Highwic Plant Fair on again

Keen gardeners should circle March 15 on their calendars.

That’s the day of the Highwic Plant Fair – the annual gardening event, organised by gardener and plantsman Martin Keay – which brings together a selected group of specialty growers and horticultural groups who will showcase and sell a range of botanic treasures, including plants, bulbs, shrubs, trees, vegetables and flowers.

“The Highwic Plant Fair has become an annual fixture for keen gardeners and passionate plant collectors in Auckland and further afield,” says Cheryl Laurie, who manages the Heritage New Zealand property in Newmarket.

“This year’s stall holders will provide some wonderfully varied specimens for purchase.”

Most of the stallholders will come from around the Auckland area, though one – Lake Ngatu Plantations – will make the trek from 90 Mile Beach in the Far North. According to Peter Enticott, who owns Lake Ngatu Plantations, the Highwic Plant Fair is too good an opportunity to miss.

“This is a ‘must do’ once-a-year event involving the ‘cream of the cream’ of growers offering their best quality range of plant material,” he says.

“We love the atmosphere as well as sharing our knowledge, chatting with the punters and other growers.”

Lake Ngatu Plantations will be offering sub-tropical and semi-temperate plants – including indoor specimens and trees and shrubs suitable for outdoor culture – as well as a selection of unusual and rare specimens.

“We’ll also have a great selection of tropical frangipani,” says Peter.

World renowned horticulturist, Dr Keith Hammett, will also have a stall at the fair. Well known for his contribution of seeds and expertise to Highwic’s November Sweet Pea Festival, Dr Hammett will have a range of his specially cultivated dahlia tubers on sale at the Fair as well as a range of sweet peas.

“The Highwic Plant Fair provides a great opportunity for gardeners to buy quality plant and seed stock at a very reasonable price in time for autumn planting,” says Cheryl.

“As well as being a great opportunity to replenish the garden, we’ll also have delicious sandwiches, coffee, tea and cake available at our pop-up café – and of course people will be able to explore Highwic itself. The Highwic Plant Fair will be a wonderful day out for all the family.”

The Highwic Plant Fair takes place on Sunday, March 15, 8.30am-3.00pm. Admission - $10 per person, includes house entry; children free (sorry members’ benefits do not apply for this event). A large marquee ensures the event is under cover whatever the weather conditions.

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