Growing a garden-loving audience

Travelling to this cobbled idyll from all over the South Downs, exhibitors will be bringing with them season garden delights to include antiques, accessories, plants and seeds.

The event - the first of which to be held at this notable venue - has proved itself the most fertile of concepts, with demand for stalls far exceeding supply.

Ian Pearce, Events Manager at Petworth and director of the event, comments, “We have been overwhelmed with the response to our inaugral Plantsman’s event, which has really captured the imagination of growers and nurserymen alike, as well as purveyors of garden antiques and furniture.

“We look forward to throwing open the iconic stableyard doors on Saturday 18 April to welcome in the green-fingered plantsmen of the South!”

The event begins at 11am, when visitors will have the chance to soak up the relaxed courtyard atmosphere and browse the many varied stalls.

Highlights include decorative items from Goose Home & Garden (www.goosehomeandgarden.com), locally-grown plants from Rotherhill Nurseries (www.rotherhill.co.uk) and garden hens from Sussex Poutlry (www.stophamgardenpoultry.co.uk).

After a spot of gardener’s tea or a light lunchtime bite, there will be an ‘Ask the Gardener’ session at 12.30pm, with experts ready to answer any burning gardening questions. The event finishes at 4pm.

Entry to A Plantsman’s Paradise is £5 per adult with NT members and children free.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Report contributed by the National Trust. Pictures courtesy of National Trust Images/Scott Ramsey.