Autumn is the season of plenty, and nowhere more so than at the four Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Gardens: RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire; RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex; RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon; and RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey.
With a packed programme of events to enjoy, visitors will be spoilt for choice this autumn. Celebrations of seasonal food and drink, specialist plant fairs, open-air cinema screenings and a host of talented artists exhibiting artworks of all kinds around the gardens. And don’t miss the grand finale of the garden show season at the RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show from 3–8 September.
For full listings, please visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens or contact Caroline Jones in the press office at carolinejones@rhs.org.uk.
September
Until 22 September: Surrey Sculpture Society Trail, RHS Garden Wisley
Discover more than 100 inspirational sculptures, all available to buy, by some of the South East’s finest established and emerging artists. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
Until 1 December: Sculpture at Wisley, RHS Garden Wisley
An unmissable exhibition providing an opportunity to discover the work of six eminent sculptors including Henry Moore, Lynn Chadwick and Tracey Emin. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
1 September: Autumn Plant Fair, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Shop a wide range of rare and unusual seasonal plants from regional Plant Heritage nurseries, enjoy talks and demos and learn from the experts. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
2 September–14 October: RHS Garden Photographer of the Year Competition, all gardens, dates and times vary
View a selection of winning images celebrating the best in creative photography of flowers, plants, outdoor spaces and wildlife. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens
2 September–10 November: Autumn Sculpture Trail, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Showcasing locally produced sculpture from Yorkshire artists across key areas of the Garden for 70 days to celebrate 70 years of the garden’s development. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
3–8 September: RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show
The biggest garden flower show on the calendar, with 55 nurseries, more than 20 trade stands, and spectacular floral displays by the National Dahlia Society and the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
6 September: Open Air Cinema – Bohemian Rhapsody, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Watch a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury in the surroundings of the garden at dusk. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
6–8 September: Autumn Artisan Craft & Design Fair, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Browse and shop unique gifts and home and garden items from dozens of independent traders and makers at this celebration of West Country talent. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
6–22 September: The Open Art Exhibition, RHS Garden Rosemoor
More than 85 diverse artists from all over the South West come together to display and sell their original work at Rosemoor’s annual Art Exhibition. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
7 September: Open Air Cinema – Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Settle in as dusk falls in the garden and get ready to sing along to this toe-tapping sequel as the cast prepares for the grand reopening of Hotel Bella Donna. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
7 September–26 October: 70 Years of Harlow Carr Exhibition, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
See photos spanning seven decades since the Northern Horticultural Society first signed the lease to turn Harlow Carr into a garden and plant trials ground. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
10 September–13 October: Wood & Paper Showcase, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Beautiful pieces of work will be on offer for your home or as practical items, including papercutting, jewellery and arts and crafts inspired by trees. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
14–15 September: Cyclamen Society Weekend, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Learn about these beautiful plants from specialist growers, see them in competition and find beautiful and unusual varieties to buy. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
14–15 September: House Plant Weekend, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
As winter approaches, learn how to create a green oasis at home with plant displays, workshops and sales. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
18 September: Wednesday Walkies, RHS Garden Wisley
Wisley opens after hours until 8pm especially for four-legged friends. Dogs go free with well-behaved owners. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
19 September: Garden Evening – Exotic Garden, RHS Garden Wisley
Enjoy a guided tour of the Exotic Garden after hours with the Curator and the experts who care for the dazzling display of lush, tropical plants. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
21 September: Photography Morning, RHS Garden Wisley
Take the opportunity to capture the autumn beauty of the gardens before they open to the general public, with early entry for photographers at 7.30am. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
21–22 September: Autumn Plant Fair, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Discover seasonal favourites from 30 specialist regional nurseries to help get the garden looking good for autumn and winter. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
21–29 September: Vision Art Group Exhibition, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
See and buy work from a group of eight artists, in a variety of media including ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, stained glasswork and textiles. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
22 September: Plant Heritage Autumn Plant Fair, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Specialist regional nurseries, many of which are not generally open to the public, selling some unusual plants to brighten your garden in the autumn. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
27–28 September: Real Ale, Gin & Music Fest, RHS Garden Rosemoor
A fun-filled event with live music in the Garden Room as well as a chance to sample locally-produced real ales and gin. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
28 September: Open Air Cinema – Mary Poppins Returns, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Bring a blanket and a picnic and settle in for an evening under the stars as everyone’s favourite nanny comes to the rescue of the Banks family once again. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
October
1 October: Autumn Community Free Day, all gardens, times vary
Enjoy the glorious colours of autumn at the four RHS Gardens completely free of charge. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens
1 October–30 November: Embroidering Harlow Carr – Autumn, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Head to the Library to see embroidery panels depicting the garden’s stunning autumn colour produced by members of the Richmond & Leyburn branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
4–6 October: Taste of Autumn, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Celebrate delicious regional produce and the RHS Harvest Festival Show, including the Autumn Fruit and Vegetable, Giant Pumpkin and Autumn Ornamental Plant competitions. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
5–6 October: WoodFest, RHS Garden Wisley
Admire traditional skills in a weekend-long celebration of the natural beauty of wood, including artisan woodcrafts and tours of Wisley’s woodland, at this event sponsored by Stihl. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
5–6 October: Apple Festival, RHS Garden Rosemoor
A great day out for all the family, with Morris dancing, folk music, storytelling and a cider bar,
plus apple displays, identification, tasting, tips and talks, children’s activities and trails. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
6 October: Cyclamen Society Late Autumn Show, RHS Garden Wisley
See rare and interesting cyclamen in competitions, displays of autumn-flowering species, unusual cultivars and companion plants for sale and advice from the experts. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
