Something for everyone at Holker Festival

It is always a delight to go to the Holker Festival and this year was no exception. With beautiful weather, delightful and peaceful surroundings and a lovely family atmosphere the whole event has once again been a huge success.

There was a wide range of fresh 'eco' ideas from advice on recycling and composting to eco-offices and living roofs. On Saturday gardening writer and presenter, Monty Don, was at the event to meet exhibitors and visitors as well as conducting a garden-themed auction in aid of St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston.

(Lord & Lady Cavendish present Adrian Dunkley from Triffids with his award)

The Lady Cavendish Award (Horticultural Marquee) was presented to Triffids from Somerset who were also awarded Large Gold for their display of traditional and unusual cottage garden plants in an informal setting. (below display)

Sharp Paving and Landscaping were awarded the Lake District Historic Houses & Gardens Trophy for Best in Show (Festival Garden) and Lakeland Horticultural Society was awarded the Society Challenge Cup for Best in Show.

Holker Festival is very much a family affair and also essentially a local one and is an important event in terms of the local economy. The huge ‘Made in Cumbria’ tent features a range of local food and produce providing an excellent window for the high quality and distinctive foods produced both in the local area and Cumbria generally.

Lord Cavendish points out that enjoyment is very much the order of the day but there is a serious side to the Festival in terms of the local economy: "There is a good sense of partnership," explained Lord Cavendish. "More and more we are doing things with people and working together."

With plenty of events for the children (including cooking workshops which were especially designed for them) the whole event is definitely a family affair.

Trade in the Horticultural Marquee and at the various outside stalls was vigorous and I noticed more than one plant trolley laden with all kinds of interesting varieties. Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants were awarded Large Gold as were Deva Orchids from Chester, who had a wonderful display of these enticing plants. There were also some excellent hosta displays and a lovely display of hostas, ferns and shade loving perennials from Mary Green of Lancaster (Large Gold).

The Bayer Garden Roadshow is always popular at our show grounds and their visit to Holker was no exception. Their question and answer sessions and workshops were kept busy throughout the three days.

Holker is situated in an area with a unique micro-climate and another plus to this show is definitely being able to walk around Holker's lovely gardens with their absolutely magnificent display of rhododendrons and azaleas. A perfect day, a perfect picnic with only one problem - where am I going to put all those plants I bought!