Come and find us in the Pop-up Science Marquee where we'll be showcasing the benefits of eating local, seasonal fruit and vegetables - a great way of eating more sustainably!
A fun-filled, fact-finding, family day out where the Garden becomes a hive of activity; a range of events and exhibits are running throughout the day:
Pop-up Science Marquee
Groups from the University's Department of Plant Sciences, Sainsbury Laboratory, Global Food Security, Natural Material Group and others demonstrate and explain the wonders of plants with hands-on experiments and interactive games designed to highlight how world-leading research can help address global challenges
Free Garden Tours (downloadable schedule to the left)
Our Garden Guides will be giving highlight tours showing what's best in the Garden. Also behind-the-scenes tours with Glasshouse Supervisor, Alex Summers; personal favourites with Head of Horticulture, Sally Petitt; a look at plants without sun from Jason Duff, Sainsbury Laboratory; Tree tour from Prof Yka Helariutta, Sainsbury Laboratory
Talking Plants (downloadable schedule to the left)
Bite-size drop-in talks will be held throughout the day in the marquee by the lake. Topics include climate control, crop breeding, the whole world as a garden and the science of chocolate and a one-off bamboo construction workshop for all ages at 1030am.
Cambridge Orchid Society Annual Show
We are hosting the Cambridge Orchid Society Annual Show in the Temperate House. Experts will be on hand to provide hints and tips on growing orchids.
Potting and orchid care drop-in workshops also available
Ask the Gardener
CUBG staff will be on hand to answer gardening questions and offer advice
Children's activities
Drop-in to the Schools' Garden and Garden Room where our education colleagues from Kettle’s Yard, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and the Polar Museum will be joining us for plant-themed pop up museum family fun. We will also have a display of carnivorous plants and horticultural staff will be on hand to give advice on vegetable growing and composting. Activities will run from 11am – 5pm.
Plant Promenade
The Garden's Main Walk hosts local independent plant nurseries from across the region - a perfect opportunity to purchase plants from specialist growers:
Adams Plants – Clematis/perennials
Fernatix – Ferns
Nectar Plant Nursery
Simpson’s Nurseries – Ornamental and fruit trees, hardy shrubs, climbing plants
Swines Meadow Farm Nursery
The Place for Plants – new rare and unusual trees and shrubs
Riverside Bulbs
D’Arcy Everest
Botanic Garden Shop
Plant Heritage
Laurence Hobbs Orchids Ltd (in Temperate House)
International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition
A selection of this year’s entries are on display in the Picnic Area of the Autumn Garden. Members of Garden World Images will be on hand to talk about the pictures and the competition
Food and Drink
Available throughout the day provided by the Garden Café; Caffe Mobile (coffee); Jack’s Gelato (artisan ice cream); Wandering Yak (Middle-eastern vegetarian) and Churros Bar
Folk Session: 12noon – 1pm, 2pm-3pm
On the Main Lawn, hosted by Bernie Kedge of Mayflower Folk Club