The National Gardening Show opens this Friday 3rd September.  The event showcases the finest in Autumn gardening, with lots of features that are unique to the show, advice from experts, and help on how to grow plants and vegetables. Experienced and beginner gardeners alike will enjoy the event. 3rd ­ 5th September 2010
The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

The annual tomato extravaganza takes place at West Dean Gardens on 4–5th September. It guarantees handy hints and top growing tips for professional and amateur gardeners alike. More than 150 varieties of tomatoes will be on show along with cookery demos, tastings, tomato-related produce for sale. As usual, tomato growers will have the chance to enter their produce in the Tastiest Tomato Competition, and, new for this year, the Heaviest Tomato Competition (run in conjunction with the British Tomato Growers’ Association). The competitions are open to anyone and once again the Totally Tomato Show lays down the gauntlet – can the amateur gardeners beat the professionals at their own game? For more information please phone 01243 818210 or visit the West Dean Website.

Following Andy Sturgeon’s outstanding success in winning Best in Show at Chelsea Flower Show this year, Alitex is hosting his talk on “Chelsea and beyond….” as part of the company’s lecture series.  The talk is on the  2nd of September at 8pm at the historic Walled Garden at Cowdray, Midhurst, West Sussex. The Walled Garden at Cowdray will be open at for viewing before the talk.  Tickets are £10, contact Alitex by email or telephone 01730 826 900 to reserve your place.  The Walled Garden in Cowdray features a traditional greenhouse built by Alitex designed to be in keeping with the historic Walled Garden, which has a protected Ancient Monument listing.  The Garden, which is an interpretation of a Tudor pleasure garden, is located next to the ruins of a famous fortified mansion visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I in an area steeped in myths and history.

Ten years ago the Woodland Trust marked the Millennium with the  ‘Woods on your Doorstep’ project, creating 250 new community woods. The project showed what a difference can be made when local people come together to create new woodland and now they are celebrating that achievement. Details of the various events can be found on their website and communities are also holding events so keep an eye out for publicity in your local area.  If you are interested in establishing your own community woodland you can apply for free saplings from www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

The Chelsea Physic Garden has a programme of late openings and evening talks on Wednesdays until the end of August.  The gardens are open from midday until 10pm (last entry 8.30pm) and the  talks take place at 6.45pm. When booking your tickets be sure to reserve a table at their wonderful café which serves delicious food at very reasonable prices.