The Pentyrch Open Gardens annual plant sale has become an amazing growing success.
When the Village Hall doors open on a Saturday morning in May, tables are groaning under the weight of a wide variety of summer bedding plants, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, herbs, fruit and vegetables, and keen gardeners are already queuing to get the best bargains. It is amazing how quickly such a large volume of plants disappears! If you want the best choice, you must be there in the first half hour.
The quality and variety of plants has no doubt been a major contribution to the annual sale’s growing success. Local gardeners set aside a tremendous amount of time planting, maintaining and re-potting plants for the event. Some are bought in, but the majority are homegrown - though you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference until you see the handwritten label.
As well as the plants, there is a garden bric-a-brac stall. Families clearing out sheds and garages often find things to donate, and all sorts of useful items turn up - one year, there was a greenhouse; another time, a hardwood table and chairs. There are always gardening books and tools as well as other paraphernalia.
When you’ve done with the shopping and are laden with plants, stop for refreshments before heading home. Tea, coffee and delicious cakes baked by the ladies of the village will revive you ready to get out in the garden and plant your purchases!
Visitors to the sale come not only from Pentyrch and nearby villages but also from further away, and it is nice to see people returning year after year. There is a fantastic spirit amongst the villagers, and visitors regularly comment on their friendliness which has helped contribute to the event's ongoing success.
We look forward to seeing you next May!
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