This is a one-day course to introduce and develop understanding of ferns and to develop skills in their identification. It is aimed at beginners. The number of species in this group and the apparent similarity between many of them can make them daunting. The terminology itself can seem impenetrable. However, this course is intended to show that, with a little help, these obstacles can be overcome, opening the door to a fascinating group of organisms able to tell us much…

The National Garden Scheme (NGS) open day returns to the Botanic Garden this year where you can see the Garden in all its summer glory. The NGS has been running since 1927 initially to support district nurses; there are now over 3500 gardens across the country open as part of the scheme which last year raised £3.1 million for nursing and health charities. Here at the Botanic Garden there will be tours, displays, plant sales, refreshments and, fingers crossed, lovely sunshine.…

Blue Notes Band perform at the Garden We are delighted that we are able to once again hold the annual jazz concert with the Blue Note and Hannah Wedlock. Over the years the Blue Notes has developed its own unique style and repertoire encompassing traditional, swing and mainstream jazz.  They are a fixture in the Bristol Jazz scene and have regularly played festivals and clubs around the West country. An additional delight is the appearance of the…

Philip Oostenbrink began gardening at the age of four in his father's allotment and grandmother's garden. The jungle plant obsession took hold after a trip to Tresco on the Isles of Scilly. He is now Head Gardener at Walmer Castle where one of his first projects has been to plant a jungle garden in the moat. Philip holds four National Collections and in 2019 he and his garden featured on BBC Gardener's World. His book, The Jungle Garden, is published…

The Botanic Garden is participating again in this year’s trail. Now in its ninth year, Bristol Food Network’s Get Growing Trail returns for a harvest-themed weekend with 22 of Bristol’s fruit and vegetable gardens throwing open their gates on 18th and 19th September. The Trail offers the perfect opportunity for families and friends to explore the city’s community allotments, orchards, smallholdings, mini market gardens, city farms and productive parks in a safe way. Growing has improved many aspects of mental…

Volunteers in the Botanic Garden From climate change to mental health and wellbeing, could the answer to some of the major issues facing people and the planet be addressed through horticulture? As part of FUTURES2021 Join Nigel Dunnett, internationally renowned plantsman, landscape designer and Professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture in the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield for a fascinating lecture on this subject. Nigel will be joined by Professor Jane…

This is a drawing course all about exploring and enjoying the process of drawing. Drawing in nature and from it, can allow you to see how plants relate to one another in their natural habitat and with guidance from your tutor, you will be encouraged to learn how to draw from scratch in direct response to a whole range of plants. The botanic garden in autumn abounds with form and colour and scent and it will be your drawing studio…

Mike Nelhams, AHRHS, FI Hort, Curator, Tresco Abbey Garden, studied for three years at the RHS Garden, Wisley and first went to Tresco on a Studley Trust Scholarship as a student in 1976. After managing a woodland garden in Sussex for five years he returned to Tresco Abbey Garden in 1984 as Head Gardener and then in 1994 took the post which was established for him of Garden Curator. He is an RHS judge on the Tender Plants Committee and…