Tim Wills, chairman of Devon Rural Skills Trust popped in to Toby’s BBC Radio Show to spread the word about their vital work. The DRST is the go-to organisation for keeping rural crafts, from basket making, orchard pruning, hedge laying, drystone walling and much more alive. And we’re delighted that they will be back at …
All the people, so many people! Thanks to everyone who joined us in 2025. Can you believe the sun actually shone, and shone some more?! Our wonderful (local Kenton) photographer Louise Kear was on hand to capture the scenes at Powderham Castle both days, and here are the first of our fabulous garden celebs and …
Thinking of buying, or adding to your garden or small holding structures? John and Darren of WhiteBird Polytunnels very much look forward to welcoming all Festival visitors to their stand, to discuss all things polytunnel related. The pair have a great range to suit all budgets, and will also be demonstrating their great range of galvanised …
Aimee Beamish and her creative team are back, serving delicious seasonal savouries and confections inside the exclusive VIP Music Room and Library of Powderham Castle. “This year we’re presenting a menu to reflect the best of West Country harvest,” says Aimee. “Seasonality is key to our menu. Soups and salads are created using locally grown …
Each year, the names of societies, organisations and garden clubs that buy group tickets go into a draw, and the first out of the hat wins a talk from Toby. Scooping top honours from 2024 was the mighty Parkham WI and last night Toby gave a talk to a packed Allardice Hall in the heart …
Jump on a train to Starcross and visit this year’s Festival on Fri 2 and Sat 3 May at Powderham Castle to grab a free packet of wild meadow seeds at the Meadow in My Garden stand. The seed giveaway is sponsored by Official Travel Sponsors GWR. What you might not know is that GWR has been greening up …
Sometimes things come together in perfect harmony. We were delighted to receive a really lovely gift of 200 lovely old terracotta pots from local Cornish resident Susie Williams. Susie loves the festival and the RNLI, so we have come up with a wonderful way to raise money with them. Come and visit the RNLI stand …
We really couldn’t be happier that Great Western Railway is all aboard as sponsors of the festival! GWR serves the South West and beyond, including Devon, Dorset, South Wales, the Cotswolds, reaching as far as London and Cornwall with some of the prettiest lines in Britain-we think. So, it’s a marriage made in heaven, because GWR takes you right up to Starcross, …
Philip Nieuwoudt is the brains and brilliance behind Devon’s most pioneering tree nursery New Wood Trees, and visitors to Toby’s Garden Festival 2025 will be able to learn the tricks of his trade from the man himself as Philip will be speaking at the Fest in Saturday the 3rd of May. Specialising in multi-stem trees …
Brainchild of Paul Jupp from Meadow in My Garden and soil health Guru Eddie Bailey from the RhizoPhyllia School of Gardening, the Soil Health Lab is a new focus for all gardeners keen to look after Nature and the soil. The knowledgeable duo are running free hands-on workshops, showing how to choose the right wildflower …
