Plant Fair willhelp new waveof gardeners

The world famous house and gardens is holdings its fourth annual Plant Fair.

And money raised from the event will help fund the next generation of gardeners.

Christopher Lloyd, who established the gardens at Great Dixter, was one of the 20th century’s most eminent plantsmen, gardeners and writers.

He loved to travel, to see places, to see plants, and collect them.

Now a bursary has been established in his name to allow young gardens to gain work experience and to travel and view new plants.

The Plant Fair is an event known for its friendly atmosphere where plantsmen and gardeners can share ideas, buy plants and listen to talks.

Nurserymen who come to the Fair are invited to make a voluntary contribution of 10 per cent of profits on plants sold at Great Dixter towards the Christopher Lloyd Travel Bursary.

The Beth Chatto Nursery from Essex is one of the nurseries which are attending for the first time. Beth Chatto, a lifelong friend of Christopher Lloyd, co-authored the book ‘Dear Friend and Gardener’.

Visitors to the Plant Fair, next weekend, will be able to admire the recently converted Great Barn, in the grounds.

The barn played a key role at the height of the local hop producing industry.

The bursary is open to applicants between 18-35 years of age or people in their first five years of a career in horticulture.

The plant fair is open each day from 11am – 4pm and entry which includes entry to the Great Dixter garden is £7.50.

The House and Gardens and The Great Barn and Oast House, are open until October 27, Tuesday to Sunday Gardens 11 am – 5pm (last admission) House 2 -5pm. Admission charges with Gift Aid (Standard charges in brackets) House and Gardens: Adult £10.45 (£9.50) Child £5.50 (£5) Gardens only: Adult £8.25 (£7.50), child £4.40 (£4).