A NEW garden festival is poised to blossom into a must for the diaries of the green-fingered.

The garden festival at Hellens, in Much Marcle, is a two-day extravaganza of plants, people, products and passion taking place over the weekend of June 9-10, designed to appeal to all types of gardeners and their families.

Opening the festival and talking about sustainable gardening will be Tom Petherick, garden team leader for the restoration of the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Among the more unusual attractions will be a recycle garden and a willow sculpture, created over the two days by expert weavers.

Complementing the garden exhibits will be a marquee of specialist food stalls and a variety of activities for children.

"Our aim is to create a festival to celebrate our passion for gardens and gardening," says Kate Robertson, event co-ordinator.

The festival is organised by Hereford Waldorf School as part of its fundraising programme. For details, visit www.thegardenfestival.co.uk or call 01981 540221.