Autumn is nearly here, and what better way to welcome the season than by joining us for our Autumn Festival. 

On Saturday 11th October 2025, from 10am to 4pm, join us to celebrate the arrival of autumn and the beauty of the season. 

This event is a fun day out for everyone, with a variety of activities tailored for all ages. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or just looking for some inspiration, there will be something for everyone. From interactive gardening workshops to fun activites for the kids, we have a packed schedule designed to inspire and entertain.

We have a scarecrow trail around the garden centre, all handmade by our local schools. Vote for your favourite, and the school with the most wins a fantastic prize! With Strawberry Jam enterainments and facepainting all in the Kid's area, we have got lots to keep the little ones entertained. 

Take part in our family dog show, kindly sponsored by Bredy Veterinary Centre. Enter on the day. Bridport Dog Training Society will be here on the day too. 

We have informative talks from our own experts about autumn gardening;

• Autumn patio pots - makeover time! - 11am

If your summer bedding is starting to look a little tired it's time for a makeover! Join Becky who will take you through all of the fantastic options for refilling your patio pots and baskets this autumn.

• Get the most from your autumn garden - 3pm 

If you could do with a little guidance on what needs doing in your garden during the autumn then join Mel for our afternoon workshop. Planting bulbs, dividing perennials, what to plant now and much more!

Both talks are Approx 40 mins and are in our plant canopy. 

Our talks are FREE but please reserve your seat by booking on our website 

To add to this, we have handpicked stall holders selling their products. 

Joining us are;

Coastline Soap - Coastline Soaps offers handmade, unique, eco-friendly soaps and skincare inspired by the Jurassic Coast, made in small batches, and with no single-use plastics.

Dorset Nectar - Producing award-winning artisan ciders, apple juices and vinegars using the finest Dorset grown produce.

Dark Bear

The Noble Badger - Offering a range of Gardening Gloves and Accessories. High quality products at affordable prices. Leather Gardening Gloves, Aprons, Gifts and Gift Sets

Kitsch Collars - Kitsch Collars making dog collars and coats in the UK since 2004. 

Dorset Wildlife Trust - Protecting Dorset's wildlife and wild places. 

Channelled Atlantic - Channelled Atlantic is a UK-farmed, fermented seaweed bio-stimulant made from kelp from aquaculture farms, offering enhanced nutrient uptake for plants. 

There will also be live music to enjoy by the pond by Tootin Hoodlums and Wyld Morris who will also be morris dancing in the morning. 

10am-4pm - Stall holders open - in the canopy 

10am - 12pm - Tootin Hoodlums - by the pond 

11am - LIVE TALK - Autumn Patio Pots - It's makeover time! with Becky  - in the canopy 

11am - 3pm - Strawberry Jam entertainments balloon modelling - find her around the site! 

11am - 3pm - Facepainting - in the canopy  

12:15pm - Morris Dancing by Wyld Morris - by the pond 

12:45pm - LIVE TALK - From Seed to Seaweed Talk (Chanelled Atlantic) - in the canopy 

1:30pm - Music from Wyld Morris - by the pond 

2:30pm - Family Dog Show - in front of garden buildings/Ivy House area. 

3pm - LIVE TALK - Get the most from your autumn garden with Mel - in the canopy 

Don't miss out on this event and kickstart your autumn gardening projects. We can’t wait to see you there!

Entry to this event is free.