Rare Plant Fair at The Old Rectory, Quenington

The Rare Plant Fair at Quenington Rectory is one of the best of all the plant fairs, not only is it closest to home, the large lawn lends itself very well to the 22  nurseries attending, and the garden is simply stunning, bounded by the River Coln on one side and herbaceous borders, mature trees, pool and bog gardens, as well as a large vegetable garden on the other side. The present layout goes back to 1928 when the Old Rectory was bought from the church.  The history of the site probably stretches back to the 12th Century when the Knights Hospitaller had a preceptory in the village.The garden contains a permanent sculpture display, and is hosting the biennial Fresh Air Sculpture Trail 2019 from 16 June- 7 July. The Friends of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery are organising a trip to the exhibition on the afternoon of Wednesday 26 June with a curator showing us round the 130 exhibits. Tickets will be £12, please let me know if you would like to join us.
But back to the plant fair and the sculpture already in the garden, not part of the sculpture trail, I'm going to start with the swimmer which I think has been in the garden for at least 10 years

I hadn't seen this one before, it looks great in the garden

 This piece also worked well

 and I rather liked this view of the pond with the swimming pool and pool room in the background.

 I realise looking at the photos that the day was a bit dull and cold compared to the weekend we've just experienced. here are a few photos of people milling around the stalls.

 I took this photo to remind myself of the fabulous Tropaeolum tricolour I bought last year which started flowering in February and has looked fantastic ever since, although it did nothing last year.

 I bought some delightful plants this time, the pick of them are seen below:

 Primula veris pure yellow with the brightest, stunning colour that fairly zings out from its planting position, and below Saxifraga Clarence Elliott with gorgeous tiny pink flowers both from the fabulous Tortworth Plants

 This is Epimedium grandiflorum White Queen. I simply can't get enough of Epimediums at this time of year, that was from Chase Plants

 The plant below is Uvulari perfoliata from Tale Valley Nursery.

The next Rare Plant Fair organised by Ian and Teresa Moss is at Winterbourne House and Garden, Birmingham, but the week after there's one nearer to Swindon, at Kingston Bagpuize House on 26 May.
If you can't wait that long, there's one at the Coach House, Ampney Crucis from 10am - 1pm this Friday 26 April..