How better to learn about a specialist plant than from the nurserymen and women who grow them? This year for the first time at the festival, we’ve asked our nursery exhibitors to take the stage in our new Country Gardener Magazine Talks Tent to talk about the plants they raise from seed or cutting and look after 365 days a year.

Talks confirmed so far include Sara Ritterhausen from Devon nursery, Burnham Orchids who will be joining us for the first time and has won 20 Gold medals at RHS flowershows. Sara will be showing a range of beautiful orchids in flower, from easy moth orchids to more difficult varieties, to inspire you to grow this extraordinary house and conservatory plant.

Regular exhibitor Marcel Floyd of award-winning Wiltshire nursery Floyds Climbers will be sharing his 27-year-long knowledge of clematis and how you can have one in flower every month of the year.

If paeonies float your boat, don’t miss Richard Woods from Lilies & Chillies who will be revealing all about the unusual Japanese hybrid Itoh paeonies which being a cross between the tree and herbaceous types, have inherited the best qualities of each parent, with big blooms, a longer flowering time and a strong stake-free framework.

Andrew Gavin of Cornish nursery Andy’s Airplants will be sharing his fascination for this group of easy to grow bromeliads which have roots for attachment only and derive all their moisture and nutrients from the air.

Last but not least (and we’ll be revealing the rest of our nursery speakers very soon!) Kay and Alan from North Devon nursery Atlantic Botanic will be sharing their knowledge of coastal plants and recommending beautiful but tough varieties for tricky exposed and drought-ridden locations.

Tickets are free to festival visitors on a first come, first serve basis. 

Buy cheaper advance tickets here

Pictured top: Paeonia Itoh hybrid ‘Bartzella’