The Thursday Gardening Club: Is This Summer’s Most Quintessentially British Collaboration?

We can’t wait to see Netflix’s star-studded adaptation of Richard Osman’s debut cosy crime novel when it lands in cinemas at the end of this month. Starring Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan and Celia Imrie as our beloved unlikely crime fighting quartet Elizabeth, Ibrahim, Ron and Joyce, The Thursday Murder Club spins the traditionally sleepy retirement community on its head as a twisted murder case unfolds right on the doorstep.

Set in the British countryside and featuring florals and baked goods galore, it’s cosy, homely and oh so British. Even though it was directed by American legend Chris Columbus, it still promises to be one of the most quintessentially British films to grace our screens in recent years. And if you’re behind on your required reading, don’t worry: as Columbus tells C&TH, The Thursday Murder Club ‘will still be a thrilling, hilarious and moving experience for those who haven’t read the novel.

‘It’s a very special movie and I can’t wait to share it with the world,’ he adds.

To take matters one step further, streaming giant Netflix has teamed up with the UK’s leading gardening charity, the Royal Horticultural Society (aka the RHS, best known hosting for the annual Chelsea Flower Show and more of the nation’s leading flower shows). Together, they will present a delightful pop-up celebrating the release of the film. Here’s what you need to know about The Thursday Murder Club In Bloom.

Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Ben Kingsley & Celia Imrie in The Thursday Murder Club. (© Giles Keyte/Netflix)

The Thursday Murder Club In Bloom To Take Over 5 RHS Gardens This Month

From giant floral billboards to scavenger hunts and a tearoom takeover, five RHS gardens across the UK are about to get a Thursday Murder Club makeover to celebrate the film’s hotly anticipated release.

Based on the bestselling novel by TV’s favourite quiz host Richard Osman, whodunnit fans are set to be treated to a heady combination of homicide and horticulture (have those words ever before combined to make something so lovely?), all in the name of cosy crime fun.

Running for a whole week, five RHS gardens are taking part:

• RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey (Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB)
• RHS Garden Bridgewater in Manchester (Occupation Rd, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LJ)
• RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire (Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB)
• RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex (RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Ln, Chelmsford CM3 8ET)
• RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon (RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington EX38 8PH)

The partnership is a treat for fans of the book, which was an instant bestseller when it hit the shelves in September 2020. The film adaptation, in the works before the book was even published, will bring Osman’s beloved characters to life, backdropped by beautifully floral summer settings.

An illustration of The Thursday Murder Club in Bloom

What To Expect

All five partaking gardens will host special Thursday Murder Club themed activities and exhibits, from scavenger hunts with themed prizes (the perfect opportunity to put your sleuthing skills to the test) to meticulously crafted billboards made entirely with flowers.

Over at RHS Wisley, a special afternoon tea will be served at Joyce’s Tearoom, named in honour of Celia Imrie’s character in the film. A special menu has been created, boasting bountiful treats nodding to the film, from Elizabeth’s Earl Grey (with a twist) and Ibrahim’s Calming Chamomile to Joyce’s famous lemon drizzle cake and Ron’s must-try sausage rolls. Some might say they’re to die for…

How To Visit

The Thursday Murder Club in Bloom will run from Friday 22 August to Thursday 28 August 2025 at RHS Garden Wisley, Bridgewater, Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall and Rosemoor.

Entry is included with your standard entry ticket, which you can purchase on the door or online in advance.

BOOK IT

The Thursday Murder Club premieres in select cinemas on Friday 22 August, and on Netflix on Thursday 28 August.