May the fourth be with you - and you grab a bargain at Merrylee Allotments’ plant sale

The Star Wars day plant sale is open to the general public from 11.30am-3.30pm on May 4.

A members only event in past years, the committee decided to open it out to the local community and to plant fanatics from all over by partnering with Scotland’s garden scheme.

Merrylee plots will share the proceeds with the SGS nominated charities, benefitting plotholders on site and worthy causes like Horatios Garden in QEUH spinal unit.

It is hoped that many people will visit to buy some home grown herbaceous perennials, fruit plants, vegetable seedlings and wonderful range of exotic and delicious sounding herbs, such as After Eight mint, Moroccan Mint and Blackcurrant sage.

There’s old fashioned funfair side shows for the kids and visitors are invited to wander the three and a half acre allotment plot in Newlands where members will be on hand to discuss plant detail and share their abundant plantsman knowledge.

Derek Livesey, president, said: “We’re really looking forward to this Spring event. We’ve not held an open day this early in the year before, but decided we could try something a bit more ‘behind the scenes’ where visitors unfamiliar with allotments could see what goes on at the start of the growing season, compared to when all the cultivation has peaked, around the time of our August Open Day.

“Many members have cultivated some really interesting plants for us to sell and, of course, our famous Merrylee home bakers will be out in force, serving some extra special cakes, scones and freshly baked pancakes too!”

Ian McCracken, secretary, added: “We’ve been working hard across the plots during the Winter and early Spring to make small but important improvements for all of our members.

“These fund raising events, like our annual open day are really important to maintain the income required for on-going and long term site development.

“And this time, to do it in partnership with SGS, who do so much great charitable work, is a real privilege. As Star Wars day approaches, we hope the only strong force people enjoy is the energy of a great day… and not a gale force wind !”

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme was founded in 1931 to raise money for the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland, to help support the Queen’s Nurses, before the creation of the National Health Service.

SGS’s charitable support has expanded over the years but our love of gardens has remained constant.

Gardens open every year, from private gardens to country estate gardens, and from formal estate gardens to allotments.

Every one brings delight to plant fanatics and casual home gardeners alike. And there’s usually a great cup of tea and some cake on offer too.

The plant sale takes place on Saturday,May 4, from 11.30am-3.30pm at Merrylee Allotments, Newlands. Entry price is £4 for adults (includes tea and coffee), children go free.