Spring and Summer
The HTA Spring and Summer Regional Events run for a period between April-September
These events offer a chance to connect and engage with fellow HTA members at various venues, learn from industry experts on topics affecting you, and share your voice to make a difference in environmental Horticulture.
Click the sections below to find an event near you and register for free.
South East, Essex, East Anglia and Greater London Region
East Anglia Regional Event
Join us on Thursday 31 July for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Darby Nursery Stock. This is a rare opportunity to explore one of the UK’s leading large-scale nurseries and gain valuable insights into their plant production processes.
You’ll learn about the nursery’s history, hear about its future plans, and see its operations up close. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow HTA members, exchange ideas, and enjoy an inspiring and relaxed day.
Date: Thursday 31 July
Time: 10:30 - 14:30
Venue: Darby Nursery Stock
Address: Old Feltwell Rd, Methwold, Thetford IP26 4PW
Agenda:
- Arrival & refreshments
- Update from the HTA
- History & future of Darby Nursery Stock
- Tour of the nursery
- Lunch & networking
- Goodbyes
Essex Regional Event
Join us for a unique behind-the-scenes day at two HTA members in Essex, beginning at RHS Hyde Hall with a visit to the Floral Fantasia garden - a fantastic showcase of new plant introductions from UK breeders. This garden, originally led by the late Peter Seabrook, continues to flourish under the guidance of voluntary working group.
The day continues at W.D. Smith & Son, a third-generation, family-run nursery in Wickford with over 60 years of horticultural expertise. You'll enjoy a buffet lunch, learn about the business, and experience a guided tour of their nursery and an opportunity to see their expert approach to growing quality bedding plants.
It’s also a great chance to meet fellow HTA members, talk to representatives from the HTA, and connect with others in our community.
Date: Wednesday 27 August
Time: 10:30 - 15:00
Venue: Smith W D & Son and RHS Hyde Hall
Address: Starting the day off at RHS Hyde Hall, Creephedge Ln, Chelmsford CM3 8ET then travelling through to Smith W D & Son, Woodham Rd, Wickford SS11 7QU and
Agenda:
- Arrival & Welcome at RHS Hyde Hall
- Tour and Background of Floral Fantasia
- Travel to W.D. Smith & Son
- Buffet Lunch & Networking
- History and Future of W.D. Smith & Son
- Guided Tour of Nursery
- Event Close
You are welcome to explore Meadow Croft Garden Centre (across the road) at your leisure following the conclusion of the event.
Southwest Regional Event
We invite you to join us at Batsford Arboretum on Tuesday 5th August.
The event is being kindly hosted by the Batsford Foundation, a charitable trust set up to promote research and education in conservation, arboriculture, gardens and architecture. You will learn about the history of the site which began in 1886! And how the site runs today. You will also hear from Pippa Greenwood on topical plant information.
The event is free to come to and lunch is included. You will also be given free entry to the arboretum, a great opportunity to see a very special place. We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: Tuesday 5 August 2025
Time: 10:00 - 13:30
Venue: Batsford Arboretum
Address: Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AT
Southwest Regional Event
Date: Thursday 11 September 2025
Time: TBC
Venue: Monkton Elm Garden Centre
Address: Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8QN
Central South Regional Event
Date: Wednesday 3 September
Time: TBC
Venue: Formbar Limited
Address: Formbar Manor Farm Courtyard, West Hagbourne, Didcot, OX11 0ND
Devon & Cornwall Regional Event
Date: Tuesday 23 September 2025
Time: 10:30 – 15:00
Venue: Eden Project
Address: Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and North England Region
Wales Regional Event
Join us for an afternoon of presentations, group discussions and networking opportunities at the award winning Fron Goch Garden Centre operating since 1981.
Date: Tuesday 9 September
Time: 12:00 - 16:30
Venue: Fron Goch Garden Centre
Address: Pant Road , Caernarfon , LL54 5RL.
Agenda:
- Arrivals and Registration – Teas and Coffees
- Tour of the Site including new developments
- Lunch
- Making the most of your business session run Appetite Me
- Group Discussion and Networking opportunity
- Summary and Close
Regional Events Booking Form
Please fill in all the required information to book onto the regional event you would like to attend.
Should you have any additional questions or queries please contact the HTA Events team below who will be able to assist you with any further information