Visit us and find out more!
Due to situation with Covid-19 all events from 17th March through to the end of May have been Cancelled – The position beyond this will be subject to further review
The Knoll Gardens Foundation is hosting over 30 events in the garden this year and these are detailed below.
A full list of all garden events, including horticultural walks, talks and classes hosted by garden owner Neil Lucas, can be found on the Knoll Gardens website.
Please note that tickets are non refundable unless the event is cancelled by Knoll Gardens.
FEBRUARY
Wed 26
Knoll Gardens Foundation Community Lecture
Brownsword Hall, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3GW February 26 2020 7.30pm £7.50
Dorchester Camera Club hosts the annual Knoll Gardens Foundation Community Lecture: ‘Plants, Gardens and Wildlife’ presented by Knoll Gardens owner, Neil Lucas.
Booking – Email dorchcamclub@gmail.com for information and tickets
Sat 29
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens February 29, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
Book Online
Events suspended until End of May
Bugs and Buds also on: 28 March, 25 April, 30 May, 27 June, 25 July, 29 Aug, 26 Sept, 31 Oct, 28 Nov & 12 Dec.
MARCH
Sat 28
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens March 28, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29
APRIL
Thurs 9
Bat Walk with Jan Freeborn
Knoll Gardens April 9. 2020 7pm £6.50
Enjoy a short presentation and familiarise yourself with the garden’s layout before taking a special evening stroll as you search for Knoll’s most elusive night-time visitors. Using the latest technology and years of experience, Jan will help you identify the bats you see and hear, and attempt to attract them down for a closer look.
For every ticket purchased £2.50 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation and £2.50 to the Dorset Bat Group
Book Online
Fri 24
Foundation Friday; RSPB Members Day
Knoll Gardens April 24, 2020 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free to RSPB members
Meet up with representatives of the RSPB, the country’s largest nature conservation charity, and discover how Knoll’s naturalistic gardening ethos continues to create a garden that welcomes wildlife as well as providing year-round beauty.
On this special day RSPB members and volunteers can visit the gardens free of charge on production of a valid RSPB membership card or proof of volunteering status.
No booking required. Normal garden admission charges apply to all non RSPB members and volunteers.
On this special day for every full price ticket purchased £5 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
Sat 25
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens April 25, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29
MAY
Fri 1
Foundation Friday; Volunteer Recruitment Open Morning
Knoll Gardens May 1, 2020 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Free of charge
Based in the garden at Knoll, the Knoll Gardens Foundation charity promotes a sustainable, wildlife friendly gardening style which can create stunning effect whilst requiring little maintenance. This special open morning is your chance to understand more about what the charity does and how you can get involved. Foundation volunteers will be in the garden to talk about their role, and explain more about the ethos of the garden. There will also be the opportunity to talk to trustees about the volunteering opportunities currently available.
Find out more about volunteering with us
Volunteer Recruitment Open Morning also on Friday 21 August
Fri 1
Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Art Groups
Knoll Gardens May 1, 2020 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free of charge to invitees
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local art groups to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
Arts Groups also on 14 Aug
Fri 15
Foundation Friday; Garden Bee Walk – with Rowena Jecock
Knoll Gardens May 15, 2020 11:15 am – 12:15 pm £5.50
Join Knoll’s bumblebee surveyor (and Knoll Gardens Foundation charity trustee), Rowena Jecock in the garden to discover more about the fascinating world of our bees, begin to identify some of the species you are most likely to find in your own garden and what you can do to help them thrive.
For every ticket purchased £4 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
Garden Bee Walk also on Fri 10 July
Fri 15
Foundation Friday; Dorset Wildlife Trust Members’ Day
Knoll Gardens May 15, 2020 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free to DWT members
Meet up with representatives of Dorset’s largest conservation charity and discover how Knoll’s naturalistic gardening ethos continues to create a garden that welcomes wildlife as well as providing year-round beauty.
In recent years, Knoll’s charitable arm, the Knoll Gardens Foundation has been working very closely with Dorset Wildlife Trust. On this special day DWT members and volunteers can visit the gardens free of charge on production of a valid DWT membership card or proof of volunteering status.
No booking required. Normal garden admission charges apply to all non DWT members.
On this special day for every full price ticket purchased £5 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
Fri 22
Foundation Friday; Meet the RSPB
Knoll Gardens May 22, 2020 10:00am – 4:00pm Normal garden admission charge
The RSPB, the country’s largest nature conservation charity, is bringing its interactive wildlife information stand to the garden. The charity will be offering wildlife advice and information as well as showcasing different wildlife habitats.
Meet the RSPB also on Fri 21 Aug
Fri 22
Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Dorset Arts and Crafts Association
Knoll Gardens May 22, 2020 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free of charge to invitees
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes members of the Dorset Arts and Crafts Association to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’ to the local community.
No admission charge for DACA members, but please show proof of membership on arrival.
Sat 30
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens May 30, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29
JUNE
Fri 5
Foundation Friday; We value our Volunteers
Knoll Gardens June 5, 2020 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Free for Volunteers
In celebration of National Volunteers Week Knoll Gardens offers free garden admission to everyone who give up their valuable time to volunteer in any capacity. Meet up with our own volunteers in the morning or simply relax as you enjoy a stroll around our naturalistic garden.
Please bring some proof of your volunteering status to gain free admission.
