Hosted by the award-winning ornamental grass specialist this is a spring plant fair with a difference, featuring a selection of locally grown plants from nationally recognised nurseries. It offers plant lovers the opportunity to meet up with expert growers, see the best of their spring range and get some top growing tips.
Alongside Knoll’s own extensive display of grasses and flowering perennials, visitors will be able to browse and buy camellias and blueberries from Trehane nursery, azaleas and rhododendrons from the Koirin Azalea Centre and unusual ferns and shrubs direct from wholesale grower Country Garden Plant Sales. Other attractions on the day include the opportunity to buy locally made willow sculptures, meet up with members of the Hardy Plant Society and find out more about the gardens at Knoll from a knowledgeable volunteer garden guide.
With some rare varieties and expert advice on hand, the Specialist Plant Fair will provide the perfect opportunity to pick up your choice of quality plants to complete a border, plant up containers or fill that awkward space in the garden.
Some of the more unusual plants to look out for include the rare Hybrid Rhododendron Jungfrau. Reaching to 2.5 metres with light green foliage, its large pale pink trusses offer a stunning array of flower, opening from much deeper pink buds. Jungfrau was hybridised in 1966 by Edmond Leopold de Rothschild of Exbury Gardens and will be available in 12lt pots.
The only truly self-fertile blueberry plant, Sunshine Blue will also be on sale. Having sold out at last year’s fair Trehane Nursery is bringing extra supplies of this dense bushy blueberry which is also highly ornamental making it perfect for patio containers.
The Specialist Plant Fair runs from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 23 April and admission is free. Normal admission cost applies to garden visitors and includes a free trail and garden history guide. Knoll Gardens is brown signed from the A31 at Wimborne. For more information and directions go to www.knollgardens.co.uk or call 01202 873931