DIARY: APRIL
MOLLY BLAIR AND ANNIE GATTI
1 Magnolia Tour
Join Harry Baldwin, head of horticulture at Borde Hill Garden in West Sussex for this guided tour of the garden’s magnolia collection. 5 April, 11am-12pm. Tour included in the garden admission of £10.50. Borde Hill Garden, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1XP. Tel 01444 450326, bordehill.co.uk
2 Spring Flowering Perennials with Rosy Hardy
Learn about spring-flowering perennials and how to include them in planting combinations in this talk by Rosy Hardy at her Hampshire nursery. The day, held in partnership with the RHS, will include a behind-the-scenes tour of the nursery. 6 April, 10.30am-2pm. £20. Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, Priory Lane Nursery, Freefolk Priors, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7FA. Tel 01256 896533, hardysplants.co.uk
3 Living Easter Wreath
Get inspiration for an Easter wreath using living plants from the garden and hedgerows, and the know-how to make your own from scratch, on this online demonstration with Georgie Newbery of Common Farm Flowers. A recording will be available if you can’t make it live. 6 April, 4.30-5.30pm. £35. commonfarmflowers.com
4 Coastal Plants of Somerset
Learn about Somerset’s varied coastal habitats and their associated plant species, on this online talk from Dr Helena Crouch, who has studied coastal plants in the county for more than 20 years. 8 April, 7.30-9pm. £3 (suggested donation). avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
5 Tulip Open Weekend
Head to Lancashire-based nursery Brighter Blooms to see more than 50 tulip cultivars on display and buy a range of summer-flowering bulbs, including one of its specialities: Zantedeschia. 9-10 April, 10am-4pm. Free. Walton Flats Nursery, Gillibrand Street, WaltonLe-Dale, Preston, Lancashire PR5 4AX. Tel 07884 430732, brighterblooms.co.uk
6 Scotland’s Daffodil Festival
Find daffodils galore at this weekend festival held at Backhouse Rossie, home to the Backhouse daffodils. The walled garden holds beautiful beds of more than 20,000 daffodils. 9-10 April, 10am-5pm. £6. Backhouse Heritage & Education Centre, Rossie
Estate, Collessie Ladybank, Fife KY15 7U. Tel 0844 414 5803, backhouserossie.co.uk
7 Elegant Plants for the White Garden
Learn how to plan, design and plant up a white garden with Marylyn Abbott at her Hampshire garden. 12 April, 11am-1.30pm. £57 (includes a garden tour and lunch with wine). West Green House, Thakham’s Lane, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hampshire RG27 8JB. Tel 01252 844611, westgreenhouse.co.uk
8 Isle of Wight Spring Art and Garden Fair
Browse plants from specialist nurseries and artwork from local artists in the beautiful surroundings of Northwood House and Park in Cowes. 15-16 April, 10am-5pm. £3. Northwood House and Park, Ward Avenue, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 8AZ.
Tel 01983 293642, northwoodhouse.org
9 Introduction to Garden Design
There is still time to book a place on this comprehensive eight-week introduction to garden design with the Norfolk School of Gardening. The course covers everything from site survey to final plan and includes a visit to an inspiring private garden to see design principles and features in practice. One day a week from 20 April, 10am-3pm. £650. Norfolk School of Gardening, Ketteringham, Norfolk NR18 9RS. norfolkschoolofgardening.co.uk
10 The Artfulness of Weeds Break
Book now for this art break at the Angel Hotel in Abergavenny that will help you see weeds in a new light. Includes a half-day workshop at Nant-y-Bedd (see page 78) with artist and gardener Jacky Mills. 24 or 25 June (workshop on Saturday morning). From £405 (includes one-night bed and breakfast and three-course evening meal). Angel Hotel, 15 Cross Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5EN. Tel 01873 857121, angelabergavenny.com
All information is correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change.
Tickets for events may be limited and may have to be booked in advance.
Please be sure to check all opening times and advice on any local restrictions before travelling.