Plymouth's first plant festival is being held this weekend

Eco-friendly houseplants business Silver Roots is behind the first Plymouth Plant Festival which combines stalls with workshops

Make sure you're staying in (or going out, when we can) in style with our FREE weekly newsletter covering the best of food, drink, music, theatre, TV and more

We have more newsletters

Green-fingered Plymothians are set to go potty when the city's first plant festival attracts gardeners and green businesses this weekend. Eco-friendly houseplants business Silver Roots is organising the one-day event which aims to bring together enthusiasts, support artisans, and promote environmentally responsible horticulture practices.

The inaugural Plymouth Plant Festival: A Celebration of Do It Yourself Horticulture, Artisan Businesses and Community Enterprise promises a day filled with immersive experiences, market stalls, workshops, inspiring speakers, and a plant swap. Attendees will be able to explore a diverse range of market stalls showcasing an array of houseplants and horticultural products.

The festival will take place on Sunday, June 11, at Alma Yard, on Candlewick Lane, Cattedown, between 11am and 4pm. To secure a place visit the event page on Eventbrite. In line with its community spirit, the festival operates on a "pay as you feel basis", with a suggested donation of £3 that goes towards supporting the festival's charitable cause.

Silver Roots, run by Plymouth mum Bethan Russell, will keep its doors open all day, offering a selection of plants. Meanwhile Plymouth's Botanical Boheme will mesmerise visitors with its collection of botanical-inspired jewellery, while Tailor & Paws Studio will present handmade dog accessories, including reworked vintage fashion for four-legged friends.

There will also be other artisan businesses showcasing art, ceramics and more including beverages provided by Vessel, known for its alcoholic beers, ciders, and cocktails, as well as refreshing soft drinks. Heyl Bakery will also be open exclusively for the festival, serving baked goods, tea and coffee.

For those looking to expand their plant knowledge and skills, paid-for workshops will be available. Silver Roots will host a Terrarium Workshop, where participants can learn the art of creating self-sustaining miniature ecosystems.

The Paint Your Own Plant Pot workshop is a family-friendly activity and Heart for Art will also offer a Metal Embossed Plant Labels workshop, allowing participants to craft personalised labels using metal embossing techniques. Workshops are likely to book up, so people are advised to sign up in advance.

Among free activities, Ikigai printmaking invites people to create personalised bunting or cards adorned with plant stamps. Rebel Botanist will offer a workshop on creating wildflower seed bombs, promoting environmental stewardship and habitat restoration.

And for children, Poole Farm has a leaf monster activity designed to entertain and educate. The festival will also feature key speakers who will share their expertise and insights.

Bethan, who launched Silver Roots Houseplants during Covid-hit late 2020, will kick off the speaker sessions, introducing the festival and its purpose. Twisted Plant Roots will provide knowledge on horticulture practices that inspire creativity and sustainability, while Inner City Seeds will discuss the positive impact of urban gardening on communities.

The plant swap stall hosted by Inner City Seeds offers an opportunity to exchange indoor or outdoor plants for something new.

Join the conversation on social media using #plymouthplantfestival and follow Silver Roots on Instagram and TikTok for updates and sneak peeks. A festival spokesperson said: "The event looks to be the perfect family day out for those with a passion for plants."

Bethan, aged 27, moved to Plymouth with her young son six years ago to study at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. She loved the city's community, culture and dynamics so much that she decided to make her home here.

While in Plymouth she became more fascinated with houseplants and, in particular, eco-friendly growing techniques. She is a director of Silver Roots Ltd which now has five members selling the eco-friendly plants around the country, from Scotland to Plymouth. Read her story here.

Want more news? Sign up to our bespoke newsletters here

Plymouth aims to set pirate world record