Event

Spring Plant Fair at Helmingham Hall 2026

One of the biggest events in the Suffolk calendar. Specialist plant fair & artisan crafts with live music and free entry to Helmingham Hall gardens. Hundreds of rare and unusual plants from specialist nurseries plus displays and plants from National Collections. Expert advice and demonstrations (programme below). Buy tickets in advance from Helmingham Hall website or at the gate. 

Event Start Date Sunday, 24 May 2026 10.00am
Event End Date Monday, 25 May 2026 4.00pm
Cost Tickets in advance: £10 (adults), those under 15 free. Adult tickets on the day £12. From Helmingham Hall website
Event Location Helmingham Hall Gardens
Stowmarket
Suffolk
IP14 6EF
Event Contact Nigel Last
Telephone 07776 356634
Contact secretary@suffolkplants.org.uk
Helmingham Hall image

Helmingham Hall

Talks:

11.30am - 12.30pm Garden Speaker: Jim Marshall - The renewal of Benton End gardens, home of Sir Cedric Morris

12.30 - 1pm Meet the Experts Q&A:

  • Jim Marshall - RHS Gold Medal Winner and National Trust Gardens Advisor
  • Matthew Tanton Brown - Nurseryman (A Place for Plants) and Broadcaster
  • Anthony Pigott - Scientific Reference National Collection of Dryopteris

1pm - 2pm - Plants of distinction collection with Suffolk Plant Heritage Collection Display

2pm - 2.30pm – National Plant Collection holder talk: Lucy Skellorn, Foster Irises

2.30pm - 3pm - National Plant Collection holder talk: Darren Andrews, Engleheart Narcissus

Entertainment:

10.30am - 4pm Harriet Cree Musician

12 noon - 12.45pm - Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band

1.45pm - 2.30pm - Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band

Dancers - throughout the day

Sid the Sax - throughout the day in the stable courtyard

Artists in the Garden:

Details will be announced on the day, depending on the weather.

THE HOME OF THE NATIONAL PLANT COLLECTIONS®

eg: plant genus, common name, county, collection holder name.