Exciting events in Shakespeare Country

Visit the gardens of Shakespeare Country and celebrate a number of exciting events in 2009. From recreated Elizabethan Gardens to productive Kitchen Gardens, exclusive garden tours with renowned gardeners to falconry, trails and music, there is plenty to see and do.

Immerse yourself in the delights of landscaped, cottage, exotic and herbal gardens through the changing seasons, taking in an abundance of scents and colours as you explore the charming gardens of Shakespeare Country.

Visit Kenilworth Castle on May Day bank holiday and tread the footsteps of a queen in the newly recreated Elizabethan Garden; a replica of one of the greatest gardens of the Elizabethan age. Marvel at the garden’s carved arbours, bejewelled aviary, planting abundant in colour and 18-foot high fountain carved from dazzling Carrara marble.

Experience the Grand Elizabethan Pageant from 2 – 4 May which marks the official public launch of the authentically recreated Elizabethan garden. Step back to the year 1575, when the garden was first completed for the visit of Queen Elizabeth I and enjoy displays of falconry, music, plays and courtly chivalry.

Join a historical garden tour at Blenheim Palace on 28 May, 25 June and 20 August. The tour will concentrate on the way the Park and Gardens have changed over time and give insights into the colourful characters that shaped the Palace landscape. On 14 November and 8 October, listen to a talk about ‘Capability’ Brown who completely redesigned the landscape at Blenheim Palace.

A brand new Audio Garden Tour is also available throughout the season, with commentary from the Palace experts offering visitors the opportunity to take in the wonders of the Park and Gardens at their own pace. From the ornate fountains in the Water Terraces and Lakeside Walks to the elegant Rose Garden and recently restored Secret Garden, there is something for anyone with a love of gardens.

Enjoy a summer long programme of events in Warwick including the Warwick Garden Market on 10 May in Warwick Market Place featuring stalls selling plants and garden furniture. A special open evening will take place at Warwick Castle on 26 June to see the stunning grounds and gardens. The Lord Leycester Hospital will be opening its splendid Master’s Garden for free to the people of Warwick on Tuesday 2 June and Monday 13 July.

A special Warwick Garden Weekend will take place on 11 & 12 July when each of Warwick’s beautiful gardens will be open with special activities, exhibitions and entertainment. The Warwick Horticultural Society 66th Annual Flower Show & Craft Fair takes place on 30 & 31.

August at St Nicholas Park with over 100 classes to choose from including cake making, preserves, vegetables, flowers, plants, handicraft, artwork and children’s classes.

Hill Close Gardens in Warwick is hosting a number of exciting events over the summer. On Saturday 9 May at 11am watch the formal opening of the Auricula theatre. On Saturday 20 June from 2 - 5pm enjoy music in the gardens with the Divertimento Choir. On Saturday 4 July from 11am - 5pm watch displays and activities about the Home Front.

A Children’s garden day will take place on Saturday 11 July from 11am - 5pm with activities on growing plants and encouraging wildlife. Take part in a Victorian Weekend on 15 & 16 August with the re-enactment in period dress of croquet and other games.

Sulgrave Manors garden is a garden for all seasons: a delight to visit at anytime of the year. Designed in the 1920’s by Sir Reginald Blomfield, it is one of very few Blomfield gardens open to the public. The orchard boasts an ancient Loddington Apple tree that still bears an abundance of fruit.

See the Colonial Garden which features some of the plants and crops that would have been grown by the early settlers in Virginia in the 17th century. The Manor is also home to the National Herb Society Garden which features herbs that were brought to and from America. Children can enjoy trails and quizzes in the garden including ‘I spy’, ‘Be a garden Detective’ and ‘Spot the Giant Ladybirds’.

Enjoy a number of garden tours and workshops throughout the year at Ragley Hall. On Friday 17 July celebrate the completion of the redevelopment of the Rose Garden. Lord and Lady Hertford will host a garden party for guests which will include lunch on the Terrace and a tour with Head Gardener Ross Barbour. A Garden Open Day and Plant Fair will take place on Sunday 13 September when visitors can find out more about the gardens and buy some of the plants seen throughout the grounds.

Watch the regeneration of the Kitchen Garden at Hidcote Manor where a team of volunteer interpreters will explain more about the plans. The final phase of the Plant House restoration will begin this summer. Work to complete the large gable end will begin in July with summer visitors being able to witness the transformation. The return of the gable end will mark the end of this huge regeneration project.

Watch Celia Crampton, a renowned botanical artist, paint in the garden throughout the season. Her work has been exhibited around the world and has also been featured in botanical illustration publications. Renowned gardeners and designers will lead exclusive evening tours of Hidcote this summer.

Roy Lancaster OBE will lead his walk on 23 June. Sir Roddy Llewellyn will lead walks on 9 and 14 July and contemporary garden designer and maverick Diarmuid Gavin will host his walk on 15 July.

Visit Upton House which has undertaken a number of major changes including the launch of a new 1930s art deco-style holiday cottage, a new winter walk in the gardens and the restoration of the swimming pool. From photographs and plant lists, the borders are being returned to how they looked in the 1930s - Upton's Heyday.

The North Lake Border will be full of floral colour featuring Peonies, Lupins, Delphiniums and more. Visit the Kitchen Garden where a number of varieties of beans are grown, some of which will be used in the restaurant and some available to buy. Enjoy a number of garden events including May Day celebrations on 4 May with Morris dancing and plant sales, Bluebell Day on 10 May and Jazz at Upton on 1 August.

For theatre and attraction tickets, accommodation, brochures, special offers and more information visit the official website - shakespeare-country.co.uk.