The first ever Autumn Fair will be set in the stunning grounds of Audley End, in Essex, from 2 to 4 September 2022. The Fair will attract 15,000 visitors with the very best of autumn garden and plant inspiration. This year’s launch event will feature expe
Immediate Live / Cre8media Ltd 2022
Beaulieu Head GardenerKelvin Yapp is the head gardener at Beaulieu. As the head gardener, he's been involved in every one of the Fair's five years (fifth year in 2025). Kelvin leads the Plant Expert Tours of Beaulieu's Victorian Walled Gardens with the Fair's Plant Experts (Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker). Visitor to the Fair can pre-book these tours, as an added extra during their visit.
See Kevin Smith on Friday 3 May at BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair as he hosts the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Stage throughout the day!Kevin Smith is the Editor of BBC Gardeners' World Magazine and Head of Content for the Gardeners' World brand. He's worked for Gardeners' World for the past 18 years and is responsible for leading the magazine's content in print and on GardenersWorld.com, the Gardeners' World podcast, social media and the live events.Kevin's a passionate gardener with a suburban plot in Essex that he shares with his wife and daughter – he's trying to adapt the way he gardens to be more sustainable and better suit our changing climate. Kevin's a regular radio contributor and has been a host of Stages and Theatres at BBC Gardeners' World events for several.
Designer of the Showcase Garden 'summer's Last Hoorah'
See Adam Frost at BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair on Friday 20th August
The host of the chart topping podcast, Tales From The Potting Bench – Adam is a gardener, writer and public speaker not to mention an expert when it comes to all things DIY in the garden. When it comes to gardening, Adam tries to make and mend as much as he can, recycling thrown away items into unique garden projects and eye catching designs.Over the last few years, Adam has become a well-known figure across the horticultural landscape and online with his popular Instagram account, sharing his projects along with his bulb filled garden in spring! At this year's show, Adam is going to be sharing his DIY secrets and some projects that you can take away and try for yourself at home. You can follow Adam on Instagram @viewfromthepottingbench
Saul Walker fell in love with horticulture through his Grandparents passion for visiting historic houses and gardens, and after a brief spell as an Archaeologist, he went to train and work as a Gardener for the National Trust at Antony House in Cornwall.After many years there he was accepted to study on the prestigious 3-year Kew Diploma of Botanical Horticulture at RBG, Kew and was exposed to the fantastic plant collections in the gardens and glasshouses, as well as travelling to Australia, Southern Spain and the French Riviera to study plants in their native habitats. Following his time at Kew he spent a couple of years as part of the Show management teams for both the RHS Hampton Court Palace and RHS Chelsea Flower Show respectively, however he was unable to resist the call back to his native Devon, where he is now the Head Gardener of Stonelands House- a privately owned 10-acre garden. Saul's speciality interests include Woodland Gardens, Orchids, and Exotic plants. A member of the RHS Tender Plant Committee and Trustee of The Hardy Plant Society and the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, he also co-hosts the Talking Heads Podcast with Lucy Chamberlain.
Sara Ward has transformed her Victorian terraced house in London into an urban smallholding, ‘Hen Corner', complete with chickens, honeybees, fruit trees and overflowing veg patches. Last year they harvested £4,000 worth of food from their back garden. Her recent book ‘Living the Good Life in the City' shares some of the ways she and her family have brought city and country together, and shows that you, too, can make a difference to how you live and the food you eat.Sara will be on the Let's Grow Stage
Marcus Bean is a chef, author, and presenter, who learned to cook by taking charge of the kitchen in his Shropshire pub. He got straight in the kitchen and taught himself to cook and then went on to win Iron chef UK on channel 4.Since then, Marcus has become a regular chef on ITV's “This Morning”, wrote a cookery book all about Chicken, releases in July 2024.The Good Chicken Cookbook: Over 100 Delicious and Sustainable Recipes.Marcus has become a popular host at the Good Food shows around the country. He's appeared on Good Food Channels “Market Kitchen” Channel 4's “What's Cooking” shows on Food Network & ITV's new children's cookery show “MunchBox” & The Saturday Show.Marcus and his wife Jenny currently own & run “Brompton Cookery School” in Shropshire, during this time Marcus has taught over 25,000 people to cook.Marcus specialises in using local and seasonal produce from Shropshire and surrounding areas, and over the years has built up a great relationship with his suppliers which he showcases in the school & for demonstrations around the country.Marcus also works as a private chef for regular clients across the world, alongside working as a hospitality consultant, helping create and manage new and existing food and drinks businesses around the country.Marcus is a keen Runner, completing London marathon 7 times. He's also an advocate of helping and supporting local charities like The Shrewsbury Ark, a Shelter for the homeless & vulnerable, alongside helping reduce food waste with Local charities like the Shrewsbury Food Hub.
