Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art">ART</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dahlia-waves-kate-dawes.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8502" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dahlia-waves-kate-dawes.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dahlia-waves-kate-dawes-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dahlia-waves-kate-dawes-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dahlia-waves-kate-dawes-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dahlia-waves-kate-dawes-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dahlia Waves by Kate Dawes, at the <a href="https://www.creativemelbourne.co.uk/">Bloom</a> exhibition, Melbourne</figcaption></figure>



From captivating close-ups to stunning floral landscapes, immerse yourself in all things floral at &nbsp;<a href="https://www.creativemelbourne.co.uk/">Bloom</a> art exhibition at Creative Melbourne Gallery. On until Sat 18 May it’s the perfect pitstop to pick up some botanical art to freshen up your walls. Open 10am-4pm, Wednesday to Saturday.



This nature-inspired art exhibition is a dendrophile’s dream. Atmospheric tree portraits and works of art based on the theme of woodlands and trees go on display at&nbsp;The Harley Gallery, Welbeck&nbsp;from&nbsp;Sat 20 April, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.welbeck.co.uk/experience/events/?page=3">The Art of Trees</a>&nbsp;transporting visitors to the depths of the forest.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/03/fabulous-places-spring-market.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8398" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/03/fabulous-places-spring-market.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/03/fabulous-places-spring-market-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/03/fabulous-places-spring-market-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by Fabulous Places</figcaption></figure>



No one does markets quite like Fabulous Places. Always tasteful and beautifully-curated, its <a href="https://derbyshirespringmarket.co.uk/">Spring Market</a> on Sun 21 April at Shottle Hall Country House should be bursting with beautiful blooms, gardenware and floral-inspired interiors goodies.



Flower and spring-inspired creative finds from Derbyshire Makers at the <a href="https://peakvillage.co.uk/events/">Spring Fair</a> at Peak Village, Rowsley on Sat 4 and Sun 5 May. As well as some gorgeous market stalls, there’ll also be live music and street food. Oh, and the pooch is welcome too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gardens">GARDENS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/cascades-gardens.jpg" alt="cascades gardens matlock" class="wp-image-8504" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/cascades-gardens.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/cascades-gardens-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/cascades-gardens-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



One of the loveliest secret gardens to open in the local National Garden Scheme this year is <a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/17061/cascades_gardens">Cascades Gardens</a> in Matlock. Inspired by Japanese gardens and Buddhist philosophy it&#8217;s a beauty, set in spectacular natural surroundings with woodland, cliffs, stream, pond and a ruined corn mill. You can even overnight in the B&amp;B in the elegant Victorian house if you can&#8217;t tear yourself away. Opens Fri 17 May and Sun 16 June.



If you’ve ever floated round Norwood Park in Southwell’s gorgeous gardens, you’ll be well aware that head gardener Alex knows a thing or two about beautiful blooms. Take a tour with him on Fri 10 May will take you on <a href="https://www.norwoodpark.co.uk/event-details/enrichment-with-norwood-spring-has-sprung-2024-05-10-10-00">Spring has Sprung</a> tour of the gardens, teaching you how to get your garden ready for spring and summer with bulb placement and pruning.



The deer, the parkland and the dramatic hall may get all the attention, but tucked away behind Wollaton Hall in Nottingham, you’ll find a <a href="https://www.nottmhps.org.uk/botanic-garden">secret botanic garden</a> that’s just coming into its own right now.



Trees more your thing? Try Nottingham <a href="https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/nottingham-arboretum-p641471">Arboretum</a>, just a stone’s throw from the city centre. Thought to have been the inspiration for J.M Barrie’s Neverland, it’s a green oasis and a beautiful spot to bathe in all things botanical.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-courses-amp-workshops">COURSES &amp; WORKSHOPS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dawn-botanical-art.jpg" alt="botanical art course hydrangea by dawn wright nottingham" class="wp-image-8500" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dawn-botanical-art.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dawn-botanical-art-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/dawn-botanical-art-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dawn Wright&#8217;s botanical art</figcaption></figure>



If you love to pocket natural treasures (I’m a sucker for acorns and conkers in the autumn), you’ll love this <a href="https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/events/event/creative-experience-day-create-with-nature-art-workshop-with-jane-bevan/">Create With Nature</a> workshop with artist Jane Bevan.This full day event on Sat 4 May will start with a short walk in the ancient private parkland that surrounds Haddon Hall near Bakewell to take inspiration from the landscape and to forage for materials. You’ll learn to create playful artworks, using only natural materials and simple techniques such as stitching, weaving and binding. Costs £66pp (includes tea/coffees). Age 14+.



Horticulturists, green-fingered enthusiasts and arty types gather round! This mindful, week-long <a href="https://www.craftcourses.com/courses/botanical-drawing-and-illustration-weekdays-nottingham-trent-university">Botanical Drawing and Illustration</a> is a crash course for beginners in drawing all things botanical. Held at Nottingham Trent Uni, it’s hands-on and practical (you’ll even get short forays into Nottingham Arboretum for inspo) and you should finish up with some pretty impressive botanical art skills.



Another beautiful botanical art workshop over in Derbyshire that will leave you feeling totally zen. Learn how to draw dreamy botanicals at local artist Kate Dawes’&nbsp;<a href="https://katedawesstudio.com/pages/art-workshops">Pen and Watercolour Workshop</a>&nbsp;at the Creative Melbourne Gallery in&nbsp;Melbourne.&nbsp;No experience (or artistic ability!) necessary. From 10.30am-12.30pm on&nbsp;Sat 18 May. Costs £35pp.



Drop in to this free <a href="https://peakvillage.co.uk/events/">Wild Flower &amp; Seed Bomb Workshop</a> at Peak Village in Rowsley and get flower-bombing your garden ahead of summer. Run by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, you can stop by any time from 10am-3pm on Sun 14 April.



Flowers and fizz, what could be finer? Book into a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4p6TpOrN3F/">Spring wreath making &amp; Prosecco afternoon tea</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/review-harts-hotel-kitchen-nottingham/">Hart’s Hotel</a>,&nbsp;Nottingham. Put together a long-lasting dried flower spring wreath with Sophie from Southwell’s Gigil &amp; Bloom. On&nbsp;Tues 23 April&nbsp;from 12pm-3pm, £130pp, call 0115 9881900 to book.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-farms">FLOWER FARMS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/wildflower-farm.jpg" alt="naturescape langar nottingham wildflower farm" class="wp-image-8498" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/wildflower-farm.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/wildflower-farm-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/wildflower-farm-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Explore 40 beautiful acres of wildflower fields at the splendiforous <a href="https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/naturescape-wildflower-farm-p358211">Naturescape Wildflower Farm</a>. Set in the stunning Langar in Nottinghamshire, with more than 200 different species of native UK wildflower, you&#8217;ll be able to pick from cottage garden plants, roses and climbers and herbs. Make a family day of it – there’s a kids’ play area, two wildlife ponds and 70 acres of meadow and woodland walks. Oh, there’s tea and cake available too – what’s not to love?



Seeking more spring inspo? Book onto one of these <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/12-feel-good-spring-workshops-to-book-now/">feel-good spring workshops.</a>

Flower power! Beautiful botanical events to book now

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