This year is the 10th anniversary of Chiswick House and Gardens’ Camellia Show, which celebrates the flowering of its rare and historic camellia collection. There are 33 different varieties housed in the Grade 1 listed Conservatory, many of which are descended from the original planting in 1828. Among them is the unique Middlemist’s red, originally brought from China in 1804 by Londoner John Middlemist, a nurseryman from Shepherds Bush. Throughout the show, garden guides will be offering free camellia-themed tours (approx. 40 mins), which will provide an overview of the history of the gardens and its camellia collection.
12 March - 5 April, 10 am – 3 pm, free. Maximum of 25 people per tour - no large groups. Tours start at the East pavilion entrance of the Conservatory and cannot be booked in advance – first come, first served. chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk