A horticultural showcase highlighting British-grown flowers is returning to Strawberry Hill House this September.
The venue, the historic Gothic villa once owned by Horace Walpole, will host the expanded four-day flower festival from September 10 to 13, with the extended duration made possible through funding provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
More than three dozen floral designers have been commissioned to produce installations throughout the property and its surrounding gardens.
The creative teams will work exclusively with British-grown blooms and environmentally conscious methods.
This year’s programme adopts the theme Gloomth/Riant, drawing inspiration from Walpole’s own writings that contrasted the solemn atmosphere of ecclesiastical architecture with the vibrancy of natural landscapes.
The event is organised by Flowers at the House, under the direction of Leigh Chappell, Lilian Highmoor and Charlotte Johnston.
They have invited Flowers on the Edge to serve as guest curators, with founders Cissy Bullock and Olivia Wilson bringing their modern aesthetic to the proceedings.
Representatives from Flowers on the Edge have highlighted the significance of authenticity in contemporary society.
According to the group, amid a landscape saturated with artificial and digital experiences, the festival represents an opportunity to celebrate genuine interaction.
The gathering aims to provide tangible encounters with seasonal flowers crafted by actual people in real time.
Among those displaying work this year, Joanna Game takes up residence in the Blue Bedchamber, while Layla Robinson presents installations in the Library.
Fiona Pickles occupies the Tribune, Pearl Watt of Millefleur handles the main stairway display, and Bex Partridge of Botanical Tales fills the Green Closet.
The event features complimentary lectures and live demonstrations within the Festival Marquee.
Notable offerings include Game’s presentation exploring Dartmoor alongside Yunnan, a session with writer and broadcaster Arthur Parkinson, and a demonstration presented by the Sogetsu Ikebana school.
A new Retail Village provides opportunities to purchase flowers and handmade items directly from cultivators and artisans.
Guests may also arrange picnics in advance for consumption within the grounds.
Limited evening access is offered on September 11 and 12, permitting visitors to view the installations after regular closing hours.
Those planning attendance are advised to secure tickets promptly through the Strawberry Hill House website.