Get ready for a blooming brilliant day full of plants, positivity, and people who love getting their hands dirty (in the best way!). Whether you're here to learn how to grow mushrooms, master the perfect flower arrangement, talk soil and wellbeing, or simply soak up the sunshine and good vibes — this mini festival has something for everyone.
With a packed programme of inspiring talks, hands-on sessions, houseplant hacks, and even gardening fun for the little ones, today is all about digging into nature, sharing ideas, and growing together.
So grab a cuppa, pick your stage, and let’s get things growing!
Pergola Stage - hosted by Ellen Mary
Visit the Pergola Stage, where expert guests will guide you through hands-on "how-to" sessions, designed to inspire and elevate your gardening skills. Whether you want to grow your own mushrooms, capture stunning garden photos, or create a stunning cut flower arrangement, this stage is packed with practical advice and creative ideas to take home.
11am - Caley Brothers - ‘How to grow mushrooms’
Caley Brothers, founded in 2019 by sisters Lorraine Caley and Jodie Bryan, are passionate about connecting people to the world of fungi through accessible and sustainable projects. They won a gold medal at RHS Chelsea in 2023 and their debut book, Project Mushroom has inspired many to grow their own mushrooms at home.
12pm - Julie Skelton - ‘How to capture breathtaking garden photos with confidence’
Julie Skelton is one of the UK’s most influential garden photographers. She is a member of the Garden Media Guild and Professional Garden Photographers Association, and her pictures have been published worldwide in magazines, books, newspapers and advertising.
1pm - Lucy Butler - ‘How to create a sensory wellbeing planter’
Lucy Butler is a RHS qualified horticulturist with a passion for promoting mindful gardening and gardening for mental health and wellbeing. Lucy is popular on social media (Mindful Gardener) and regularly shares helpful and inspiring advice on the subject.
2pm - James Grieg - ‘How to create a cut flower arrangement’
James Grieg made a career swap from being a TV producer to growing and selling sustainable, British flowers in Hampshire. He now runs Stem and Green Flower Farm near Winchester and is passionate about growing locally and reducing the environmental impact caused by importing cheaper flowers from abroad.
3pm - Zoe Claymore - ‘How to design a garden’
Zoe Claymore is an emerging talent in landscape design, graduating from the Inchbald School of Design with the Dean’s prize for garden design. Less than a year later, she won Gold, the People’s Choice, and Best ‘Get Started’ Garden at RHS Hampton Court for her design of 'The Wildlife Trusts: Renters ’Retreat.' Her work for renters earned her recognition as an RHS Horticultural Hero of 2023.
4pm - Cara Thompson - ‘Make it Flourish sow along’
Cara Thompson is a TV Art Director turned flower grower. She hosts ‘Make It Flourish’, a flower sow-along series that began online and has now expanded to in-person events across the country. From art directing on television shows like BBC’s EastEnders, to designing a GOLD award-winning garden, she earned the People's Choice award at BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Show in 2023.
Polytunnel stage - hosted by The Beardy Gardener and Garden for Mind’s Libby Hilling
Step into the polytunnel for a series of inspirational conversations, where big-names in gardening take the spotlight! Hosted by The Beardy Gardener and Libby Hilling, this is the place to hear insightful stories, expert tips, and behind-the-scenes secrets.
12pm - Amy Chapman
Amy is a passionate content creator, who makes educational videos about gardening on social media. Through creating engaging and informative videos, Amy is able to inspire people to start growing their own food, and shares quick tips with more seasoned gardeners too. With over 381k followers on Instagram alone, she reaches an audience of young people who may have
previously found gardening overwhelming. She has a focus on sustainability, and gives tips and advice on how to grow your own food organically.
1pm - Ellen Mary
Ellen promotes the wellbeing benefits of gardening, plants and the natural world. She has trained in horticulture, social and therapeutic horticulture, NLP, reiki, hypnotherapy and wellness coaching. She has appeared on WCNC USA, BBC Countryfile Diaries, BBC News, Mustard TV, featured in The Times, Express and Telegraph newspapers and filmed with the Royal Horticultural Society. She speaks at shows including RHS Chelsea, Malvern, Wisley, Chatsworth, Hampton, Tatton, BBC Gardeners World Live, GROW Scotland, GLEE and BLOOM Dublin.
2pm - Chris Hull
Chris is an award winning garden designer who has over 16 years of experience working in the landscape industry. He won gold at RHS Chelsea in 2024 for the Bowel The Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden and is a permanent presenter on BBC Garden Rescue. He has won the Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30 Award and has work featured in Pro Landscaper magazine and Dream Garden magazine.
3pm - Libby Hilling
Libby Hilling created the Garden for Mind after experiencing the healing power of gardens. Inspired by childhood loss and personal recovery, she spearheaded a community project at the Leckford Estate while working for the John Lewis Partnership. The garden supports charities, fights food poverty, nurtures wildlife, and empowers students with special needs. It provides a
sanctuary for the community, fostering well-being, inclusivity, sustainability,and regeneration while offering hands-on learning experiences and ensuring access to fresh, nutritious food.
Houseplant Hub - hosted by Gemma Haigh
Join houseplant expert Gemma Haigh from The Plant Parlour for a day of green-thumb wisdom at the Houseplant Hub. Whether you're an expert houseplant parent or just starting out, Gemma will be on hand to share expert advice, answer your questions, and help your indoor jungle thrive.
10am - Houseplant clinic
11am - Talk ‘How to create a succulent bowl’
11:30am - Houseplant clinic
12pm - Talk ‘Houseplant care with ADHD’
1pm - Houseplant clinic
1:30pm - Talk ‘My orchid obsession’
2pm - Talk 'Common plant problems and how to deal with them’
2:30pm - Houseplant clinic
3pm - Talk ‘Where do my houseplants come from?’
3:30pm - Talk ‘Preventing plant pests and managing outbreaks’
4pm - Houseplant clinic
Childrens Gardening Festival - All Day
Hosted by Lee Connelly, widely known as The Skinny Jean Gardener, this mini festival for children inspires young minds to connect with nature through fun, hands-on gardening activities. Lee is a prominent figure in the world of horticulture, having appeared on CBBC's Blue Peter, BBC Teach, and BBC Radio 1.
The Mindful Soil Zone - All Day
Join gardening and wellbeing guru Lucy Butler at The Mindful Soil Zone, a space for you to slow down and experience the calming power of soil through touch. By feeling the earth in your hands, visitors can embrace the therapeutic benefits of grounding,reducing stress, and fostering a deeper sense of wellbeing.