What's On January - June 2023 by Sophie Smith

CONCERTS, EXHIBITIONS, TOURS, TRAILS, WORKSHOPS January

hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens

to July 2023

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, whether as a first-time visitor or as a regular friend through Membership.

A very warm welcome to the Spring 2023 edition of the Events Brochure. This coming year we invite you to explore new and different events , activities, workshops and tours, as well as revisiting old favourites, all set amongst the backdrop of the magnificent Gardens in springtime. As you will see, this brochure has more of a horticultural theme. The team have dedicated extra time to adult educational events. There are some brand new seasonal pruning workshops, masterclasses and specialised themed plant walks – and a

supper too! Like always, any funds raised directly help support the Gardens’ charitable work and participants can learn more about the Gardens from our horticultural experts.

I do hope that you will find something to engage with and enjoy. Thank you very much for your on-going support of the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens which is so much valued and appreciated.

With every best wish for the year ahead.

Clare

Clare Goddard Director

Famous for its arboretum and gardens, the magnificent 180 acre Gardens are open all year, offering beauty throughout the seasons. Outstanding features include: the iconic 250m long double summer border, Pond, Bog Garden and one of the largest Winter Gardens in Europe. Established in 1953, by the distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier. In 1977, he left the Gardens to Hampshire County Council who are the sole trustees. Run as a charity, the Gardens are continually developed to further Sir Harold’s philosophy of horticulture,

conservation, education and recreation.

Now one of the most important modern plant collections in the world. Home to various wildlife, 14 National Collections, over 600 Champion Trees and 42,000 plants from temperate regions.

There is something different to see everyday, whether it is the changing season, a new exhibition, trail or workshop there are always things to do for the whole family.

2 Ticket sales help support our charity work

Members’ Kids

The Garden Restaurant*

Open daily, the table serviced Garden Restaurant is located within the Gardens at Jermyn’s House. Offering seasonal food, skilfully prepared lunches and afternoon teas+, drinks, cakes and traditional roasts on Sundays.

The Courtyard Café

Located at the main Visitor Pavilion, serving a range of delicious home-cooked meals, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, cakes, ice creams and children’s lunch boxes.

The Tilia Tree Café*

Located within the Gardens, offering quick but delicious snacks, lighter lunches, refreshments and ice creams.

Thank you to Edward Butler, March Creative, Mark Powell, Matt Pringle, Rachel Chappell and Roy Brophy for contributing photos.

your little ones and have fun learning in nature during our interactive outdoor sessions, with

& April)

Bushcraft

Explorer Holiday Clubs (April

Pond Dipping (April & June) With acres of gardens and woodland to explore, the Gardens are fantastic family day out. Discover: • NEW Sound Garden • Woodland Tree House • Obstacle Course • Super Snake Swing • Bamboo Tunnels • Wobbly Bridge • Jurassic Gunnera Boardwalk

To book a table at the Garden Restaurant call, 01794 368787 (option 2) or email hillierscatering@hants.gov.uk *Normal garden admission applies + Advance booking essential Bring

• Archaeology (Feb

•

(Feb) •

& May) •

Gardens

JANUARY WITCH HAZELS AND FRAGRANT FLOWERING SHRUBS

AT A GLANCE

In January find incredible fragrant flowering shrubs in the Winter Garden such as Daphne and Honeysuckle. Winter flowering plants work extra hard to attract insets. Don’t miss the eye-catching Witch Hazels (we hold all known species and around 90 varieties). With yellow, orange or red colour, a sweet fragrance and feathery bark.

FEBRUARY COLOURFUL STEMS AND BARK

In winter see the beautiful bold barks, vibrant red and golden stem colours, and brilliant whites of birches, dogwoods and acers.

Catch a glimpse of the early signs of spring as dwarf daffodils start flowering, along with colourful crocus, cyclamen and stunning snowdrops displays.

