THERE will be a veritable feast for the senses next month, when Tavistock Pannier Market hosts a special event to inspire gardeners throughout the area. The market will be transformed by a riot of colour and scents, as businesses from far and wide come to show off their products at a garden festival during the Whitsun bank holiday weekend. Rosie Keyhoe, deputy town clerk, said: ?We decided because it?s such a special year with the Charter celebrations, it might be an opportunity to start some new traditions, so we thought a garden festival would be a good idea. ?There are some beautiful gardens around the town, we thought it would be very much of interest to people.? Mrs Keyhoe said the council had had an ?amazing? response to the idea, with dozens of nurseries booking space at the festival. ?Because it is indoors, whatever the weather decides to do that bank holiday, there will be this lovely event to go to that?s under cover. ?Whether you?re into window boxes or you?ve got rolling acres, there?ll be something for you ? and entrance will be free too,? she said. In addition to the nurseries, there will be demonstrations of flower arranging organised by Tavistock Flower Club during the two-day festival. ?We?re also hoping to have a type of ?Gardeners? Question Time? event as well ? I think the whole thing should be lots of fun,? said Mrs Keyhoe. Eddie Carruthers, Tavistock Pannier Market reeve, said he was delighted at the response to the festival by businesses keen to come to the town. He said: ?It?s been very good, we filled up the market straight away ? we?ve got people coming from all over Devon and Cornwall. ?I think there?ll be an interesting and wide selection of plants, from exotic to everyday favourites ? and there?s the opportunity of talking to local nurserymen and suppliers as well as gathering ideas on how best to enjoy your own garden.? In addition to the plant displays inside the pannier market, there will be a small exhibition garden built by KBM Plant Nurseries. There will also be larger items like garden furniture, garden machinery and buildings which will be displayed on Bedford Square, weather permitting, or around the pannier market perimeter. Cllr Jenny Metcalf, mayor of Tavistock, said: ?I think the garden festival is a lovely idea ? it should be a very colourful addition to the Whitsun bank holiday weekend. ?I?m sure it will be a big draw for visitors ? I wish it well, it sounds very exciting.? Tavistock Pannier Market Garden Festival takes place on Sunday May 29 and Monday May 30 between 10am and 4pm.
