January 2026 Update
Lots of exciting things are happening in 2026.
The fairs open this year with Newburgh Priory, near Coxwold in North Yorkshire on Sunday 12 April. As always, I’ve had a huge response from the plant nurseries and accessory stands … it’s going to be a very full fair.
It’s a bounce then for me as the following Sunday, 19 April, we will be returning to the lovely Wynyard Hall Walled Garden in Teeside for the first of two fairs this year. We hold the spring event within the Garden and there is an excellent tea room and shop alongside. As always the Farmers’ Market will be on the outer side of the Walled Garden and they are open from 0900. We open from 1000.
Sandon Hall in Staffordshire will once again be our host venue for a spring plant fair on Sunday 26th April. (Assistance dogs only for this event please.)
I’m thrilled to be making a return visit to Ness Hall, East Ness, near Helmsley in June. This wonderful private garden is rarely open to the public and I can’t wait to return. Mr and Mrs Murray Wells are so friendly and a joy to work with. So if you haven’t been to Ness, you really should! Sunday 14 June.
The fairs then continue with a return to Wynyard Hall for their Summer Plant Fair on Sunday 19th July.
The last fair of the season will be at Newburgh Priory in Coxwold, York on August Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August. 11am to 4pm.
I have had a lot of interest from new plant nurseries wishing to attend the fairs so please come along and meet them. As always, there are thousands of plants for sale, many of which you definitely won’t find in garden centres and other outlets, and of course, you get free gardening advice from the growers. Add in a lovely garden, excellent refreshments and, hopefully, sunny weather and it’s a great day out.
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February 2026 Update – Sad News: Gill McMaster
It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you all about the death of a very special lady – Gill McMaster of Morton Nurseries.
I’ve known Gill for many years – well over 20 years in fact and she was such a lovely lady. Gayle, her business partner rang me on Wednesday to tell me that Gill had passed away on Tuesday 3 February, peacefully at home.
I know most of you would have known Gill, from RHS shows, Harrogate Flower Shows, Flower Power and other events. She was the most knowledgeable of gardeners, an incredible horticulturist and amazing grower of unusual shrubs and small trees. My garden is full of shrubs bought from her, so, for me, I know she lives on in her wonderful plants.
She was always friendly, extremely helpful to other plant nurseries and always ready to give kind advice and encouragement.
These are just some of the comments I have received since I emailed the plant nurseries who attend Flower Power Fairs. “The world is poorer for losing a lovely quiet woman who loved plants. I have enjoyed very much doing plant fairs with her. Why do all the good ones go far too early?” Sarah, Penmere Plants.
“I’m devastated a sad loss to our industry. She was a lovely lovely person, pity there aren’t more people in this world like her.” Jean, Green Lane Nursery.
“Such sad news. Gill was such a knowledgable plantswoman. Always had time for a chat. Lovely lady. Condolences to her family.” Gill, Lavender and Pinks.
“So sorry to hear this news. Gill was such a lovely, kind, knowledgable lady. We have many of her plants in our garden and we really enjoyed chatting to her at the plant fairs. We will miss her quiet advice and genuine smile.” Fran, Gardening with Wildlife.
She leaves a daughter, son and grandson.
Any photos you have of Gill – please post on the Flower Power Fairs Facebook page, along with memories of her.
Sleep well, Gill, you will be sorely missed by us all.