APRIL MAGNOLIAS AND JAPANESE FLOWERING CHERRIES

MARCH CAMELLIAS AND SPRING BULBS

As days start to get longer and weather warms, silky catkins start to appear and spring flowering shrubs such as camellias begin to flower. March and April is the best time to see camellias, although some species begin flowering before Christmas! Look out for the huge leaved Magnolia macrophylla and Magnolia ‘Michael Rosse, the ‘Himalayan Tulip Tree’ known for its magnificent huge flowers.

Head to Camellia Walk and Spring Walk, to see numerous specimen trees, shrubs and some flowering cherries. See Magnolia stellata, a rare species in its native Japan, with pretty starry flowers.

Magnolia Avenue is lined with magnolias dating back to the 1960s. The well-known Magnolia campbelli with richly coloured cup and saucer flowers are a delight. Also see a beautiful array of mixed heathers varieties nearby.

Some Magnolia species at the Gardens continue flowering well into the summer such as M.sieboldii and M. wilsonii.

MAY AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS

Rhododendron

Woodland is like walking into another Garden, with Tall Scott pines, colourful Azaleas and Rhododendrons. You can see glorious hybrids and a striking array of deciduous azaleas. Admire not only the vibrant colours but the powerful fragrance as well. Also don’t miss the Peony Border in May with around 70 different varieties.

For more information on what is looking good, check out the ‘Plants of Current Interest’ guide on our website or see our YouTube channel @SirHaroldHillierGardens

sales help support our charity work

PCI LOGO QR CODE

Ticket

COLOUR IN THE CENTENARY BORDER

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

JUNE

Glance:

Gardens at a Glance: COLOURFUL STEMS AND BARK FEBRUARY Continues from 1 Nov – 28 Feb Winter Garden Bird Explorer 13 Continues from 6 Jan – 10 Feb Home Education Classes 10 Continues from 31 Jan – 12 Feb New Road Artists – Art Exhibition 13 4 Feb Gardeners’ Breakfast and Tour 13 4 Feb Snowdrops in Colour Pencils - Art Workshop 14 14 – 27 Feb Paint Let Loose – Art Exhibition 14 14 Feb Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Garden Restaurant 15 15 Feb Family Bushcraft: Cooking 15 17 Feb Family Archaeology: Saxons 15 18 Feb Experimenting with Collage & Mixed Media – Art Workshop 16 22 Feb How Romsey Helped Me Write a Bestseller – Lecture Lunch 16 27 Feb – 5 March Cornish Pasty Week 16 5 FOR EVENT BOOKINGS CALL 01794 368787 JANUARY Continues from 10 Sept – 15 Jan Art in the Garden 8 Continues from 1 Nov – 28 Feb Winter Garden Bird Explorer 9 Continues from 23 Nov – 2 Jan Winter

Exhibition 9 1 Jan New

Day

Tour 9 2 – 31 Jan Pudding

Pound 9 2 – 31 Jan 3 for 2

Restaurant 10 2 – 31 Jan Celebrate

in the

Restaurant 10 6 Jan – 10 Feb Home

Classes 10 7 – 15 Jan

Exhibition 11 14 Jan

Workshop 11 17 – 29 Jan

Exhibition 11 19 Jan

21 Jan

12 28 – 29 Jan

12 31 Jan – 12 Feb

HERBACEOUS

Summer is a time when herbaceous perennials and summer flowering bulbs come into their own. The 250m Centenary Border contains a diverse range of impressive trees, rare shrubs and interesting climbers, so throughout the summer there is a magnitude of colour. Gardens at a

WITCH HAZELS AND FRAGRANT SHRUBS

Jewels - Jewellery

Year’s

Guided

for a

at The Garden

Ginuary

Garden

Education

New Forest Art Society – Art

Colourful Aluminium Jewellery -

Hampshire Artists Co-Operative – Art

Masterclass: The Winter Garden - Lecture and Walk 12

Handmade Turned Wooden Pen - Workshop

The RSPB: Big Garden Birdwatch

New Road Artists – Art Exhibition

The Charitable Trust of Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, with a remit in horticulture, conservation, education and recreation. Growing over 200 threatened plant species and home to the largest collection of champion trees. You can help support the Gardens, to preserve and continue to build our treasured plant collections by buying event tickets and becoming a member.

