Garden-lovers celebrate the end of the coldest spring in 100 years and flock to Creake Abbey’s 2021 Plant Lovers’ Day

The region’s garden enthusiasts visited Creake Abbey’s Plant Lovers’ Day in their droves on Saturday 29th May 2021 as the sun shone after the coldest spring since 1922. Around 950 visitors enjoyed a wide variety of plants from 27 specialist plant nurseries throughout the day.

Diana Brocklebank Scott, founder of Creake Abbey, said: “We’ve all been desperate for the sun to shine, to get into our gardens and to see our plants grow. The sun appeared just in time for our Plant Lovers’ Day on Saturday and we had a great turnout. Our nurserymen have had a tough year due to the pandemic and then faced further challenges due to the cold spring. We were delighted to see so many shoppers laden with plants and a thoroughly happy day was had by all.”

Figures from the Met Office’s National Climate Information Centre recorded April 2021 as having the lowest average minimum temperatures since 1922.  These figures also showed that April had the third lowest average UK minimum temperature for the month since records began in 1884. This frost-laden, chilly month with low rainfall was then followed by the highest levels of rainfall in May since records began, posing unique challenges to gardeners and plant nurseries across the region.

 Liz Spanton of Mandy Plants based at Little Snoring, said: “The cold spring this year has left all our bedding plants and perennials about a month behind. Our sales to garden centres and farm shops have been really affected. We specialise in tender Mandevilla so we have had to ramp up the heating to get them looking as they are today. Thankfully, now the sun has arrived, our sales have kicked off at last.”

Chris Davey, of Seagate Irises in Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, said: “We grow our Irises ‘hard’ outside so they’ve not had any help this year with the cold spring. As a result, they’re over two weeks behind. They’re normally perfectly in flower for Creake Abbey’s Plant Lovers’ Day, but not this year!”

Once again, Creake Abbey’s Plant Lovers’ Day raised £3,200 including donations for Wells Community Hospital Trust at Wells-next-the-Sea through the event, bringing the total raised by this event since its inception 14 years ago to £28,000.

 Sarah Peberday, General Manager of Wells Community Hospital Trust, said: “Wells Community Hospital Trust is delighted to be chosen again to be the beneficiary of the 2021 Plant Lovers Day at Creake Abbey.  After a difficult year, the proceeds will be utilised to support our new carer and toddler groups, helping to build back health and happiness in our community.”

 Wells Community Hospital Trust has been providing health and wellbeing services in Norfolk for more than 100 years.  Alongside clinics, the hospital is spearheading services for the community including a digital hub, community café, parents and toddler groups as well as a program of exercise classes.   Registered charity no. 1154540

For Creake Abbey’s Plant Lovers’ Day 2021, 27 specialist plant nurseries from across East Anglia and beyond showcased their finest perennials, exotics, bulbs, shrubs, trees and climbers. From olive trees, bamboo and grasses to carnivorous plants, roses and wild flowers, the buzz of excitement was palpable as visitors found an unusual specimen or something irresistible for their garden or as a gift for a loved-one. As always, nurserymen were happy to answer questions and provided advice on a wide range of high-quality plants, sold at reasonable prices.

Strict Covid-safety measurements were in place to ensure visitors and stall holders felt safe. There was a simple one-way system in place and visitor numbers were monitored carefully within the event area.  Visitors were asked to wear masks and respect social distancing rules across the venue’s outdoor location on the breezy north Norfolk coast. Busy shoppers were fuelled by takeaway coffee, cake and light meals sold by Creake Abbey’s Café & Food Hall.