- Bank Holiday and Half Term activities
The Larmer tree, one of the new exhibits in Ryton Gardens 'Art in the gardens' exhibition
A giant sized chair and a storytelling tree will this Bank Holiday weekend become the latest eye-catching exhibits to feature in our new exhibition, ‘Art in the Gardens’.
The ‘Art in the Gardens’ exhibition is showcasing the work of a range of Midlands based artists and Northampton based chainsaw artist Ian Freemantle is the latest exhibitor to install work into the gardens. The event started in April with a series of abstract art paintings by Stratford-upon-Avon born artist Sonia Bublaitis.
As well as the new Art in the Gardens exhibition and our inspirational showcase gardens, visitors to Ryton Gardens this weekend and over half term can enjoy a range of fun activities for all the family including spring bingo, den building, giant games on the lawn and the indoor, interactive Vegetable Kingdom exhibit. There is also a free entry organic café and shop and picnic tables in the gardens.
For more information on the Art in the Gardens exhibition please click here. For admission prices, opening times and how to find us please visit the Visitor information section of this website.
- Willow Basketry for Beginners
Saturday 13th July 2013 10am – 4.30pm
£51 (Members) / £60 (Non Members)
The timeless craft of basketry can seem complicated and fiddly to the
untrained eyes and hands. This course has been designed to guide total
beginners, step by step through each stage of the basket-making process, making it easy to understand. Participants can expect to leave with their own round multipurpose / vegetable basket, complete with handle.Participants will be shown a series of demonstrations throughout the day and will receive individual guidance when needed. Once the basic principles and weaving patterns are learnt, you will have the knowledge to make baskets ranging up to full sized log baskets; the techniques are exactly the same.
To book a place, or find out more please call us on 024 7630 3517 or email
customerservices@gardenorganic.org.uk - Chilli Day and Exotic Crop Fair
Join us at Ryton for Chilli Day on Saturday 17th August 10.00am-4.00pm.
This event will showcase some of the more exotic fruit and vegetables available to grow including our wide variety of chilli plants, activities and spicy challenges.
A day of all things hot and exotic! Come along and enjoy the stalls, chilli displays, talks, tours of the exotic garden, family fun and more. If spicy isn’t your thing, then our exotic crops will spice up your summer.
- Willow Basketry for Beginners
Saturday 24th August 2013 10am – 4.30pm
£51 (Members) / £60 (Non Members)
The timeless craft of basketry can seem complicated and fiddly to the
untrained eyes and hands. This course has been designed to guide total
beginners, step by step through each stage of the basket-making process,
making it easy to understand. Participants can expect to leave with their
own round multipurpose / vegetable basket, complete with handle.
Participants will be shown a series of demonstrations throughout the day and
will receive individual guidance when needed. Once the basic principles and
weaving patterns are learnt, you will have the knowledge to make baskets
ranging up to full sized log baskets; the techniques are exactly the same.To book a place, or find out more please call us on 024 7630 3517 or email
customerservices@gardenorganic.org.uk - Heritage Open Weekend
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September 2013
FREE access to the gardens.
- Manage your Soil
Saturday 21st September 2013 10.00am-1.00pm
£30 (Members) / £36 (Non Members)
Care of the soil should be at the heart of every organic garden. This
course gives an introduction to sustainable management of soil including
the sourcing of plant nutrients, the role of green manures, appropriate
cultivations and water use. Outside we will discuss how to make an
assessment of soil conditions.To book a place, or find out more please call us on 024 7630 3517 or email
customerservices@gardenorganic.org.uk - Compost Magic
Saturday 21st September 2013 2.00pm – 5.00pm
£30 (Members) / £36 (Non Members)
Healthy soil is the key to growing healthy plants. Learn how to make compost and leafmould and create a comfry liquid feed in this fascinating afternoon course with Garden Organic’s experts.
To book a place, or find out more please call us on 024 7630 3517 or email
customerservices@gardenorganic.org.uk - Harvest Festival
Harvest Festival (incorporating Apple Day)
This new event takes place on Saturday 12th October 10am to 4pm at Ryton gardens
A harvest celebration incorporating our famous apple day.
More details to follow
- Seed Saving
Thursday 17th October 2013 1.30pm – 4.30pm
£30 (Members) / £36 (Non Members)
Learn all about growing for seed, why see should be saved, and how to save seed with our experts from the Heritage Seed Library. Based on Garden Organic’s own Seed Saving Guidelines and focusing on vegetables, this course includes a practical seed-cleaning demonstration and tour of the Seed Library growing area to observe seed-heads and fruits. You will also learn about different plant groups and how to select for particular characteristics.
To book a place, or find out more please call us on 024 7630 3517 or email
customerservices@gardenorganic.org.uk - Breadmaking
Sunday 20th October 2013 1pm – 4.45pm
£30 (Members) / £36 (Non Members)
This is an introduction to bread making aimed at the novice baker. It
will focus upon the techniques of making soft doughs and will be an
opportunity to experience making dough and basic shaping.To book a place, or find out more please call us on 024 7630 3517 or email
customerservices@gardenorganic.org.uk
