Rare and Exotic Plants at Fordhook Farm

Here is the press release for the open garden July 14 and 15 at Burpee's Fordhook Farm (near Philadelphia, PA) where plants from Heronswood will be featured.

I would never have thought to describe Michael Dirr as a rock star, but I suppose it is true at least as far as the plant world is concerned.

(For background on Heronswood and Burpee, see

Sad Changes for Heronswood and

Tony Avent of Plant Delights discusses Heronswood Closure.)

Here is the press release:

MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN RARE AND EXOTIC PLANTS

TO BE SHOWCASED AT FORDHOOK FARM, BUCK COUNTY, PA

FRIDAY, JULY 14 & SATURDAY, JULY 15

WHAT: Hundreds of the world's rarest and most unusual plants hand collected from the remote corners of the globe will be showcased for the first time ever on the east coast during the "Heronswood Open at Fordhook Farm" in Doylestown, PA. During the two-day event, hosted by W. Atlee Burpee & Co.,

more than $1 million in exotic plants will be showcased and sold.

An extensive collection of unusual hydrangeas will be showcased along with more than 200 exotic perennials, shrubs and tree varieties. A lecture by Dr. Michael Dirr, a rock star "plant expert" in the garden world, will be given both days.

The event is free on Friday, and $5 on Saturday, with the proceeds benefiting the Garden Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving America's garden jewels. Additional event details and advance ticket purchases are available at www.heronswood.com.

WHO: More than 1,000 garden enthusiasts, including the "who's who in gardening," well-known garden personalities and rare plant collectors from across the country will converge in Bucks County for this weekend event.

VISUALS: Funky shapes, unusual colors and wild textures of

never-before-seen plants collected from exotic place like the mountains of Nepal to Turkey to the outer fringe of China and displayed for the first time ever at this Bucks county location. Additionally, the rarest of the rare will be

displayed in a first time ever "Collector's Corner."

WHEN: Friday, July 14, 2006 (Free)

10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 15, 2006 ($5 to benefit the Garden Conservancy)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Fordhook Farm

105 New Britain Road

Doylestown, PA

Directions are available at www.heronswood.com