Powderham Castle, Friday 27th and Saturday 28th April, 10am-5pm
The campaign to save the M5 Willow Man Toby’s Garden Festival is at the heart of a campaign to secure the future of the iconic M5 willow man who strides alongside the motorway near junction 23 at Bridgwater. Created by artist Serena de la Hey in 2000 as part of The Year of the Artist the willow man was conceived as a temporary structure and now nearly two decades on, it needs a complete rebuild as well as a fund for future maintenance. Serena is creating a huge ‘Willow Wonder’ at the festival with help from artist Stefan Jennings and Toby, which will be located in the Powderham Deer Park. Visitors will be able to add their own embellishments and support the fundraising.
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A two page preview of one of the West Country’s most popular garden festivals
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Toby’s Garden Festival at Powderham Castle, Devon
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Drop in to learn more about fermented veg
What is fermented veg and why are we being encouraged to eat it? How can we maximise health benefits of all the lovely vegetables we grow? New research suggests that improved gut health means better sleep too.
Katie Venner left - passionate about fermenting
Katie Venner, adviser on the fermenting story on BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Archers’ and Jo Webster will be at the festival to explain and demonstrate how you too can simply and easily make kimchi, kefir and kombucha.
‘Boycie’ shares his house and garden delights Willow artist Serena de la Hay
The iconic Somerset Willow Man
Pest Clinic to sort out your garden problems The festival will stage a special Pest Clinic on both days with eco friendly help and advice with garden pest and disease problems from Dr Ian Bedord, Head of Entomology at the world famous John Innes Research Centre. Grazers the pet and planet friendly deterrent sprays which deter everything from slugs and snails to pigeons, der and even rabbits. The Pest Clinic with Grazers is on the Castle Rose Lawn. 16
Country Gardener
John Challis, the actor and author best known for playing Boycie in the BBC’s most successful sitcom Only Fools and Horses is to speak at the festival Keen gardener John will be signing copies of his book, Wigmore Abbey: The Treasure of Mortimer, an autobiographical account of creating his house and garden in Herefordshire with wife Carol.
BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE Adults £10; Children £3.50 at www.tobygardenfest.co.uk Tickets on the gate £12.50 Assistance dogs only are permitted onto the showground due to the deer.