You may have noticed that Chelsea Flower Show is back in full swing again. But with eye-watering ticket prices, you may not fancy joining the King and the general hoi polloi at this year’s show. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved with some sunny gardening fun in and around the area. Yep, the flower show isn’t the only gardening event worth visiting this month as Chelsea Fringe is also back to entertain you.
This year’s fringe has exhibitions, talks and workshops, as well as performances, walks and open gardens. It’s on now until Sunday, so you’ve got plenty of time to go along and get involved. Events are taking place across greater London. Plus, on 28th May, there’s a special one-day event in Cranbrook, Kent. For this the high street will be closed off to traffic, so stalls and activities can take over.
So, what else is going on this week at Chelsea Fringe? Well, there’s a free exhibition looking at the influence of plants and flowers on jewellery making at the OXO Tower. And Trace at the OmVed Gardens features 12 artists and makers exploring the marks we make. It’s also free to visit, but do book in advance for this one.
Another free event is Pizza and Seeds in Harrow. Franchi Seeds of Italy take you on a journey from seed to plate, looking at pizza ingredients. It’s a great way to connect with food and a free slice of woodfired pizza will help you do that even better!
If you do want to get more hands on, there’s a soil science workshop in South Kensington where you can learn about soil composition and how to solve common soil problems. Tickets are £35 but you do get to take away your own potting mix along with some other bits to help your plants thrive.
Want to take a more relaxed, haphazard approach to gardening? Well, how about a seed bomb workshop? Tickets are £10 but everything you need to make a seed bomb is provided for you. And it takes place at the wonderful Camley Street Natural Park.
There are free garden and history tours around St Mary’s Church and graveyard in Walthamstow and you can tour the gardens surrounding the Old Library Building in Erith with their head gardener too.
Looking for more things to do in London? Click this way!
When: On daily until 28th May 2023
Where: Across London and beyond
£: Ticket prices vary depending on the event. Many events are free
More info: chelseafringe.com
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