Garden lovers came from far and wide to experience the fabulous selection of nurseries and the inspiring talks given by garden experts. “It feels like the Festival has really come of age,” says Toby Buckland, “This was its third year and so many visitors have remarked how it stood out from all the other garden shows in terms of its friendly atmosphere and the experience of being in such a beautiful Castle setting. We’ve really worked hard to create a diverse and quality show both in terms of the exhibitors and the entertainment.”

The Speakers Marquee was full to bursting with Toby, Christine Walkden, Joe Swift, and Jim Buttress keeping the audience informed with humour and great horticultural knowledge. Specialist talks in the Castle Victorian Kitchen attracted capacity numbers and covered topics from wildlife gardening and perfect composting to planting on the coast and growing-your-own tea.

187 exhibitors displaying extraordinary and beautiful plants, garden equipment, antiques, tools, crafts and garden furniture were spread across the castle grounds. Visitors could enjoy a delicious variety of local food, relax in the tea tent listening the live music interspersed with gardening advice sessions run by BBC Radio Devon or just chill out on the grass with a pint and a picnic blanket between plant hunting forays.

“What a weekend!” said Toby, “I know the nurseries did well, the diversity of flowers and edibles was amazing and by the last day there were hardly any plants left! It was an experience I’m so proud to be a part of… although it does beg the question how will we top that next year?!

Visitor quotes:

“I had a wonderful time and spoilt myself with plants and other goodies” Caroline Brown Visitor.

“I am pleased to report that Toby’s Garden Festival 2016 at Powderham Castle did not disappoint. My notebook is stuffed full of tips, advice and information from the talks I attended. In-between feasting my eyes on all of the beautiful plants on offer from the numerous south west nurseries I managed to take my ears along to the Speakers marquee for Christine Walkden’s ‘Making the most of your garden’, Toby Buckland’s ‘Big ideas for small spaces’ and the Q and A session. I drank delicious tea grown on the banks of the River Tamar being served up by Tamar Grow Local in the tea tent, ate tasty artisan sausages made by Kenniford Farm kitchen, bought Salted Caramel Gloop from Frandie Macaron and treated myself to a beautiful Primula Auricula which I just couldn’t resist….” rebeccasgarden.wordpress.com blog

“I found the festival hugely enjoyable even better than last year. My family really enjoyed their day and it was a wonderful show, the best around.” Victoria Millwood, visitor

“A huge thank you on behalf of The Seaweed Gardeners for the invite to the Garden Festival. The girls were overwhelmed by the amount of sales they made on the day and the number of businesses that have now approached them about stocking their products. Toby mentioned them in one of his presentations so we are so grateful that he took the time to single them out.” Claire Tresidder, Business Studies Teacher Truro School ‘Seaweed Gardeners’ Year 10 – Youth Enterprise Scheme.