So much plant excitement this month, as spring flowers are arriving in greater numbers. Whatever the human defined start time for Spring is, the flowers have their own calendar, as soil temperatures rise we are seeing more and more bulbs and other plants erupting everywhere. A cold snap may slow them down, but not for long, they’re on their way. Lots of events starting at our great formal gardens, botanical gardens and Wildlife Trusts to celebrate Spring.
Mariusz Kaldowski at Nymans Garden
Nymans Garden is rather special, a great place to visit anytime of the year, but this month also sees the start of an exhibition by Mariusz Kaldowski, the National Trust’s resident artist for the South East region since 2009. He has painted and sold many landscapes and gardens inspired by their properties, including the one below of Nymans. Artists can apply directly to the National Trust for opportunities to present their art – an institution where plant art is particularly appreciated.
Digital Plant Photography II, Royal Edinburg Botanic Garden
So many plant art courses to choose from lately. This is one of many – try searching floodlight.co.uk on ‘plants’, ‘wood’, or ‘botanical’ and see what you get, or for a botanical art course see the comprehensive 2015 list on Fiona Kane’s website. A botanical photography course at a botanical gardens is always satisfying, as you know there will be a diverse array of interesting subjects at hand. A course is always a good prompt for dusting off lenses or brushes for the plant year ahead. Sat 28th March.
How best to catch the light in a glasshouse?
The World of Alpines
You can never see enough Alpine plants. It is better if they are up a mountain, but if none are available then inside the Alpine glasshouses at RHS Wisley is also rather wonderful. There are so many miniature magical wonders to excite. This event will be a good place to see and learn more from Alpine plant aficionados. 29 March 10am – 4pm, Hillside Event Centre, RHS Wisley
Cornwall Spring Flower Show 2015
This event is not too far down the peninsula, taking place at Boconnoc Estate, Lostwithiel, which makes travelling times more doable if coming from other parts of the UK. Expect to see TV’s Joe Swift plus camellias, daffodils, rhododendrons and ornamental shrubs. Runs weekend of 28 and 29 March.
© Inventing Impressionism at the National Gallery, London
The National Gallery already has some of the world’s most famous artworks from this movement in its permanent collection and now this temporary exhibition features 85 more. No doubt there will be lots plants, like for instance the dahlias in this beautiful Monet. Runs 4th March to 31st May.
Claude Monet The Artist’s Garden in Argenteuil (A Corner of the Garden with Dahlias) 1873