Orchid enthusiasts and keen gardeners will be heading for Scone as the Palace hosts its annual Orchid Festival from 1st – 2nd August 2009.

The festival will include displays by some of the UK’s most prestigious orchid nurseries and suppliers, and plants will be available for purchase during the weekend.

As well as enjoying the stunning displays, visitors will be able to listen to talks by experts on the art of orchid growing each day, covering subjects such as Phalaenopsis For Beginners; General Orchid Care and Re- Potting; and Tried and Tested Best Products.

Peter Timoney, Head Gardener at Scone and British Orchid Council judge for the last 15 years, will also give a talk on orchids at Scone (Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon), providing some fascinating insights into the Earl of Mansfield’s private orchid collection. On Sunday afternoon he will host a ‘Question & Answer’ session. Copies of Peter’s DVD, ‘An Orchid Kingdom’, will also be for sale.

Festival-goers will be able to enjoy a BBQ and Berry Bar provided by award-winning chef Kevin MacGillivray, whilst relaxing in the summer sunshine and enjoying jazz music by Havana Swing, plus some gentle bell-ringing from the Parish of Dunkeld Bellringers (Sunday, 10.30am – 12noon). Additional refreshments will be available in the Old Servants’ Hall Coffee Shop and at the Summer Presse Bar.

The Festival of Orchids will take place from 9.30am – 5pm each day. Tickets, giving entry to the grounds and Palace State Rooms, cost £8.50 for adults, £7.30 concessions, £5.30 child, £24 Family. Free entry to RHS members. ‘Grounds only’ charges apply for Orchid Society members.

Come along and join us for one of the most colourful events in the horticultural calendar!