10 October: Garden Evening – Orchards, RHS Garden Wisley
Enjoy a guided tour of the Orchards after hours with the Curator and the experts who care for Wisley’s extensive fruit collections. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
11–13 October: WoodFest, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Admire traditional skills in a weekend-long celebration of the natural beauty of wood, including artisan woodcrafts and tours of Rosemoor’s woodland. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
12 October: Photography Morning, RHS Garden Wisley
Take the opportunity to capture the autumn beauty of the gardens before they open to the general public, with early entry for photographers at 7.30am. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
12–13 October: Meet the Experts – Alpines, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
See, buy and get advice on alpine plants at the National Alpine Garden Society Show on 12th, with a smaller local Alpine Garden Society Show on 13th. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
12–20 October: Chelmsford 93 Textile Exhibition, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Discover a series of artworks created using traditional and contemporary textile techniques to celebrate special memories. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
14 October–17 November: Dig for Victory Library Display, all gardens
Marking the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of WWII, this display looks at the role that the RHS played in the campaign to get the nation growing its own food. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens
15 October–24 November: Christmas Crafts Showcase, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Leave the high street this year and visit the Bath House Gallery to find a festive gift with a difference whilst also supporting local makers and artists. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
16–20 October: Taste of Autumn, RHS Garden Wisley
Discover the garden’s almost 700-strong collection of apples, with apple tasting, identification and pressing, plus local artisan food and drink products to buy. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
19–20 October: Autumn Antiques & Collectors Fair, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Carefully selected stall holders from across the South West and beyond, selling a wide variety of antiques and collectables to suit all tastes and pockets. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
19 October–3 November: Half Term Family Fun – Awesome Autumn, all gardens, dates and times vary
Uncover the secrets of the colours of autumn this half term, with an Awesome Autumn trail every day, autumnal crafts and more. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/whats-on-at-rhs-gardens
20 October: Conifer Show, RHS Garden Wisley
Find out about conifers for every garden from the British Conifer Society, with displays and demonstrations as well as unusual cones and plants for sale. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
25–27 October: Family Pumpkin Carving Workshops, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Join in with singalong activities and pumpkin carving with loveable Halloween characters Fizz the witch and Jack O’Lantern. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
26–27 October: Family Pumpkin Carving Workshops, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Carve a spooky pumpkin with your own design – will you choose a scary face or smiley face?
30 October–3 November: Northern Fruit Group Apple Display, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
See apple displays by the Northern Fruit Group, get advice on fruit growing and bring along home-grown apples for identification by the experts. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
31 October: Wisley After Dark, RHS Garden Wisley
Follow a spooky trail through the garden and the Glasshouse for a spine-tingling, hair raising evening. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
November
1–3 November: Woodfest, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Admire traditional skills in a weekend-long celebration of the natural beauty of wood, including artisan woodcrafts and tours of Hyde Hall’s woodland. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
1–3 November: Late Fruit and Vegetable Competition, RHS Garden Wisley
With more than 80 classes of champion fruit and veg, this competition is free to enter and open to everyone. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
2–3 November: Apples Exhibition – Codlings, Costards & Biffins, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Visit the Library to read the story of the British love affair with the humble apple, and learn more about the importance and history of heritage varieties. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
2 November: Fireworks Night, RHS Garden Wisley
See the garden lit up by sparkling flashes at Wisley’s first ever family-friendly, low-bang fireworks display. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
5–20 November: Andy Maitland exhibition, RHS Garden Wisley
iPad artist Andy Maitland returns to Wisley with a display of his colourful artworks in the Glasshouse Gallery. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
7 November 2019–31 January 2020: Winter Sculpture Exhibition, RHS Garden Rosemoor
The colour, scent and texture of the Garden in winter provides the perfect backdrop for the annual sculpture trail. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
14 November 2019–4 January 2020: Glow, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Follow a trail of twinkling illuminations of trees, shrubs and sculptures around the garden, for the first time including the new Cool Garden. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
20–21 November: Christmas Shopping Extravaganza, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Visit Santa in his Grotto or splash out in the Christmas Market, plus save 20% in the RHS Shop and Plant Centre. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
21 November–28 December: Glow, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
See the garden all aglow with an illuminated trail around the lake, Winter Walk, Streamside, Doric columns and Alpine House. www.rhs.org.uk/harlow-carr
22–24 November: Christmas Gift Fair Weekend, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Find unique, unusual and 100% handmade gifts for everyone this Christmas from a wide range of talented artists and craftspeople. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
22–24 November: Christmas Craft & Design Fair, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Avoid the Christmas shopping madness and pick up gifts from some of the best crafters in the South West, including luxurious toiletries, handmade jewellery and sweet delights. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
23 November: The Sound Collective Choir Concert – The Choir, the Witch and the Wardrobe, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Capturing the magical world of Narnia, 100 choir singers will perform a concert of themed songs and narrated passages from the CS Lewis novel. www.rhs.org.uk/hyde-hall
Opening times and ticket prices may vary by event. Full details can be found at www.rhs.org.uk
RHS members enjoy free entry to RHS Gardens and discounted entry to RHS Flower Shows.
About RHS Gardens
The RHS has four gardens:
RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 8ET
www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1QB
www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
About the RHS:
The Royal Horticultural Society, the world’s leading gardening charity, was founded in 1804 by Sir Joseph Banks and John Wedgwood. Our vision is to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. This aspiration underpins all that we do, from inspirational gardens and shows, through our scientific research, to our education and community programmes such as Campaign for School Gardening and Britain in Bloom. We produce key publications, hold a world-class collection of horticultural books and botanical art, and sell the very best plants and gardening gifts.
We are currently investing over £160 million into the future of horticulture, which includes redeveloping our flagship RHS Garden Wisley and opening a new garden, RHS Garden Bridgewater, in 2020. We are solely funded by our members, visitors and supporters. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk.
