Cornwall Garden Society’s Spring Flower Show Uncovers the Healing Power of Nature

Healing gardens, plant power, and a celebration of Cornish horticulture at the Spring Flower Show 2025

The Exhibition Halls at the Royal Cornwall Showground near Wadebridge are being transformed into a celebration of colour and creativity for the Cornwall Garden Society’s 2025 Spring Flower Show, taking place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April.

This two-day event, known as a key date in the horticultural calendar, promises to welcome thousands of visitors with everything from vibrant blooms to expert gardening advice — all under one roof. Sponsored by Cornish Lithium, St Austell Brewery and St Eval, and supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation, this year’s theme focuses on the restorative power of nature.

Show Gardens: A Place to Heal

The highlight of Exhibition Hall 1 will be four distinctive Show Gardens built around the theme A Place to Heal.

“For hundreds of years, humans have cultivated plants for their medicinal purposes,” said Show Director Mark Holman. “With the theme of A Place to Heal, we have invited four design collectives to share their stories about how a place can heal us.”

The gardens on display include:

The Barefoot Garden, by Alford and Sowter Landscapes

📷Alford and Sowter Landscapes, The Barefoot Garden - Image Credit Christine Alford

Encourages visitors to slow down and connect with nature by walking barefoot, offering a grounding and calming experience.

The Apothecary Garden, by Horticultural Apprentices from The Eden Project

📷Horticultural Apprentices from The Eden Project, The Apothecary Garden - Image Credit Rob Donald

Recreates a Victorian apothecary to explore the healing properties of both exotic and everyday plants — blending ancient folklore and modern science.

Get Into Bed With Nature, by The Treefern Collective with The Lost Gardens of Heligan

📷The Treefern Collective, Get Into Bed With Nature - Image Credit Louella Hanbury-Tenison

Invites guests to lie down, reflect, and become part of the garden’s living ecosystem.

Echoes of Tranquillity, by Cornwall College Students

📷Cornwall College Students, Echoes of Tranquillity - Image Credit Mark Holman

Takes inspiration from Japanese garden philosophies and forest bathing, encouraging mindfulness and a deeper connection to nature.

“These gardens are all so different, yet connected by a powerful idea,” said Mark. “They are designed to provoke thought, stimulate conversation and challenge accepted wisdom about what a garden needs to be.”

Special thanks were given to The Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Bodmin, Burncoose and Trevena Cross Nurseries for donating plants; Callycombe Aggregates for landscaping materials; Jeremy Hastings for water features; and The Green Waste Company for Cornish Gold compost.

Competitive Classes, Traders & Tipi Talks

The event kicks off behind the scenes on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th April, as exhibitors begin setting up their entries in the Competitive Classes — the traditional heart of the show. Alongside the Show Gardens, over 130 growers, charities, garden traders and artisan makers will take over the Plant Pavilion and Horticultural Heaven, offering something for every gardener or curious visitor.

From expert talks in the Tipi Talks area to hands-on ideas about sustainable gardening and growing your own, there’s plenty to discover.

Opening Ceremony & Celebrations

Sir Tim Smit KBE, co-founder of The Eden Project and the man behind the restoration of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, will officially open the Show at 10am on Saturday 5th April.

Ahead of the public opening, an exclusive celebration will mark 30 years of The Great Gardens of Cornwall, including the launch of a new edition of the book by Tim Hubbard and a special film preview.

“There really is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s Spring Flower Show,” said Spring Flower Show Chairman and Cornwall Garden Society Chairman Martin Petherick. “All proceeds support the Cornwall Garden Society’s charitable aims of sharing horticultural knowledge and preserving Cornwall’s rich garden heritage, which everyone who joins us will experience in abundance, as well as a very warm welcome, whatever the weather.”

Ticket Information

• Day Tickets: £10 in advance / £12 on the gate

• Weekend Passes: £15 in advance / £18 on the gate (only available on Saturday)

• Under 16s: Free

• Dogs: Well-behaved, on short leads, welcome

🎟️ Buy tickets here

📅 Full event programme

Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a weekend wanderer or simply looking for a beautiful and inspiring day out in Cornwall this April, the Cornwall Garden Society’s Spring Flower Show is a must-visit.