A new festival at a South Cumbrian historic hall next month will feature TV and radio personalities, authors, nationally renowned gardeners and high-profile head chefs.
SpringFest, at Holker Hall & Gardens, in Cark, near Grange-over-Sands, will take place on May 3 and May 4.
Organisers said it will be a celebration designed to help people get the most out of their gardens and outdoor spaces and will feature include expert speakers, demonstrations, independent retail stalls, street food and live music.
Tours will give visitors unprecedented access to the historic home’s private walled garden, where they will be able to see behind the scenes for the first time.
The Victorian walled garden has until now very much a private space, where the gardeners produce cut flowers and vegetables for the hall and Cartmel Racecourse.
Visitors will have opportunity to see the latest developments on this exciting long-term project and learn about plans for the future of this hidden gem.
In the SpringFest Live! outdoor theatre, Lord Cavendish will share his unique recollections of the development of Holker’s gardens, his love of shared gardening experiences with his wife Grania, Lady Cavendish, and how he became gardener-turned-author with the publication of his book A Time to Plant: Life and Gardening at Holker.
He will be joined by broadcaster, horticulturalist, author, TV presenter and BBC Radio 4 Gardener’s Question Time favourite Anne Swithinbank.
Anne’s TV career began with Channel 4’s Gardeners’ Calendar while she was working at RHS Wisley.
She was then spotted by one of the Gardeners’ World producers, landing her role on the hit series working alongside Geoff Hamilton. Other TV work followed, including Bloom and Gardens of the Caribbean, both for Channel 4.
Anne has written many books, including The Conservatory Gardener, No Time to Garden and The Greenhouse Gardener.
There will be an emphasis on the organic when Liam Fitzpatrick, head chef at Our Farm by Simon Rogan in Cartmel takes to the stage to talk about how locally grown produce has a sense of place and contributes to Michelin star dining at Simon Rogan’s Cumbrian restaurants; and a unique insight into life as head gardener at King Charles’ Highgrove Gardens as Gráinne Ring shares her experiences.
Bertie Swainston , head gardener at Sizergh Castle and Toby Nicolson, master-composter at Ford Park, will add their own locally informed perspectives on how to make the most of your garden and outdoor spaces this year whilst Rosie Harris of Rosedale Botanic in Kendal will provide expert indoor insights into plant selection and care.
For the very adventurous Richard Smith, bee expert and apiary manager at the Furness & District Beekeepers Association will focus on what it takes and what you need to get started in beekeeping.
On Sunday, Sinead McCann, of mental health charity Growing Well, will talk about how horticultural activities can aid good mental health.
Holker’s public gardens will also host demonstrations this year. Holker’s own professional gardening team will focus on sustainability and greener gardening with talks on herbaceous border care, tools and machinery selection and greener composting.
Holker head gardener Matthew Murgatroyd said: “For me this is a very exciting direction for our spring event to take.
“Whether you’re an expert, a keen hobbyist or someone with just a passing interest in gardens and outdoor living, there’s something for everyone.
“The gardens team are excited about sharing their experiences and passions with the SpringFest visitors. It promises to be a unique celebration at a great time of year for people to experience Holker’s gardens.”
