Three garden shows are set to bloom this year, bringing much-needed cheer and colour back into the lives of horticultural enthusiasts.
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all our lives and cast a blight on those otherwise hardy perennials, the garden shows at Loseley, Stansted and Firle.
But the first of the trio, The Garden Show at Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1HS is taking place from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26, and is open 10am to 5pm daily.
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The showground layouts will be altered so that physical distancing can be maintained and other safety regulations will be implemented so you may be confident that everyone’s well-being and good health comes first. Although there will be necessary changes the essence remains the same: to support the smaller business and have a good day out in beautiful locations. Now is the chance to be social and gather together again, albeit a little apart.
This year will be the ninth year of The Garden Show at Loseley Park. It’s the perfect event to find all you need to enhance your home, help your garden grow and give all the family a great day out.
It’s a great opportunity to get ‘out and about’ and explore what’s on the doorstep; source new talent, designers and artisans and browse 160 affordable and handpicked stands showcasing the latest specialist plants, garden and home accessories, art, design, sculpture, fashion, toys and a multitude of other lovely goodies. Treat your taste buds to tempting foods and wines in the Country Food marquee. There is something at the show that will appeal to everyone!
Apart from the extensive selection of retail companies at the show there are many other attractions. Expert advice daily from ‘The Gardening Doctors’, Val & Steve Bradley, and the indomitable environmentalists, Jules and Lance. The show will be joined by knowledgeable key speakers including Jules Simmons, who will be holding daily enthusiastic chats on ‘Happy and Healthy Gardens’. On Saturday Alan Aylward from The Woodland Trust will be ‘Standing Up For Trees‘. On Saturday and Sunday Rachel Brown from Funky Fusers will be explaining the art and skill of glass fusing in ‘Unbreaking Glass’. Then on the Sunday Ben Cross, alstroemeria grower, will be explaining the drastic decline of the British cut flower industry and why ‘British Flowers Rock!’. Ben has grown a bumper crop of flowers, but was worried that they would go to waste, so instead he teamed up with a supermarket to send his blooms to frontline NHS workers with their food orders.
It’s not all about gardening. Music is provided by the Jazz Magic Trio and vintage songs by Lianna Haynes. The Studio Shop artisans will be demonstrating their skilled work in a variety of mediums. There will be children’s entertainment with juggling, Punch and Judy shows, soft archery for youngsters, toddler funfair and Huxley birds of prey will fly to the skies… a great day out for the whole family.
It is an excellent time to relax and visit Loseley Estate: the stunning parkland and the incredibly beautiful walled gardens are all included in the Garden Show ticket. However this year, Loseley Park House will be closed.
The show is in support of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, a charity caring for families with a child or teenager with life-limiting conditions. They currently support more than 700 families across Surrey and west London. However the impact of coronavirus means they are facing a shortfall of more than £2 million, making it very difficult to provide the children and families with the support they need. They recently had to make the heartbreaking decision to close one hospice and restrict services to end-of-life care and emergency respite. Any donations and support to the charity are gratefully received and help to support their ongoing work at www.shootingstar.org.uk. Please make sure you pay them a visit at the show.
. Please bring your own hand sanitiser with you
(there will be hand sanitising stations on site also)
. You are welcome to wear masks and/or gloves if you like
. Please bring a face covering of your choice, for when you are in the marquees
. Please maintain 2m distancing in any queues and 1m plus around the grounds
. Please try not to touch products unless you intend to buy them
. Food and drink are available on site but please feel free to bring your own
. Please keep an eye on the show’s social media and website pages for any updates as regulations change frequently
PRE-BOOKED TICKETS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED FOR SAFER, SCANNED FAST TRACK ENTRY
(Ticket sales available on the day, however organisers are keen to reduce contact and queues).
If possible, please print any pre-booked tickets as it is easier and safer to scan than a mobile.
PREBOOK YOUR TICKETS
Go to The Garden Shows Facebook page or website http://www.thegardenshowonline.com to book: adult £8, senior £6, child £3 (age five to 16 years). Under fives free of charge. Family £20 (including two adults and four children).
The charity Event Mobility will be at the show. To pre-book an electric scooter, either go to their website or give them a call: www.eventmobility.org.uk (01386 725391).
Sorry… no dogs allowed in the showground, unless needed to assist.
Don’t miss the Autumn Garden Shows at Stansted Park, Hants: September 4-6 (tickets available from August 1) and at Firle Place, near Lewes: October 16-18 (tickets available from September 18).
