Local residents are being invited to swap screens for soil this summer as Vallis Farm in Frome launches a new series of workshops exploring gardening, gut health, crafts and life outdoors.
On Saturday 13th June there is a No Dig Veg Growing workshop designed to introduce people to the principles of no-dig gardening and share how healthy soil can produce abundant vegetables while supporting biodiversity and soil health.
The farm is also hosting a Gardening for Your Gut Day Retreat on Saturday 27th June which focuses on the links between healthy soils, food, gut health and wellbeing and the day includes guided walks, conversations around the microbiome, a fermentation workshop with Alex from Somerset Kraut and Kimchi, and a seasonal lunch made using produce from the farm.
Guests will also have the chance to unwind in the wood-fired sauna and natural swimming pool before heading home with homemade ferments and practical ideas to develop their fermenting skills.
For those interested in craft and creativity, How to Grow a Dye Garden on Saturday 4th July, offers an introduction to growing plants that can be used to naturally colour textiles, paper and paints.
Led by Vallis Farm’s plant dye specialist, Poppy Foxley, the workshop explores how flowers and plants can become pigments and dyes, while also looking at how colour can be woven into garden design. Workshop goers can tour the gorgeous gardens, learn about shade and sun-loving dye plants, and leave with their own starter bundle of plants and resources to continue experimenting at home.
Tamsin Westbrook, Head of Land and Learning at Vallis Farm, said the events are about giving people the chance to reconnect with simple things that are often missing from everyday life.
“We want people to come away feeling inspired and restored,” she said. “Whether that’s through growing food, learning a creative skill, understanding more about the microbiome or simply spending time outdoors, these events are about helping people reconnect with nature in a practical and enjoyable way.”
More information about upcoming events can be found at https://www.vallisfarm.co.uk/garden-workshops-2026.
Pictured: Tamsin Westbrook
