Get inspiration and expert advice for your own home at one of the region’s summer garden shows
Writtle Gardens Open Day, 9 June
Writtle, Essex
The village of Writtle will once again welcome visitors to enjoy an afternoon of all things horticultural. Explore 18 village gardens, floral displays, art, food and more during this quintessentially British afternoon. There’s activities for little ones too!
Quiet Garden Open Days 2019, 16 June, 21 July, 18 August & 22 September
Quaker Meeting House, Peterborough
Enjoy some peace and quiet in the pretty gardens at Quaker Meeting House, which will be open from 2pm-4pm on selected days throughout the summer. The afternoon is finished with tea and cake. It’s free entry to the gardens. www.peterboroughquakers.org.uk
Woburn Abbey Garden Show, 22-23 June
Woburn, Bedfordshire
Set in the glorious gardens of Woburn Abbey, this hugely popular garden show returns to celebrate its 10thanniversary. The two day event offers rare access to the Private Gardens of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, which is not normally open to the public.
Adam Frost and Pippa Greenwood, will be joined by Woburn’s Estates Gardens Manager Martin Towsey at the Demonstration and Talks Theatre and new for 2019 is ‘The Good Life Connection’ area. A brand new theme this year is ways to make life richer, healthier more mindful, more meaningful and more sustainable. By adopting ‘The Good Life’ approach and the Show’s mantra that ‘everything comes back to the plant’, visitors and exhibitors will be brought together through sharing, learning and building confidences to become successful, independent and happy growers.
There will also be ‘Garden Shed Talks’, beekeeping demos, edible flower demos, Q&As, have-a-go pop ups, plenty for advice and free garden tours with RHS qualified gardeners. Tickets priced£16.25 for adults, £15.25 for seniors and free of charge for children under 15 years of age. www.woburnabbey.co.uk/gardenshow
image: Jeremy Smith
A Norfolk Garden Party, 30 June
Swannington, near Reepham
Beautiful gardens both formal and natural, classic cars and home-made cakes – the tiny village of Swannington, near Reepham, is gearing up to host what could be Norfolk’s biggest garden party this summer.
For this eighth edition of the biannual fundraiser, 10 private gardens spread across a total area of 234acres (that’s more than four times the size of the gardens at nearby Blickling Hall) will be open to explore, alongside classic car displays at Swannington Common and Upgate Common – including a number of Triumph Stags – and a selection of Morgans at Swannington ManorAward-winning farm butchery Swannington Farm to Fork will be serving up a barbecue on the village common, with light lunches available in St Margaret’s Church, Pimms on the Terrace at Swannington Manor, cream teas at The Old Rectory and several other gardens serving homemade teas.
Gardens are open from 10am – 5pm on Sunday 30th June. Tickets cost £5 per person, available on the gate at the main car park. More information about the gardens and associated attractions can be found at www.swanningtoninbloom.org.
Burnhams Flower Show & Carnival, 13 July
Burnham Market, Norfolk
A traditional show for all the family. Cookery, handicrafts, flower arranging, children’s competitions and more.
Sandringham Flower Show, 24 July
Sandringham Park, Norfolk
Enjoy the 138th flower show full of displays and demonstrations. There’s plenty of inspiration to help you create your dream garden. www.sandringhamestate.co.uk
