Up Front!
‘September: it was the most beautiful of words, he’d always felt, evoking orange-f lowers, swallows, and regret.’ - Alexander Theroux
OUR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GARDENING CALENDAR OVER THE COMING WEEKS IN THE COTSWOLDS
Plant sale weekend at West Kington
GARDEN OPEN OF THE MONTH
West Kington Nurseries at West Kington, Chippenham holds its second plant sale weekend of the year on Saturday, 9th and Sunday, 10th September. The specialist herbaceous and alpine grower is opening its gates to treat customers to another special sale in aid of local charities, including Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The weekend is set to provide a huge choice of plants at bargain prices, from perennials to roses and topiary. Gardening experts will be on hand to give advice. The sale opens from 9am to 5pm Saturday, 9th and 10am to 4pm Sunday, 10th September. www.wknurseries.co.uk 01249 782822
TRENCH HILL
Adwell House hosts rare plant fair The Rare Plant fair season comes to a close in September with a fair at Adwell House, near Thame in Oxfordshire, on Sunday, September 3rd. The private gardens at Adwell are not regularly open to the public, and are set in a stunning location near to the Chiltern Hills. There are wonderful herbaceous borders, water gardens and lakes, and a lovely walled garden with a great collection of salvias. The fair supports the charity The Amber Foundation, which helps homeless unemployed young people, whose lives are going nowhere, to gain the motivation, confidence and skills they need to get a job and accommodation. 16 exhibitors will be attending the fair, which runs from 11am-4pm.
Malvern autumn show ready to wow visitors Malvern Autumn Show returns for a weekend of family fun on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September. More than 65,000 people are expected to flock to this year’s show at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, for this annual celebration of harvest fun and family entertainment. Other highlights include: family fun on the Family Green with activities for both the young and young at heart. The Vintage Village features the Old Tyme Fairground and the World of Animals showcases all different types of rabbits, guinea pigs and poultry as well as the Young Pig of the Year competition. Tickets are now on sale at www.malvernautumn.co.uk or call 01684 584924.
Sheepscombe, Gloucestershire GL6 6TZ Known for its three acres in a small woodland with panoramic views, and open several times a year for the National Gardens Scheme, from snowdrop time until its late colour display, Trench Hill opens for the last time this season on Sunday ,10th September. Run on organic principles, there are herbaceous and mixed borders, a rose garden, extensive vegetable plots, wild flower areas, woodland walk, two small ponds, waterfall and larger conservation pond, also interesting wooden sculptures and children’s play area. The garden opens from 11am until 6pm, admission £4, children free. Home-made teas, refreshments in aid of local or owner designated charities. Mostly wheelchair access but some steps and slopes. Visitors also welcome by arrangement. Contact Celia and Dave Hargrave on 01452 814306 or email: celia.hargrave@btconnect.com
350 trade stands at Moreton show
One of the most popular one-day agricultural shows takes place on Saturday, 2nd September in the Cotswolds town of Moreton-in-Marsh.It has something for everyone to see, do, taste and buy. There are 350 trade stands showing or selling everything, from combine harvesters to wellington boots and the best locally produced food with thrilling entertainments in the Grand Arena and Attractions Ring. Tickets for the one day event held at Moreton–in–Marsh showground off the A429 north of the town cost £18 on the day and £15 in advance. www.moretonshow.co.uk
SP ECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September TOBY BUCKLAND’S HARVEST FESTIVAL Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset. Tickets £10 online at www.tobygardenfest.co.uk
www.countrygardener.co.uk
3