This month...

APPLE FESTIVAL 6-7 October, 10am-4pm

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH Enjoy a family day out, with apple displays, tastings, talks, planting and cultivation tips. Stalls selling fruit, cider and apple juice. Take along unknown apple cultivars for identification. Entry included with normal garden admission, adults £10.35; RHS free 01805 624067; www.rhs.org.uk/ gardens/rosemoor

AUTUMN PLANT FAIR 6-7 October 11am-4pm

Great Dixter, Northiam, Rye, East Sussex TN31 6PH Specialist nursery shopping in a fabulous garden setting. Nurseries include Beth Chatto and many new and unusual ones from across Europe. Adults £12.65; Friends free l 01797 254048; www.greatdixter.co.uk

AUTUMN BIRDWATCH 7 October, 12noon-4pm

Barnsdale Gardens, The Avenue, Exton, Rutland LE15 8AH Take a ‘twitcher’s’ tour of Barnsdale with Phil Rudkin, see local craftsmen building bird boxes for sale and make a simple bird feeder to take home. Event free with garden admission, adults £9 l 01572 813200; www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

NO-DIG VEG GROWING COURSE 13 October, 10.30am–4pm

Charles Dowding, Homeacres, Alhampton, Somerset BA4 6PZ Learn how to get results in the vegetable garden without digging. Charles Dowding explains how to plan a veg plot, sow at the right time and reap the rewards. Cost £150 l 01749 860292; www.charlesdowding.co.uk

AUTUMN WALK AND TALK 21 October, 1-2.30pm

Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8AH Join a member of the gardens team on a seasonal walk and talk to see spectacular autumn colours. Outdoor clothing and footwear essential. Included with normal garden admission, adults £7 01829 720383; www.cholmondeleycastle.com