All the big names in one place. Here’s our guide to the gardening calendar’s biggest and best gardening events for the year ahead
From the glamour and excitement of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to the laid-back charm of the Great Comp Summer Show, our round up of this year’s best flower shows, festivals and events.
We’ll be updating this article through the year so be sure to check back for what’s new. Bookmark it for quick and easy re-finding!
So let’s make some plans and make the most of what’s going on. Here’s what you’ve got to look forward to for 2024:
Gardens Illustrated events and show guide 2024
DECEMBER 2023
1-15th December: Christmas Wreath Workshops
Learn to make the perfect Christmas wreath in this festive workshop, coffee and cake included!
Open Various times
Tickets £65
Location Pod & Pip, Ebble House, Stratford Tony, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 4AT
Web podandpip.co.uk
7-11 December: Winter Flowers Week
Five floral designers will transform the Garden Museum into a floral winter wonderland. Festive installations of British-grown flowers and foliage will be on display for five days.
Open 10am-5pm
Tickets £14 museum entry
Location Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB
Web gardenmuseum.org.uk
16 December: Everlasting Flowers with Layla Robinson Interior Design
Handcrafted, luxurious, natural, interior decoration with a difference made from everlasting flowers and foliage. Join Layla to create a one-of-a-kind flower panel or lampshade in this workshop as seen on Channel 4’s Extraordinary Escapes.
Open 10am-5pm
Tickets £178 per workshop
Location Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ
Web comptonverney.org.uk
23 December: The Chapel Choir of the Royal Chelsea Hospital
Visit the gardens at West Green Opera House for a concert of the Chapel Choir of the Royal Chelsea Hospital signing carols and songs to enchant the family before exploring the lights at the garden for the last day before Christmas.
Open Concerts at 3pm and 6pm
Tickets £38
Location West Green House Gardens, Thackham’s Lane, near Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8JB.
Web westgreenhouse.co.uk
JANUARY
18 January: Rose Pruning Masterclass with Michael Marriott
Join world authority on roses, Michael Marriott, for an informative talk and practical rose pruning masterclass.
Open 10.30am-1.30pm
Tickets £55
Location Borde Hill, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1XP
Web bordehill.co.uk
27 – 28 January: Houseplant Weekend
Visit RHS Garden Bridgewater to gain the knowledge and expertise to turn your interest in houseplants into a hobby. From talks and workshops drop-in clinics and great shopping opportunities, it will be the perfect January pick-me-up.
Open 10am-3pm
Tickets Free with garden entry
Location RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road, Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester, M28 2LJ
Web rhs.org.uk
FEBRUARY
3 February – 10 March: Houseplant Takeover
Explore Wisley’s glasshouses for their annual Houseplant Takeover with the theme ‘Plants Before Time’. Plants will be interspersed with fossils, footprints and more.
Open Monday to Friday 10am-3.45pm and Saturday to Sunday 9.30am-3.45pm.
Tickets Free with garden entry
Location RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB
Web rhs.org.uk
7 and 21 February: Grow the Seasons – Fresh Start
Visit The Small Holding in Kilndown for the first in a series of courses designed to help you grow the seasons. This one will focus on the beginning of the gardening year and you’ll learn how to create No Dig beds.
Open 9.30am-4pm
Tickets £195
Location The Small Holding, Ranters Lane, Kilndown, England, TN17 2SG
Web growtheseasons.com
MARCH
16 March: Creating a Cutting Garden
Visit Damson Farm in Somerset for a masterclass in cut flower growing from Becky Crowley. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Open 9.30am-4pm
Tickets £120
Location Damson Farm, Northend, BA1 8ES
Web alisonjenkins.co.uk
APRIL
5 April: Korean Natural Farming
Visit Damson Farm to explore this method of regenerating soil by creating your own fertilisers and plant medicines with Joshua Sparkes.
Open 9.30am-4pm
Tickets £120
Location Damson Farm, Northend, BA1 8ES
Web alisonjenkins.co.uk
Dates and prices correct at time of publication. Please check details for each show prior to travelling.