Following a career change from social care in her mid 30's, Louise studied horticulture at Brooksby Melton College in Leicestershire and gain practical paid experience at the same time by working for a local garden centre, a specialist plant nursery and a large scale bedding grower.Having successfully gained a place as a Historic and Botanic Garden Training Programme Trainee (HBGTP) at Audley End in 2007, Louise spent 12 months working for the 2 Head Gardeners who managed the gardens at that time. Once the traineeship was complete, Louise was kept on as a Gardener in the ornamental gardens, promoted to Senior Gardener several years later, and then became Head Gardener 4 years ago. Louise is responsible for managing the 100 acres of gardens and grounds and works alongside a team of 11 staff and 60 volunteers.
A background in Medical Sciences and Mathematics may seem an unlikely starting point for a garden designer, but Kim‘s extensive knowledge of these subjects has proven invaluable when drawing inspiration for her design work. Kim creatively translates sequences, patterns, and natural geometry to the drawing board, enabling her to build schemes that speak from the heart of nature itself; using the rules and then breaking them accordingly as part of the creative process.Kim‘s first garden transformation was her own Cambridge city garden which she renovated from a blank canvas to an elaborate floral haven 23 years ago. Her design incorporated, a myriad of flowers, including dahlias; which she left behind when she moved to Toronto, Canada. Fast forward 20 years; and back on UK soil; Kim's love for dahlias reignited with a passion, and she now boasts a collection of over 200 varieties at her home, field and allotment.Kim's success as a flower grower has catapulted her to expert status in the area of dahlias in recent years. With a passion to share her garden knowledge and expertise with other gardeners, Kim has written and curated her own ‘how to' course, helping dahlia growers and providing step by step guidance on how to get the best from these fascinating blooms.An accomplished floral designer, Kim works at a top Cambridge floristry company, meaning she gets to flex her creative muscle on a daily basis. Experienced in creating bespoke floral installations in and around the city of Cambridge, Kim relishes the opportunity to design new and exciting arrangements using combinations of colour, texture and form.
Emma Crawforth is the Horticultural Editor of BBC Gardeners' World Magazine and responsible for shaping gardening content that's horticulturally correct.Kew trained, she's worked for the brand for over 10 years creating inspirational, problem-solving and thought-provoking features. At home she grows fruit, veg and flowers while tending her ornamental and productive gardens. Her book, Things to do with Plants, was published this year with the aim of helping us all connect more with the botanical world.Emma will be on the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Stage sharing tips and advice
David Hurrion has spent more than 20 years writing for and editing the nation's crop of garden magazines, and is now Associate Editor for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine.David has also appeared both as a regular contributor and an horticultural commentator on a wide range of national and local radio programmes, as well as on television.David's knowledge is based on more than 40 years of growing plants, working in gardens and nurseries, and gardening his own plots in many different parts of the UK. He studied horticulture at Writtle College in Essex and went on to gain his certificate in education which took him to teach at some of the country's foremost horticultural colleges. He has also travelled to every continent with the exception of antarctica to discover plants and gardens, both independently and, on more than 40 trips accompanying groups of gardeners. Click here for his website.
