We are somewhat partial to parades and festivals in Hastings and the most recent one was the extremely colourful Jack in the Green which welcomes the spring with much dressing up, pagan(ish) celebrations, many Morris Dancers and (in another part of town and in no way related) upwards of 20,000 bikers admiring each others machines on the seafront. I’m more an onlooker than a participant, but I do dress the garden door each year with flowers from the garden.
This Christmas see the RHS garden at Wisley in a magical new light. Spectacular light installations have transformed late winter afternoons with a burst of colour that illuminates the grandeur of some of the iconic trees and structures. As the daylight begins to fade, the Lumière is brought to life.
Follow the garden trail to discover 18 artistic installations. See the eight-bauble tree, with glowing orbs delicately suspended among the branches.
Marvel at the Glasshouse transformed into a treasure-trove of shapes and shadows playing on exotic palms. Take in the floating rings of light on the Canal, and dance around the historic oak tree to trigger the swirling change of colour. The event runs until January 3rd. More details on www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
29th November 1.30pm-4pm: The Dingle Gardens & Nursery, Welshpool, Powys has an afternoon on ‘Autumn Trees for the Garden’ with Duncan Hamer. One of the best ways of selecting a tree for the garden is to see mature specimens and discuss your needs with an expert who can help you make the right choice. The afternoon includes a visit to the nursery which is not generally open to the public. RHS members £7.50, non-members £10. Book on 01938555145 or visit Dingle Nurseries.
4th December 10am-1pm: Harveys Garden Plants, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk is running a workshop on pruning apple and pear trees. The nursery inherited many acres of neglected orchard when it moved to the current site. These are gradually been brought back into production and their pruning is an ideal opportunity to see what should be done to restore a fruit tree to full productiviy. RHS members £15, non-members £17.50 (this includes tea, coffee and home-made cakes). Book on 01359233363 or visit Harveys Garden Plants.
Take a walk round the Walled Garden at Scampston with the Head Gardener Paul Smith on 30th October between 10.30am-12pm. Piet Oudolf designed this magnificent contemporary garden near Scarborough in North Yorkshire and at this time of year his use of grasses is stunningly effective.
It may be a very grand garden, but there’s heaps of inspiration to take away with you. The guided walk costs £10 or £ 8 for RHS members.
This coming weekend, the 3rd & 4th of October, a new festival Feastival takes place at Kilver Court in Somerset, the home of Roger Saul, the founder of the fashion label Mulberry. Farm to Fork eating and sustainable living are the major themes with Slow Food, Food for Life Partnership, RHS Campaign for School Gardening, the Soil Association and Somerset Wildlife all in attendance. Tickets (including activities) £5 per adult, £2 for children under 16 and under 2s free. Visit Festival UK for more information.
Go to Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on the 14th of October and pick up some tips from the Head Gardener on how to extend the season with late colour in your garden, followed by a two-course lunch and a stroll through the gardens at your leisure. Tickets £26.95 or £21.95 for season ticket holders and RHS members.
The RHS Autumn Harvest Show takes place at the Horticultural Halls, at Greycourt Street and Vincent Square in London on the 13th & 14th of October. Leading nurseries will showcase the best plants; you can taste and purchase seasonal produce including chillies, herbs, beans and teas, and be inspired by winning entries across several ornamental plant, fruit and vegetable competitions. On Tuesday from 5-7pm there will be live music, free advice and plenty of seasonal samples will be on offer to taste.
