NOT A clove of Tassie’s popular purple garlic was to be found at Selborne’s Tomato and Garlic Festival in March – it was all sold out by 10am!

Fortunately there were still plenty of other garlic varieties for those who meandered in on a mellow autumn day, to say nothing of tomatoes and tomato seed galore.

Festival volunteer Kathy Hall of Launceston (pictured) showed off more than 160 varieties on the Tomatoes of the World exhibition. People took photos of their favourite types and went off to buy the seeds to plant in their own gardens.

Chef Nick Raitt cooked up a storm of French food with tomato and garlic influences, local singer Will Templeton added his dulcet tones to the mix and Gardening Australia’s Tino Carnevale dropped pearls of wisdom in the ears of spellbound gardeners.

Organiser Allan Roark said, ‘To be honest this was a difficult festival to put together in such a short time frame after only receiving our COVID level two event compliant status just over a fortnight before.

‘We got it done, it was a fantastic day and we already have some great ideas on improving next year’s festival.’