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
MAY
16 May - 13 October: Now you see us: Women artists in Britain 1520 - 1920
Coming up this spring is Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520 - 1920, an exhibition of professional women artists working through history. Told in the exhibition are the stories of botanical artists who (far from the 'lady amateurs' that women artists are often dismissed as) worked as leading professionals, making significant contributions to scientific study. Read all about the exhibition here
Open 10am-6pm
Tickets TBC
Location Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG
Web tate.org.uk
JULY
26 July: Learn to Scythe
Help manage RHS Garden Bridgewater’s Victoria Meadow and learn to scythe at the same time with Steve Tomlin.
Open 10am - 5pm
Tickets £130.85
Location RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road, Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester, M28 2LJ
Web rhs.org.uk
AUGUST
1 August
Explore Kew Gardens by bike for one evening only. Music and entertainment will also be on plus food stalls.
Open 5pm - 9pm
Tickets £24
Location Kew Gardens, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Web kew.org
24 August: Seaweed Foray in North Berwick
Search for seaweed diversity on the beach and gain a basic understanding of these amazing organisms on a field trip with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Open 11am - 2pm
Tickets £40
Location North Berwick
Web rbge.org.uk
25 August: Bonsai National Collection Open Day
Join the Friends of the National Bonsai Society as they share their expertise and offer a look at this unique collection.
Open 10am - 4pm
Tickets Free with garden admission (£9.35)
Location Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TR.
Web birminghambotanicalgardens.org
25 August: Petersham House Open Gardens
Petersham House, adjacent to Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, will open its gates to raise money for charity this month. Only open a few dates a year, this is a great opportunity to explore the impressive topiary and see the colourful borders at the height of summer.
Open 11am - 2pm
Tickets £16
Location Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane Off Petersham Road Richmond TW10 7AB
Web eventbrite.co.uk
SEPTEMBER
5 September: Autumn Bouquet Workshop
Learn to make an autumn-inspired bouquet with Sarah from Pod & Pip. Tea, coffee and cake is included.
Open 10am - 12pm
Tickets £80
Location Pod & Pip, Ebble House, Stratford Tony, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 4AT
Web podandpip.co.uk
26 September: Botanical Painting Workshop with Katie Lenegan
Guided by experienced artist Katie Lenegan, you will learn how to explore expressive drawing techniques and use line, tone and colour to create experimental paintings. Katie will encourage you to respond to flowers and other cuttings with charcoal, ink, pencil and watercolour. The day includes a delicious organic lunch in The Trough, our restaurant just steps away from the Market Garden.
Open 10am-1pm
Tickets £95
Location Daylesford Farm, Daylesford near Kingham, Cotswolds, GL56 0YG
Web daylesford.com
Dates and prices correct at time of publication. Please check details for each show prior to travelling.
