What's On
Join us at the Gardens for an exciting range of events to suit all ages and interests!
Details of 'What's On' are listed below.
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| Events calendar | Families in the Garden | Art in the Garden exhibition in 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 | Free guided tours on some Sundays |
List of Special Courses in 2009|
Events calendar
NB: This page is updated on an almost daily basis and we remove events that have already taken place.
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JULY
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ART IN THE GARDEN 2009 - 10th Anniversary
Sat 23 May to Sun 31 Oct
Over 150 sculptures by 70 artists are displayed within the unique setting of the Gardens - and all work is for sale. Art in the Garden celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and amongst the many stunning sculptures on show is a wonderfully tactile wood carved bull and sheep, a New Forest pony and foal made from chicken wire, a porcelain fairy ring (will you dare to enter?), giant seed pods 'growing' by the pond, glass hanging in the trees, and much more.
Free with normal admission
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SEASONAL TRAIL
SCULPTURE HUNT
Sat 23 May to Fri 23 Oct
Fun family activity trail as part of Art in the Garden.
Free with normal admission
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GARDENERS' BREAKFAST
Sat 4 July at 8.30am
A hearty breakfast followed with a guided tour of the Gardens before they are open to the public. Learn about our beautiful herbaceous borders and summer flowering shrubs from our horticultural expert. Our magnificent Centenary Border is a beautiful sight in the summer months. Meet other keen gardeners and quiz our horticultural experts for top tips and advice.
£14.95 booking essential
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GARDEN TOUR
Some Sundays in July at 2pm
Tour of the Gardens with our horticultural experts.
Free with normal admission
See website to confirm dates
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BUTTERFLY WALK
Sat 11 July & Sat 25 July at 2pm
Join our butterfly expert from Butterfly Conservation for a guided walk through the favourite butterfly spots in the Gardens. We hope to see at least 12 different species, including the Gatekeeper, Comma and Silver-Washed Fritillary.
£6 plus normal admission, booking essential only 12 spaces
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SEASONAL TRAIL
Sculpture Hunt II
Sat 18 July to Sat 31 Oct
A new sculpture trail for families to follow as part of Art in the Garden.
Free with normal admission
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SUMMER EVENING:
Latin and Swing Concert
Sat 25 July 7.30pm
Bring your picnics and relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Gardens while you enjoy the Latin and Swing vibes coming from the Pops Incorporated Orchestra. Gates open at 6pm for picnics. Light refreshments available at the Pavilion Restaurant during the interval.
Book before 10 July Adults £12 Children £6
Book from 10 July Adults £15 Children £8
Special Offer: Buy 5 and get cheapest ticket FREE*
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TEXTILE WORKSHOP
Trees in the Landscape
Tues 28 July 10am - 4pm
Draw inspiration from the Gardens with textile artist Caroline Hyde-Brown in this exciting new workshop. You will make your own piece of textile art. Bring your sewing machine and learn how to 'paint with a needle'. One of two workshops (second in September) due to popular demand! Limited spaces available!
£50, includes lunch, booking essential
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AUGUST
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GARDEN TOUR
Some Sundays in August at 2pm
Tour of the Gardens with our horticultural experts.
Free with normal admission
See website to confirm dates
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SUMMER EVENING:
Around the World in 80 Musical Minutes
Sun 2 Aug at 7.30pm
City of Southampton Orchestra presents a whirlwind tour of the musical world Music will include ‘Espana’, ‘Carmen Suite’, ‘Hungarian Dances’, ‘Finlandia’, ‘Slavonic Dances’ and some British favourites too! Gates open at 6pm for picnics. Light refreshments available at the Pavilion Restaurant during the interval.
Book before 17 July Adults £12 Children £6
Book from 17 July Adults £15 Children £8
Special Offer: Buy 5 and get cheapest ticket FREE*
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ART ON MONDAYS
Mons 3, 17, 24 & 31 Aug from 1.30 - 4pm
Be an artist for the day!
Free with normal admission
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BUGS & BEASTIES!
Tues 4, 18 & 25 August from 1.30 - 4pm
Bugs & Beastie hunts around Gardens - no need to book, just drop in!
Free with normal admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult
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WEAVING WEDNESDAYS!
Weds 5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug from 1.30 - 4pm
Braid friendship bracelets and have a go at weaving and felt-making. Expert guidance by Hampshire's Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers - no need to book, just drop in!
