Plants
of current interest
What's On
Join us at the Gardens for an exciting range of events to suit all ages and interests!
List of Special Courses in 2008 |
Details of 'What's On' are listed below.
Events calendar
Families in the Garden
Art in the Garden 2008
Art in the Garden exhibition in 2006 and 2007
Free guided tours on Sundays
Anne Keenan's Garden Design Courses
Events calendar
NB: This page is updated on an almost daily basis and we remove events that have already taken place.
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SEASONAL TRAIL - SCULPTURE HUNT!
Sat 24 May to Weds 23 July
Fun family activity trail as part of Art in the Garden 2008
Free with normal admission
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ART IN THE GARDEN 2008
Sat 24 May to Sun 26 Oct
Now in it's ninth spectacular year! Established contemporary art and crafts exhibition with over 200 sculptures displayed within the Gardens.This year we welcome MENTORED ARTIST IN RESIDENCE - Rebecca Newnham, with her wonderful glass mosiac sculptures, inspired by plant and seed forms from the Gardens. Rebecca will work in the Gardens from 11th to 17th August, as mentor to an emerging artist as part of their career development programme, and visitors will have the opportunity to follow their progress as their sculpture project unfolds over the week.
Rebecca has been creating sculpture since leaving The Royal College of Art in 1991. Her work has been bought by a prestigious list of collectors and museums and has exhibited widely. Last year, the Gardens offered her access to our research facilities, herbarium, extensive plant collections and liased with our world experts. Rebecca has been developing a body of work informed by this exciting collaboration which will be displayed as part of Art in the Garden in her own 'gallery space' within the Gardens this year.
Rebecca’s sculpture is a metaphoric exploration of triumphant life via symbolic botanical forms. This body of sculpture explores the concept of energy, photosynthesis and geometry within a language of botanical structures. In particular it focuses upon the production of energy within plants.
The following is information on just some of the plant-inspired sculptures that Rebecca will be displaying (other images will be published here shortly):
‘Quercus’. The two largest pieces are 5m and 6m tall and were inspired by the Sir Harold Hillier Garden’s world famous collection of oaks. They consider a characteristic of the oak, the lobed leaf profile. The scale challenges the vast heights the oak grows to and has geometric proportions of the ‘golden mean’ a ratio found in growth patterns.
One group of sculptures to be shown this summer are called ‘Nanocrystals’. The four armed structures are suspended within a mighty oak and explore the concept that ‘leaves are the solar panels of trees.’
‘Buckyball’ is just one form that carbon takes. Carbon is much discussed but seldom visualised. It is in everything and fundamental to plant energy production.
Another group are called ‘Ginkgos’ and are inspired by the fan shaped leaves of this intriguing tree. The ginkgo is classified in its own group, it is neither a conifer nor a deciduous broadleaf. It is known as ‘a living fossil’, with ancestors thriving during the Jurassic period. It is a link to ancient plant forms, unlike the dinosaurs it has survived. There is a tree in Hiroshima which is known to have survived the atomic bomb! Recently Ginkgo has become a popular ingredient of Western herbal remedies formulated to increase blood supply. By dilating blood vessels it is said to increase oxygen to the brain so aiding concentration and memory.
Sponsored by Southampton Saab - with our grateful thanks for their support of our Artist in Residence.
Curated by Underground Art + Design. Art in the Garden is curated by Elizabeth Hodgson of Underground Art + Design which is a not-for-profit arts organisation set up to promote the work of artists and designers. Contact Elizabeth if you require information on participating in Art in the Garden 2009.
Other artists' work (more images will be published here shortly):
Free with normal admission
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July
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GARDEN TOUR
Every Sunday in July at 2pm
Free tour of the Gardens with our horticultural experts. Please enquire at the Front Desk and meet at the Visitor Pavilion just before 2pm. Suitable footwear and clothing required for the outdoors!
Free with normal admission
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MEMBERS' PLANT SALE
Sat 19 July from 11am to 2pm
Members of the Gardens are invited to the Gardens' nursery plant sale at Crookhill Farm. Many rare and unusual perennials, trees and shrubs at great prices.
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Summer Evening Events 2008
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens will bring you the perfect summer's evening!
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A RUSSIAN EVENING
Sat 12 July - at 7.30pm (Ends 10pm)
The headlining event of Romsey Arts Festival 2008. An evening of Russian music, performed by the Southampton Concert Orchestra. A firework finale to the 1812 Overture will be accompanied by thunderous gunfire, courtesy of The Royal Armouries and their original 200 year old six pounder French and British cannon.
Gates open at 6.30pm for picnics. A BBQ and Russian Vodka cocktails will be on sale from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Refreshments will also be available during the interval (approx 20 - 30 mins long) at the Pavilion Restaurant.
