Gardening for Wellness, Wildlife and Wonder - Rachel de Thame X William Robinson Festival

Sunday 12th July 2026

We are delighted to welcome Rachel de Thame to our festival this year, a broadcaster, writer and gardener, and a familiar face to viewers as a regular presenter on Gardeners’ World and many other gardening shows.

Her work spans major design and curatorial projects, including the Chelsea Flower Show and the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Royal Barge. Rachel is also an ambassador and supporter of many charities that include Patron of the British Iris Society, and an Ambassador for the Hardy Plant Society. Gardening for wellness and wildlife is at the heart of everything she does.

In her talk, Rachel will explore the close connection between gardening and physical and mental health, celebrating how simply being in nature is linked to our wellbeing. This follows seamlessly into the needs of essential pollinators and other wildlife that share our gardens. Rachel will then suggest plants and practical choices that support these vital creatures year-round while bringing joy and beauty to our outdoor spaces.

Arrival at 10am for the talk at 10:30am, followed by lunch in our glass fronted dining room. Please note guests will be seated at shared tables.

£165.00 per person - includes tea/coffee on arrival, the talk, 3 course lunch, drinks and entrance to the rest of the festival.

After the talk, we invite you to enjoy the gardens at Gravetye Manor at this special event celebrating the life of their creator, pioneering Victorian gardener William Robinson. Join us for a day of celebrations, which include: garden talks, plant sale, flower demonstrations, local cheese showcase, Morris dancing, and much more.