Month-long Arts, Crafts, Food and Drink Extravaganza at RHS Garden Rosemoor

Throughout September and until 2 October, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Rosemoor in Great Torrington, Devon becomes THE place to go if you’re into arts, crafts, food or drink.

Rosemoor celebrates the rich heritage of arts and crafts, food and drink that the local area has to offer. Starting with the Artists’ Garden Exhibition on 2 September and culminating in the now-famous Rosemoor Apple Day on 2 October, there will be treats for all the senses.

The Artists’ Garden: Art Exhibition 2 – 18 September

The popular Artists’ Garden art exhibition returns to Rosemoor, bringing together more than 80 of the South West’s most talented artists all under one roof. The exciting and colourful display of pictures, prints and cards are inspired by the natural world, especially gardens, plants and flowers. They have been created using a variety of media and will also include landscapes, seascapes, animals and wildlife pictures from well-known and less familiar local artists. The exhibition opens daily, 2 –18 September, 11am – 5pm. All the works exhibited are for sale, and visitors will be able to talk to at least two of the artists every day.

Celebrate September Weekends 2 – 4, 10 – 11 and 17 – 18 September

In addition to the rich colours of the late summer and early autumn in the garden, for three weekends in September, Rosemoor celebrates the work of more than 40 different local craftspeople and food artisans. Many will be demonstrating the beauty and creativity of the products they make. From 10am to 4pm each day, come and support these talented craftsmen and women by treating yourself to an unusual handcrafted item. Peruse and shop to your heart’s content among craft and art stalls, sample and buy local produce, and join us for hands-on activities and entertainment.

Visitors can also learn to throw clay with Ash Tree Pottery 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm a free hands on 20 minute lesson to throw your own pot. If you’re happy with your creation then Ash Tree will fire it for you in their kiln and post it for only £8.

Celebrate September Weekends will be found in our temporary events village set against Rosemoor’s magnificent Lower Woodland, where you can see how the autumn harvest is coming along in the Forest Garden, Community Allotments and raised beds.

Real Ale and Cider Weekend 23 – 25 September

In late September, Rosemoor holds its Real Ale and Cider Weekend (Friday – Sunday, 12noon – 5pm), supported by the North Devon branch of CAMRA. It will feature a range of interesting, unusual and eminently quaffable real ales from near and far – plus ciders, too – all served direct from the barrel. We will celebrate the harvest with displays of produce from the garden, and food stalls, as well as the chance to sample and buy delicious wines from Devon and Cornish vineyards. This is our fourth Real Ale and Cider Weekend, which once again promises to be a truly great occasion. Note: if you’re worried about driving, two-pint carry-outs will also be available so that you can take your favourites home.

Apple Day 2 October

Our arts, crafts, food and drink extravaganza then culminates in Rosemoor’s famous Apple Day. A grand day out for all the family, Rosemoor’s Apple Day is organised in conjunction with Orchards Live, Thornhayes Nursery and the RHS South West Area Fruit Group – who will endeavour to identify your unknown apple cultivars. With fantastic apple displays; tastings; planting and cultivation tips; children’s activities and trails; plus stalls selling fruit, cider and apple juice, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Angle Twitch, a Morris side from Barnstaple whose dances are loosely based on both Border and Cotswold styles, will be dancing in the Fruit Field today with their brightly coloured tatter jackets, sticks and bells – truly a ‘rainbow’ Morris side.

There are so many reasons to visit Rosemoor this autumn. For more information on events at RHS Garden Rosemoor, or if you are interested in becoming a member visit www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor. All of the events are included in Normal garden admission and are Free for RHS members.