Toby Buckland’s Garden Festival an outstanding success
The sun came out, thousands of people flooded in and a great day out was had by all. Garden lovers came from far and wide to experience the fabulous selection of nurseries and the inspiring talks given by garden experts.
'It feels like the Festival has really come of age,” says Toby.
“This was its third year and so many visitors have remarked how it stood out from all the other garden shows in terms of its friendly atmosphere and the experience of being in such a beautiful Castle setting.
"We've really worked hard to create a diverse and quality show both in terms of the exhibitors and the entertainment.”
The Speakers Marquee was full to bursting with Toby, Christine Walkden, Joe Swift, and Jim Buttress keeping the audience informed with humour and great horticultural knowledge.
Specialist talks in the Castle Victorian Kitchen attracted capacity numbers and covered topics from wildlife gardening and perfect composting to planting on the coast and growing-your-own tea.
187 exhibitors displaying extraordinary and beautiful plants, garden equipment, antiques, tools, crafts and garden furniture were spread across the castle grounds. Visitors could enjoy a delicious variety of local food, relax in the tea tent listening the live music interspersed with gardening advice sessions run by BBC Radio Devon or just chill out on the grass with a pint and a picnic blanket between plant hunting forays.
“What a weekend!” said Toby, “I know the nurseries did well, the diversity of flowers and edibles was amazing and by the last day there were hardly any plants left! It was an experience I'm so proud to be a part of... although it does beg the question how will we top that next year?!"
Toby Buckland's Garden Festival at Powderham Castle returns on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th April 2017.
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