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Staffordshire Group

TRIP TO ARLEY HALL SPRING GARDEN FAIR



Twenty five hardy souls made the trip up the M6 on a bright yet chilly morning, arriving with perfect timing for the ten o’ clock start. The fair was mainly laid out in the courtyard, supported by stalls in the Cruck Barn ( dating back to 1470 ) and the adjacent lawn. In all cases the quality, range and prices were impressive; an irresistible incentive to exceed preconceived budgets without excuses.
The Tree Peony Company was particularly attractive with a stunning range of central plains cultivars bearing such mystical, exotic names as …..Shou An Hong, Fen Xiong Mao and Mo Sa Jin. However, those illusions were shattered when the owner revealed that the English translation for the above were Pink Panda, Red Carbuncle and the mind blowing Tipsy Concubine.
In addition to the fair the estate’s own nursery was open for business, reflecting the immaculate grounds and gardens which have been tended by successive generations for over two hundred and fifty years. In 1960 the current owner, Viscount Ashbrook, opened the gardens to the public to support restoration and maintenance. Today a large number of volunteers help the resident staff as demonstrated by borders mulched and already staked for displays to come.
Sincere thanks to Trevor and Katie for organising the first of a variety of socials and trips over the next three months to which it is hoped that you will be able to give as much support as possible.