Find Glynn Purnell at BBC Gardeners' World Live on all four days (13-16 June) at the Chef's Table Show Garden.Often called the ‘Yummy Brummie', Glynn Purnell started cooking professionally at the age of 14. After securing a work experience placement in a hotel kitchen, he spent the next two years catching the No 966 bus to the Metropole Hotel at the NEC where he was quickly promoted to making salads and flipping burgers. A six-year stint followed, gaining experience in every department from banqueting to the A La Carte Terrace Restaurant, where he discovered his talent and passion for fine dining. It wasn't long before he began winning awards including the prestigious Salon Culinaire.His next professional step was as Chef de Partie at Simpson's Restaurant where he progressed to the position of Sous Chef. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star and Glynn went on to win many accolades within the industry.After training with top chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, Glynn travelled abroad to work with well-known Michelin starred chefs in Europe. He went on to help launch Jessica's in July 2003, which was awarded Birmingham's first Michelin star back in 2005. Glynn is now the proud owner of two establishments in Birmingham, Purnell's Restaurant on Cornwall Street, which opened in July 2007 and was awarded a Michelin star in 2009, and Purnell's Bistro & Ginger's Bar on Newhall Street, which opened in September 2012.Glynn has become a household name after taking part in the Great British Menu, winning twice and then later appearing as a mentor. He has previously featured on The Great British Food Revival and The Secret Chef, among other television programmes. He can regularly be seen on Saturday Kitchen as a host and guest chef. He presented the latest series of My Kitchen Rules UK alongside Rachel Allen on Channel 4 last year.Michelin Star – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 AA Restaurant of the Year (England) 2009 The Guardian Top 10 Restaurants in the Midlands 2010 Harden's Restaurant Guide 2016 – listed 54th in top 100 restaurants in the country BMW Square Meal Best UK Restaurant Award 2012 What's On Readers Awards 2016, 2017, 2018 – Best Midlands Chef (Glynn Purnell) What's On Readers Awards 2016, 2017, 2018 – Best Birmingham Restaurant Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2016, 2018 – Best Michelin Star Restaurant Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2016 – Best Chef (Glyn Purnell) Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2018 – Special Recognition Award (Glynn Purnell)
Adam Kirtland -Tales From The Potting Bench
Jason Williams - Manchester - The Cloud Gardener
Nicki Chapman is back hosting the Theatre at this year's BBC Gardeners' World Live.Taking place from Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th June 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, Nicki will be leading a range of ‘in-conversation' talks with some of the UK's top gardening experts.
Elaine Nichols - Cottage Garden Society
Neil Gow - Peter Seabrook New Plant Award
Bob Sweet - BBC Gardeners' World Live Horticultural Director
Tamsin Westhorpe is an experienced horticultural journalist and author, RHS Chelsea Flower Show Judge, podcaster and lecturer. After editing a national magazine for many years Tamsin is now curator and gardener at Stockton Bury Gardens in Herefordshire.Having started her horticultural career at the age of 17, spending time as a parks gardener and greenkeeper she is passionate about being hands on in the garden. Her aim is to demystify gardening and help people gain in confidence whilst having great fun.Find out more about the Plant Expert Tours.
Jacob Mercer - Urban Garden Landscaper - Gold Award
David Cheshire - David Cheshire Nurseries - Bonsai & Niwaki
Dan Hartley & Tisserand Elohim - Platinum Award - Eco Oasis Garden
Introducing the new UrbanGardening space which will broaden the event's appeal to new and diverse audiences. Supporting nextgeneration gardening talent is an important part of all our events and we can't wait to see what the young build teams have in store for us with their Urban Showcase Gardens. The International Orchid Show is a wonderful addition to our Floral Marquee and comes with a host of enthusiastic experts, keen to sharetheir knowledge and experience with visitors.