Free with normal admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult
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SUMMER EVENING SALSA
Bacalao – UK’s Top Salsa Band
Sat 8 Aug at 8pm
Back by popular demand! Bacalao, one of the biggest and most colourful latin show bands in the UK. Fabulous toe tapping music, Bacalao will ensure your feet, ears and heart succumb to the ‘Alma Latina’, the latin soul. Gates open at 6.00pm for picnics. Light refreshments available at the Pavilion Restaurant during the interval.
Book before 24 July Adults £12 Children £6
Book after 24 July Adults £15 Children £8
Special Offer: Buy 5 and get cheapest ticket FREE*
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SUNDAY AFTERNOON MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: STRING QUARTET PLAY MUSIC BY HAYDEN
Sun 9 Aug - 2pm to 3.30pm
Remember those bandstand days? Come to the Gardens on Sunday 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th August and spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon listening to different classical music performances from musicians from the City of Southampton Orchestra. Bring your newspapers a rug, and find a comfy spot in the Gardens to soak up the beautiful surroundings whilst being serenaded by the musicians!
Free with normal admission
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BUTTERFLY EVENTS
Mon 10 & Tue 11 Aug from 10am to 4.30pm
Tours, Crafts and games with the Butterfly Conservation. No need to book, just drop in!
Free with normal admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult
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SUNDAY AFTERNOON MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: WIND QUARTET PLAY MUSIC BY HAYDEN
Sun 16 Aug - 2pm to 3.30pm
Remember those bandstand days? Come to the Gardens on Sunday 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th August and spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon listening to different classical music performances from musicians from the City of Southampton Orchestra. Bring your newspapers a rug, and find a comfy spot in the Gardens to soak up the beautiful surroundings whilst being serenaded by the musicians!
Free with normal admission
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SUMMER EVENING
Outdoor Sunday Cinema
Mamma Mia!
Sun 16 Aug at 8pm approx
A cracking good film, plenty of fabulous ABBA songs, your own delicious picnic and all in a fabulous setting! Gates open at 6.30pm. Please note there will be no interval.
£8
Special Offer: Buy 4 get fifth ticket FREE*
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EVENING TOUR - ART IN THE GARDEN
Thurs 20 Aug from 6pm - 8.30pm
Special evening tour of Art in the Garden with wine reception
£12.50 includes refreshments. Booking essential
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SUNDAY AFTERNOON MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: BRASS QUINTET PLAY LIGHT CLASSICS
Sun 23 Aug - 2pm to 3.30pm
Remember those bandstand days? Come to the Gardens on Sunday 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th August and spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon listening to different classical music performances from musicians from the City of Southampton Orchestra. Bring your newspapers a rug, and find a comfy spot in the Gardens to soak up the beautiful surroundings whilst being serenaded by the musicians!
Free with normal admission
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SUMMER EVENING:
Family Summers’ End Picnic
Sat 29 Aug 6 – 9pm
Bring rugs and a picnic to enjoy an evening of comedy, craft-making and musical entertainments to suit all the family. Ticklish Allsorts will entertain you while Pops Incorporated UK play all your old and new favourites for you to dance and sing to. Gates open at 6pm for activities. Firework finale approx 8.45pm. Light refreshments available at the Pavilion Restaurant.
Book before 14 Aug Adults £10 Children £6
Book from 14 Aug Adults £12 Children £8
Buy 5 tickets and get the cheapest ticket FREE*
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BEST OF HAMPSHIRE'S ARTISTS EXHIBITION
Sat 29 Aug - Sun 27 Sept from 10am to 5pm
Now in its fourth year, this exhibition will be displaying a wide range of subjects and medium by some of the best artists in Hampshire. Framed originals and a wide selection of unframed paintings, prints and greetings cards will be on sale. Organised externally by Anne Middleton. For futher information on participating in 2010 please email: annesart@talktalk.net
Free admission
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SUNDAY AFTERNOON MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: FLUTE QUARTET PLAY LIGHT CLASSICS
Sun 30 Aug - 2pm to 3.30pm
Remember those bandstand days? Come to the Gardens on Sunday 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th August and spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon listening to different classical music performances from musicians from the City of Southampton Orchestra. Bring your newspapers a rug, and find a comfy spot in the Gardens to soak up the beautiful surroundings whilst being serenaded by the musicians!
Free with normal admission
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SEPTEMBER
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GARDEN TOUR
Every Sunday in September at 2pm
See July for details
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Hobby & Well-being Day
Wed 9 Sept 11am – 3pm
From art to fitness come and try your hand at a new activity and invest in you!
