About This Event

Artist and designer Matthew Rice joins garden writer Clare Foggett to explore what makes a perfect English garden. Peonies, foxgloves, roses and dahlias... drifts of colourful perennials mingle with fragrant roses, boisterous self-seeders teeter on the brink of chaos, fruit and vegetables scramble through rustic supports. Drawing on Clare's interest in heritage and tradition, and Matthew’s experience creating his garden at Ham Court, they explore how the English garden balances composition and structure with spontaneity and abundance. From designing borders and choosing plants to working with nature rather than against it, they share ideas for creating gardens that evolve over time. They join Tim Hubbard for an illustrated conversation full of practical inspiration, thoughtful advice and fresh perspectives on cultivating colourful, expressive and deeply personal gardens. There will be a book signing after this event. Get ahead of your Festival reading and visit the Waterstones Cheltenham Literature Festival bookshop and support Cheltenham Festivals with every purchase.

Staying overnight?

Hotels within walking distance of Cheltenham Town Hall.

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