Music to include:
Glinka – Overture to Russian & Ludmilla
Rimsky-Korsakov – Capriccio Espagnol
Mussorgsky – Night on a Bald Mountain
Borodin – Polovtsian Dances
Khachaturian – Excerpts from Spartacus
Rimsky-Korsakov – Dance of the Tumblers
Tchaikovsky – 1812 Overture
Price: Adult £15 / Child £8 (Sorry, no concessions rate)
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE NO MORE DISABLED PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE NEXT TO THE EVENT ARENA AREA. Cars can set down all guests and picnics by the arena, but must then park in the main car park just a short distance away.
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BACALAO - UK's TOP SALSA BAND
Fri 25 July - at 8pm
Our ever popular partnership with Turner Sims Concert Hall returns. Music from the Latin soul! Playing classic son, cumbia, bomba, cha cha cha - their music recreates the great Cuban groups of the 40s and 50s and is the perfect music for a summers' evening. Bacalao are now acknowledged as the UK's premier salsa big band. Bring your dancing shoes!
For soundclips & video visit Bacalao's website
Gates open at 6.30pm for picnics. Refreshments will be available during the interval at the Pavilion Restaurant. Ends approx 10pm.
Price: Adults: £15 / Child: £8
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CLASSIC SUNDAY CINEMA: HITCHCOCK'S REAR WINDOW
Sun 3 Aug - at 8.45pm (Screening begins at 8.45pm when sunset)
Be thrilled by this glamorous hot summer who-dunnit on the silver screen. Starring Grace Kelly and James Stewart. A bottle of champagne will be awarded to the best dressed member of the audience in 1950’s costume! Gates open for picnics at 7.30pm. No interval.
Tickets: £8 (or £12.50 ticket deal for both cinema screenings)
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OPERA: DON PASQUALE
Sat 9 Aug - at 7pm
Gates open at 6.30pm. Long interval for picnics. Refreshments will be available during the interval at the Pavilion Restaurant. Ends approx 10pm
The Garden Opera Company presents Gaetano Donizetti’s sparkling and witty opera. Accompanied by enchanting chamber musicians, who, for the first time, will have amplification.
Donizetti’s comic masterpiece has a freshness which never falters. First performed in 1843, Don Pasquale’s folly at an attempted marriage is unravelled in time for his nephew’s nuptials. The setting is the 1970s. Stage set designed by Neil Irish and costumes designed by Dulcie Best. Directed by Duncan Macfarland.
Programmes will be on sale by the Garden Opera Company.
Tickets: Adult £22.50
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CLASSIC SUNDAY CINEMA: CASABLANCA
Sun 24 Aug - at 8pm (Screening begins at 8pm when sunset)
Be romanced by the ultimate love story of the silver screen. Starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. A bottle of champagne will be awarded to the best dressed member of the audience in 1940’s costume! Gates open for picnics at 7pm. No interval.
Tickets: £8 (or £12.50 ticket deal for both cinema screenings)
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FAMILY SUMMERS' END PICNIC
Sat 30 Aug - At 6pm
Let us entertain you! Bring rugs and a yummy picnic to enjoy an evening of comedy, craft-making and musical entertainments to suit all the family - from the very young to the not-so-young! Gates open at 6pm with activities starting immeditately. Firework finale approx 8.45pm
• Punch and Judy and other fun with Ticklish Allsorts
• Family craft activities
• Pops Incorporated UK play two sets: All your old and new favourite tunes including Star Wars, Thunderbirds, High School Musical, Grease and Pirates of the Caribbean! In each set, one child will be chosen from the audience to conduct the orchestra for one piece in each set, so you'd better start practising your baton-waving techniques now. Dancing and singing is encouraged – this is not just a sit-and listen orchestra!
Tickets: £8 (£32 for 5)
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Special Courses in 2008 to bring out the creativity in you (or a friend)!
Throughout 2008 we will running a variety of courses and workshops held at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. These make ideal and unique gifts for friends and family, and can be presented in one of our attractive seasonal gift wallets.
For all information about Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, our Visitor Services team are available to speak to from 10am to 4pm, 7 days a week on 01794 369317 or 369318 (open all year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Of course you can also book in person at the Front Desk at the Gardens.
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Botanical Illustrating and Flower Painting courses with Siriol Sherlock in 2008
Study botanical watercolour painting with one of the country’s top botanical artists and winner of four RHS Gold Medals.
Whether you are a complete beginner, more experienced, or wish to try new techniques, the courses are designed to set you up with the skills and confidence you need to progress further on your own. Siriol will give plenty of personal tuition and tailor the course to suit the different levels and abilities of each student.
The price includes a freshly cooked, two course lunch every day, served in the Visitor Pavilion Restaurant. Morning and afternoon refreshments will be served in the classroom.
Times of sessions are 9.30am to 4.30pm
COURSES REMAINING FOR 2008:
Autumn Hues
27-28 October 2008
A two day watercolour painting course starting with a short walk in the Gardens to collect plant material. Students will learn to match the mellow hues of ripe fruits and decaying seed pods in watercolour. After learning various useful techniques to imitate the textures and details of nature, they will create several small studies on one sheet of paper or one larger painting.