Free with booking on 01794 522106 as part of the Romsey Patnership.
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SUMMER EVENING:
Last Night of the Proms
Sat 12 Sept at 7.30pm
To end our wonderful summer evening concerts Southampton Concert Orchestra, plus choir, will be performing a spectacular Last Night of the Proms style concert. Union Jacks will be in abundance to accompany popular classics, culminating in the rousing chords of Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March. Gates open at 6pm. Light refreshments available at the Pavilion Restaurant during the interval.
Book before 30 June £11, before 31 Aug £13, book from 31 Aug £15
Accompanied children FREE (under 16s)
Special Offer: Buy 4 and get 5th ticket FREE*
Union Jack items and programmes (including the words for you to sing along to!) will be on sale at the entrance
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GARDENERS’ WORKSHOP
Know Your Trees
Sun 13 Sept 9.30 to 1pm
An opportunity to learn about the right tree for your garden. Our horticultural experts will guide you round our outstanding collection, so you cannot fail to be inspired! All you need to know about planting trees. Discover how we plant our trees and how we incorporate them into our design briefs.
£25 includes light refreshments, booking essential
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SPECIAL TOUR
Wild Food by Candlelight
Thurs 17 Sept at 6pm
Join our experts for a special tour to see the best of nature’s bounty in the Gardens at a magical time of day. Return by lantern lined paths to enjoy hot mulled cider at Jermyns House.
£12.50 booking essential
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TEXTILE WORKSHOP: Trees in the Landscape
Sun 27 Sept 10 to 4pm
Draw inspiration from the Gardens with textile artist Caroline Hyde-Brown in this exciting new workshop. You will make your very own piece of textile art. Using handmade Kozo paper you will be shown how to build up layers of finely blended wools, different fabrics, and leaves and twigs from the Gardens to create a beautiful piece of textile art. Bring your own sewing machine and learn how to ‘paint with a needle’.
£50 includes lunch, booking essential
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OCTOBER
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Autumn Gardeners’ Breakfast
Sat 3 Oct at 8.30am
A hearty breakfast followed with a guided tour of the Gardens before they are open to the public. Autumn glory is a real ‘must-see’ at the Gardens with the spectacular scarlet hues of the Liquid Ambers and the beautiful burnt sienna of our emblem tree the Dawn Redwood. Learn about the way we plant for Autumn colour, meet other keen gardeners and quiz our horticultural experts for top tips and advice.
£14.95 Booking essential
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GARDEN TOUR
Every Sunday in October at 2pm
See July for details
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Art Indoors Exhibition
Sat 3 Oct to Sun 1 Nov
As part of Art in the Garden a stunning indoor selling exhibition of art and sculpture including new and established artists
Free Admission
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FAMILY EVENT: Autumn Festival
Sun 4 Oct 11am to 4pm
Autumnal activities for all the family. Part of Family Learning Month.
Free admission, but booking essential through Romsey Community Office on 01794 522106
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FAMILY EVENT: The Big Draw
Sat 10 Oct & Sun 11 Oct
Come and take part in the Big Draw, art activities will be taking place in the Gardens in association with Whitchurch Silk Mill
Free with admission
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SPECIAL TOUR: Autumn Colour by Candlelight
Thurs 15 Oct at 5pm
Join our experts for a special tour of the colours of Autumn at a magical time of day. Return by lantern lined paths to enjoy spiced berry punch at Jermyns House.
£12.50 booking essential
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SPECIAL TOUR
Fungi Foray
Sat 17 Oct 2.30 to 4.30pm
Our popular fungi trail with Ted Grange, Wiltshire recorder of Fungi.
£6 Booking essential as only 12 spaces.
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Falconry Photography Day
Sat 17 Oct 10 – 4.30pm
An amazing opportunity to photograph the birds in flight, working and “posed” in their natural habitat. Photograph the birds close-up whilst they are on their perches and then in flight. With expert guidance you will be given plenty of opportunity and advice on how to capture that special image and also learn about the fascinating history of falconry. Fabulous Hawks and Falcons, 'Joe' the Kestrel and the magnificent European Eagle Owl 'Amber' will all be your models for the day!
