Get out and about with our selection of top shows, talks and events
This month, everyone in the industry is gearing up for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, from 21-25 May. At the same time, however, visitors can also enjoy the 2019 Chelsea Fringe, which runs from 18-26 May, and promises hundreds of events across London, the UK and internationally. The event has no theme, so participants are free to think up all kinds of plant-focused events involving gardening, food, arts and crafts, health, science, poetry and film. Highlights this year include a cemetery park and events at major institutions, such as the Geffrye Museum, Kew and Covent Garden Flower Market.
Two SGD Student Members will be showcasing their design skills for the first time at the 2019 RHS Malvern Spring Festival from 9-12 May. Julie Bellingham will be creating The Redshift Garden, which has an astronomical theme. Her design describes how telescopes have helped develop an understanding of the universe, using yellow, orange and red plants to represent the fact that, when observed, galaxies that are moving away from Earth appear redder. In the Green Living Spaces category, Sara Edwards of No. 30 Design Studio will be creating ‘Defiance’, a London balcony garden belonging to a plant-obsessed traveller returning from Brazil, who craves the lush tropics as an escape from inner-city life.
On 10 May, London Stone is playing host to a one-day introduction to construction design course from the London College of Garden design, taught by Andrew Wilson FSGD. The day is free and is aimed at new designers who want to boost their knowledge of this area or have had no formal training in construction detailing design. Book a place at www.lcgd.org.uk
You can also join Bryn Wilde on 15 May for a one-day course on CDM 2015 Regulations. You’ll learn what paperwork is (and isn’t) required and the legal duties of designers and contractors, and how to comply with the rules in a proportionate and practical way. The course takes place in Lutterworth, Leicestershire.
Other great events this month include:
3-4 MAY
TOBY’S GARDEN FESTIVAL, DEVON
TV presenter Toby Buckland heads up this spring festival at Powderham Castle. www.tobygardenfest.co.uk
5 MAY
GARDEN MUSEUM PLANT FAIR, LONDON
Bringing together plant growers and specialist nurseries from around the country. www.gardenmuseum.org.uk
11-12 MAY
PLANT HERITAGE SPRING FAIR, DEVON
Shop for rare trees, shrubs and perennials at RHS Garden Rosemoor. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
12 MAY
DAY COURSE, LONDON
‘Living Medicine’ will reveal how plants can help improve gut health. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
17-19 MAY
THE NATIONAL FLOWER SHOW, ESSEX
The show at Hylands House offers expert talks, exhibits and workshops. www.nationalflowershow.co.uk
17 MAY
MUSEUMS AT NIGHT, YORKS
Enjoy the Yorkshire Sculpture Park after hours. www.ysp.org.uk
25-26 MAY
CHILDREN’S GARDENING WEEKEND, YORKSHIRE
Make seed bombs, plant tomato seedlings and watch a stage show at Harlow Carr. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
28-29 MAY
TWO-DAY WORKSHOP, FRANCE Helen and James Basson MSGD and nurseryman Olivier Filippi will conduct this workshop at Col de la Gineste and Méze in France, which includes the history and ecology of a Mediterranean ‘garrigue’ landscape, plus a tour of the nursery. www.gardenmasterclass.org