Open Gardens

The Olympic Park and other top gardening news for 2012

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:10 +0000 GMT

The unveiling of the Olympic Park, the Chelsea Fringe Festival, and Michelle Obama's White House Garden book are just a few of the gardening treats of 2012.

Follow your desire up the garden path

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:49 +0000 GMT

Garden paths can transport us, via nostalgia or curiosity, to other worlds.

Gardens to visit: Wakehurst Place, West Sussex

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:00 +0100 BST

Wakehurst Place in West Sussex has three gardens, woodland walks and a nature reserve for you to explore.

Society of Garden Designers open gardens in pictures

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:30 +0100 BST

We look at the ten gardens open on September 25 for the Society of Garden Designers open garden event.

Modern chic gardens to visit

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:00 +0100 BST

On September 25 the Society of Garden Designers is hosting a one-day open garden event across the country.

Gardens to visit: Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 07:00 +0100 BST

The garden at Hemingford Grey in Cambridgeshire is renowned for its collection of more than 200 old roses.

Herb gardens to visit

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:00 +0100 BST

Barbara Segall lists some of her favourite herb gardens for you to visit this summer.

Ten tips for your herb garden

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:52 +0100 BST

Barbara Segall answers common questions on the cultivation of herbs with her top ten tips for your herb garden.

Wollerton Old Hall garden

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:00 +0100 BST

Wollerton Old Hall is an inspiring and unusual gem of a garden, says Bunny Guinness.

Take a garden tour this summer

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:00 +0100 BST

Garden tours here and abroad are more popular than ever this summer.

The Garden House, Devon

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:00 +0100 BST

Several inspirational gardens go together to make up The Garden House, Devon.

Adam Nicolson remembers growing up at Sissinghurst

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:00 +0100 BST

Adam Nicolson recalls racing through the gardens that his grandmother Vita Sackville-West created on his tricycle in 1962 .

Celebrity Gardeners: John Makepeace's garden

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:55 +0100 BST

Furniture designer John Makepeace's Dorset garden is one of sweeping curves and lofty grasses.

Celebrity Gardeners: Susan Hampshire's garden

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:15 +0100 BST

How the 'Garden for Fleur' created for the actress Susan Hampshire nearly 50 years ago started an obsession.

Celebrity Gardeners: Candida Lycett Green's garden

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:10 +0100 BST

The writer Candida Lycett Green has created an elegant Oxfordshire garden with touches of humour.

Garden Shows and Events

Below is a list of forthcoming Garden Shows and Events in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

If you would like to publicise your society's event (it's FREE) please submit the details here.

All dates and times are to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of compiling this page. Always check with organisers before attending.

• British Red Cross Open Gardens - Open Gardens offers a rare opportunity to explore the secrets of hidden and private gardens not usually open to the public.

