Among my favourite gardening quotations is one from the creator of the Larkin family in The Darling Buds of May, H.E. Bates. Mr Bates was a keen gardener and realised all too well the frustrations of our craft as well as the pleasures. ‘Gardening’, he said, ‘is like love. It doesn’t always yield to analysis.’ Times without number I have had cause to believe his wise words. I mean, sometimes – in the words of another sage, Sir Patrick Moore – ‘We just don’t know’. There; having got that off my chest there is little likelihood that I will ever be confused with the Oracle at Delphi. On the other hand, perhaps I can offer a crumb or two of comfort by sharing with you some of the mishaps that I have encountered during my years on the soil. They’ll make you smile if nothing else.
Meet Alan at Highclere Castle
31.05.2024 - 11:23 / gardenersworld.com / Alan Titchmarsh
BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine is delighted to bring you another exclusive event at Highclere Castle, the ‘real’ Downton Abbey, where you’ll be joined by Alan Titchmarsh and Lady Carnarvon.
On arrival, a warm welcome from the magazine team awaits you before the Countess of Carnarvon introduces the story of her family home. Here, she will delve into the secrets of one of England’s most enchanting country estates and share her intimate knowledge of the castle’s gardens. Joining her will be Alan Titchmarsh, who’ll delight you with stories about his illustrious career and discuss the influence of royalty on gardening.
Then, there will be time for a Q&A session before the group splits into two: one group will have a light lunch while the other explores the castle on a guided tour. On the tour, you will experience the castle’s state rooms, bedrooms, and vistas made famous as Downton Abbey, the fictitious home of the Earl of Grantham in the ITV drama, before discovering the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition. The groups will change over. You will then have free time to walk through the beautiful garden and arboretum at your leisure.
Book your place nowEvent date: Tuesday 24th September, 2024
Timings: 10:30 – 16:00
Tickets: £200 per person (£190 per person for subscribers)
Limited availability – book now
Your day itinerary- 10:30am Welcome from the GW Magazine team
- 10:45am Take your seats in the marquee
- 11:00am Welcome from Lady Carnarvon, followed by a talk and Q&A with Alan
- 12:00pm The group splits: one group takes a guided tour of Highclere Castle and its Egyptian Exhibition, while the other group has lunch in the Coach House and Tea Rooms
- 1:30pm Groups swap over
- 3:00pm Free time to stroll through the grounds and explore the
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