Rachel Bosshardt - Good Food Show Event Director
This garden is a reflection of the average plot. A space that has to work practically, financially and often as a quick fix. Designer, Pip, has been working with some of the Gardeners' World Viewers to incorporate their ideas showcased on the BBC2 programme, including ideas for the greenhouse, potting shed, fluff hangers, hedgehog ramps and even a sculpture. The ideas have been put together to form a garden for people who love to make something out of nothing, as reusing, recycling, re-purposing and upcycling are words that define this garden. From pallet planters and fencing through to old windows and shower screens being used for the greenhouse, and doors to make an arbour seat.
Plant Expert ToursExperience a unique tour of the plants in the Floral Marquee. Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker lead tours around their plant highlights, from new launches to trusted favourites, you'll explore a host of must-haves for your garden.Saul Walker fell in love with horticulture through his Grandparents passion for visiting historic houses and gardens, and after a brief spell as an Archaeologist, he went to train and work as a Gardener for the National Trust at Antony House in Cornwall.
Ellen Mary is a horticultural broadcaster and wellbeing advocate speaking at shows and organisations around the world about the ways in which gardening and the natural world can benefit wellbeing. Having loved plants since she was a child in her family kitchen garden she has produced and presented gardening content on TV, authored two books ‘The Joy of Gardening; the everyday zen of mowing the lawn' and ‘How to Grow a Garden', writes columns for numerous magazines and hosted one of the first community gardening radio shows in the UK. Passionate about horticulture including both indoor and outdoor plants, Ellen connects people and plants through her writings, social media and plant based consultancy People Plants Wellbeing.
Manoj Malde is an award-winning garden designer, writer and public speaker. Although raised in the UK, he attributes much of his love of colour to his ethnic background and Indian ancestry.As a graduate of the Master's programme in fashion design at the Royal College of Art, Manoj's career has taken him to Italy, Germany, New York, Hong Kong and India. He worked in the fashion industry for 18 years, latterly as creative director.Manoj then studied garden design at the English Gardening School and uses much of his fashion experience within his present career as a landscape designer. Although the materials have changed, his thought process still begins with themes, mood boards, colour palettes and textures. Manoj has a wealth of knowledge and design experience.Manoj works closely with his private clients to create a unique space that reflects their personality. He also works with architects, interior designers and corporate organisations.
Bonsall Field BarnsFaye GeesonGarden designed in collaboration with Derby College and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust, highlighting the Bonsall Field Barn Restoration Project. Features a restored field barn within a setting inspired by the Peak District village of Bonsall. This includes dry stone walling, typical of the area, a limestone path representing the Limestone Way, planted with predominantly UK natives around a dew pond and a representation of a covered, disused lead mine shaft, featuring ‘T'Owd Man of Bonsall'. Planting in keeping with the area, including a wildflower meadow and ornamentals thriving on limestone sites.
My Garden Escape at QVC believes that gardens are not just spaces for socialising with friends and family, but also sanctuaries for finding peace and tranquillity. This Border is designed to show visitors a versatile outdoor space where connections are made and moments of serenity are embraced, a welcoming haven for shared experiences and quiet reflection. Experience this meticulously designed border that encloses you in vibrant blooms, stylish furniture and decor.
Chris Barker talking about Fredrick Sander's Victorian book of orchid parintings, volumes of which now sell for $25,000
Leanne Wood - Beautiful Borders Platinum Winner
Plant Expert ToursExperience a unique tour of the plants in the Floral Marquee. Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker lead tours around their plant highlights, from new launches to trusted favourites, you'll explore a host of must-haves for your garden.Book NowWith an Honours Degree in plant sciences she then worked at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden (RHS) Wisley. After six years she left to pursue a career as a garden writer – first, for four years at Amateur Gardening magazine and then for six years as Editor of Grow Your Own magazine. She is now Head Gardener at East Donyland Hall – a 100- acre private estate which is home to a sizeable walled garden. Lucy is author of the book, The RHS Step-by-Step Veg Patch, and she also regularly writes for gardening magazines such as Gardeners' World, The Garden and Amateur Gardening. She regularly podcasts with her Head Gardener friend, Saul Walker, on the Talking Heads gardening podcast. Lucy is also the gardening expert for BBC Essex radio, and she won Practical Journalist of the Year in 2020.
