Event Details
The garden insights tour takes place on the following Wednesdays:
23 April, 21 May, 25 June, 23 July, 24 September and 22 October
10am to 12 noon
£30 per person, including garden entry
Spend the rest of the day exploring the garden at your leisure
About the tour
Join a member of our expert gardening team for a 2 hour walking tour to gain a practical insight into how to create and manage a garden, particularly focusing on our newer areas of development in the Chatsworth Garden.
There will be plenty of opportunity to ask practical questions and get hints and tips for your own garden.
Each tour will be slightly different depending on the time of year:
23 April | Trees, shrubs and flowers
In Spring we will explore essential care techniques for trees, shrubs, and flowers. Learn about pruning Hydrangeas and other plants, feeding and mulching for healthy growth, and creating habitats for pollinators and birds. We'll share insights on the best tools and techniques for pruning, and discuss how to keep your garden thriving into the growing season.
21 May & 23 July | Wildflowers
Learn about how we establish and manage our wildflowers at Chatsworth, and the importance of wildflowers as a vital part of biodiversity. The tour will focus on James Hitchmough’s meadow and areas along the Arboretum, including the Trout Stream and will include basic wildflower identification, maintenance of long grass areas and the importance of wildflowers for pollinators.
25 June & 24 September | Garden transformation
Explore the recent transformation in the garden, focusing on the designs of Tom Stuart Smith and the garden team, particularly around Arcadia and the Rock Garden. Learn about the site preparation and clearing and the phased implementation of the new designs. Discover insights into planting successes and setbacks, the impact of COVID-19 on progress, and how structural changes like rock stacks and reoriented paths have shaped the Rock Garden. Learn about problems with soil composition and potential disease issues in the Rose Garden and find out which plants perform well.
22 October | Trees, shrubs & flowers
In Autumn learn about deadheading, pruning for shape and wind protection, mulching for winter, and tackling common issues like black spot and powdery mildew. Discover the importance of crown raising, feeding for vibrant blooms, and leaving seed heads for pollinators and birds. We’ll discuss preparing your garden for winter, the benefits of mulching, and why fallen leaves are valuable for soil and wildlife.
Accessibility
This tour takes place in the Chatsworth Gardens. Please dress appropriately for the weather. The route around the garden includes inclines and steps and there will be prolonged periods of standing. If you have questions about accessibility or require an essential carer ticket, please email education@chatsworth.org.
Meeting point
Please meet at the top garden gates at 9.50am.
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Stay with us
With so much to see, do, and explore in the Peak District, it's a shame to only come for the day, so why not stay a little longer? Our country cottages, shepherd's huts, hotels, and inns are the perfect base for exploring all that Chatsworth, Derbyshire, and the Peak District have to offer. Find out more.
