Devon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/tobybuckland.jpg" alt="Toby Buckland credit Steven Haywood/Devon Life " class="wp-image-75357" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/tobybuckland.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/tobybuckland-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/tobybuckland-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/tobybuckland-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Toby Buckland credit Steven Haywood/Devon Lif</figcaption></figure>



<p>Who&#8217;s in need of a blast of springtime flowers and garden-themed goodness? Well, it just so happens, I can help with that, because when I&#8217;m not gadding about as Muddy Devon Editor &#8211; my other hat is helping to organise the best flower show in the West *not biased* with my other half Toby &#8211; as in <a href="https://tobygardenfest.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toby&#8217;s Garden Festiva</a>l &#8211; on Fri 2 and Sat 3 May at Powderham Castle, near Exeter. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/garden-stall.jpg" alt="stall at Toby's Garden Festival " class="wp-image-75379" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/garden-stall.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/garden-stall-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/garden-stall-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/garden-stall-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We&#8217;re busy stringing up the bunting for two flower-strewn days, 6000+ visitors 200+ exhibitors, three speaker venues of free talks, plus craft demos, live music and ace street theatre.</p>



<p>Dig it? Oh yes. Here&#8217;s what&#8217;s store in 2025:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-fabulous-plant-shopping">1/ Fabulous plant shopping</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/growers-joagrower.jpg" alt="Joa Grower " class="wp-image-75384" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/growers-joagrower.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/growers-joagrower-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/growers-joagrower-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/growers-joagrower-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you get a tingle going into garden centre, then prepare for a <em>biiiiig</em> tingle because here are 30+ local plant nurseries, brimming with gorgeous plants, from cottage-core lovelies and romantic climbers to veg plants and scented herbs. Plus, most of it is locally grown right here in the West Country &#8211; not off a lorry from the Netherlands so better suited to our south-west gardens. Even better, you can learn how <em>not </em>to kill it from the person who knows best &#8211; the grower. <a href="https://tobygardenfest.co.uk/whos-exhibiting/plants-flowers-shrubs-and-trees-galore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here&#8217;s the nursery list</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-oodles-of-celebrity-gardeners">2/ Oodles of celebrity gardeners  </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Festival-photos-for-Web-44.jpg" alt="BBC Gardeners World Presenter Joe Swift " class="wp-image-75360" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Festival-photos-for-Web-44.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Festival-photos-for-Web-44-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Festival-photos-for-Web-44-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Festival-photos-for-Web-44-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A posse of BBC <em>Gardener&#8217;s World</em> presenters are talking at the festival, including garden designer Joe Swift on is joining Toby for a chat on Saturday 3 May, and signing books afterwards.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="710" height="960" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/frances-21.jpg" alt="Frances Tophill " class="wp-image-75396" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/frances-21.jpg 710w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/frances-21-592x800.jpg 592w" sizes="(max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px" /></figure>



<p>Another fabulous BBC <em>Gardeners&#8217; World</em> presenter, Frances Tophill, joins Toby on Friday 2 May.  Plus you can meet BBC <em>Spotlight</em>&#8216;s Victoria Graham, author Becky Searle, the editor of <em>Amateur Gardening</em> magazine, Kim Stoddart, the <em>Daily Telegraph </em>wine guru, Susy Atkins, Otter Farm author and grower, Mark Diacono, and of course the festival host himself, Toby.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-fun-for-foodies">3/ Fun for foodies</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2048" height="1365" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/TGF24-Instagram-169.jpg" alt="street food seller" class="wp-image-75366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/TGF24-Instagram-169.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/TGF24-Instagram-169-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/TGF24-Instagram-169-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/TGF24-Instagram-169-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/TGF24-Instagram-169-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></figure>



<p>Who&#8217;s hungry for great street food? Here it&#8217;s all all local, quality, and made by lovely talented people who we&#8217;ve worked with over the years. The Food Drink Devon Market and Talks Marquee is back to celebrating the best scoff and quaff in the county, represented by the likes of multi-award winning Sharpham Dairy and Sandford Orchards. The talks and tastings are hosted by, and are all free!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-free-flower-craft">4/ Free flower craft</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="613" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Exeter-seed-bank-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-54025" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Exeter-seed-bank-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Exeter-seed-bank-1-800x490.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Exeter-seed-bank-1-768x471.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Exeter-seed-bank-1-856x525.jpg 856w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s a tradition for the fab florists of Devon&#8217;s British Academy of Floral Art to run all day flower-crown making sessions. (Even Judi Spiers has been spotted in one.) Hotfoot it to the Artisan Barn (aka the Castle&#8217;s Riding School) to get your mitts on your floral barnet-topper early. If anyone deserves a crown &#8211; it&#8217;s you!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/lexus-origami.jpeg" alt="Caroline Preston blossom origami " class="wp-image-75580" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/lexus-origami.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/lexus-origami-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/lexus-origami-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/lexus-origami-768x1024.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You can also try your hand at crafting blossom origami on the Lexus Exeter stand with help from artist Caroline Preston. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-devon-rural-skills-demos">5/ Devon rural skills demos </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2500" height="1667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/Festival-photos-for-Web-278.jpg" alt="heritage crafts at Toby's Garden Festival" class="wp-image-64795" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/Festival-photos-for-Web-278.jpg 2500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/Festival-photos-for-Web-278-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/Festival-photos-for-Web-278-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/Festival-photos-for-Web-278-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/Festival-photos-for-Web-278-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/Festival-photos-for-Web-278-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px" /></figure>