Price: £140
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Anne Keenan
One of the country’s well-respected garden designers runs a series of garden design courses and fascinating Plant Study Days.
Further information on Anne's courses is detailed on the Garden Design Courses website.
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Justyn Willsmore - Photography workshops
Professional garden photographer, Justyn Willsmore, teaches digital and new media techniques in a workshop for each season.
These courses include as much practical time in the Gardens as possible, but also include a slide show, an open discussion about photographic techniques, and the use of photographic processing computer software. The workshops are well structured but informal, and are attended by enthusiastic photographers with a diverse range of abilities.
COURSES REMAINING FOR 2008:
Sun 6 July - SORRY SOLD OUT!
An Eye for Summer
Price: £40, including lunch and materials
Sun 19 October
An Eye for Autumn
Price: £40, including lunch and materials
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Audrey Hardcastle - Botanical Watercolour Painting
Paint with professional teacher and illustrator, Audrey Hardcastle. Recommended for those with some experience.
Courses remaining for 2008:
Sun 26 October
Seasonal Flowers in Watercolour (Autumn)
£40, including lunch
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Gardeners' Breakfasts in 2008
Fun and popular horticultural get-together with the Gardens’ experts over a delicious themed breakfast, a different breakfast each month! Garden tour is included. Ideal as gifts! Starts 8.30am at the Visitor Pavilion Restaurant.
Price: £14.95 – Advanced booking essential
Saturday 2 February 2008 - St. Valentines ‘Hearty’ Breakfast Fit for Garden Lovers
Saturday 1 March 2008 - St Patrick’s Breakfast for Green Fingers
Saturday 5 April 2008 - Gardeners’ Breakfast Fit for St. George!
Saturday 3 May 2008 - Magnolia Breakfast
Saturday 7 June 2008 - Hampshire Fare Breakfast
Saturday 5 July 2008 - Continental Breakfast
Saturday 2 August 2008 - Australian Breakfast
Saturday 6 September 2008 - Organic Farmers' Breakfast
Saturday 4 October 2008 - Foragers' Breakfast for Autumn Appetites!
Saturday 1 November 2008 - Scottish Breakfast (at Jermyn's House)
Saturday 13 December 2008 - Special Victorian Christmas Breakfast (at Jermyn's House)
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Horticultural Workshops in 2008
From 9.30am to 1pm
Courses remaining for 2008:
Sun 14 Sept: Bulbs and Propagation: How to grow plants for free!
Sun 16 Nov: Creating Compost: Looking at different compost systems
A unique 'hands-on' seasonal maintenance guide to gardening with our experts! Come dressed for the outdoors - the workshops begin with warming refreshments indoors, but then the rest of the time will be spent around the Gardens. Suitable for ages 18 and over.
Gardening gloves and secateurs will be loaned to all workshop participants but feel free to bring along your favourite gloves or secs if you wish.
Price: £25. Limited places. Advance booking essential
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Families at the Garden:
Tots 'n' Tinies in 2008
Tots 'n' Tinies is a gentle introduction to the outdoors for under 7s. Discover the joys of learning and playing together with a programme of events for all the family to enjoy.
A great opportunity for mums to meet and make friends too!
Organised group sessions last from 1pm to 3pm unless marked ** when additional morning sessions are available between 10am to 12 noon. Please pre-book events in advance!
For further information on sessions please ring the Visitors desk on 01794 369317 or 369318 (10am to 4pm)
Forthcoming sessions:
Price: £3.75 per adult (Members free); £3.75 per child; siblings under 2 free.
Dinosaur Picnic
10 July
Children and dinosaurs celebrate with songs and games
Fluttering Fancies**
24 July
Discovering moths and butterflies
Notes on Nature**
31 July
Music and sound in the Garden
Sunshine and Showers**
7 August
Sun and water in the garden
Tall Tales**
14 August
Story inspired activities
Riotous Rainbows**
21 August
Natural colour in the Gardens
Dragonflies**
28 August
Pond dipping for dragonflies
You’re Hot!
4 September
Plants and water
Big and Little
18 September
Mirrors and magnification
Worm's Eye View
2 October
Worms and what do they do
Crafty Plants
16 October
Natural plant weaving
Creatures of the Dark**
30 October
What comes out at night?
Stuck on You
13 November
Seeds and movement
Feeder Fun
27 November
Make a bird feeder (This activity will contain peanuts.)
Little Presents
11 December
Crafty presents to take home
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Free guided tours on Sundays
To find out more about the Collection as it changes through the seasons, why not join a FREE guided tour of the Gardens?
Garden tours last 90 minutes and take place at 2pm on alternate Sundays from 1 January 2007 until 26 March 2007 inclusive, then weekly from Sunday 2 April 2007 until 29 October 2007 inclusive.
The price is included with admission and no booking is required. All tours start and finish at the Visitor & Education Pavilion. Please wear suitable shoes.
For further information, please contact the Ticket Desk on 01794 369317 or 369318 (10am to 5pm).
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