RHS Announces Winter Events Programme
This winter the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is putting on new walks, art exhibitions, Christmas activities, food fairs, family days out, workshops, scarecrow building and more. There will be events and activities to delight and inspire every garden lover.
Here are a few of the highlights taking place during December, for full details see rhs.org.uk/gardenswhatson:
NEW Winter Walk, RHS Garden Wisley
Explore this newly created winter walk with full of winter scents, colours and textures. With architectural outlines softened by modern mass plantings and new views to enjoy.
Bark Trail, RHS Garden Wisley
Winter is the ideal season to explore Wisley's wonderful collection of trees from all over the world. Pick up a trail guide, enjoy the intricate bark textures and discover more about bark.
4 Oct - 4 Jan: International Garden Photographer of the Year, RHS Garden Wisley
View a selection of striking, prizewinning images from the 7th year of this prestigious competition, together with the best images from the 2013 RHS Photographic Competition.
25 Oct - 24 Dec: The Wisley Christmas Shop, RHS Garden Wisley
Author and BBC presenter Clare Balding will open the Christmas Shop on 25 Oct at 2pm and sign copies of her books. Find gifts for all the family and seasonal decoration for every style.
22 Nov - 22 Feb: Winter Sculpture Exhibition, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Pick up a trail guide and see how many sculptures you can discover. Free, guided sculpture walks leave the Visitor Centre at 11.30am most Wednesday mornings.
26 Nov - 7 Dec: Christmas Art Exhibition, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
The Christmas Art Exhibition features a range of works by popular Yorkshire artists. A wide variety of styles are on offer including landscape, botanical, prints and more.
6 - 7 Dec: Children's Magic of Christmas, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Make cards, angels and decorate biscuits at this fun, glue-and-glitter workshop. Storytelling sessions with Father Christmas at 10.30am, 11.45am or 1.30pm. Places are limited, normal garden admission applies, plus additional cash payment of £2 per child.
6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 - 24 Dec: The Magic of Christmas, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Decorate gingerbread men, post a letter to Santa and wrap up for Harlow Carr's winter garden. Warm up with a treat from Bettys Café Tea Rooms and go gift hunting.
7 Dec: Christmas Food Fair, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Rosemoor will be laden with festive treats and local produce including cheese, meats, wine, cider, pastries, puddings, jams and more. Stock up on goodies in the run up to Christmas.
13 - 14 & 20 - 21 Dec: The Magic of Christmas, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Spellbinding stories from Father Christmas's favourite elf and the Christmas Tree Fairy, plus join in with jolly japes, special songs and write your letter to the great man himself.
13 - 14 Dec: Garden Birds at Christmas Talk, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Learn how to encourage birds into your garden this winter with bird tables and feeders, growing berrying plants and by creating shelters. Talks at 11.30am and 2.30pm.
13 & 14, 20 - 24 Dec: Christmas Stories with Santa, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
For something extra special this Christmas, enjoy a storytelling session with Santa. Find a spot to settle down, and snuggle up for a truly enchanting experience.
13 Dec - 4 Jan: Decorated Christmas Trees, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Open to individuals or groups who want to show off their creative flair by using natural materials to create Christmas trees. Trees will be provided (extra charge of £10 per tree). Space is limited so register early to avoid disappointment.
15 - 23 Dec: Shopping in the Christmas Spirit, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Get into the Christmas spirit at the Rosemoor Shop and Plant Centre. Find ideas for creating hampers, gift wrapping, samples and general merriment every day.
17 Dec: Christmas Table Decorations, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Join Sue Rogers for a session on how to create a seasonal arrangement for the festive table. All materials included in the price. Fee: RHS members £22, non-members £30.
20 Dec - 4 Jan: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Story Trail, RHS Garden Wisley
Enter the magical world of Narnia on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Story Trail, presented by the Rose Theatre Kingston. Discover a land of fantastical creatures where only the most intrepid can save Narnia from the White Witch's spell (not 25 or 31 Dec).