Scything, the ancient art of grass, crop and weed cutting using a long curving blade, is very much in fashion in gardens these days.

Considered to be better than strimmers for the lawn, silent so not annoying the neighbours, the art of scything is coming to Toby’s Garden Fest at Powderham Castle for the first time in the shape of former national scything champion Andi Rickard. Andi will be running demonstrations and giving visitors the chance to try the skill themselves.

Andi who runs Somerset Scythe School at Buckland St Mary has been ladies scything champion 12 times and a teaching member of the Scythe Association Britain and Ireland. She has taught young and old alike, from all walks of like, beginners and improvers. Scything, she says, is a source of sweat and pleasure, but provides a grass cutting finish which amazes people.

See Andi in action here, and don’t miss Andi and her team, joining us at Toby’s Garden Festival 2025 on both days of the festival.