Top Three Counties Plant Shows, Nurseries & Gardens
A visitor’s guide to garden inspiration, specialist plants and seasonal shows
This particular location, where the Three Counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucesterhsire meet is a plantaholics dream.
Visitors are within easy reach of some of the region’s most rewarding garden experiences. From nationally recognised flower shows to world‑class plantsman’s gardens and specialist nurseries, this area offers inspiration for keen gardeners and visitors alike.
The places below are all genuinely local and lend themselves to unhurried days out — whether you’re browsing for plants, admiring landscape design or enjoying gardens that feel rooted in place rather than overly curated.
Plant Shows & Festivals
Malvern Spring Festival
When: May | Where: Malvern Showground
One of the most significant horticultural events in the region, the Malvern Spring Festival combines show gardens, specialist nurseries, demonstrations and talks. It is well organised and easy to explore but it is HUGE and there is a lot to see. If you are a keen gardener, you will need more than one day here.
Why visit: National reputation, excellent plant buying and inspiring ideas without intimidation.
Malvern Autumn Show
When: September | Where: Malvern Showground
A more relaxed, harvest‑focused event celebrating seasonal planting, produce and autumn gardening. The emphasis is on practicality, plant buying and seasonal inspiration.
Why visit: Slightly less busy than the Spring Festival but still very popular. Lots of useful ideas for later‑season gardens.
Gardens to Visit
Croome Court (National Trust)
One of the most important landscape gardens in England, Croome Court was designed by Capability Brown and offers sweeping parkland, follies and long views around an elegant 18th‑century house.
Why visit: Internationally significant landscape design and a strong sense of scale and calm. It has been rescued and restored by altruistic enthusiasts
Picton Garden (Old Court), Herefordshire
Attached to Old Court in the village of Colwall, Picton Garden is an internationally respected plantsman’s garden, particularly renowned for snowdrops, rare plants and naturalistic planting. It holds the National Collection of Michaelmas daisies, too.
Why visit: Deeply local yet world‑class; a highlight for gardeners and plant lovers.
Hellens Manor Gardens, Much Marcle
Layered historic gardens surrounding one of England’s oldest continuously inhabited houses. The gardens have walled spaces, orchards and long‑established planting.
Why visit: Intimate, atmospheric and natural.
Specialist Nurseries
Special Plants Nursery, near Malvern
A long‑established specialist nursery known for unusual perennials, grasses and plants suited to naturalistic planting styles.
Why visit: High‑quality plants, knowledgeable growers and an unpretentious approach.
Pan‑Global Plants, near Hereford
A destination nursery specialising in unusual shrubs, trees and plants sourced from around the world, many of which thrive in local conditions.
Why visit: Serious horticulture and an exceptional range for experienced gardeners.
Some extra special ideas:
If you are in the area and keen on plants, why not check out the following?
Private Gardens (National Garden Scheme)
Each year, the National Garden Scheme opens a changing selection of private gardens across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. These gardens are often only accessible for a few days, offering a rare and personal glimpse into privately tended spaces.
Why include as an extra: Locations and dates vary, making them a rewarding bonus rather than a fixed itinerary.
Local Plant Expert to Know: Jonny Balchandani (The Bearded Plantaholic)
Just outside Malvern, Jonny Balchandani, widely known as The Bearded Plantaholic, has become one of the UK’s most recognisable voices in houseplants. From his base near Malvern, Jonny shares practical, down-to-earth advice on caring for indoor plants — from everyday favourites to rarer specimens — helping people grow confidence as well as greenery.
Jonny sells plants directly from his base (usually by arrangement so please check beforehand), appears regularly at major gardening events such as the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, and has featured on programmes including BBC Gardeners’ World. His approach is friendly, knowledgeable and refreshingly unpretentious, making him a natural local addition to this guide.
Planning a Garden‑Led Day Out
Comfy shoes are the order of the day because you will end up doing a lot of walking. These gardens, nurseries and shows are best enjoyed interspersed with something else like a lunch or a wander in the countryside. A break gives you focus so that you can take in more ideas.
