Gardening events 2017
OCTOBER
Until 29 October
Kent
'Speak its Name!', new display at Sissinghurst Castle Garden to celebrate LGBTQ heritage of Vita Sackville West and her contemporaries. As part of the National Trust’s ‘Prejudice & Pride’ programme, a new display has been created in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, London, drawing on portraits in their collection. Free entry to the exhibition. Normal admission applies (nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle).
Until 8 Oct
Somerset
In the Air - a sound installation by David Ward for Kilver Court Gardens, Shepton Mallet, part of the 2017 Somerset Art Weeks Festival. The great Charlton Viaduct runs through the gardens and visitors will be encouraged to journey through each of the viaduct arches where they’ll hear fragments of spoken word, ambient sounds and deliberate silences, each reflecting aspects and dimensions of the gardens. Free entry, normal admission applies (01749 340410; kilvercourt.com).
Kilver Court, Kilver Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5NF
Sundays in October
Kent
Autumn colour at Hole Park Gardens plus an exotic border still in full bloom in October; late flowering agapanthus ‘Hole Park Blue’; circular walk past a renovated Ice House built in around 1740. Open Wed & Thurs until the end of October, Sunday openings on 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th October 2017. Lunches, tea, cakes in the coach house; plant stall; jam, preserves, beer and apple juice from Hole Park Estate. Adults £7; under 18s £1 (01580 241344; www.holepark.com).
11am-6pm, Hole Park, Benenden Rd, Rolvenden, Cranbrook TN17 4JA
Until 22 October
Herefordshire
Out Of Nature sculpture show at Newport House. More than 40 artists from all over Britain, including some with a wide international following. Discover sculptures in a beautiful autumn garden setting, raising funds and awareness for the Cart Shed, a charity which works with people with mental health issues through coppicing and green wood craft. Entry £5, under 18s and students free (07917 740200; outofnature.org.uk).
10.30am-5.30pm, Newport House, Almeley, HR3 6LL
5 October
London and home counties
'Prepare for Christmas' shopping evenings at Squire's Garden Centres at Badshot Lea, Long Ditton and Twickenham (and at Shepperton Oct 20). Enjoy an exclusive 20 per cent off all decorations and Christmas trees on the night, plus complimentary glass of wine or soft drink on arrival, live music from local artists, and lot of other fun activities such as festive craft demonstrations (squiresgardencentres.co.uk).
5-8pm on October 5 at Badshot Lea, Long Ditton and Twickenham, and on October 20 at Squire's in Shepperton
7&8 October
Sussex
Great Dixter Autumn Plant Fair - specialist nurseries from the UK and Europe. For the first time: Hermannshof Trial Gardens Nursery from Germany, Kevock Garden Plants from Scotland and De Kleine Plantage from The Netherlands, plus many others. Talks will be given by nurserymen at intervals. Entry £9 (payable on the day, includes entry to the garden). Free for Friends, Annual Ticket holders and children under 16. Special talk by director of Hermannshof Cassian Schmidt at 5pm on 7th October in the Dixter Farm Buildings – email or phone to reserve a place (01797 254048; greatdixter.co.uk).
11am-4pm, Great Dixter Northiam Rye East Sussex TN31 6PH
10 October
Cornwall
Lecture: 'Around the World with Alpine Plants' by passionate plant explorer and rock gardener, Harry Jans, founder member of the Dutch Rock Garden Society. (On Wednesday October 11 at 2.30pm he will also speak about 'Flowers of the Incas' at the Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth.) Free for CGS members. Non-members welcome, donations gratefully received (cornwallgardensociety.org.uk).
7.30pm, Alverton Hotel, Tregolls Rd, Truro TR1 1ZQ
12 October
Dorset
Plant Heritage Dorset event: Talk on Making the most of Peonies and Iris by Susannah Applegate, gardener and grower. Plant Heritage brings together everyone from keen amateur gardeners to botanists and leading horticulturalists. Meetings consist of a lecture or slide show, with refreshments, members' plant sales and a plant identification table. Entry is free for members; visitors £2.50, students £1 (07812 175 688; nccpg.com).
7pm for 7:30pm, The Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RR
14&15 October
Kent
Great Comp Garden's two day Autumn Extravaganza. Exhibitors from across the south east offering garden ornamentation with local artisan food producers and craft people. William Dyson, curator at Great Comp Garden is expecting a fantastic display of autumn colour this year in the 7 acre garden and says: "I'm sure we can look forward to colour this year from Cercidyphyllum, Quercus, Liquidamber, Nyssa and our Ginkgos." Normal entrance fees apply with a 20 per cent day entry discount to RHS members.
11am-5pm, Comp Lane, St Mary's Platt, Sevenoaks TN15 8QS
15 October
Warwickshire
Apple Day & Country Fair – A day of Crafts, Art, Music and all things Apple. The Victorian hedged gardens at Hill Close, overlooking Warwick Racecourse, are the perfect setting for an apple day with a difference. Displays, craft stalls, art, live music, workshops and children’s activities make this an excellent day out for the family. More than 60 varieties of heritage apples, many on display, chance to taste as well as purchase some unusual varieties. Craft stalls and local food producers will be attending, alongside bee keepers, wood carvers. Spinners, tree and plant sales. Music from Romany Pie. Refreshments in traditional tearoom overlooking the gardens. Plant & produce sales area. Reduced entry adult £3, child 50p (under 5s, HCGT and RHS members free).
11am-5pm, Hill Close Gardens, Bread & Meat Close, Warwick CV34 6HF
21 October
Apple Days nationwide
Started in 1990 by Common Ground as an annual celebration of Britain’s rich apple growing heritage, Apple Day events are now held across the length and breadth of Britain throughout the month of October and on Apple Day itself – October 21. These events are a great way to bring local communities together and to enjoy healthy locally grown fruit. If you’re looking for a family friendly activity in October, why not attend a local Apple Day or organise one in your community. Find a free guide to Apple Day events here.
21 October
Rutland
Planting Design Workshop at Barnsdale Gardens. Join internationally renowned garden designer David Stevens for this very special workshop looking at specific plants and showing how they work best in a garden; planting techniques; preparing a planting plan. Price £76, incl tea/coffee, lunch and entry to the Gardens.
10am-4pm, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham LE15 8AH
