Barnsdale Gardens

Here at Barnsdale we are passionate about passing on our love of plants and gardening, as well hosting other exciting events in the setting of our beautiful gardens. Here is a list of our Events in 2010, most of which are Free with Garden entry.

Barnsdale Birdwatch 31 January 11am-3pm Garden Entry
This weekend it’s the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest bird survey, and you are invited to take part by counting the birds here at Barnsdale. We have 38 individual gardens to explore, so pick your spot and start counting to help the RSPB discover who is at the top of the pecking order in the garden bird world. PLUS: local bird expert Philip Rudkin will be holding a series of walks and talks around the Gardens.

 

Spring Flower Fortnight 16-28 February 10am-4pm Garden Entry

Extended until 14^th March 2010

Come and enjoy Barnsdale at this wonderful time of year as the Garden bursts into life. We are showcasing the work of our two resident art course leaders, Hemant Jariwala and Sandra Peck, at an exclusive ‘Impression of Flowers’ exhibition. And you can enjoy a 10% discount off all Hellebores purchased in the Barnsdale Nursery during this special fortnight.

 

Treat your mum to a special day at Barnsdale where she can enjoy the beauty of the gardens in spring and maybe even be treated to cup of tea and a gorgeous slice of cake in our tea room. Every mum accompanied by at least one of her children will benefit from free entry on the day.

 

During the Easter weekend there will be tokens attached to various, plants, trees and structures all around the gardens for children to hunt for. Each token can be redeemed for a small Easter egg from the tearoom. Please note: Only one egg can be redeemed per child.

 

Nesting Day 9 May 11am-3pm Garden Entry                                                                                                      Bring your binoculars and join our local bird expert Philip Rudkin for regular walks around our gardens and learn about the best trees and shrubs to plant for nesting birds. Come and see our own nest box camera which, last year, gave us an insight into the life of a family of blue tits with 9 chicks!

 

Vegetable Weekend 22-23 May From 11am Garden Entry
This event provides an opportunity to have a look around the allotment areas and greenhouses, which are not usually accessible to the public at this very important time in the gardening calendar. A Barnsdale expert will be on hand, on both days, to answer any questions you may have.

 

Beers and barbeques are back at Barnsdale! Treat your dad to a special day out in our beautiful gardens and we will treat him to a bottle of mlocally produced beer and something from the barbie!

 

Join rose expert Stuart Dixon on a glorious walk around the roses at Barnsdale. Stuart will pass on his extensive knowledge deuring regular informal walks and talks. It is possible to join and leave the walks at any time, with Stuart also happy to answer any roses related question you may have. 

 

 

Paint Your Own Pot 11 July, from 11am, Garden Entry. Cost of pot, materials and firing £6.              Your chance to see how traditional japanese 'raku' pots are made and paint your own to take home. Buy a hand made pot, decorate it, and our resident potter will professionally fire it for you in his outdoor kiln. Barnsdale has 37 famous and beautiful gardens to explore and by the time you’ve enjoyed a leisurely stroll around our 8 acres of paradise, your masterpiece will be ready to take home.                            

 

Penstemon Weekend 10-11 July Garden Entry                                                                                        
Come and see the large collection of Penstemon in the Gardens as they begin their long flowering season. As an added bonus, we are offering a discount of 10% off every Penstemon bought from our the Barnsdale Nursery during this weekend only.

 

Enjoy a stroll around Barnsdale's 38 beautiful gardens to the accompaniment of classical guitarist John Leszczynski. The gardens at Barnsdale are a paradise to enjoy and the classical music will enhance the beauty and tranquility of these gardens during your visit.

 

Hemerocallis Weekend 24-25 July Garden Entry
These truly beautiful, yet underrated plants are at their best in early-mid summer. Come and see them in full flower to appreciate their beauty and array of wonderful colour combinations. And to help you make the most of your visit, we are not only offering a 10% discount on all Hemerocallis bought from the Barnsdale Nursery over this weekend, but the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society will be on hand to discuss anything you ever wanted to know about Hemerocallis.

 

Meet the Bees! 25 July Garden Entry                                                                                                                         Come and meet local apiarist George Shepherd and some of his honeybees. George is the Secretary of the Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association and will be appearing in the  exhibition marquee to show off the tools of his trade and talk about this fascinating passtime. Try on a beekeeper’s outfit, taste some samples, or buy a few jars of local Rutland honey from the gift shop!

 

Croquet and Pimms Party 1 August, 11am-4pm Garden Entry                                                                         ‘Can you play croquet?’ shouted the Queen. The soldiers were silent, and looked at Alice, as the question was evidently meant for her. ‘Yes!’ shouted Alice. ‘Come on, then!’ roared the Queen, and Alice joined the procession, wondering very much what would happen next…
Come and try your hand at this quintessentially English summertime game, and treat yourself to a glass of Pimms or an afternoon cream tea in our beautiful gardens.

 

Jazz Night 7 August 7.30pm-10.30pm £15                                                                                                             An enjoyable way to spend a summer's evening listening to a live jazz band, with food and drink laid on and all within the settings of a beautiful garden. Further details on the event and how to book will follow shortly.

 

 

 

Japanese Garden Day 15 August, 11am-4pm Garden Entry                                                                      Come and say konichi-wa to our resident Japanese gardening experts. Nori and Tats Shirai from Tokyo in Japan, will be on hand to answer all your questions about the typical plants, special elements and design requirements of an authentic Japanese garden. A selection of photographs and books on the subject will be on display in the exhibition marquee and the Barnsdale Japanese Garden (normally closed to the public) will be open for close-up viewing (weather permitting).

 

Vegetable Weekend 21 & 22 August, from 11am Garden Entry                                                                 Come and join our celebration of the vegetable garden; our expert growers will be available for advice and top tips and all the private allotment areas not usually accessible by visitors will be open for viewing. On Sunday, in the cookery marquee, Ed Burrows and Paul Freeman of Barnsdale Lodge Hotel will be demonstrating some sensational seasonal dishes. Nick Hamilton will be on hand giving short walks and talks on the organically grown vegetables being used in these dishes. As an added bonus Liz Dobbs, editor of More From Your Garden (formerly Gardens Monthly) magazine will be on hand with tools, new varieties and products for visitors to look at as well as answering any questions.

 

Why not visit our beautiful Gardens and enjoy the opportunity to peruse the wide variety of stalls displaying their wares. The arts and crafts present on the day will include stained glass, knitware, vintage style, homemade cakes, art and unique gifts confectionary and preserves, jewellery, handmade bags and much more ..... It will be the ideal opportunity to spoil yourself, buy a unique gift for someone special or even start your Christmas shopping! 

 

Feed the Birds 10 October 11am-3pm Garden Entry                                                                                          Bring your binoculars and join our local bird expert Philip Rudkin for regular bird spotting walks around our gardens. Learn about the best trees and shrubs to plant for feeding the birds as well as the best feeds and feeders to attract specific birds. Also, bring your children/grandchildren along to make simple bird feeders to take home.