Now entering its fourth successful year, Toby’s Garden Festival pops up at Powderham Castle for two plant-filled days on the first Spring Bank Holiday of the year, heralding the start of your summer of gardening. Known for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere and informal approach, Toby’s GardenFest brings all the glamour of RHS Chelsea Flowershow to the South West. With expert advice freely given by exhibitors and speakers, there is ample opportunity to get your gardening conundrums sorted. And it’s a fantastic opportunity for some horticultural shopping at excellent prices while sampling the delights of local food producers from across the West Country.

When you want to take a break you can escape to the Tea Tent or sit down and enjoy any of the celebrity speakers in the Speakers Tent or the historic surroundings of the Victorian Kitchen inside the Castle. Pop into the Artisan Marquee to buy vintage buttons, yarns from Cornwall and locally and lovingly-made crafts – all delivered with a smile. New for 2017 we have the Curious Gardener Marquee where young and old can discover amazing facts about wildlife. Plus we have our new  Outdoor Cooking arena where you can get lots of tips and ideas for a summer of delicious alfresco eating.

Parking is free and we have our land train on hand once again to take you to and from the Castle, very handy when you have a barrow-load of new plants to carry home. Keen as we are to encourage the next generation of gardeners, children under 16 are as always welcome to come along for free.  Put the dates in your diary – we look forward to welcome you in 2017!