Giant plant sale at Sausmarez Manor a growing tradition for some
PLANT lovers descended on Sausmarez Manor in their hundreds as the first giant plant sale in two years took place on bank holiday Monday.
Islanders were queuing up from before 9am for the opening an hour later, with many having their sights firmly set on a particular variety.
‘I’m after echiums,’ said Sue Vidamour, who was the first in line.
The towering colourful plants can come in red, blue, white and pink and she was looking to replace some and expand the range in her garden. ‘I have some, but they’re biannual and they’ve died off. They’re a very tall flower and they’re beautiful.
‘We’re trying to go for more wild in the garden, so we’re looking for pollinators as well.’
Another early arrival was Charlotte Ozanne, who as a beekeeper was also hoping to get hold of some echiums. ‘I have a very naturalistic garden,’ she said. ‘We used to have two hives but we only have one at the moment since we lost one over the winter.’
She has been coming to the plant sales for a long time. ‘I used to come with my mum when my oldest daughter was about seven. Now she’s 34.
‘It’s become like a family tradition.’
While the two echium lovers were pleased to be able to get hold of their desired plants, there was disappointment for some in the lack of the red variety on this occasion. Grower Tattie Thompson said that the problem was that the reds were late germinating this year, but she hoped there would be some at the next sale.
The event is one of several sales held each year to raise funds for Plant Heritage and organiser Linda Fermont was delighted at the turnout and the array of plants on offer: ‘It’s wonderful weather, and look at the crowds. It’s absolutely super,’ she said.
‘I would say it’s probably our biggest sale ever, which is all down to the hard work of the members. We didn’t have one last year because of Covid. It’s a much-loved institution.’
Plant Heritage’s next event is at Government House on 26 June.