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

Gardens at a Glance: CAMELLIAS AND SPRING BULBS

1 – 13 March

Take 10 Artists – Art Exhibition 17

Quilled Mandalas - Workshop 17

Acrylic Painting for Beginners – Art Workshop 18

Painting with Yarns – Workshop 17

Hampshire and Berkshire Guild of Craftsmen – Art Exhibition 18

How To: Winter Pruning Class 19

Rare Plants on your Doorstep - Special Plant Walk 19

Throughout March - May Spring Garden Explorer 21 MARCH

Luxury Chocolate Making – Workshop 19

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Garden Restaurant 20

March – 15 June Forest Bathing 20

Lino Printing – Art Workshop 20

Gardens at a Glance: MAGNOLIAS AND JAPANESE FLOWERING CHERRIES

Throughout March - May

Spring Garden Explorer 21

Continues from 23 March – 15 June Forest Bathing 21

APRIL

1 April – 16 April

Easter Bug Boxes - Dining 22 1 April – 16 April

Bee prepared for April Antics! - Family Fun 22 1 April - 2 May

Inspired by Nature – Art Exhibition 21 4 April

Family Archaeology: Romans 22 4 – 15 April

Pond Dipping 23

Garden Explorer’s Club: Natural Crafts 23

Garden Explorer’s Club: Minibeasts 23

Spring Foraging Walk 24

Baby Mindful Nature Walk 24

Trees of the World: Japan – Guided Tour 24

Celebrate National Tea Day 25

Collage Colour and Texture – Art Workshop 25

Kingfisher in Colour Pencils – Art Workshop 25

5 April

12 April

19 April

20 April – 29 June

21 April

April

4 March

5 March

11 March

15 – 30 March

17 March

18 March

19 March

25 March

2023 5

7 FOR EVENT BOOKINGS CALL 01794 368787

Gardens at a Glance: AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS Gardens at a Glance: CENTENARY BORDER PREVIEW

July Beginners Hula Hooping 34 8 July Romsey Festival Gala Picnic Concert 36 20 July Masterclass: Perennial Borders 35 11 & 12 August Music in the Gardens – Summer Soul Picnic Concert 37 26 August Family Music in the Gardens – Picnic Concert 38

Shop online for memberships, tickets to events and workshops. MAY Throughout March - May Spring Garden Explorer 26 Continues from 23 March – 15 June Forest Bathing 26 Continues from 1 April – 2 May Inspired by Nature – Art Exhibition 26 Continues from 20 April – 29 June Baby Mindful Nature Walk 26 4 – 21 May Creative Collection – Art Exhibition 27 7 May Dragonflies and Sunflowers - Willow Workshop 27 10 May Spring Propagation Workshop 28 13 May Gurkha Day 28 17 & 27 May Walk, Draw and Talk – Art Workshop 28 20 May Gardeners’ Breakfast and Tour 29 23 May – 20 June PhotoFusion - Glass and Photo Exhibition 29 27 & 28 May Exploring Flower Function and Form – Art Workshop 29 30 – 31 May Garden Explorer’s Club 30 JUNE Continues from 23 March – 15 June Forest Bathing 30 Continues from 20 April – 29 June Baby Mindful Nature Walk 31 Continues from 23 May – 20 June PhotoFusion - Glass and Photo Exhibition 31 1 & 3 June Pond Dipping 30 3 June Painting with Yarns – Workshop 31 8 June Edible Ornamentals – Special Plant Walk 32 10 June Introduction to Falconry - Workshop 32 11 June Peony in Colour Pencil – Art Workshop 32 18 June Celebrate Father’s Day in the Garden Restaurant 33 22 June – 2 July Wessex Guild of Craftsmen - Art Exhibition 33 22 June Mid-Summer Evening Garden Tour and Supper 33 23 June How To: Pruning Summer Flowering Shrubs 34 25 June Landscape with Summer Trees – Botanical Workshop 34 All details are correct at time of publishing, activities and itineraries may change. Workshops are suitable for 16+ years unless stated otherwise. Once purchased, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. For full T’s & C’s see our website.