Saturday 31st March 2012 at 10.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair at Consall Hall Landscape Garden Consall Hall Landscape Garden Consall. Wetley Rocks Staffordshire Tel: 01782 551947. Parking: FREE. Admission: Plant Fair & 70 Acre Gardens £2.00. Top specialist nurseries offering a great range of plants at this dramatic 70 acre landscape garden with 4 miles of paths to explore. Visitors can enjoy the gardens and fair for the special event price of just £2.00, which must be one of the best value days out around. Plant fair from 10.00 a.m - 4.00 p.m. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Friday 6th April to Sunday 8th April 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	Suffolk Spring Garden Show Suffolk Showground Ipswich. Suffolk. Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £5.00, Children £2.00, Concessions £4.50. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Sunday 8th April & Monday 9th April 2012 at 10.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters' Fair at The Dorothy Clive Garden The Dorothy Clive Garden Willoughbridge Market Drayton. Staffordshire Tel: 01283 792333. Parking: FREE. Admission: Plant Fair & 12 acre garden £3.00 (Children up to 19 FREE). This very popular plant fair boasts top class nurseries including RHS Medal Winners and National Collection Holders, offering a tremendous variety of plants. The fair is set within the beautiful 12 acre Dorothy Clive Gardens which is 4 miles south of Bridgemere on the A51. This is a special fundraising event for the garden and the entrance fee for the day is £3.00 for the fair & gardens. Plant fair from 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. both days. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Friday 13th April to Sunday 15th April 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	All About Gardening Newbury Newbury Showground Hermitage Thatcham. Berkshire Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £7.50, Children £2.00, Concessions £6.50. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Saturday 14th April 2012 at 11.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair at Bodenham Arboretum Wolverley Kidderminster. Worcestershire Tel: 01562 852444. Parking: FREE. Admission: FREE ENTRY to the Plant Fair. Free entry to this popular Plant Hunters’ Fair featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs, rare species and old heritage varieties. With expert advice from enthusiastic nursery men, simply something for every plant lover. Beautiful 156 acre arboretum with over 3000 types of trees and shrubs. Excellent lakeside restaurant. Free entry to plant fair and restaurant. Entry to Arboretum optional at normal prices. Plant fair from 11.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Sunday 15th April 2012 at 10.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair at The National Memorial Arboretum The National Memorial Arboretum Croxall Road Alrewas. Staffordshire Tel: 01283 792333. Parking: Large pay and display car park. Admission: FREE ENTRY to the Arboretum & Plant Fair. Fair featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. Simply something for every plant lover. Come for a great day out, find some lovely plants for your garden, get expert advice from the enthusiastic nurserymen, and take time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity, the trees, the memorials, and the parkland walks. Free Entry to the Arboretum and plant fair. The plant fair runs from 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Friday 20th April to Sunday 22nd April 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	Newark & Notts Garden Show Newark Showground Newark. Nottinghamshire Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £6.00, Children £1.00, Concessions £6.00. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Sunday 22nd April 2012 at 11.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair at Bramall Hall The National Memorial Arboretum Croxall Road Alrewas. Staffordshire Tel: 01283 792333. Parking: On site parking charge. Admission: £1.00 entry to plant fair, free entry to 70 acre parkland. This popular plant fair featuring top quality specialist nurseries and growers will be held on the croquet lawn next to the hall. £1.00 entry to plant fair (refunded if you pay to entry the hall), free entry to 70 acre parkland, which have been landscaped in the style of Capability Brown. The plant fair runs from 11.00 p.m. - 4.30 p.m. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Saturday 5th May to Monday 7th May 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	Southend Spring Garden Show Garon Park Eastern Avenue Southend. Essex Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £5.00, Children £2.00, Concessions £4.50. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Sunday 6th May to Monday 7th May 2012 at 10.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters' Fair at Weston Park Weston Park Weston-under-Lizard. Shropshire Tel: 01952 852100. Parking: FREE. Admission: Plant Fair, Gardens & Parkland £2.50. Weston Park welcomes Plant Hunters' Fairs on Mayday Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday. Weston is an award winning stately home set in 1000 acres of "Capability" Brown parkland much of it wooded and planted with spring bulbs, bluebells, azaleas and rhododendrons. By the house there is an Italian Parterre and formal gardens. Plants will be at the heart of the event and we have a brilliant line up of nurseries with something, new, different and unusual for every plant lover. The fair will be held on the Stables Lawn in front of the house making a stunning backdrop to the day with the Stables Coffee Bar close on hand. For this special event, Weston Park is offering a really great value entrance price of just £2.50 (per person) for the fair, gardens and parkland. There is a lso a great adventureplayground for children plus a selection of outdoor games in the courtyard. The miniature railway will also be running (additional charge). The plant fair runs from 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. both days. