Claire Bishop, Senior Houseplant Buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres and Chair of Assessors at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, will headline the speaker programme at Scone Palace Garden Fair.

In the scenic grounds of Scone Palace in Perthshire, the event includes a two day programme of expert talks, kicked off by Claire Bishop in conversation with M.T. O’Donnell, editor of Scotland Grows magazine, on Friday 30 May at 11am.

As part of the event, Claire will explore key horticultural trends, from standout moments at this year’s RHS Chelsea to the rise of indoor sanctuaries, and the mental health benefits of gardening. Her talk will also celebrate Dobbies’ 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow, spotlighting heritage ranges and the retailer’s new national charity partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Claire said: “Gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a way to enhance wellbeing, connect with nature, and create beautiful, purposeful spaces. Being involved with events like the Scone Palace Garden Fair allows Dobbies to share its expertise and insights with garden fans and come together to celebrate the impact that garden living can have on both our mental and physical health.

“I’m looking forward to sharing insights from RHS Chelsea, tips for choosing the right plants for any indoor or outdoor space, and growing for a purpose – whether it’s for food or flowers.”

For more details on the Scone Palace Garden Fair speaker programme, please visit: https://www.scone-palace.co.uk/event/scone-palace-garden-fair-2025