The Great Garden Fete

For two glorious June days the British Library Piazza comes alive in full decorated bloom in celebration of the exhibition Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, with stalls across our Piazza, talks, activities, live music, food, drink and much more.

Friday 6 June includes a screening of the remarkable documentary BEE WILD and talks by Social Media Influencer of the Year Jamie Walton on sustainable growing; Sarah Gerrard-Jones on The Philosophy of Houseplants, and a British Library curators’ view of the creation of the Unearthed 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.

Saturday also rounds off with a performance on our Great Garden Fete bandstand by the incredible Hackney Colliery Band, who’s mix of unexpected cover versions and dynamic live show has re invented the brass band.

Most activities are free to attend, subject to capacity, but advance booking is recommended for some of the talks. Tickets are required for the Unearthed exhibition, open each day and can be booked in advance online. 

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 and find out how Wayward rehome thousands of plants from Chelsea Flower Show every year.

Don’t forget to explore the hidden delights of The Story Garden at the back of the British Library, with more activities for all ages across the weekend.

Food and drink both days from Hot Rocket, Original Greek Souvlaki, Graysons, Origin Coffee and Chapel Down.

And on Friday night don’t miss Late at the Library: The Night Garden Party featuring live music from Beth Orton and Sam Amidon and DJs Matthew Herbert and Zakia Sewell. Tickets now available to book.

The Great Garden Fete Full Programme

Friday 6 June

11.00–16.00 The Paper Garden: A Workshop on Making and Reimagining

12.45–14.00 Unearthed: the Power of Gardening, Curators talk. 

An insight into how the Unearthed exhibition was put together.

15.00–16.00 The Philosophy of Houseplants 

with TV presenter and author Sarah Gerrard-Jones and fellow houseplant expert Jane Perrone. More information about is available on the event page. 

15.00–16.25 BEE WILD free screening and expert panel Q&A. 

Be among the first to see this inspirational new documentary which explores the role bees play in sustaining humanity, and ways we can regenerate bee populations. Introduced by the filmmakers and followed by a Q&A with Erika Thompson (Texas Beeworks), Anabel Kindersley, (Neal’s Yard & Stand By Bees), Christabel Reed (Earthed) and Eva Kruse (Bee:wild). More information about the screening is available on the event page. 

Saturday 7 June

11.00–16.00 Botanical Printing with Paaras

Make prints using fresh flowers and leaves on fabric. Adults, children and families welcome. Workshops through the day – sign up on site.

11.30–12.30 The Black Mary Project

Artist Gaylene Gould and the community at Calthorpe Community Gardens with stories inspired by the legend of Mary Woolaston, a local Black 17th Century healing water wellkeeper.

11.45–12.30 A celebration of June and Sustainable Planting combinations

James Lawrence from RHS Wisley shares ideas on plants that are at their best in June and gives insights into planting combinations. More information is available on the event page.

12.30–13.00 David Fernandez

Singer and songwriter with his upbeat brand of soulful guitar pop.

13.00–13.45 Gardening in a changing climate

Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science and Collections, explains how we can create thriving gardens that withstand environmental challenges. More information is available on the event page.

1300–14.15 Gardening Question Time

Meet James Lawrence RHS Principal Horticultural Advisor and Nikki Barker, RHS Senior Horticultural Advisor with your questions about growing plants.

14.00–14.45 The Wonder of Trees!

How trees contribute to our wellbeing, giving us stories, folklore and legend, as well as providing shelter, shade, foods and fibres, medicine, timber and more. With Jonathan Newell, RHS Hilltop Live Public Engagement. More information is available on the event page.

15.00–15.45 For the Love of Lawns

The lawn through history and how concepts are now changing. With lots of practical from Nikki Barker, RHS Senior Horticultural Advisor and Fiona Davison RHS Head of Libraries and Exhibitions. More information is available on the event page.

14.45–15.45 How to make a Community Garden

Hear from those involved in growing projects that are transforming neighbourhoods, improving wellbeing, building connections and hope, and often growing great food. With Danmore Sithole (Lincoln Greeners, Leeds), Fran Reeves (Global Generation, London), Jo Payne (Manchester Urban Diggers/Queer Roots Collective) and Tayshan Hayden-Smith (Grow to Know, London). Hosted by Edward Adonteng (Coco Collective / Garden Museum).

15.45–16.45 Hackney Colliery Band 

The brilliant, unexpected and high energy brass band to round off the afternoon.