Toby’s Garden Festival 2025

The much-loved Toby’s Garden Festival is back, promising another unmissable two-day event at the picturesque Powderham Castle. Hosted by BBC Two Gardeners' World presenter Toby Buckland, the festival will run from Friday 2nd to Saturday 3rd May 2025, offering visitors a chance to embrace the great outdoors and cultivate new skills.

From 10am to 5pm each day, festival-goers can enjoy a packed schedule of free gardening talks, hands-on workshops, demonstrations, tastings, live music, and more. The event features over 180 exhibitors, including award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show plant nurseries, artisan crafts, and heritage demonstrations, creating a vibrant atmosphere for garden lovers and creatives alike.

Inspirational gardening experts headline this year’s programme, including Gardeners’ World presenters Frances Tophill and Joe Swift, BBC Spotlight’s Victoria Graham, The Telegraph drinks writer Susy Atkins, and award-winning food writer and gardener Mark Diacono.

Highlights include Frances Tophill’s insights from her book How to Grow a Garden, Joe Swift’s Garden Design 101, and Toby Buckland’s own “rule-breaking” gardening tips. Visitors can also join an audience with Victoria Graham and hear Mark Diacono discuss his latest book, Abundance: Recipes and Stories from a Gardening Cook.

This year, the festival introduces a first-of-its-kind ‘Learning Zone,’ where visitors can explore new talents with hands-on workshops in the Garden Workshop Marquee. Sessions include composting with RhizoPhyllia, wildflower planting with Meadow in My Garden, botanical painting, willow weaving, and terrarium-making.

“As we approach our eleventh festival, the value of our gardens for wellbeing, wildlife, and learning has never been more significant,” said Toby Buckland. “That’s why we’re going ‘back to school’ with our new Learning Zone. Spaces are limited, so I encourage visitors to book early!”

Beyond gardening, the festival showcases the best of the South West with Food Drink Devon’s market in the Castle’s courtyard, featuring over 20 local producers, and Feast Street’s street food and pop-up bars by the lakeside. Festival sponsor Wickhams will also host free wine talks and tastings in the elegant dining hall.

Additional attractions include street theatre, live music from local artists, and vintage vehicles. For a touch of luxury, the VIP Experience offers exclusive access to Powderham Castle’s historic library and music room, complete with gourmet refreshments and a gift bag.

Early bird tickets are available now at £15.00 per person, with under-16s admitted free. Tickets for Tea and Cake in the Castle and the VIP Experience can also be pre-booked. Click here for full details and updates.

So, whether you’re a budding gardener or just looking to enjoy a weekend surrounded by beauty, Toby’s Garden Festival is the perfect place to get your hands dirty and your spirits lifted!