OUTDOORS enthusiasts are invited to spend a few hours exploring a flower fair on the outskirts of Darlington this weekend.

Flower Power Fairs is returning to Thornton Hall Gardens, in Staindrop Road, from 11am to 4pm, on Sunday (May 26).

Host Sue Manners is offering visitors an array of plants for sale, cultivated by some of the region’s top growers and specialists.

Summerfield Nursery which grows all its own plants at a 15-acre nursery near York, will be bringing shrubs, fruit trees, ornamental trees and herbaceous perennials.

The Quiet Corner, in Durham, always brings an enticing selection of plants, from small alpines and shade loving plants to herbaceous favourites.

New to Thornton Hall this year will be Garth Cottage Herbs – a fantastic array of culinary and medicinal herbs and a great selection of flavoured oils suitable for summer salads and barbeques. Meanwhile Thornton Hall has recently taken delivery of the 2013 sculptures.

Flower Power organiser Judy Popley said: “I’m so excited to be returning to this magical garden. The sculptures always take this garden into another dimension.”

The plant fair takes place in the courtyard to the rear of the house and beside the café area.

Admission costs £5, with free parking.

Refreshments will be available behind the Grade II-listed House and the fair is held in the courtyard at the rear.

For more information, visit thorntonhallgardens.co.uk