Peter is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and inventor, known for his innovative approach to business and his dedication to environmental issues. Born and raised in Birmingham, Peter attended Naseby high school in the same city. After a brief stint as an insurance sales associate, he started his first business at the age of just eighteen.In 1999, Peter invented his first commercial product, called the Technical Development Ring. He wrote the patent for the product and had it granted, which paved the way for a successful career in innovation and entrepreneurship. Peter's passion for innovation and his ability to identify new opportunities led him to appear on the popular TV show Dragons Den.Over the years, Peter has won numerous awards and accolades for his work. He was twice crowned British Inventor of the Year, in 2003 and 2004. His concern for environmental issues led him to create the Leaf Log, a carbon-neutral biomass solid fuel made from fallen leaves. In addition to inventing the product, he also designed the machine to make it.Peter has appeared on several UK TV news feeds featuring his products, and also including Czech Television. His unique Eureka project, designed to assist participants in designing, prototyping, and commercialising their ideas, has been used in schools, individual businesses, and HMP prison services.Peter is also a motivational speaker and mentor, using his wealth of experience and knowledge to inspire others to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams. In his free time, Peter likes to create bespoke lighting and furniture from recycled scrap materials.Peter's awards include the GO Green Environmental Business of the Year 2008, the ACBF Business of the Year award 2009, the ACBF Environmental/Medical Technology award 2009, and the Shell Springboard award. He has also been involved in several European projects across seven countries, looking at best practices within the prison services.
Beautiful Borders - Sponsored by QVCThis popular area of the Show is always awash with take-home ideas to help you squeeze the most into your garden. Be it growing veg in tight spaces, colour combinations, plants for shady spaces or clever use of materials you'll find inspiration in abundance.The theme of 2024 is ‘Share my Space.' The theme is all about harnessing the potential of small garden spaces and using them as catalysts for building a sense of community through gardening. Our gardens, no matter how big or small, are spaces we can come together, learn from one another and cultivate a shared green oasis.My Garden Escape by QVCSurrey-based garden designer Kitti Kovacs will be bringing QVC UK's gardening content to life with the My Garden Escape Border. The design will be a versatile haven for both shared experiences and quiet reflection, featuring vibrant blooms with stylish furniture and décor. Visitors will also be able to meet one of the shopping channel's gardening experts, Emma Real-Davies.My Garden Escape at QVC provides everything from indoor and outdoor plants to water features, garden equipment and outdoor furniture to lighting and décor. Authentic recommendations, personalised plant care tips and interactive live streams from the shopping channel's resident garden experts will help turn any outdoor space into a Garden Escape.
Nicki is the host of ‘In Conversation' style sessions on the BBC Gardeners' World Live Theatre, where she'll lead candid conversations with experts including Monty Don, Adam Frost and Carol Klein, to name but a few. She first hosted the Theatre in 2022, and has done so ever since. Visitors can book seats at the same time as booking tickets Nicki Chapman is an accomplished TV presenter and broadcaster known for her work including the nation's favourite Escape To The Country and for BBC1. She previously worked in the music industry.Nicki has become a mainstay of the BBC presenting team, being a central figure during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.She's a regular presenter for Radio 2, often sitting in for Zoe Ball on the Breakfast Show and Vanessa Feltz on Early Breakfast. She has also hosted three documentaries: The Fuller Picture (an in-depth interview with music entrepreneur Simon Fuller), Here We Come – The Monkees at 50, and Let's Abba Party.Having started her career as a Promotions Assistant at MCA Records, Nicki quickly become one of the youngest and most successful publicists in the industry. Three years later she moved to RCA Records as Head of TV Promotions, before joining Brilliant! PR Company where she was joint partner for five years. Her vast knowledge of the music industry led Nicki to be a judge on ITV's Popstars and then subsequently on Pop Idol. Having met with Simon Fuller in the nineties Nicki joined his management company 19 Entertainment in January 2001 as Creative Director, working with artists and personalities such as Annie Lennox, David and Victoria Beckham, Will Young, The Spice Girls, Carrie Underwood and S Club 7.Lockdown presented an opportunity for Nicki to further spread her wings, this time working on a podcast from her home studio called Talking Success where she interviewed some of the biggest names in the media and the arts.Nicki is a proud Ambassador for British Dressage and a keen and active supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust, Childline and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy. After successful brain surgery in 2019, Nicki is now a passionate Ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity.