More Information – link to knollgardensfoundation website pls
Thurs 11
Bat Walk with Jan Freeborn
Knoll Gardens June 11. 2020 8:30 pm £6.50
Enjoy a short presentation and familiarise yourself with the garden’s layout before taking a special evening stroll as you search for Knoll’s most elusive night-time visitors. Using the latest technology and years of experience, Jan will help you identify the bats you see and hear, and attempt to attract them down for a closer look.
For every ticket purchased £2.50 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation and £2.50 to the Dorset Bat Group
Book Online
Fri 12
Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Camera Clubs
Knoll Gardens June 12, 2020 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free of charge to invitees
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local camera clubs to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’ to the local community.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
Camera clubs also on 11 September
Fri 26
Foundation Friday; NGS Open Day
Knoll Gardens June 26, 2020 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Normal Admission charges
The National Garden Scheme is the most significant charitable funder of nursing charities in the country having donated over £50m to date. Your visit today will help its work.
No booking required; but normal admission charge applies which will be donated to the NGS.
NGS Open Day also on 25 Sept
Sat 27
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens June 27, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29
JULY
Fri 10
Foundation Friday; Garden Bee Walk – with Rowena Jecock
Knoll Gardens July 10, 2020 11:15 am – 12:15 pm £5.50
Join Knoll’s bumblebee surveyor (and Knoll Gardens Foundation charity trustee), Rowena Jecock in the garden to discover more about the fascinating world of our bees, begin to identify some of the species you are most likely to find in your own garden and what you can do to help them thrive.
For every ticket purchased £4 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
Fri 17
Foundation Friday; Guided Butterfly Walk with Keith Powrie
Knoll Gardens July 17, 2019 11:00 am – 12:30 pm £5.50
In time for the nation’s Big Butterfly Count, dedicated lepidopterist Keith Powrie leads a walk around the gardens to help you identify the many butterflies to be found there. Keith has been recording butterfly sightings at Knoll for many years and brings an infectious enthusiasm to any guided walk.
For every ticket purchased £4 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation
Fri 17
Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – BNSS
Knoll Gardens July 17, 2020 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Free of charge to BNSS members, staff and volunteers
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes staff, members and volunteers of the Bournemouth Natural Science Society to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’ to the local community.
No admission charge but visitors are requested to show proof of membership or volunteering status on arrival.
For more info email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
Sat 25
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens July 25, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29
AUGUST
Mon 3
Bat Walk with Jan Freeborn
Knoll Gardens August 3. 2020 8pm £6.50
Enjoy a short presentation and familiarise yourself with the garden’s layout before taking a special evening stroll as you search for Knoll’s most elusive night-time visitors. Using the latest technology and years of experience, Jan will help you identify the bats you see and hear, and attempt to attract them down for a closer look.
For every ticket purchased £2.50 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation and £2.50 to the Dorset Bat Group
Tues 4
Knoll Gardens Foundation; Annual Garden Wildlife Survey
Knoll Gardens August 4, 2020 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Normal admission charges
Join wildlife volunteers and experts from the Dorset Wildlife Trust and the RSPB along with other wildlife enthusiasts, as they discover more about Knoll’s garden wildlife and help survey the garden. Suitable for all ages, beginners and experts alike, everyone is welcome to come along and get involved.
No booking required. For every full price ticket purchased £5 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation
Fri 14
Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Art Groups
Knoll Gardens August 14, 2020 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free of charge to invitees
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local art groups to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
Fri 21
Foundation Friday; Volunteer Recruitment Open Morning
Knoll Gardens August 21, 2020 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Free of charge
Based in the garden at Knoll, the Knoll Gardens Foundation charity promotes a sustainable, wildlife friendly gardening style which can create stunning effect whilst requiring little maintenance. This special open morning is your chance to understand more about what the charity does and how you can get involved. Foundation volunteers will be in the garden to talk about their role, and explain more about the ethos of the garden. There will also be the opportunity to talk to trustees about the volunteering opportunities currently available.
Find out more about volunteering with us
Fri 21
Foundation Friday; Meet the RSPB
Knoll Gardens August 21, 2020 10am – 4pm Normal garden admission charge
The RSPB, the country’s largest nature conservation charity, is bringing its interactive wildlife information stand to the garden. The charity will be offering wildlife advice and information as well as showcasing different wildlife habitats.
Fri 21
Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Horticultural Groups
Knoll Gardens August 21, 2020 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Free of charge to invitees
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local horticultural groups to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
Fri 21
Foundation Friday; Ringwood Natural History Society Members Day
Knoll Gardens August 21, 2020 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free of charge to invitees
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes members of the Ringwood Natural History Society to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’ to the local community.
No admission charge for RNHS members, but please show proof of membership on arrival.
Sat 29
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens August 29, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29
SEPTEMBER
Fri 11
Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Camera Clubs
Knoll Gardens September 11, 2020 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free of charge to invitees.
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local camera clubs to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’ to the local community.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
Fri 25
Foundation Friday; NGS Open Day
Knoll Gardens September 25, 2020 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Normal Admission charges
The National Garden Scheme is the most significant charitable funder of nursing charities in the country having donated over £50m to date. Your visit today will help its work.
No booking required; but normal admission charge applies which will be donated to the NGS.
Sat 26
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens September 26, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29
OCTOBER
Sat 31
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens October 31, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29
NOVEMBER
Sat 28
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens November 28, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29
DECEMBER
Sat 12
Bugs and Buds
Knoll Gardens December 12, 2020 10:30 am – 12 noon £5
Details as per Saturday February 29