Great Dixter House and Garden in Northiam held its spring plant fair over the weekend of April 2 and 3. There were 24 stall holders, all from Great Britain as it is just too complicated with Covid and new import regulations for our visitors from Europe to make it.
The atmosphere was so friendly and pleasant and after all the winter months there were two bright, sunny if cold days and people flocked to the event. More was sold on Saturday than Sunday, but that is the usual pattern, and it was a pleasure to see the buyers leaving the field loaded down with bags and boxes of plants and of course the occasional tree.
As well as all the nurseries, there are other stalls at the fair so for a change, here is a sample of the some of the other exhibitors.
Pip the charcoal maker
Pip was hiding behind a large open shed, minding his furnace. A plume of steam issued from the top of this dome-shaped structure, and he explained that to load it, something called a mitty peg is pushed through the centre. The wood is loaded around like the spikes of a wheel, the mitty peg is removed and lighted charcoal is poured into the kiln.
He showed me how the top vent can be opened or closed, so you see smoke from the top or coming from the metal chimneys or the vents in the ground at the bottom of the kiln. Three of the gardeners spent the night getting up every two hours to mind it!
Jeanna Grieves, the ice cream lady
Jeanna makes ice cream from fresh fruit, double cream and a little sugar in the most delicious and unusual flavours. Anyone for mulberry, damson or gooseberry? Served in fully recyclable pots with a little spoon, they are hard to beat. Working from May Farm, Woodchurch, Kent, Jeanna started doing this on the suggestion of her then 11-year-old grandson, after the death of her husband. Her grandson is now 26 years old and still in receipt of his 5p per tub royalty fee! Phone her if you want this confection at your local fair or fete on 01233 860367.
Bonita Newby, organic bulbs
There are only two organic bulb growers in the world, and one had come to the fair. Founded by Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt, who have an ecological restoration firm, the bulbs are grown in Holland, on virgin ground, in Zeeland. Lulu and Adam are independent growers and Bonita, a member of their team, had brought dahlias and some very well polished garden tools as well. Sales were good and hopes of seeing more of the bulbs is high.
Compost Club
Last but not least, there are plans for a compost club in Northiam, like the one established in Brighton and Hove. We will have an article about this whole concept very shortly, so just a picture for now. Watch Rye News!
Image Credits: Gillian Roder .