Now I'm in the manicured grounds of a stately home at a plant fair.

I know which was easier.

Even with four-year-old Billy and baby Bonnie in tow, it was a pleasant way to spend a morning, browsing some really good quality plant stalls, manned by knowledgable growers.

I even got to meet Cleve West, the garden columnist and recent winner of a Gold medal at Chelsea.

This weekend features the first ever Plantfinders' Fair at Cottesbrooke Hall, just north of Northampton.

They'd come from all over the country – both the exhibitors and visitors – but there were local faces too.

Coton Manor have an impressive nursery and had brought many of their unusual plants along for sale.

Moulton College, who are responsible for producing many of our county's great gardeners via their horticulture courses, also have an excellent nursery with local plants.

But the beauty of the Cottesbrooke Plantfinders' Fair was that you got your local guys alongside some very well known names from elsewhere.

Derry Watkins, a respected author and plantsman, was there with his Special Plants stand, featuring unusual species from all over the world, including an amazing range of hardy herbaceous and rockery plants.

Bob Brown, one of the Midlands' best-known growers, brought Cotswold Garden Flowers with some really lovely perennials.

I couldn't help but hand over some cash at Laurel Farm Herbs, the oldest herb nursery in Suffolk.

All their plants are produced in peat-free compost and without chemicals. I bought an usual sage, a thyme and rosemary 'Miss Jessops Upright' for a tenner, all in 1.5 litre pots.

In fact the prices, for an upmarket show, weren't too bad at all. You do have to pay to get in – £6 for adults and £2 for children aged 5-14 – but for your money you get to wander in the beautiful grounds and immaculate gardens which are worth the money in themselves.

Hang on to your ticket and the house is included too.

As well as the plants, there are some unusual sundries on sale, including rather lovely bags and plant supports plus bespoke furniture, art and...olives.

Even the ice cream lady made her own wares, with flavours like panna cotta and stem ginger.

I'd recommend comfy flat shoes as you do have to walk on uneven ground and the actual show is on grass.

Make staff aware if you need wheelchair access to get directed the right way.

There is a tea room up at the house and you can bring a picnic if the weather holds.

Don't expect tea and butty vans because there aren't any. However, the portable loos were the poshest I've ever seen.

And the visitors I spoke to sounded impressed.

Two ladies from the Oundle side of the county told me they were more than happy to do the drive and spend the entrance money, as the plants were unlike anything you usually see in a high-street garden centre.

If you do buy, the stallholders seem happy to hold on to your wares to avoid you having to lug them around.

If you have a collapsible trolley on wheels it may be worth bringing – and stuff your pockets with carrier bags.

Have a good look at the plants you are buying and if you aren't sure if they will suit your conditions, don't be afraid to ask – plantsmen don't want you to buy something that dies any more than you do.

The show is open from 10am-5pm and is well signposted from Creaton.

It looks like becoming a regular event for the county as dates have already been booked for next year.

Enjoy.