Welcome to Covent Garden’s Spring Renaissance

Spring has well and truly sprung, and something a bit special’s blooming at Covent Garden – and bloomin’ marvellous it is too. Spring Renaissance is a celebration of all things horticultural, from floral artwork to working allotments. So whether you’re a budding backyard enthusiast, or you were born with green fingers, this should rock your gardener’s world.

We’ve also created a film to celebrate Spring Renaissance...click here to see Spring blossom into life.

 

Preston Bailey’s fab and floral peacock sculptures

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Renowned floral sculptor Preston Bailey has created an installation of two giant, 25 foot peacocks, made entirely from living flowers and plants. Based in the US, this is the first time he’s crossed the pond and worked in the UK. So get an eyeful (and a noseful) of his work exclusively on the East Piazza.

23rd April - 18th May, East Piazza | map

www.prestonbailey.com

Matt James’ ‘Urban Garden’ pop-up shop

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We’re chuffed to bits that City Gardener Matt James has curated the UK’s first ‘pop-up’ Urban Garden shop in Covent Garden. With an emphasis on design and innovation, it stocks Matt’s recommendations of the best 20 products from The Urban Garden’s online shop, and a whole lot more besides. And if you’re having problems with pesky plants, he’ll also be running a live garden surgery on Saturday 10th May. Carry on, doctor.

10, The Market, Central Avenue | map

www.theurbangarden.co.uk

Pure organic indulgence with Neom

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After a day of sun, soil and toil, urban gardeners deserve a bit of pampering. And NEOM Luxury Organics serves it up in spades. It’s a highly indulgent organic cosmetic brand, combining the finest forward-thinking ingredients – pumpkin and pomegranate extracts, anyone? Real micronized sapphires? Or maybe you’d prefer organic treatment candles, and home treatment mists?

Whatever, you’re going to love their range. So treat yourself at their pop-up shop, at No. 26a in the Market Building.

26th April - 21st June. 26a, The Market | map

www.neomorganics.com

The flower market returns to Covent Garden

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Each weekend, flower power will be making a dazzling comeback in Covent Garden’s West Piazza. Yes, the Piazza will be reincarnated back to its original role of a flower market, with producers from all over this green and pleasant land selling flora, herbs, vegetables, plants, pots, vases, garden furniture and gardening tools.

And no flower market would be complete without our very own team of Eliza Doolittles – throughout the period we’ll have a permanent stall selling beautiful bouquets. Loverly.

West Piazza | map

Hanging basket glory

Bursting with colour, the Market Building’s hanging baskets will be getting a major make-over courtesy of flamboyant hat designer Cozmo Jenks, transforming and bringing to life the historic architecture of Covent Garden.

East and West sides of the Market Building | map

Green fingers at the ready

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A staple of urban life for decades, a life-size living allotment will be gracing the North Piazza. From cabbages to rhubarb, the allotment will have all manner of fruit and veg. Plus a working shed and scarecrow (we tried to book Wurzel Gummidge, but you wouldn’t believe his fee).

At the weekends there will be live demonstrations, and volunteer allotment holders will be on hand to offer friendly, expert advice.

North Piazza | map

Green Corners weekend workshops

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The Conservation Foundation’s Green Corners initiative will turn Covent Garden into London’s back garden, with a range of activities designed to encourage people of all ages to discover their green-fingered gardener within. From composting to beekeeping, Green Corners will present a range of talks and demonstrations. See below for full details.

North Piazza | map

www.conservationfoundation.co.uk

Produce and Wildlife - April

Saturday
26th

Honey Tasting and Talk

Honey expert Hattie Ellis will be hosting a honey tasting, and will talk on the fascinating history of the honey bee.
12pm

Foraging with Yun Hider

Learn about the wonderful foods that lie undiscovered in our back gardens and tasty tips for turning them into delicious dishes.
1pm
Sunday
27th

Beatrix Potter readings

Enchanting readings to transport children of all ages to the lively and charming world of Peter Rabbit and friends.
12pm & 1pm
 

Compost and Recycle - May

Saturday
3rd

Workshops and demonstrations on how to compost

to mark Compost Awareness Week.
www.compostawarenessweek.org.uk
12pm, 1pm & 2pm

David Bellamy on compost

David Bellamy will be offering invaluable tips on how to successfully compost your everyday household waste.
6pm
Sunday
4th

Garden furniture workshop

Expert David Meddings will be giving a live demonstration on how to transform old cable reels into fabulous garden furniture.
12pm

Workshops and demonstrations on how to compost

to mark Compost Awareness Week.
www.compostawarenessweek.org.uk
1pm, 2pm & 3pm
 

The Urban Garden - May

Saturday
10th

Urban Garden Surgery

City Gardener Matt James, will be giving a live talk and surgery to show how to make the most of your city garden.
12pm, 1pm & 2pm
Sunday
11th

View from the Shed

Michael Wale will be talking about allotments and reading from his new book.
2pm
 

Plants and Sowing - May

Saturday
17th

How to be a Guerrilla Gardener

Richard Reynolds will be talking about the exciting underworld of guerrilla gardening and demonstrating how to make your own seed bombs to brighten grey and unloved urban areas.
12pm

How to plant a knot garden

Come and see a live demonstration on how to plant your own formal style garden.
1pm & 2pm
Sunday
18th

Gardening for Beginners

Talk on the basics of gardening; a great starting point for those who are new to gardens and gardening.
12pm