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Friday 11th May to Sunday 13th May 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	Norfolk Spring Garden Show Norfolk Showground Norwich. Norfolk Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £5.00, Children £2.00, Concessions £4.50. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Friday 18th May to Sunday 20th May 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	Essex Garden Show Brentwood Centre Brentwood. Essex Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £5.00, Children £2.00, Concessions £4.50. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Friday 25th May to Sunday 27th May 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	Cambridgeshire Garden Show Wood Green Animal Shelter Godmanchester. Cambridgeshire Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £3.00, Children £1.00, Concessions £2.50. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Saturday 26th May 2012 at 10.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair at The National Memorial Arboretum Croxall Road Alrewas. Staffordshire Tel: 01283 792333. Parking: Large pay and display car park. Admission: FREE ENTRY to Plant Fair and Arboretum. Fair featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. Simply something for every plant lover. Come for a great day out, find some lovely plants for your garden, get expert advice from the enthusiastic nurserymen, and take time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity, the trees, the memorials, and the parkland walks. Free Entry to the Arboretum and plant fair. The plant fair runs from 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Sunday 27th May 2012 at 10.30 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair Adlington Hall Adlington Hall Mill Lane Macclesfield. Cheshire Tel: 01625 827 595. Parking: FREE. Admission: Plant Fair & Garden £3.00. The plant fair will be held in front of the house and will feature top quality nurseries specialising in a varied range of plants with something for every plant lover. Traditional teas and fresh homemade cakes available. Historic gardens and parkland with free garden tours available. The plant fair runs from 10.30 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Special event price fair and garden £3.00. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Sunday 3rd June & Monday 4th June 2012 at 10.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair at Hodnet Hall Hodnet Hall Hodnet Market Drayton. Shropshire Tel: 01630 685786. Parking: FREE. Admission: Plant Fair & Magnificent 60 Acre Gardens £2.50 Plant Hunters' Fair featuring highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. Over 60 acres of breathtaking gardens with walled garden and dramatic lakes. Visitors can explore the gardens, meet top nurserymen and women and enjoy light refreshments in the picturesque restaurant. Visitors can enjoy musical entertainment in the garden. What more could you want on an early summer's day? The plant fair runs from 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. on June 3rd & 4th (Jubilee Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday) Special event price: fair and garden £2.50. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Friday 8th June to Sunday 10th June 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	South East Essex Garden Show Barleylands Billericay. Essex Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £6.00, Children £1.00, Concessions £5.00. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Friday 15th June to Sunday 17th June 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	Oxfordshire Garden Show Cornbury Park Charlbury. Oxfordshire Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £7.50, Children £2.00, Concessions £6.50. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Saturday 16th June & Sunday 17th June 2012 at 2.00 p.m.	Centaurea National Collection Weekend Yew Tree House & Special Perennials Nursery Hall Lane Hankelow Nr Audlem. Cheshire Tel: 01270 811443. Parking: FREE. Admission: FREE. The collection is planted throughout our small plantsman’s garden (open for the NGS as well), providing visitors with ideas and inspiration for using these wonderful bee and butterfly attractors in their own gardens. Plants for sale. FREE ENTRY to this event. Garden open from 2.00 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. both days. Park at village green, follow Hall Lane left along rear of green. Garden on right, before junction with A529. PH, cafes & WC at nearby Audlem (1m). More details at www.specialperennials.com
Friday 29th June to Sunday 1st July 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	All About Gardening Lincolnshire Lincoln Showground Grange de Lings. Lincolnshire Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £5.00, Children £2.00, Concessions £4.50. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Saturday 7th July & Sunday 8th July 2012 at 10.00 a.m.	Essex Koi Show 2012 Barleylands Farm Barleylands Road Billericay. Essex Tel: 01206 795112. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £5.00, Children 11 to 16 yrs £2.00. A koi carp show run by a local koi keeping club. Come and learn more about this relaxing hobby. Refreshments, garden plants, craft area, koi dealers and everything you need for your pond.