<p>Did you know that some traditional crafts are on an endangered list because so few people still practise them they&#8217;re at risk of dying out? This year the Devon Rural Skills Trust will be showing demos of scything, dry stone walling, willow weaving and basket making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-free-talks-tastings-amp-workshops">6/ Free talks, tastings &amp; workshops </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/marquee-castle.jpg" alt="talks marquee at Toby's Garden Festival " class="wp-image-75387" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/marquee-castle.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/marquee-castle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/marquee-castle-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/marquee-castle-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This year there are <a href="https://tobygardenfest.co.uk/highlights-2019/celebrity-speakers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">three speaker marquees</a>, with two days of talks, all free, on a wild range of garden, wildlife and foodie topics. Learn about chilli plants with the South Devon Chill Farm; rose growing with the Cornish Rose Company; ponds with DU Waterscapes; growing herbs with Herb Heaven Devon, and loads more. You can also tuck into free tastings of cider, cheese, charcuterie and teas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-wickham-s-wine-tasting">7/ Wickham&#8217;s wine tasting</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/wine-2.jpg" alt="Wickhams Wine Tasting at Toby's Garden Festival " class="wp-image-75368" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/wine-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/wine-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/wine-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/wine-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Back by popular demand (and who can blame us?) Dan Farrell-Wright, owner of Devon wine merchant <a href="https://wickhamwine.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wickhams</a> is hosting free wine tastings in the auspicious surrounds of the Castle Dining Room on both days. This year Dan is showcasing his Fabulous 50: the fifty wines you should be drinking this summer, from crisp whites to refined rosés, super sparkles and artisan orange wines. Not all at once, mind. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-supporting-local-artisans">8/ Supporting local artisans </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="976" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/TGF-Day-1-artisan-barn-traders-1.jpg" alt="artisan barn at Toby's Garden Festival " class="wp-image-64833" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/TGF-Day-1-artisan-barn-traders-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/TGF-Day-1-artisan-barn-traders-1-800x521.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/TGF-Day-1-artisan-barn-traders-1-1000x651.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/TGF-Day-1-artisan-barn-traders-1-768x500.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Love to support local? Head to the Artisan Barn, buying with 20+ curated local makers, offering their handmade jewellery, ceramics, artwork, textiles and more. It&#8217;s a wonderful place to stock up on gifts, meet the makers and find unique handmade pieces &#8211; all under one roof.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-picnic-and-vip-potential">9/ Picnic and VIP potential </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/sun-visitorsonlawn.jpg" alt="Toby's Garden Festival visitors in the sunshine " class="wp-image-75372" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/sun-visitorsonlawn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/sun-visitorsonlawn-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/sun-visitorsonlawn-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/sun-visitorsonlawn-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s no place more pretty in Devon than Powderham in spring, with the fallow deer in the park, the oaks and lime trees springing to life, and the romantic 14th century Castle presiding over proceedings. You never know &#8211; you might get a selfie with Charlie, the Earl too, who&#8217;s often there for a wander around and always up for a chat with the commoners! Bring a rug, a picnic and just enjoy.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/vip-catering-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-75395" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/vip-catering-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/vip-catering-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/vip-catering-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/vip-catering-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If that&#8217;s a tad too rustic, upgrade your day to a <a href="https://tobygardenfest.co.uk/tc-events/tobys-garden-festival-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VIP Experience</a>, sponsored by Hawksmoor Investment Management, where you&#8217;ll be treated to VIP parking and cloakroom, and all-day refreshments, including lunch in the tranquil environs of Powderham Castle&#8217;s Music Room and Library. The food is amazing (courtesy of local caterer Aimee Beamish, above) &#8211; the wine and fizz flows, and you&#8217;ll go home with a goody bag. <em>£100pp</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-free-advice-from-the-experts">10/ Free advice from the experts </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1365" height="2048" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/teign-trees.jpg" alt="Teignmouth Trees arboriculturist " class="wp-image-75376" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/teign-trees.jpg 1365w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/teign-trees-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/teign-trees-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/teign-trees-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/teign-trees-1024x1536.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1365px) 100vw, 1365px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">  </figcaption></figure>



<p>So many clever people, all in one place! The editorial team from <em>Amateur Gardening</em> magazine helping with garden and pest queries; Adam Partridge Auctioneers helping value home and garden treasures; WBW Solicitors on legal and boundary disputes; Teign Trees answering arboricultural questions &#8211; and hanging around with choccies! You&#8217;re sure to go away topped up and with a boot full of garden bootie. Come and join us!</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://tobygardenfest.co.uk/tc-events/tobys-garden-festival-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toby&#8217;s Garden Festival</a>, Powderham Castle, Kenton, nr Exeter EX6 8JQ. Fri 2 and Sat 3 May, 10am-5pm; advance tickets from £18pp, VIP Experience including lunch £100pp; Tea in the Castle £35pp; kids under 16 free (except VIP tickets), dogs on leads welcome.</em></strong></p>


Hoe down! 10 reasons to hotfoot it to Toby’s Garden Festival

You may also like