Spring 2026 Plant Fair Programme
Helmingham Plant Fair Programme:
Alongside the stalls of the specialist nurseries and artisans, we have an exciting programme of talks and entertainment.
Sunday 24th May
Talks:
11.30am – 12.30pm Garden Speaker – Jim Marshall – The renewal of Benton End Gardens – home of Sir Cedric Morris.
12.30 – 1pm Meet the Experts Q&A:
Jim Marshall – RHS Gold Medal Winner and National Trust Gardens Advisor
Matthew Tanton Brown – Nurseryman (A Place for Plants) and Broadcaster
Anthony Pigott – Scientific Reference National Collection of Dryopteris
1pm – 2pm – Plants of Distinction Collection with Suffolk Plant Heritage Collection Display
2pm – 2.30pm – National Plant Collection Holder Talk: Lucy Skellorn, Foster Irises
2.30pm – 3pm – National Plant Collection Holder Talk: Darren Andrews, Engleheart Narcissus
Entertainment:
10.30am – 4pm Harriet Cree Musician
12 noon – 12.45pm – Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band
1.45pm – 2.30pm – Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band
Dancers – throughout the day
Sid the Sax – throughout the day in the stable courtyard
Artists in the Garden:
Details will be announced on the day, depending on the weather.
Monday 25th May
Talks:
11.30am – 12.30pm Garden Talk: Jim Marshall – The renewal of Benton End Gardens – home of Sir Cedric Morris.
12.30pm – 1pm Meet the Experts Q&A:
Jim Marshall – RHS Gold Medal Winner and National Trust Gardens Advisor
Matthew Tanton Brown – Nurseryman (A Place for Plants) and Broadcaster
Anthony Pigott – Scientific Reference National Collection of Dryopteris
1pm – 2pm – Plants of Distinction Collection with Suffolk Plant Heritage Collection Display
2pm – 2.30pm – National Plant Collection Holder Talk: Mel Collins of Mickfield Hostas – Hosta Q&A
2.30pm – 3pm – National Plant Collection Holder Talk: Gill Stafford of Woottens of Wenhaston, Pelargoniums (Species and Scented)
Entertainment:
10am – 12 noon – Holly Brice
12 noon – 12.45pm – Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band
1.45pm – 2.30pm – Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band
Dancers – throughout the day
Sid the Sax – throughout the day in the stable courtyard
2pm – 4pm – Suffolk One Musicians
Artists in the Garden:
Details will be announced on the day, depending on the weather.