Sunday 29th July 2012 at 10.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair at The National Memorial Arboretum The National Memorial Arboretum Croxall Road Alrewas. Staffordshire Tel: 01283 792333. Parking: Large pay and display car park. Admission: FREE ENTRY to the Plant Fair & Arboretum. Plant Fair featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. Simply something for every plant lover. Come for a great day out, find some lovely plants for your garden, get expert advice from the enthusiastic nurserymen, and take time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity, the trees, the memorials, and the parkland walks. Free Entry to the Arboretum and plant fair. The plant fair runs from 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Saturday 11th August 2012 at 1.30 p.m.	Salisbury Allotments Association 6th Summer Horticultural Show St. Michael's Church & Community Centre Salisbury Tel: 01722 415880. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £1.00, Under 16's free. Salisbury Allotments Associations 6th Summer Horticultural Show is a traditional flower & vegetable show with a friendly atmosphere were you can view the efforts of local growers, have a drink and a slice of homemade cake and buy plants and fresh produce at very competitive prices. You will be guaranteed a warm welcome.
Saturday 11th August & Sunday 12th August 2012 at 2.00 p.m.	Helenium National Collection Weekend Yew Tree House & Special Perennials Nursery Hall Lane Hankelow Nr Audlem. Cheshire Tel: 01270 811443. Parking: FREE. Admission: £2.50. The collection is planted throughout our small plantsman’s garden (open for the NGS as well), providing visitors with ideas and inspiration for using these wonderful bee and butterfly attractors in their own gardens. Plants for sale. FREE ENTRY to this event. Garden open from 2.00 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. both days. Park at village green, follow Hall Lane left along rear of green. Garden on right, before junction with A529. PH, cafes & WC at nearby Audlem (1m). More details at www.specialperennials.com
Friday 17th August to Sunday 19th August 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	All About Gardening Southend Garon Park Southend. Essex Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £6.00, Children £1.00, Concessions £5.00. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Saturday 25th August to Monday 27th August 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	All About Gardening Norfolk Norfolk Showground Norwich. Norfolk Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £6.00, Children £1.00, Concessions £5.00. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Sunday 26th August & Monday 27th August 2012	Plant Hunters' Fair at The Dorothy Clive Garden The Dorothy Clive Garden Willoughbridge Market Drayton. Staffordshire Tel: 01630 647237. Parking: FREE. Admission: Plant Fair & 12 Acre Garden £3.00. Plant Fair featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. Simply something for every plant lover. Come for a great day out, find some lovely plants for your garden, get expert advice from the enthusiastic nurserymen, and take time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity, the trees, the memorials, and the parkland walks. Free Entry to the Arboretum and plant fair. The plant fair runs from 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Friday 31st August to Sunday 2nd September 2012 at 9.30 a.m.	All About Gardening Suffolk Suffolk Showground Ipswich. Suffolk Tel: 01702 549623. Parking: FREE. Admission: Adults £6.00, Children £1.00, Concessions £5.00. Like a garden centre sprung to life, Aztec Event’s Garden Shows are alive with activity and splendour. Plant yourself amongst the buzz and bring the whole family for an unforgettable day out. Green fingered enthusiasts and occasional gardeners alike will find plenty of inspiration at the garden shows, with everything from an outdoor-shopping zone to the landscape and design area.
Saturday 1st September 2012 at 11.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair at Bodenham Arboretum Bodenham Arboretum Wolverley Kidderminster. Worcestershire Tel: 01562 852444. Parking: FREE. Admission: FREE ENTRY to the Plant Fair. Free Entry to this popular Plant Hunters’ Fair, featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs, rare species and old heritage varieties. With expert advice from enthusiastic nursery men, simply something for every plant lover. Beautiful 156 acre arboretum with over 3000 types of trees and shrubs. Excellent lakeside restaurant. Free entry to plant fair and restaurant. Entry to Arboretum optional at normal prices. The plant fair runs from 11.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Saturday 8th September 2012 at 2.00 p.m.	Newton Le Willows Flower & Vegetable Show Penkford School Wharf Road Newton-le-Willows. Merseyside Tel: 07708589912. Parking: FREE. Within school grounds. Admission: FREE. Competitive classes for flowers, pot plants, vegetables, fruit, art, photography, baking, jam, chutney, flower arranging and also classes for children to enter. There will also be stalls selling plants, spring bulbs, secondhand books, a tombola and a raffle. The Show will end with the presentation to the winners and an auction of the produce.
Sunday 16th September 2012 at 10.00 a.m.	Plant Hunters’ Fair at Sugnall Hall Walled Kitchen Garden Sugnall Hall Sugnall Nr. Eccleshall. Staffordshire Tel: 01785 850820. Parking: FREE. Admission: Plant Fair & 2 Acre Walled Kitchen Garden £1.00. Plant Hunters’ Fair at this 2 acre walled kitchen garden, features many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. The walled kitchen garden at Sugnall Hall near Eccleshall Staffs dates from 1738 and is currently being restored as a working kitchen garden, producing fruit and vegetables to serve in the tearoom and for homemade jams and chutneys on sale at the garden. The garden has a large collection of heritage apples and a seasonal tasting will also be on offer to visitors. For those of you who have caught the "grow your own" bug the garden will be an inspiration. Great value entry price £1.00 fair & walled garden. The plant fair runs from 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. More details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

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