Horniman Plant Fair
Taking place across our beautiful Gardens, you can buy plants from small and independent nurseries run by specialist growers who are passionate about the plants they produce.
Tours
Join our Gardens team and special guests throughout the day for around the Gardens. Spaces are limited – sign up on the day.
12pm – Before Queer Gardens
Join author Jenny Chamarette on a gentle walking tour through the Gardens, befriending plants along the way. Reading extracts from their book Q is for Garden: Tending the Histories of Queer Cultivation, Jenny invites you to consider how sexual diversity has always been part of the natural world, how names and naming have shaped the plants and people in our gardens (and the museum itself), and how the land can help us witness and respond creatively to climate and cultural crises alike.
About
Jenny Chamarette is a writer, curator and cultural critic based in South London. Their book Q is for Garden (Manchester University Press) is a genre-bending work of creative non-fiction that traces queerness, nature and transformation beyond our inherited binaries. Jen’s essays have appeared in This Allotment (Elliot & Thompson) and Queerphoria (Verve), and they regularly collaborate with artists and galleries on interpretive and critical writing. When not writing they are usually in their garden and allotment.
1pm – The Folklore of Trees walk
Discover the myths and folklore connected with a selection of the trees found growing in the Gardens on this guided walk with park ranger, Chris Collier. Expect tales of magic, faery feats, and plant persons, from Alder to Willow as you explore.
About
Christopher Collier is a local adult education teacher, folklore enthusiast, and ranger with London National Park City. He tells stories, gives talks, and teaches classes on nature-based folklore, in order to celebrate and nurture different kinds of relationship with the more-than-human.
2pm & 3pm – Horniman Gardens tours
Join our very own Gardens team to discover the Horniman Gardens with some of people who know them best!
Nurseries
The Nurseries provide a spectrum of plants including cottage-garden favourites, shade-loving plants, alpines, trees and shrubs, succulents and many more.
Speak directly to knowledgeable growers and get advice from experts about what you are growing… or would like to!
Partners and supporters
This event is run in partnership with Plant Fairs Roadshow.
Horniman Plant Fair is generously supported by our headline sponsor Niwaki.
Niwaki, founded by Jake Hobson, is home to a range of great stuff from Japan, including tools, clothing, and gear for the garden, kitchen, and workshop. Niwaki’s products combine high-quality materials with considered design, resulting in practical and attractive tools and accessories that deliver years of efficient service.
Although children are welcome, this event is aimed at adult visitors and there will be no children’s activities. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Please also note that there is no parking available at the Horniman or on Horniman Drive for this event, except for some limited parking for Blue Badge holders, granted on a first come basis.
Terms and conditions
- Parents remain responsible for their children at all times.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
- Everyone attending, including under-3s, must have a ticket.
- Please be aware that there is very limited seating at the event.
- The event will take place come rain or shine, and refunds will not be offered on rainy or sunny days.
- There will be very limited shade or rain cover dress appropriately for the weather on the day.
- Filming and photography will be taking place at this event.
- Well behaved dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
- Read our full terms and conditions
