"We discovered the Southwell plant fair this year and we are so happy that we did!! We bought some beautiful unique plants you don't find anywhere else. The growers have brilliant knoweledge, it was lovely talking to them. The plants we bought are very popular with the bees and butterflies. We can't wait for the next one, see you next year" - Charlotte on Facebook Sept 2022.

A new later date for this popular fair in May means a different selection of plants and hopefully warmer weather!

Plant fair in the Palace Garden with the atmospheric backdrop of the ruins of the Archbishop's Palace.

The Palace Garden is a fantastic place to explore and discover the history of the site through living plants. The features of the enclosed garden are inspired by medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian gardens, reflecting the timeline of the Palace. With wide open lawns, it is full of herbs, shrubs and flowering plants chosen not only for their historical relevance, but also for their shape and beauty. Special areas of the grounds have been set aside to encourage wildlife. The woodland area provides links to the famous “Leaves of Southwell” – the thirteenth century carved stone leaves in Southwell Minster’s Chapter House.

The Garden brings to life time periods important to the history of The Archbishop’s Palace. The design has four distinct parts to it: a Medieval herb parterre; a Tudor knot garden; a border planted in the style of Edwardian plants-woman Gertrude Jekyll; and Wildlife areas including a winter border and woodland and wild meadow. The garden also encourages wildlife through the inclusion of bird boxes, insect hotels and log piles. Portions of the gardens have been designed as native wild flower areas for birds and insects.

The ruins of the Archbishops Palace are the dramatic backdrop for the plant fair

Line-up for Sun 18 May Southwell Minster:

A Love Blossoms Garden accessories, stakes, planters, garden wall decorations etc.

Amorosa Enterprises Up-cycled and recylced garden ornaments and stakes

Bridge Farm Plants Interesting and unusual herbaceous perennials

Chris Cooke Rare and unusual hardy and half-hardy plants. RHS Medalist NEW

Cliff Bank Nursery Grass, woodland plants, hardy annuals and other unusual plants

Conquest Plants Nursery Variegated and coloured foliage hardy plants

Cottage Memories Roses

Fayrefield Plant Nursery Willow Weaving and cottage plants

Freckles & Flora Unusual hardy herbaceous perennials and choice annuals

Hillview Hardy Plants Perennials and auriculas. National Collection Holders, RHS Gold Medalists

Hoyland Plant Centre Agapanthus, Amarines, Nerines, Tulbaghia, Dierama , Arisaema and Scadoxus. National Collection Holders,RHS Medalists NEW

John Cullen Gardens Herbs, plants for pollinators, National Collection of Achillea, RHS Medalists

Jurassicplants Nurseries Rare trees, shrubs, exotic fruits and living fossils. RHS Gold Medalists

Meadowmakers Wildflower and native tree plants and plugs

Morton Nurseries Unusual and hard to find shrubs and perennials

Mr D’Arcy’s Heritage Fruit Trees Heritage Fruit Trees

North Staffordshire Hostas National Collection of Hosta

Penmere Plants Hardy, half-hardy and species Fuchsia.

Plant Lovers Garden Clematis, perennials and shrubs

Pottertons Nursery Alpines, Dwarf Bulbs and Woodland Plants RHS Gold Medalists

Primrose Bank Wide range of perennial plants. RHS Gold Medalists

Prized Perennials Wide range of perennials

Seagate Nurseries Iris specialists NEW

The Gobbett Nursery Shrubs, perennials inc Iris, Cornus, Syringa in season. RHS Medalists

Tinker and Fix Garden Tools

Tissington Nursery Quality and choice perennials. RHS Gold Medalists

Contact Details for Southwell Minster

Address: Southwell Minster, Church Street, Southwell, Notts. NG25 0HD

Facebook @SouthwellMinster, X (Twitter) @SouthwMinster

Website: www.southwellminster.org