The RHS Chelsea Flower Show may be the hot ticket event of the season for gardening enthusiasts, but this year there’s a new horticultural spectacle in town: The Great Garden Show at The Newt in Somerset. This month, the 250-year-old working estate – encompassing farmland, orchards, a luxury hotel and a cyder cellar – invites the public to its own garden festival.
The Newt was the headline sponsor of RHS Chelsea Flower Show for four consecutive years until last spring, so this new Great Garden Show – running from 9th May to the 17th, just as Chelsea is gearing up for its opening day – is a daring attempt to take on Chelsea at its own game.
Visitors at The Great Garden Show can expect a completely different offering to Chelsea. With expert talks, workshops and a variety of unusual, pre-bookable activities, this is a nine-day programme of fun and fascinating events.
Entry to The Great Garden Show for non-members is cheaper than other shows, at £25 per person, and under-16s go free. There are no show gardens here; instead, there’s the chance to explore The Newt’s expansive gardens at leisure – a privilege usually reserved for those with membership.
Related: Sophie Leo wins triple award honor
A tour of the gardens at The Newt in Somerset reveals a fresh ‘Symphony of Colour’ planting scheme across the Victorian Beds, Scented Gardens and Colour Gardens. To celebrate the launch of The Newt’s new rosé wine, the gardeners have refreshed the Cottage Garden with pastel pink planting too.
The Great Garden Show puts its focus on learning and crafts, and there’s no shortage of interesting workshops to join. Visitors can try their hand at flower hammering, join a fermentation class and take an ancient tree walk. Mid-week, learn how to espalier, make compost or craft natural plant supports.
Despite the many visitors – even on a Monday morning – the Great Garden Show has a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of spaces to explore. Dotted around are live musicians and pop-up refreshment opportunities like barbecues – plus tractor and cyder tours.
Towards the end of the show, on Saturday 16th, The Newt has lined up a day of celebrations, featuring country crafts and traditions. There will be Maypole and Morris dancing, and a communal art project to get involved with, as well as a plant fair.
Related: Tips for Keeping Your Electrician Cedar Park System Safe and Reliable
Sunday 17th, the final day of the show.
With such a variety of workshops, tours and talks taking place, it may be tempting to return every day of the show to discover something new. This may be a different event to RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but it’s likely to become a must-visit occasion for gardeners, foodies and anyone who appreciates country crafts and the natural world.
Entry to the show is free for members, while non-members can book a day pass online for £25. Children under 16 can enter for free but must book in advance.
The show runs until Sunday 17th May.
