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.
What a great fair! Would have loved to go. Is this something they organise every year?
Love dachsies, always have. Used to have one, sort of.. he was a cross dachsund (dad) x doberman (mum). He turned out to be a ‘larger’ dachsy, very handsome.
Hi Petra, I know they held the plant fair last year, and will definitely let you know if it is taking place again in 2012.
Your dog sounds lovely-think I’d rather have a slightly larger dog too, but there were some gorgeous long haired dachsunds who were also rather good looking at the show. V.best Naomi
Naomi,
That is one of the best ways I can imagine spending an early autumn weekend. I have pondered recently what season I would pick for my first visit to Great Dixter, and I will add this event into my mental “reasons for visiting in October list”.
After several visits, which month would be your pick for Dixter?
Dear WMG
Very difficult one to answer. Would it be a cop out to say any month would be a good time to visit? I think I would have a look on their Events page and plan a trip around a study day that really grabbed your attention. Went on a Successional Planting Study Day taken by Fergus Garrett in January 2010 and it was really inspiring. I see that there are courses in April, May June and July in 2012. You could book on the May course and then onto Chelsea Flower Show 10 days later, or go to the Hampton Court Flower Show in July, followed up by a study day at Great Dixter a week later-the options are endless and I’m sure you could squeeze in a few more gardens while you’re over here too! V.best Naomi
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