While autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in the garden, it’s also a time to look ahead. As the leaves begin to change and summer colour fades, gardeners are already thinking about what will emerge when spring returns.
This October, visitors to Autumn Colour at Hever Castle can get involved in preparing the gardens for next year with a special Spring Bulb Planting Masterclass, led by the Hever gardening team.
The session will begin with an introduction from Johnny Walkers, a daffodil grower with an extraordinary record of 25 consecutive RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals for his daffodils. He’ll share some of his knowledge and experience before visitors have the chance to get hands-on and help plant spring bulbs within the Castle grounds.
There’s something particularly satisfying about planting a bulb knowing that, months later, it will emerge from the ground and become part of a completely different season in the garden.
During the masterclass, participants will learn more about planting spring bulbs and pick up practical tips from the gardening team, while helping to create the displays that visitors will enjoy when spring arrives.
It’s a chance to see a little of what goes on behind the scenes in maintaining Hever’s gardens throughout the year and to get your hands dirty in the process.
For keen gardeners, it’s an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and put those tips into practice. For anyone who simply enjoys Hever’s gardens, it’s a chance to play a small part in creating what comes next.
The masterclass is a fitting part of Autumn Colour at Hever Castle, which runs from 28th September to 1st November.
While visitors are enjoying the rich colours of autumn around the Castle, the gardening team will already be working towards the next transformation of the gardens. Beneath the surface, the bulbs planted during the masterclass will be waiting for the right conditions before making their appearance in spring.
And with Johnny Walkers bringing his remarkable daffodil-growing experience to the session, there will be plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to make their own garden burst into colour next year.
Spring Bulb Planting Masterclass
Tuesday 13th October 2026
11.30am
Approximately 1 hour
Included with garden admission
Spaces are limited to 25 people and are available on a first come, first served basis. Please wear appropriate gardening clothes and sturdy footwear. The session involves working at low level, close to the ground.
Come along, learn from the Hever gardening team and help plant the bulbs of next spring’s display.
Find out more about Autumn Colour here
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Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
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Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
