Events at RHS Garden Wisley
Make the most of your visit to Wisley by downloading our visitor map (1MB pdf).
Download the Wisley summer events list (831kB pdf)
Download the 2013 Wisley leaflet for admission prices, opening times, and event details (629kB pdf)
May
Glasshouse display: Pelargoniums - 4 May – 16 June
Enjoy a vibrant display of Wisley’s Pelargonium collection, featuring the many different types such as regal, scented-leaved and zonal. This year’s display will also incorporate a Mediterranean feel with plants such as tender lavender, cycads and agaves. Glasshouse open: 10am – 5.15pm daily (last entry 5pm).
Every spring for a fleeting moment, Wisley's 3ha traditional English apple orchard is filled with avenues of delicate pink and white blossom. Join us as we celebrate this once-in-a-year event with an enjoyable and informative week. View event details
Get started with watercolour on this one day workshop with renowned botanical artist Billy Showell. Billy will be demonstrating techniques and providing guided support throughout the day to help you develop your skills. View event details
Featuring talks about Mammillaria to suit experts and novices, a chance to meet the experts, and plant and photo displays. View event details
Discover how to enjoy increased success with alpine plants. This session will look at alpine habitats in the wild (and the lessons we can learn from them), plant selection and care, composts and drainage and the benefits of crevice gardening. View event details
Join Jill Devon, award-winning designer and founder of The Beadworker's Guild, to develop your beadworking skills. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a master of the art, perfect new stitches and create new shapes. View event details
100 Years of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
21 May – 16 June
An illustrated display in the Glasshouse celebrating the centenary of the world’s most famous flower show. Drawing on the unique archives held by the RHS Lindley Library, this display shows how much the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has changed since 1913.
(Glasshouse opening times: 10am – 5.15pm, last entry 5pm).
This May half term head to Wisley for fun activities to keep boredom at bay! See what local schools have created for our Budding Gardeners displays, get crafty and roll up your sleeves and get planting. View event details
Admire iris displays, and speak to expert growers who will be happy to answer your questions. View event details
June
This May half term head to Wisley for fun activities to keep boredom at bay! See what local schools have created for our Budding Gardeners displays, get crafty and roll up your sleeves and get planting. View event details
Birds of Prey - 1 – 2 June
A great day out to discover all about birds of prey. See these magnificent birds up close, with agility displays at 11am and 2pm.
Displays and advice, together with a talk on intersectional peonies by Claire Austin and a walk to see the peonies at Wisley. View event details
Learn how to get the taste of summer in your garden! We'll cover a range of soft fruits and their care, planting, soils, siting, training, pruning and maintenance. View event details
Think you don't have space to grow edibles? Think again! This half day session will cover a wide range of ideas for edible planting combinations, container planting and care - plus the chance to pot up a container to take home. View event details
Father’s Day Weekend – Stone carving - 15 – 16 June
Bring dad along for a unique experience with Southern Stone. Demonstrations and ‘have a go’ sessions (12+ only) are free with normal garden entry, but you can pre-book a day workshop (10am-4pm; £95 plus garden entry) to make a Tudor rose. (To book: 0845 612 1253). There are 6 places each day (16+).
Programme (approx timings):
10 – 11.30am: Have a go
11.30am – 12pm: Stone carving demonstration
12 – 1pm: Have a go
1.30 – 2pm: Stone carving demonstration
2 – 4pm: Have a go
Don't forget to treat dad to lunch or afternoon tea in the newly refurbished restaurant. Tel: 01483 225 329 to book your table.
International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition
21 June – 11 August
See some of the best photos selected from this year’s prestigious event, as well as images from the 2012 RHS Photographic Competition.
You are cordially invited to Wisley’s annual Garden Party. Join us on Surrey’s favourite lawn, Seven Acres, for a weekend of fun and festivities including swing dancing, vintage makeovers, afternoon teas and more! View event details
July
Members’ evening - 4 July, 6pm – 9pm
Savour the tranquillity of Wisley after hours as the garden opens late for RHS Members. Last entry 8.30pm.
Members’ plant auction - 4 July, 6pm – 8.45pm
Hosted by Wisley Curator Colin Crosbie, this is an opportunity for RHS Members to bid on a range of quality, rare and unusual plants. Some have been grown at Wisley, others by specialist nurseries. All funds raised will go towards developing an area of the garden. Tickets are free, but must be pre-booked at least 3 days in advance by calling 0845 612 1253.
WI Scarecrow Trail - 19 July – 18 August (with 18 July preview evening)
This imaginative scarecrow trail will wow as the WI put a new twist on this countryside icon. Follow the trail around Seven Acres and choose your favourite; with around 70 on display, you will be spoilt for choice!
You can view the scarecrow trail before it opens to the public on 18 July at a fantastic preview evening (6.30 - 9pm) featuring live music, a BBQ and bar. Cost: RHS members £6, non-members £9. Tel: 0845 612 1253 to book.