The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a highly anticipated event for gardening enthusiasts, but a new horticultural spectacle is emerging in Somerset: The Great Garden Show at The Newt. This 250-year-old working estate, which includes farmland, orchards, a luxury hotel, and a cyder cellar, is hosting its own garden festival from May 9th to 17th.
The Newt was the headline sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for four consecutive years until last spring, raising questions about whether this new Great Garden Show is an attempt to rival Chelsea.
The Great Garden Show: A Unique Experience
According to The Newt, the show draws on the estate’s previous partnership with RHS Chelsea, bringing the iconic flower show’s spirit to rural Somerset. The event aims to “teach people useful things about gardening in nine days” through expert talks, workshops, and pre-bookable activities. This approach allows visitors to engage with the estate’s gardens in a more immersive and educational way, rather than simply viewing show gardens.
Visitors can explore The Newt’s expansive gardens at leisure, including a fresh ‘Symphony of Colour’ planting scheme across the Victorian Beds, Scented Gardens, and Colour Gardens. The Cottage Garden has also been refreshed with pastel pink planting to celebrate the launch of The Newt’s new rosé wine. This attention to detail and commitment to showcasing the estate’s gardens in a new light sets The Great Garden Show apart from other horticultural events.
Learning and Crafts
The Great Garden Show focuses on learning and crafts, with a variety of workshops and activities, including flower hammering, fermentation classes, and ancient tree walks. Visitors can also learn how to espalier, make compost, or craft natural plant supports. These hands-on activities cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, making the event accessible to both seasoned gardeners and newcomers to the world of horticulture.
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The Newt is welcoming a host of famous horticultural faces to share their expert insight, including TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh and no-dig expert Charles Dowding. The show also features live musicians, pop-up refreshment opportunities, and tractor and cyder tours. On Saturday, 16th, a Newt Question Time will bring together a panel of experts, including setting architect Marian Boswall, to offer advice and answer questions from visitors.
The Great Garden Show is a unique new event for the horticultural calendar, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a wide range of activities and workshops. With its focus on learning and crafts, it is 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 £25 per person for non-members, and under-16s go free. The Great Garden Show runs until Sunday, May 17th, providing plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience the event and enjoy the estate’s beautiful gardens and surroundings.
In addition to the main event, The Great Garden Show will also feature smaller ‘festivals’ within the show, such as the activities in the estate’s Roman Villa, which will include gladiatorial reenactments, flower crown-making, and Roman food tastings, as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts like bowl turning, spinning, and weaving. Visitors can also participate in archery and other activities, making for a fun and immersive experience.
The Great Garden Show’s commitment to showcasing the estate’s gardens, supporting local crafts and traditions, and providing a platform for learning and exploration makes it a truly unique and exciting event. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to explore the world of horticulture, The Great Garden Show is an event not to be missed.
