The Chelsea Flower Show’s younger sibling continues to grow in strength with a series of alternative garden-themed events held internationally – including art installations, poetry readings and meditation sessions – that delight and intrigue in equal measure
1 Webs, threads, roots and fibres in the Scottish landscape
Panels of woven plants and fibres will transform a suburban front garden in Edinburgh. All can be viewed from the public pavement.
When 21-29 May.
Where 21 Braid Mount, Edinburgh EH10 6JH.
2 Picture! Picture! Seattle!
For the first time, the US city of Seattle is hosting events for the Fringe. Among the more unusual is a series of 25 disarming images of Miles Nevler, who has posed as horticultural heroes, including Daniel J Hinkley and Vita Sackville-West, which will be displayed on random telegraph poles in the International District of downtown Seattle. If Seattle is a little too far to travel, you can always view the images online.
When 21-29 May.
Where International District/Chinatown, Seattle, Washington, WA 98104, USA.
3 Let’s suppose…
Artist Maggie Learmonth laments the loss of small urban front gardens, and reflects on what could happen if all front gardens had at least a green hedge, in this free exhibition of paintings and drawings. Come along, meet the artist and try your hand at line drawings.
When 21 May, 11am-6pm; 22 May, 12-5pm.
Where Cave Pimlico, Stourhead House, London SW1V 2QP.
Tel 020 7592 9155.
Web maggielearmonth.net
4 Riverside wildflower walk
Join a guided walk around the Mill & Marsh Meadows nature conservation area by the river Thames, led by Greener Henley’s wildflower expert Sally Rankin.
When 24 May, 10.30am.
Where Meet at Mill Lane car park, Henleyon-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 4HD.
Web greenerhenley.org.uk
5 Meditation and mindfulness in London’s secret garden
Find a moment of quiet in the Inner Temple Garden. Take part in guided meditation sessions and gong baths led by Nick Stolerman, or just relax on one of the deckchairs on the lawn.
When 22 May, 12-4pm.
Where Inner Temple, London EC4Y 7HB.
Tel 020 7797 8250.
Web innertemple.org.uk
6 Henley Quakers’ peaceful garden
Enjoy a cup of tea, a slice of cake and the sounds and scents of this hidden garden in the heart of Henley-on-Thames.
When 22 May, 2-5pm.
Where Henley Friends Meeting House, 45 Northfield End, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2EA.
Web midthamesquakers.org.uk
7 Music garden party
Listen to different genres of music – from a swing band to a renaissance choir – as you explore the different areas of the Olden Community Garden, a two-acre green space in Islington, with woodland, orchard and vegetable gardens. Tickets £5, cash only.
When 29 May, 2-6pm.
Where Olden Community Garden, opposite 22 Whistler Street, London N5 1NH.
Web oldengarden.org
8 Poems from the heart of the urban forest
Poets from Southwark & Greenwich Poetry Stanza groups will give readings of poems about growth and regeneration, celebrating life within London’s urban forest.
When 28 May, 11am-4pm.
Where Red Cross Garden, Redcross Way, London SE1 1HA.
9 What is a food forest?
Take a guided walk through an orchard in Naples and learn about all the fruit trees planted there. Entering the first-ever Food Forest in Naples, visitors will have the opportunity to taste the different fruits and wander along the terraces, imagining how the forest will grow over time. Email info@ nseayet.org to book your place on a walk.
When 21 May, 11am, 12pm and 1pm.
Where Il futteto N’Sea Yet, Via Girolamo Santacroce, 19, 80129 Naopli NA, Italy.
Web nseayet.org
The Chelsea Fringe takes place 21-29 May. Find more events at chelseafringe.com and follow @thechelseafringe on Instagram; @ChelseaFringe on Twitter; and @chelseafringe on Facebook Please check event details with venue before travelling.