I’ve just spent this weekend soaking up the last of the summer’s rays down on the East Sussex coast. And what better way to finish off a glorious weekend, than a plant fair at Great Dixter. As I entered into the welcoming field of stalls, plants on the Hart Canna stand were looking so fresh and inviting that you could almost convince yourself that summer is going to go on forever. I knew this was going to be a truly enjoyable event!
Twenty five specialist nurseries from all over Europe were offering a mouth-watering selection of plants,
and enthusiastic talks were given by the nursery owners every half an hour. Ylva Blid-Mackenzie (above) from Madrona Nursery talked about planning for autumn colour in the garden with some choice plants from her nursery near Ashford in Kent. I thought it was amazing that you could pick up such expert knowledge over the weekend from what was a wide range of growers, and then buy the plants, all in the relaxed and idyllic setting of Great Dixter.
There were food stalls and cake provided by the Women’s Institute and much entertainment was provided by numerous events at the very popular Dachshund dog show.
And having spent a few quid on some quality plants, I popped round the corner to see how the late summer bed planted up 6 weeks ago was progressing. This is Siew Lee (above) watering in plants that were planted out in mid August,
and here’s the same bed looking vibrant and lush in October!
There’s still loads to inspire in the garden, which remains open until the end of October, and talks, workshops and study days are running right up until Christmas (and now booking into 2012). I know I’ll try to visit again before the year is up.
P.S
If you want to read more blogs about Great Dixter this year, click here for my August visit and here for my week Voluteering in February. If you’d like to read about a great study day I went in at Great Dixter click here.