Rare Plant Fair at Kingston Bagpuize House

I love going to Rare Plant Fairs and go to those nearest Swindon throughout the summer, filling my diary with dates and look forward to them. It's always good to go with a plantaholic friend, but going alone is fine as well. If you click on the link, Teresa and Ian Moss who organise the fairs will explain what's so good about RPFs, but I'll also say what I like about them.
Firstly up to 22 owners of nurseries come along to the fairs, so you are able to buy plants in first class condition that have been raised and grown on carefully, not forced on. These people are extremely knowledgeable about the plants. Having spoken to one nursery owner who was selling the plant I was keen to know more about, about failure to get seeds of Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum to germinate, they were able to tell me the seeds are sterile, you have to take root cuttings!!
Apart from being able to talk to experts, and buy plants in perfect condition at very reasonable prices, the fairs are also held in wonderful gardens, entry is just £5 and profits go to charity.
Refreshments are also served, so it's a wonderful day out for everyone.
Not a plant hunter yet? You soon will be if you attend these fabulous events.
Here are some photos of the one held at Kingston Bagpuize House

each stall was like a stand in Chelsea marquee, the one above was my favourite, and this one below was pretty good

So much to see, and the choices are so hard to make, as it was Pam and i made 2 trips to the car with our plants

I find in the excitement of buying, it's not always easy to remember what you've bought, so I tend to photograph the stalls! I bought a honeysuckle and clematis from this Roseland House Nursery

Above and below, Tortworth plants are a big favourite of mine, they have a superb selection of plants

Once the buying was completed and plants were safely stowed behind counters, it was too hot to put them in the car at this point, we went to look round the gardens. One the elevated section by the garden house, there's a fab shrub, don't know what it is.

There's also a path very much after my own heart, with lots of plants growing in the gravel

Inside the garden house, is a lovely shabby chic inspired sitting atea

and in the grounds this fabulous wedding cake tree

and this is what we bought, my haul

Pam's haul

and our joint hauls, mine on the right.

There's a  Rare Plant Fair at Waterperry this weekend, and one at Rodmarton Manor the following weekend.