LIGHT UP SIR HAROLD HILLIER GARDENS AT CHRISTMAS

Selected dates from 24 November – 31 December 2022

New for 2022 is the collaboration between the Gardens and Light Up Trails.

Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens promises to be a unique and enchanting illuminated light trail. Our after dark, festive light trail will showcase the Gardens as they have never been seen before, transforming them into an awe-inspiring, kaleidoscopic world of light and sound. A truly multisensory walking experience for the whole family. Travel from ‘Starlight Garden,’ through the shimmering ‘Tree of Joy’, into the

spectacular colour fest of Himalayan Valley and the hypnotic lasers around the Pond. It’s a winter walk like no other, with mesmerising projected animals on the trees, Santa’s elves on Jermyns House, and evocative soundscapes that make this an unforgettable experience for lovers of the great outdoors.

Stop for some locally produced, takeaway street food, with lots of tasty treats, and our Light Up Bar serving spicy winter warmers and hot chocolates to enjoy along your way!

Limited capacity applies so Book Now to guarantee your special 2022 Christmas experience! www.lightuptrails.com

JANUARY

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

ART IN THE GARDEN

Continues from Saturday 10 September – Sunday 15 January 2023

Stunning sculptures are attractively presented in the Gardens. Featuring award winning and local artists. Be inspired by all the wealth of creativity. Whether it is an abstract, modern or figurative sculpture, there is something to please everyone.

A fabulous opportunity to buy a unique piece of art.

Free entry with garden admission

(c) Mark Reed

FAMILY

WINTER GARDEN BIRD EXPLORER

– SELF-GUIDED FAMILY FUN

Continues from 1 November – 28 February

Be it wet and wild or crisp and frosty, join us out in the fresh air to look for winter wildlife.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Normal garden admission fees apply.

Price: £1.00

JEWELLERY EXHIBITION

WINTER JEWELS

Continues from Wednesday

23 November – Monday 2 January, 9.30am – 4pm*

Jewellery exhibition by the ACJW (Association for Contemporary Jewellery Wessex) Group

We are delighted to welcome back over 20 members of this talented local jewellery group for their annual Christmas exhibition. These highly skilled jewellers look forward to meeting you and will be showcasing many exciting new designs. They invite you to take part in their popular £100 prize draw when you visit the exhibition.

*exhibition closes at 3pm on Christmas Eve and on the last day. Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day.

FREE entry to the exhibition

GUIDED TOUR NEW YEAR’S DAY GUIDED TOUR

Sunday 1 January, 10.30am

After all the festivities, take time out to relax and get some fresh air in the beautiful Gardens. Our horticultural expert will take you on a tour of the Winter Garden, see the dramatic stem colours, foliage and hardy winter shrubs.

The tour will last approx. 1½ hours finishing with a slice of cake and hot drink.

Booking is essential

Normal Garden admission applies

Price: £17.50p/p

DINING

PUDDING FOR A POUND

Monday 2 January – Tuesday

31 January*, 12noon – 2.15pm

Try a fabulous homemade pudding for just £1.00 when purchasing a main course. *Available Monday – Friday only at the Courtyard Café, choose from the homemade pudding board.

9 FOR EVENT BOOKINGS CALL 01794 368787

DINING

3 FOR 2 AT THE GARDEN RESTAURANT

Monday 2 January – Tuesday

31 January*, 12noon – 2.15pm

Treat yourself and others to a delicious home cooked two course lunch at the Garden Restaurant this January and get the third course free.

*Available in the Garden Restaurant Monday – Friday throughout January. When purchasing two courses from the lunch menu, get the cheapest course free (no sharing of meals).

Normal Garden admission applies when visiting the Garden Restaurant.

DINING CELEBRATE GINUARY IN THE GARDEN RESTAURANT

Monday 2 January – Tuesday

31 January

Discover, experiment, appreciate and enjoy all the pleasures a refreshing glass of gin and a mixer has to offer.

Enjoy handpicked Gins and Premium Fever tree tonic for only £5.

