The First Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival: A Blooming Success

This year Yeo Valley Organic planted a seed of a brand-new idea and it blossomed into something truly special. Inspired by the concept of “a Groundswell for gardeners”, Sarah Mead dreamed up the very first Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival. The aim? To inspire gardeners of all kinds to think greener about how we grow, with sustainability and nature at the heart.

A Festival Rooted in Sustainability

The festival was built around sustainable gardening practices, bringing together experts and enthusiasts to share knowledge, spark ideas, and celebrate nature. With an incredible line-up of speakers, including Arit Anderson, Alys Fowler, and Frances Tophill, visitors left with practical tips and a fresh dose of inspiration.

Thanks to our sponsors Niwaki and Rocket Grow, the festival stretched across three main stages:

• The Hive

• The Germination Station

• The Yurt

Each day explored a different theme: Seeds of Change, People & Pollinators, and Mission Possible.

Highlights from the Speakers

From Charles Dowding’s expert insights on No-Dig Gardening to Georgie Newbery’s hands-on session on sustainable floristry, there was something for everyone. Visitors even had the chance to pick up a signed copy of books by their favourite speakers at the Bookworm Shop.

At The Hive, discussions buzzed with questions like:

• Why do we garden?

• How can gardeners take responsibility for climate change?

These thought-provoking debates brought together brilliant panellists and enthusiastic audiences eager to play their part in a greener future.

A Celebration of Nature

In The Yurt, visitors got up close with a working beehive, learning how pollinators are the unsung heroes of our gardens. This hands-on experience showed just how vital bees are in keeping our plants, and our planet, thriving.

Meanwhile, in the tranquil Birch Grove, guests could pause and unwind with Auntie Flo’s immersive soundscape a unique composition created entirely from the raw heartbeat of nature. This wasn’t just music; it was a moment to reconnect, reflect, and let nature’s rhythm take over.

Why the Yeo Valley Garden Festival Matters

Across three packed days and over thirty inspiring sessions, the Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival provided fertile ground for ideas to grow. It gave gardeners a space to:

• Learn practical, sustainable gardening techniques

• Connect with fellow green-fingered enthusiasts

• Explore the impact of gardening on wellbeing and biodiversity

And as if nature wanted to give its own seal of approval, a rainbow appeared at the end of the final talk, the perfect close to an unforgettable first year.

Join the Movement

The Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival was just the beginning. With sustainability, community, and creativity at its roots, this festival is set to grow even bigger and brighter.

Follow us on @yeovalley @yeoorganicgarden or @Yeotube for more gardening inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on future events.

FAQ Section

Q: What is the Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival? A sustainable gardening festival created by Yeo Valley Organic, bringing together experts, gardeners, and nature-lovers to share ideas and learn eco-friendly practices.

Q: Who were the speakers at the Garden festival? Speakers included Arit Anderson, Alys Fowler, Frances Tophill, Charles Dowding, and Georgie Newbery.

Q: What topics were covered at the Yeo Valley Festival? Themes included no-dig gardening, sustainable floristry, climate-friendly gardening, pollinators, and the well-being benefits of nature.

Q: Will the Yeo Valley Garden Festival happen again? Yes, following the success of the first year, Yeo Valley Organic aims to make the Garden Festival an annual event.