are really excited to return to this wonderful historic garden. Last year, the event was a big hit with plant lovers in the area.

“There is a great line-up of specialist nurseries attending, laden with spring flowering perennials and shrubs to provide instant colour, and lots of later flowering plants for colour into the summer and beyond”.

“Spring is a great time for getting out in the garden, digging over the soil and getting everything ready. It’s the time to revamp your beds and borders, filling gaps and shifting out those plants that aren’t pulling their weight. “If you are new to gardening, the stallholders are always happy to help you select the best plants for your own unique garden.

“So, whether it’s bee-friendly perennials, shrubs, plants for shade, herbs, trees, variegated or foliage plants you are sure to find something to create a blooming brilliant garden.”

Started in 2007 by Janet and Martin Blow from Cheshire, Plant Hunters’ Fairs now has the country’s largest line-up of plant fairs with 30 events between March and September spanning 10 counties. The fairs are special because entry costs are kept low: many are free to enter and most others are at lower than standard entry price, often half price.

Where an entrance fee is charged all the entrance money goes to the garden hosting the event, often charitable trusts, raising much-needed funds to help maintain gardens into the future.

All nurseries and artisans are personally selected on the quality and their knowledge of their plants and products.

Tickets are now available to the Donington le Heath plant fair. They are £1 and the entrance fee will go directly for the benefit of the house and garden.

The Old Barn Tea Room will be open and serving refreshments to visitors.

Entry to the Manor House is optional at normal rates. The plant fair runs from 10am until 4pm and dogs are welcome in the garden. There is free parking.

Tickets are available from:

The stall-holders are always happy to help you select the best plants for your own unique garden Martin Blow

PLENTY OF FLOWERS FOR THOSE WITH GROWING INTEREST...