Available in the Garden Restaurant throughout January.

Normal Garden admission applies when visiting the Garden Restaurant.

FAMILY HOME EDUCATION CLASSES

Fridays 6, 13, 20 & 27 January and 3 & 10 February, 10am and 11.30am

Fun and learning for home educated children in our beautiful Gardens. Sessions will include hands-on activities, games, crafts, and learning with topics changing each week. 1-hour sessions led by Lauren from our Education team, who is home educator and qualified teacher. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking is essential

Session Price: £8 per child; accompanying adult free

10 Ticket sales help support our charity work

ART EXHIBITION

NEW FOREST ART SOCIETY

Saturday 7 January – Sunday

15 January, 10am – 4pm*

The New Forest Art Society is delighted to return to the Gardens. The Society has a diverse, enthusiastic group of professional and amateur artists who work in all media and styles. Artwork on sale will include framed and unframed paintings, miniatures and greeting cards.

*exhibition closes at 3pm on the last day.

FREE entry to the exhibition

WORKSHOP COLOURFUL ALUMINIUM JEWELLERY

Saturday 14 January, 10am – 4pm

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

ART EXHIBITION HAMPSHIRE ARTISTS

CO-OPERATIVE

Tuesday 17 January – Sunday

29 January, 10am – 4pm*

Create a unique piece of jewellery in colourful anodised aluminium.

Jeweller Lindsey Mann will introduce you to a host of colouring and decorative techniques. You will get the opportunity to experiment and explore the material before focusing on a final piece of jewellery.

You will come away with a good set of samples, at least one completed piece of jewellery.

Booking is essential

Price: £95p/p including all equipment and lunch

A must-see exhibition with high quality representational and abstract art, alongside functional and sculptural three-dimensional work presented in a variety of media, all in a range of prices and sizes to suit all budgets.

Colour brings together the different dimensions with watercolour, oils, acrylic, mixed media, collage, charcoal, line drawing and print making complimented by ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, glass, metal work and textiles

*exhibition closes at 3pm on the last day.

FREE entry to the exhibition

11 FOR EVENT BOOKINGS CALL 01794 368787

MASTERCLASS

THE WINTER GARDEN

NEW

Thursday 19 January, 9.45am – 12noon

The morning will start with an illustrated talk followed by a guided tour. Hear about design principles, recycled materials used, our planting selection and tips on how to maintain your own winter garden.

Led by one of our gardening experts, enjoy a tour of our Winter Garden, with more than 800 different plants, you will get lots of ideas!

An ideal masterclass for the new gardener or those with some experience. Booking is essential

Price: £36.50p/p includes hot drink on arrival

WORKSHOP

MAKE YOUR OWN HANDMADE TURNED WOODEN PEN

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

Saturday 21 January, 10am – 1pm or 1.45pm – 4.45pm

Create your own luxury wood turned ‘Romsey’ Fountain Pen or Rollerball Pen, using high quality British woods under the tuition of Ron Caddy ‘Registered Professional Turner’.

Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.

Booking is essential

Price: £95p/p includes refreshments and all materials

FAMILY

THE RSPB: BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH

Saturday 28 January – Sunday 29 January

Bring your binoculars to try and spot the many different wild birds we have visiting the Gardens.

Last year we spotted almost 40 species including raven, kestrel and bullfinch.

Help us compile the RSPB: Big Garden Birdwatch survey.

Free, with normal garden admission

12 Ticket sales help support our charity work

ART EXHIBITION

NEW ROAD ARTISTS

Tuesday 31 January – Sunday

12 February, 10am – 4pm*

New Road Artists was first formed thirty years ago and is made up of artists from all over Hampshire.

The work is contemporary, exciting and innovative. Members exhibit widely, both individually and as a group.

Framed and unframed work and a selection of cards are available for sale. *exhibition closes at 3pm on the last day. Free entry to the exhibition

FEBRUARY

Continues from 1 November – 28 February

Be it wet and wild or crisp and frosty, join us out in the fresh air to look for winter wildlife.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Normal garden admission fees apply.

