A FAMILIAR face in the world of horticulture will be at the Coombe Trenchard Garden Festival on June 17-18 when broadcaster and author Toby Buckland sets up stall there for the first time.

The BBC Gardeners' World television presenter will be bringing a taster of a range of plants from the Toby Buckland Nurseries he is launching later in the year, including some of his favourite flowers and home-grown vegetable plants.

He has been developing the nursery, along with his wife, Lisa, since early this year. As the nursery has not yet opened to the public, its location is yet to be announced.

Toby will be kicking off the two-day festival at 10am on June 17. He is giving a talk and chairing a 'Gardeners' Questions' in the afternoon.

Speakers at the festival include Radio Devon's resident gardener Sarah Chesters, 'It's Not Easy Being Green' Brigit Strawbridge, author John Carter and horticultural expert Tracy Wilson.

This year's festival will be largely in aid of further restoration funds at Coombe Trenchard garden. The event will also support Plant Heritage and Send a Cow, an organisation with a 'pass it on' principle, providing the skills, livestock and training needed in communities in Africa.