Learning Forum
Growing Together: Autumn Garden Assembly
Join us in the Dame Sylvia Crowe garden for an afternoon of autumnal bliss, exploring horticulture and design with Errol Fernandes, Lola Lely, Studio Kuhu and the Growing Together cohort.
This autumn, enjoy inspiring talks by experts from the world of horticulture and design. Try your hand at gardening and creative activities, meet the Growing Together project* volunteers who share stewardship of the Dame Sylvia Crowe garden, swap gardening tips and tricks, take in a garden tour, enjoy a hot cuppa and more!
Programme:
• Short talk: 'How to Read a Garden Design, for Non-Designers' with Errol Fernandes, Head of Horticulture at the Horniman Museum and Gardens
• Short talk: 'Designing with Materials from Nature' with artist, designer and maker Lola Lely
• Demo: 'Personalise your Handkerchief with Natural Dyes' with Mariana Leyva from Studio Kühü
• Workshop: 'What is a Bulb?' Ground bulb planting with Urban Gardener Mandy Lee
• Conversation panel with Errol Fernandes, Lola Lely and Mariana Leyva, hosted by Assistant Curator of Public Programmes Nao Zaragoza
This event is for everyone interested in the intersections between horticulture, design, creativity and wellbeing.
*Growing Together is a project engaging local residents with limited or no access to green spaces at home. They stewardship of the Dame Sylvia Crowe garden, developing it as an inclusive learning and research space, to raise awareness of sustainable horticulture and design practices, biodiversity loss and climate action.
Please note:
• Late arrival will result in limited access to the full programme
• Children are admitted into this event, but no children-specific activities are programmed.
Dame Sylvia Crowe Garden
Guest speakers
Lely is a London-based artist, designer, and maker, born in Hanoi and raised in London and Kent. She blends contemporary practices with traditional techniques, emphasising storytelling, heritage, and craft. In 2017, she founded WAX Atelier CIC, an experimental studio using natural waxes and collaborating with local communities. Lola holds a Master’s from the Royal College of Art, and her work has been exhibited at the V&A, Royal Academy of Arts, Design Museum, and Art Basel.
Having developed a successful career as a painter, curator and psychotherapist, Fernandes later included elements of gardening therapy in his work. Trained in horticultural and botanical studies, his approach to landscape management, horticulture and design is creative, thoughtful and sensitive. He strives to push the boundaries of contemporary horticulture and design practice, working with communities, sharing knowledge, nurturing collaborative practices and inspiring the next generation of horticulturalists.
Leyva is a textile artist and designer creative force of Studio Kühü, a sustainable fashion and textile design studio based in London. Committed to sustainability, Studio Kühü provides bespoke natural dyeing services through a circular process, offering a healthier alternative to traditional dyeing methods for individuals, fashion brands, interior designers, and artists. The studio’s ethos is to document and pay homage to the wonderful properties and colourful richness of nature.
Book Online
Adult: £10
Student/Concession: £9
Members*: £8
Children: £5
*Please note that this benefit only applies one individual cardholding Member’s ticket and not those of additional guests.
• Pre-booking is required. Capacity is limited, please book in advance
• Suitable Age: 8 +. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible, ticket-holding adult
• Assistance dogs are welcome and must be kept on a harness or lead
• The garden is located north of the museum adjacent to Holland Park. Please ask a staff member for guidance if you can't find it
• Please ensure you only book if you plan to attend, and please cancel your booking well in advance if your availability changes
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Visit our terms & conditions page for further information.
What's On
Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about new exhibitions, events, courses, access tours and more.