Walks through wildflower meadows, demonstrations on growing roses from seed, a discussion of 364 different tomatoes and an explanation of compost ‘tea’ are some of the features of the Festival of Rare Plants, Roses & Kitchen Gardens to be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. September 8 and 9, 2012, at the Château de Hex, located in the village of Heks in the commune of Heers, in the south of the Belgian province of Limbourg, half-way between Liège and Maastricht (map)

The Château de Hex includes formal gardens, a park (created in 1770), rose garden and a garden that has been producing fruits and vegetables since the 18th century.

Every year, on the second weekend of September the gardens are open to the public. Specialist nurseries, many holding national collections, put their best products for sale.

(Photo courtesy of Château de Hex)