Runcorn garden enthusiasts are in for a treat this month as the highly anticipated Plant Hunters’ Fair blossoms back into action at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens. Taking place on Sunday, May 31, from 10am to 4pm, this annual favourite offers local green fingers the chance to browse thousands of expertly grown plants for an entry fee of just £1. Best of all, every single pound collected at the gate goes directly to the Norton Priory Charitable Trust, helping to safeguard and preserve one of Cheshire's most beloved historic community venues.
As spring transitions into summer, it is the ideal window for gardeners to revitalise their borders, replace faded spring bulbs, and clear out empty patches. Co-founder of Plant Hunters’ Fairs, Martin Blow, highlights why this seasonal event is a must-visit for anyone looking to upgrade their garden: "Now’s the time to pick out some perfect plants to keep the colour going right through the season and where better to find them than at this fabulous plant fair at Norton Priory. We have a wonderful line-up of specialist nurseries attending. There will be lots of flowering perennials and shrubs for instant colour plus plenty of later flowering plants to plant now for colour into the summer and beyond."
Visitors can look forward to a massive, diverse selection of flora lovingly cultivated by independent specialist nurseries. Independent nursery specialists will be on hand next to the historic Georgian Walled Garden to share top summer planting tips. The attending 'nursery folk' will be available all day to share their years of professional knowledge, offering handy tips to help your new purchases thrive.
Whether you are looking to cultivate a sprawling countryside dynamic or find a quirky addition for a kitchen windowsill, the event boasts an impressive variety: vibrant blooms such as flowering perennials and shrubs for instant impact; summer stars like later-flowering varieties to establish now for a spectacular late-season display; specialist varieties including hardy wildflowers, elegant clematis, aromatic herbs, alpines, and trendy house plants; and finishing touches with a wonderful array of unique, high-quality garden accessories.
The fair is held entirely outdoors, set against the stunning backdrop of Norton Priory's 2.5-acre Georgian Walled Garden - a hidden gem featuring a rose walk, fruit trees, and the National Collection of Quince. As the most excavated monastic site in Europe, Norton Priory offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. While entry to the plant fair alone is just £1 on the gate (cash paid on arrival, no booking required), visitors looking to explore the wider museum, the 12th-century undercroft, and the priory ruins can bag a bargain by purchasing special early-bird combination tickets online in advance via www.nortonpriory.org. Normal admission prices apply on the day for the museum.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire (WA7 1SX). Accessibility: Less than 30 minutes by car from Liverpool, Manchester, and Chester (via Junction 11 on the M56). Perks: Free parking is available on-site, delicious refreshments are on offer, and dogs on leads are warmly welcome. Before travelling, residents can view the full list of attending specialist nurseries at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk.
