As summer draws to an end and the nights start to close in, there is plenty still to celebrate in the natural world. Autumn brings the annual harvest with its tradition of thanksgiving and for many, it is time to rest and recharge.
RHS Garden Rosemoor is holding 4-week celebration of seasonal delights, with a focus on all things arboreal from 27 September to 19 October.
Take in the sensational autumn colour on a weekly garden walk with the curatorial team at 12 noon every Thursday and learn about why leaves change colour at this time of year.
Children can follow our Treemendous Tree Trail - where they can listen to the music created by trees. Or, follow a self-guided rubbing trail to discover the huge variety there is in simple tree bark textures. Why not try the digital lichen trail to learn fascinating facts about this mysterious but mighty plant form?
Explore the extensive Plant Centre to browse an extensive range of trees and fruiting shrubs that can provide year-round interest (and flavour!) Then take home some delicious autumnal treats – RHS Rosemoor create preserves and pickles from their abundant harvests for you to savour at home.
Discover the delights of growing your own produce as the humble journey from Plot to Plate is celebrated on 4-5 October. Enjoy live talks and cookery demonstrations, explore the food market, take edible garden tours and get expert advice on how to make the most of your growing spaces, large or small.
Or simply make time to indulge yourself and book a scrumptious Autumn Afternoon tea, packed with seasonal flavours. Enjoy garden harvest soup with an apple and smoked cheddar sandwich and pumpkin and feta pinwheels. Follow with a Kabocha cheesecake choux, pear frangipane, lamington, mocha shot glass and a freshly made scone with blackberry curd. All washed down with a glass of prosecco or tea and coffee.
Fancy a taste of the tropics? Visit the Garden Room during the Orchid Weekend Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 October to admire these striking plants in large displays, watch demonstrations and get expert tips and advice on plant selection and care from specialist growers.
At October Half Term you can discover the secret life of pumpkins - a spooky, hands-on adventure the whole family can get their claws into, 25 October - 2 November.
Step into the world of pumpkins and discover amazing seasonal surprises dotted around the garden on a special trail - feast your eyes on a pumpkin banquet and see scarecrows showcasing different veggies used in the past for carving. It’s all gourd fun!
Join in the free, daily drop-in family craft sessions from Monday 27 – Friday 31 October for pumpkin-inspired crafts, perfect for little monsters ages 4+. Make a gourd monster, ghost or pumpkin yarn doll, felt pumpkin face or pumpkin envelope. Or, book onto the special Welly Walks for under 5’s on Wednesday 29 October for a garden adventure based on the much-loved children’s book Guess How Much I Love You™, followed by a craft activity and story (£3 per - booking required).
Feeling wild? Get up close and hands-on with some fascinating creepy crawlies with Zoolab - meet the likes of snakes, spiders and snails on Tuesday 28 October in the Garden Room – tickets £2 Child and £1 Adult - advance booking essential.
Watch in awe as expert carvers bring a pumpkin to life – what insect will they reveal? See the carving masters from Sand In Your Eye at work from 10.30am – 3.30pm on Friday 31 October and gather spooky inspiration for your own pumpkin creations at home.
However you wish to embrace this new season, RHS Rosemoor has just the experience for you to enjoy. Book in advance online and save.