BBC Gardeners' World Live TheatreSponsored by British Garden CentresExperience an inspirational talk or practical demos from your gardening hero, with seats in the BBC Gardeners' World Live Theatre.You can book seats at the same time as tickets or, if you've already booked tickets, you can add seats to your booking using the other button below. Remember, the earlier you book, the more choice you have!https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/whatson/bbc-gardeners-world-live-theatre/
The Viewer's Content Show Garden - Realised by Pip ProbertThis garden is a reflection of the average plot. A space that has to work practically, financially and often as a quick fix. Designer, Pip, has been working with some of the Gardeners' World Viewers to incorporate their ideas showcased on the BBC2 programme, including ideas for the greenhouse, potting shed, fluff hangers, hedgehog ramps and even a sculpture. The ideas have been put together to form a garden for people who love to make something out of nothing, as reusing, recycling, re-purposing and upcycling are words that define this garden. From pallet planters and fencing through to old windows and shower screens being used for the greenhouse, and doors to make an arbour seat.
Kevin Smith is the Editor of BBC Gardeners' World Magazine and Head of Content for the GW brand. He's worked for GW for the past 18 years and is responsible for leading the magazine's content in print and on GardenersWorld.com, the GW podcast, social media and our live events.Kevin's a passionate gardener with a suburban plot in Essex that he shares with his wife and daughter – he's trying to adapt the way he gardens to be more sustainable and better suit our changing climate. Kevin's a regular radio contributor and has been a host of BBC Gardeners' World Live theatres for several years.
Joe Bagley is the creator of ukhouseplants.com which influences and teaches people about houseplant care in a simplistic, standardised way.From top tips, care requirements and common issues, keeping your houseplant alive is just a scroll away. You might have heard Joe on BBC Radio Leicester every Sunday and Tuesday where he shares ‘Joe's Houseplant of the Week' and discusses a whole range of easy-to-find plants and how to care for them. Find Joe on the House Plant Hub stage and Get Growing Stage, where he will share his expertise on houseplant care!
Let's Talk Plants Stage - Sponsored by Hillier.Drop into this stage for expert advice from a bumper crop of gardening experts, floral exhibitors and more, in the heart of the Floral Marquee. Plus, you'll be able to dig into sessions hosted by stage sponsor Hillier. Stage hosted by gardening expert David Hurrion, and will include talks with Monty Don, Adam Frost, Sue Kent and Charles Carr from Hillier Nurseries.
Adam Frost, presenter on BBC2s Gardeners' World, is a regular at BBC Gardeners' World Live, sharing top tips and advice live on stage.We're delighted to announce that Adam Frost will be creating the headline Show Garden for BBC Gardeners' World Live 2024! Don't miss the chance to see Adam's ‘The Chef's Table' from 13-16 June 2024. Adam will be at the Show from Thursday to Sunday.
See Frances Tophill at BBC Gardeners' World Live on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June. Book seats in the BBC Gardeners' World Live Theatre or drop into the Let's Talk Plants Stage to see Frances on the stage.In 2016 Frances joined BBC's Gardeners' World doing a few strands for the programme, one on vegetable seed trials which she worked on from her local RHS garden, RHS Rosemoor and another on gardens situated in extreme locations.