The Great Garden Fete

For two glorious June days the British Library Piazza comes alive in full decorated bloom.

Talks on Friday 6 June include The Philosophy of Houseplants with Sarah Gerrard-Jones and an insight into sustainable growing with Social Media Influencer of the Year 2024 Jamie Walton, and a curators view of the creation of the Unearthed: The Power of Gardening exhibition.

On Saturday 7 June, the Royal Horticultural Society present a special series of Gardening in Action sessions, while some of the country’s most dynamic community gardeners talk about the spaces they created and maintain.

Meet the teams from Great Dixter Nurseries and The Botanical Boys, with plants and terrariums for sale. Get to know community group Coco Collective, nature skills innovators Earthed, the new global campaign for pollinators Bee:Wild and find out how Wayward rehome thousands of plants every year.

Saturday also rounds off with a performance on our Great Garden Fete bandstand by the incredible Hackney Colliery Band (pictured).

Explore the hidden delights of The Story Garden at the back of the British Library, with more activities for all ages across the weekend.

The Great Garden Fete is free to attend, although access to some activities is subject to capacity. Tickets are required for the Unearthed: The Power of Gardening exhibition and can be purchased online. We recommend advance booking of exhibition tickets.

Please check back for the full two day programme.

Many of the stalls will also be open at a special evening event on Friday 6 June Late at the Library: The Night Garden Party featuring live music and DJs and a special panel A Garden Manifesto. Separate tickets are required for the Night Garden Party, which also includes access to the Unearthed: The Power of Gardening exhibition at no extra cost.