Rare plant sale set for this Saturday

Long time amateur garden enthusiast and writer Sheila Averbuch is holding her second ever plant sale this weekend in aid of rare disease research.

The sale takes place this Saturday from 10am to 1pm in the garden of Mercat Cottage - access the garden via the drive next to the bus stop taking the left path.
The sale takes place this Saturday from 10am to 1pm in the garden of Mercat Cottage – access the garden via the drive next to the bus stop taking the left path.
Also a gardening blogger under the moniker ‘The Stopwatch Gardener’ (www.stopwatchgardener.com), Sheila is holding the sale just outside Edinburgh in her own garden at Mercat Cottage in Pencaitland (opposite the Spar Shop) this Saturday, May 24th between 10am and 1pm, offering plants from some of Britain’s favourite nurseries.

Following the success of the first Rare Plants for Rare Disease Research fundraiser in 2012, the event on 24 May will again dedicate all profits to the Advocacy for Neuroacanthocytosis Patients (www.naadvocacy.org). The Advocacy is a registered charity which sponsors research into this extremely rare neurological disorder, which may one day shed light on other neuro-degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s.

As Sheila explains, “Like other families affected by rare disease, my friends Ginger and Glenn Irvine are helping fund their own research into the ultra-rare disease that affects their daughter Alex. Plant enthusiasts are often keen collectors of rarities, and I thought a sale of unusual plants would be a good way to raise funds and awareness. Coming at the end of Chelsea week, the sale is a great way to celebrate the season and support an important cause.”

Tea, Coffee & chat

There will also be a selection of home baking and hot drinks on offer whilst visitors take the weight off their feet. All the baking on offer comes from the generous support of local volunteers.

Macplants, Binny Plants, Beth Chatto Gardens, Crug Farm, David Austin Roses and Kevock Gardens support

Donations of plants have already been received from both internationally renowned plants growers as well as strong local support and Frank Kirwan of Humbie Dean, the organiser of East Lothian Garden Trail.


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