£85 includes lunch and refreshments
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SEASONAL TRAIL
Sat 24 Oct to Thurs 26 Nov
Autumnal family fun activity trail
Free with normal admission
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SPECIAL COURSE
Audrey Hardcastle: Seasonal Flowers in Watercolour
Sun 25 Oct from 10 to 4pm
Autumnal painting in watercolours. A hands-on workshop aimed at amateur artists with some watercolour experience. Learn the principles of composing a painting and a few ‘tricks of the trade’.
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SPECIAL COURSES
Siriol Sherlock: Beautiful Berries
Mon 26 Oct from 9.30am – 4pm
Paint plump little fruits such as blackberries, rose hips and crab apples that could almost roll off the page. Students will learn how to capture their roundness of form and the shine or bloom on their surface.
£70 includes lunch and refreshments, booking essential
Siriol Sherlock: Autumn Hues
Tues 27 Oct from 9.30am – 4pm
Capture the earthy hues of autumnal flowers and foliage such as dried hydrangea heads and decaying leaves with wonderful, wet watercolour.
£70 includes lunch and refreshments, booking essential
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FAMILY EVENT: Hallowe’en Party
Fri 30 Oct from 5.30pm to 8pm
Dress up in costume and bring a torch and carved pumpkin for fun and frights – indoors and out with Forest Forge Youth Theatre. Prizes for the best carved pumpkins! Games galore, including bobbing for apples. Suitable for under 10s. Themed food available at the Pavilion Restaurant from 5.30pm.
Book before 16 Oct £6
Book from 16 Oct £8
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NOVEMBER
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GARDEN TOUR
Sun 8 & Sun 22 Nov at 2pm
See July for details
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION: Flowers in Focus
Fri 6 Nov to Sun 6 Dec
Flowers in a broad range of styles from botanical to abstract and everything in between. Be inspired by the beautiful images. All paintings are for sale, just in time for Christmas and that special present!
Free Admission
For futher information on participating please email: annesart@talktalk.net
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SPECIAL COURSES
Siriol Sherlock: Seed Pods & Skeletons
Fri 20 Nov from 9.30 – 4pm
Paint the quirky shapes and papery textures of some of the unusual seed pods and skeleton leaves found in the Gardens at this time of year.
£70 includes lunch and refreshments, booking essential
Siriol Sherlock: Festive Flowers & Foliage
Sat 21 Nov from 9.30 – 4pm
Choose from a wide selection of hollies, ivies and other festive plants in the Gardens, students will design and paint a small composition suitable for reproduction as their own individual Christmas card for 2009.
£70 includes lunch and refreshments, booking essential
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SEASONAL TRAIL
Fri 27 Nov to Thurs 31 Dec
Winter fun family activity trail for Christmas.
Free with normal admission
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Christmas Decorations Workshop
Sun 29 Nov from 10am to 4pm
Our popular creative workshop with our Head Gardener. Learn how to create beautiful decorations, including wreathes and swags to decorate your home using natural plant material from the Gardens.
£45 includes lunch and materials. Booking essential.
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DECEMBER
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GARDEN TOUR
Sun 6 & Sun 20 Dec at 2pm
See July for details
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Christmas Gardeners’ Breakfast at Jermyns House
Sat 5 Dec at 8.30am
Meet other keen gardeners and quiz our horticultural experts for top tips and advice. Breakfast will be served in the charming surroundings of Jermyns House, with views looking out onto the lawn and Magnolia Avenue. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a guided tour of our Winter Garden before the Gardens open to the public.
£14.95 Booking essential
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Christmas Lunches
Mon 7 Dec to Weds 23 Dec
Delicious Christmas lunches served at the Pavilion Restaurant. Enjoy your festive meal whilst looking out onto the Gardens. You will certainly need a good walk after you’ve see the choice of hearty winter puddings! See website in December for menu.
Please reserve tables for parties of 10 or more on 01794 369319
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Christmas Craft Fair
Sat 12 Dec to Sun 20 Dec
Plan your Christmas shopping at our fair. Handmade jewellery, jams, chutneys, paintings and stained glass are just some of the exquisite gifts for sale: ideal for that special Christmas gift! The Fair will be in the main Visitor Pavilion so whatever the weather you can shop in comfort and have a restorative cup of coffee in our Restaurant next door.
Free Admission
For futher information on participating as a stallholder please email: annesart@talktalk.net
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Children’s Christmas Crafts
Wed 16 to Wed 23 Dec
Enjoy making Christmassy things and other decorative crafts with natural materials from the Gardens. Leaf printing, glitter cones and decorative garlands to make and take home.
£3 per child; adults normal admission.
Booking by timed ticket on the day.