Price: £1.00

GUIDED TOUR GARDENERS’ BREAKFAST AND TOUR

Saturday 4 February, 8.30am

Enjoy a home cooked breakfast including juice, cereals, toast and tea or coffee in the Garden Restaurant. Learn gardening hints and tips from one of our horticultural experts. After breakfast we will lead you on an exclusive seasonal garden tour showing you the very best of the seasonal highlights before we open to the public.

Booking is essential Price: £23.50p/p

FAMILY WINTER GARDEN BIRD EXPLORER – SELF-GUIDED FAMILY FUN

13 FOR EVENT BOOKINGS CALL 01794 368787

ART WORKSHOP

SNOWDROPS IN COLOUR PENCILS

Saturday 4 February, 10am – 4pm

An introduction to colour pencils with professional artist Karen Coulson.

We will be sketching the flowers from life, before completing a small colour drawing. However, a line drawing to trace can be provided. Suitable for all abilities. All materials are supplied to use within the session.

Booking is essential

Price: £65.50p/p includes lunch

ART EXHIBITION PAINT LET LOOSE

Tuesday 14 February – Monday

27 February, 10am – 4pm*

Artseen present an exhibition of original work this year joined by two new artists who add to the groups wide range of work in watercolour, mixed media, collage, acrylics, oils and textiles.

Featuring atmospheric coastlines, landscapes, life subject sans abstract works using a palette of expressive colour and texture.

Come and meet the artists at work throughout the exhibition.

All work is for sale including unframed originals, prints and greeting cards. *exhibition closes at 3pm on the last day. Free entry to the exhibition

DON’T MISS

Look out for the arrival of the 250,000 purple crocus, planted in support of Rotary International’s ‘End Polio Now’ Campaign. (Normal garden admission applies)

14 Ticket sales help support our charity

work

DINING CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY

IN THE GARDEN RESTAURANT

Tuesday 14 February

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style at the Garden Restaurant and enjoy a free glass of fizz when ordering a minimum of two courses from the menu.

Normal Garden admission applies when visiting the Garden Restaurant

Booking is advisable, call 01794 368787 (option 2)

FAMILY BUSHCRAFT COOKING: BREADS AND BATTERS

Wednesday 15 February, 10am-12noon

Come and enjoy time in our woodland and around the fire, cooking tasty treats.

Suitable for accompanied children aged 4 – 12 years

Session price: £16 (for 1 adult & 1 child; price does not include Garden admission)

Booking is essential

FAMILY ARCHAEOLOGY: SAXONS

Friday 17 February 10am – 12:30pm

Join us in the woods to learn about the Saxons! Be an archaeologist and join us at our purpose-built trench and find hidden treasures from ages past.

Learn about Saxon life in a carousel of activities; use fire strikers to make sparks, write Saxon runes in clay, cook a tasty Saxon snack on the fire and weave a Saxon bracelet.

Suitable for accompanied children aged 4 – 12 years

Session price: £16 (for 1 adult & 1 child; price does not include Garden admission)

Booking is essential

15 FOR EVENT BOOKINGS CALL 01794 368787

FAMILY

ART WORKSHOP

EXPERIMENTING WITH COLLAGE & MIXED MEDIA

Saturday 18 February, 10am – 4pm

An opportunity to get creative!

Join artist Lynne Reeves for a day exploring the use of collage and Mixed Media. Well known for her collage paintings Lynne will enable you to create and develop your own style using collage and a variety of textures and techniques.

Suitable for intermediate level

Materials list is supplied.

Price: £65.50p/p includes lunch

Booking is essential

LECTURE LUNCH

HOW ROMSEY HELPED ME WRITE A BESTSELLER

Wednesday 22 February, 11am

Join local author Claire Gradidge, whose WWII Josephine Fox mystery series is set in Romsey and the surrounding area, as she talks about the inspiration she draws for her writing from local history and research into half-forgotten memories of the countryside around. Winner of the 2019 Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition, her stories are described as ‘tantalising Golden Age mysteries’ capturing ‘the atmosphere of wartime Britain’.