Hiya everyone,

At the weekend my fiance (Martyn) and I decided to head off to the Tavistock plant fair, which was held in the pannier market within the town centre.  It was lovely, plenty of plants of all colours, shapes, sizes and the people selling the plants were only too happy to answer quesitions and queries regarding the them.  I have only  passed through Tavistock by car on the way to the moors about once maybe twice, so when I walked through the town and saw its huge river that flows through the town I was thrilled.  We didn’t have the time to walk alongside it, but another days adventure awaits us.  I will let you know the plants I decided to buy and why next time……….

Well in fact I decided to purchase just a few plants of interest:

Fritillaria Meleagris - most of the large plants were  pricey so I purchased a small one.  I thought this species was really unusual with its petals that have a distictive chequered pattern that resembles a snakes head.  I have never grown this plant before, so I thought I would give it a go.  Apparently theses plants are fairly trouble free and ideal for a front border, rockery or just planted in the grass and mulch every couple of years. 

Lonicera Japonica  “Hall’s prolific” (Honeysuckle) - I chose this variety of climber for its evergreen foliage and the flowers, as they look so delicate and are soft white in colour.  I have placed the climber beside my patio door, I thought I would try and train it around the door or train around my fence.  These are really easy to propagate.

Libertia Formosa “Terry Jones” - I brought this perennial as, its foliage is evergreen and will create interest over winter and in late spring the plant produces stalks, then in mid-summer the white flowers appear.  I will let you know how it grows as my garden is partly shaded, and this plant requires full sun so I might have difficult growing it.

Primula “Gold-Lace” (Primrose)- My fiance Martyn and I decided we liked the colour of these plants for their unusual colour combination, so we purchased one of them.  I must admit I’m not a big fan of primroses other than the pale yellow ones that are seen occasionally in the hedgerows in the countryside, I think they look lovely in their natural environment.  However the many varieties that are available in the garden centers are really good for ground coverage.  Also they tend to be  inexpensive to purchase and once they are established you can easily increase your crop by dividing them and replanting them.  They are also now available in many bright and wonderful colours just in time for Easter time.

There were so many different types of plants all shapes and sizes, I like plants to be dramatic, architectural to look at (eye cathing).  I tend to go for different shades of green shrubs with the odd splash of colour here and there.  Well I really enjoyed myself at the Tavistock plant fair.  I will post any other plant fairs we decide to visit throughout the year.