And what a weekend it was! Early Saturday morning saw a frenzy of keen plant hunters seeking out their hearts’ desire. As a first-time exhibitor, (and therefore glued to my own space!) it was so much fun watching what marvellous specimens people were cradling in their arms as they made their way from stall to stall. Goodness I wonder where he or she found that beauty, I caught myself thinking on several occasions!
The previous week, with Brian’s help, I’d cut a lot of beautiful long rods of black bamboo from our dear friends’ property nearby. We removed their foliage and bundled them in preparation for the great ‘ute’ trip to Clarendon and on Friday afternoon, with Clemmie’s help, we erected a series of pea-tunnels, broad bean boxes and wig-wams (to emulate the aesthetic of the Kitchen Garden here at Glenmore). If you hadn’t guessed already, I’m quite besotted with garden structures of a simple nature and it wasn’t difficult to delineate our space with a mock-up fence of tomato stakes and willow trellis. Once up, Clemmie tied many with lengths of flax; and bound the base of one wig-wam with spent raspberry canes.
Add ‘Essential Kit’ (including the Plant Stands!)….
And a handful of specimens I’d been hankering after myself since last year’s fair and…..we were all set to go!
Once the initial rush was over, the days were relaxed, full of people and unhurried conversations of discovery, comparison and inspiration. It was fabulous to see many of you there, and to meet many new friends too. I can’t wait ’til next year’s Collectors’ Plant Fair, when we get to do it all over again! In the meantime, I have just a handful of exciting new potted delights to find homes for over the Easter weekend…