The first ever Family Gardening Show continues at RHS Wisley this weekend – but it's not just Igglepiggle and co that can set your child's minds racing.
Making its debut this year, the show feature a special In the Night Garden zone with yoga, storytelling and music sessions, as well as creative gardening, craft sessions and cookery experiences for children.
But as first time visitors to Wisley, I have to admit that my little 'uns found just as much enjoyment and stimulation in some of the estate's regular features as the special family bits.
In fact, while dissecting the trip on the journey home, it became clear that the firm favourites of the day were the tropical wonders on display inside the large glasshouse, and the picturesque rock garden which provided the perfect backdrop for lunch before exploring them.
That's not to say the family features were not enjoyed, however. There were some great arts and crafts going on in the marquees, with friendly and enthusiastic helpers assisting in the making of bug hats and caterpillar pencils, while learning about slugs and studying them through microscopes was definitely more fun than it sounds.
The In the Night Garden zone itself was a hive of activity. While we were surprised that none of the programme's characters were making an appearance, and the fun and games were instead led by mere mortals like you and I, this didn't stop the children there having a great time joining in the signing and dancing.
There didn't seem to be much uptake on the design your own In the Night Garden flowerpot though, which was a shame as it looked like good fun, but perhaps a little too pricey at £8 each.
The consensus from parents around us was that a lot more would have been up for it if it were a couple of quid less, much the same as the cookery sessions, at the same price.
We were also disappointed not to find them edible bug making, despite searching in and around the designated area at the set time and asking several helpers.
But most of the activities laid on, and the enthusiasm of those leading them, more than made up for these nit-picks.
At just under £40 for a family of four, I would say it is well worth it – but my kids' enjoyment of some of Wisley's regular features probably swayed that.
There's probably just enough to keep the little 'uns as well as the adults happy, but the paid activities could probably do with being a tad more reasonably priced to make it a more affordable day out.
The Family Gardening Show runs until Sunday.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING RHS WISLEY
Opening times – 10am-6pm Mon to Fri; 9am-6pm Sat and Sun
Tickets – adults £15.40; children 5-16 £7.70; family of four £39.90; groups of more than 10 £11.70 per person (all prices include Gift Aid)
Address – Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB (off the A3 near junc. with M25)