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Special Courses in 2009 to bring out the creativity in you (or a friend)!
Throughout 2009 we will be running a variety of courses and workshops held at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. These make ideal and unique gifts for friends and family, and can be presented in one of our attractive seasonal gift wallets.
For all information about Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, our Visitor Services team are available to speak to from 10am to 4pm, 7 days a week on 01794 369317 or 369318 (open all year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Of course you can also book in person at the Front Desk at the Gardens.
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Botanical Illustrating and Flower Painting courses with Siriol Sherlock in 2009
Study botanical watercolour painting with one of the country’s top botanical artists and winner of four RHS Gold Medals.
Whether you are a complete beginner, more experienced, or wish to try new techniques, the courses are designed to set you up with the skills and confidence you need to progress further on your own. Siriol will give plenty of personal tuition and tailor the course to suit the different levels and abilities of each student.
The price includes a freshly cooked, two course lunch every day, served in the Visitor Pavilion Restaurant. Morning and afternoon refreshments will be served in the classroom. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 students per course.
Times of sessions are 9.30am to 4.30pm
Freestyle Flower Painting
Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 May 2009
This is a chance for everyone to let go of their inhibitions and create fast, free and expressive impressions of flowers to capture their characters on paper. Weather permitting, students will spend time painting as a group out in the Gardens.Sun hats and folding stools will probably be needed and a lightweight easel might be useful if you have one.
£140 includes lunch and materials
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Anne Keenan
One of the country’s well-respected garden designers runs a series of garden design courses and fascinating Plant Study Days.
Further information on Anne's courses is detailed on the Garden Design Courses website.
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Audrey Hardcastle - Botanical Watercolour Painting
Seasonal Flowers in Watercolour
Sunday 25 October 2009
Botanical artist and illustrator Audrey Hardcastle presents more of her popular watercolour workshops.Recommended for those with some experience.
£45 includes lunch
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Gardeners' Breakfasts in 2009
Meet other keen gardeners and quiz our horticultural experts for top tips and advice over a delicious fully cooked English breakfast. Bring along your samples for identification and after your hearty breakfast stride out into the Gardens for a guided tour - at what our gardeners would agree is the best time of day! Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the gardens before they open to the public. Our Gardeners' Breakfasts make ideal and unique gifts for all those keen and aspiring gardeners!
Breakfast will be served at 8.30am in the Visitor Pavilion Restaurant with views looking out onto the Gardens. Please bring clothing suitable for outdoors.
Price: £14.95 – Advanced booking essential
Remaining events:
Saturday 4 July 2009
Saturday 3 October 2009
Christmas Gardeners' Breakfast - Saturday 5 December 2009 - held at Jermyns House
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Gardeners' Workshops in 2009
Know Your Trees
Sunday 13 September
9.30am to 1pm
An opportunity to learn about the right tree for your garden. All you need to know about planting trees!
£25 includes light refresments, booking essential
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Families at the Garden
Tots 'n' Tinies in 2009
Tots 'n' Tinies is a gentle introduction to the outdoors for under 7s. Discover the joys of learning and playing together with a programme of events for all the family to enjoy.
A great opportunity for mums to meet and make friends too!
Organised group sessions last from 1pm to 3pm unless marked ** when additional morning sessions are available between 10am to 12 noon. Please pre-book events in advance!
For further information on sessions please ring the Visitors desk on 01794 369317 or 369318 (10am to 4pm)
Price: £3.95 per adult (Members free); £3.95 per child; siblings under 2 free.
Remaining forthcoming sessions in 2009:
Beetle About?
Thursday 11 June
Homes for little creatures
Ring-A-Ring-A-Rosy
Thursday 25th June
Nursery rhymes in the garden
TnTs from July to Dec will be posted here shortly!
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Summer Family Day
Sunday 21 June 2009
Summer activities for all the family. Advance bookings essential through the Romsey Community Office on 01794 522106.
Free admission with booking
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Free guided tours on Sundays
To find out more about the Collection as it changes through the seasons, why not join a FREE guided tour of the Gardens?
Garden tours last 90 minutes and take place at 2pm on alternate Sundays from 11 January 2009 until 22 March 2009 inclusive, then weekly from Sunday 5 April 2009 until 25 October 2009 inclusive.
The price is included with admission and no booking is required. All tours start and finish at the Visitor & Education Pavilion. Please wear suitable shoes.
For further information, please contact the Ticket Desk on 01794 369317 or 369318 (10am to 4pm).
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