Thrifty Thursday

Stewarts Nursery, Broomhill, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7DF

Stewarts have been growing plants for over 280 years, but never like this before!

Once a month we’re opening the doors to our newly constructed glasshouse Nursery at our Broomhill, Wimborne site, and invite you to join us for a guided tour followed by a cream tea in our Coffee Shop, starting at 2.00pm.

See how we grow our Primroses, Cyclamen, Geraniums and other bedding plants over the seasons. With fun facts about the glasshouse to be seen as you walk around.

The guided tour of the nursery will include an insight into our growing process, explaining the features, capabilities and our processes. We will show you how our potting machine works, how the ground source heat pump heats the glasshouse, as well as learning many other features, ending at the reservoir outside, that is used to help us recycle our water.

The plants that you see growing will depend on the season, they will evolve over time.

Your ticket includes a Homemade Cream Tea served in our Coffee Shop after your tour.

Please note tours will not be held in April, May, June, November and December and each group will be a maximum of 20 people.

8th & 9th April

Fothergills have been gardening experts since 1978. Every variety found in a Fothergill’s packet has been tested in their lab and grown in their trials field, and they’re joining us to talk about how to get the most from your seeds this year.

After the talk head over to the Coffee Shop for a cream tea, included in your ticket price.

£12.50 per person

Held at: Broomhill 8th April, Abbey 9th April

17th April

Join us for The Great Abbey Curry Feast – a vibrant evening of incredible Indian flavours in our beautifully decorated Coffee Shop.

Start the night with delicious Indian-inspired canapés and a welcome drink, then settle in for a generous sharing-style curry feast, served with flavour-packed sides, warm naan breads, crisp poppadums and another drink included. More drinks will be available to purchase from the bar throughout the evening.

It’s the perfect night to gather, indulge and spice things up with friends.

£50 per person

(Vegetarian and vegan options available)

📅 Booking closes 10th April – don’t miss out!

Held at: Abbey

7th & 8th May

To celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday, we’re holding a talk by Sam Stewart, who worked alongside Sir David in his most recent film ‘Ocean’.

Join us to hear him share the highs and lows of life behind the camera. From remote expeditions and the unexpected challenges to the epic moments that make it all worthwhile. What better way to celebrate our National Treasure’s birthday, than to hear first hand what it is to work alongside him.

£10.00 per person

Held at: Abbey 7th May, Broomhill & Christchurch 8th May

23rd June 

Following two sell-out talks in 2025, we’re glad to welcome back the famous growers ‘David Austin Roses’ who will present their in-depth knowledge of roses, including cultivation, planting and care advice, as well as talking about their own personal favourite varieties followed by a Q&A. This talk will cover the same popular topics as last year, so if you missed out on tickets in 2025, book now as we expect tickets to be popular again.  

Your ticket will enter you into a raffle for your chance to WIN a David Austin Rose and set of Kent & Stowe Gardening Tools. 

£15.00 per person, includes a drink in the Coffee Shop

27th & 28th June 

The Back Yard, Stewarts Christchurch

After a hugely successful second year, Grill Fest returns for 2026 and it’s bigger, tastier and more hands-on than ever. 

Designed especially for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, Grill Fest is all about helping you get more from your BBQ, pizza oven or fire pit at home. Whether you’re looking to improve your alfresco cooking skills, learn new techniques, or simply cook better food outdoors, this is the event for you. 

This year sees the introduction of new on-stage cooking demonstrations, once again expertly compered by Andrew Dickenson. Watch top outdoor cooking brands in action as they share practical tips, techniques and inspiration you can recreate on your own kit in your garden at home. Selected brands will also host interactive cook-along sessions, giving you the chance to cook side-by-side with the experts using the equipment you already own or are thinking of buying. 

Local food producers will be on hand with outstanding seasonings, rubs and condiments to elevate your BBQ dishes, alongside free food samples cooked throughout the day. Talk directly to the brands, taste what they’re cooking, and pick up advice tailored to your setup at home. 

Relax with delicious local drinks from the bar while enjoying live music and the on-stage demos, and if you’re bringing the family, there’ll be a little selection of kids’ entertainment to keep younger visitors happy while you focus on the food. 

Not sure which BBQ, pizza oven or accessories are right for you? Curious about cooking on a fire bowl? Or just want a brilliant summer day out filled with great food, music and atmosphere? Our backyard will be transformed for the weekend with leading outdoor cooking brands, live demonstrations and plenty to see, taste and try. 

Adults: £10.00
Children under 16: FREE