Things are hotting up as the opening of BBC Gardeners’ World Live, at Birmingham’s NEC, gets ever nearer.
The Show is at the centre of the 50th anniversary of BBC 2’s Gardeners’ World so it’s going to be a Golden Jubilee summer garden party!
With wall-to-wall garden inspiration, top experts, unbeatable shopping and magic moments around every corner, a taster of what’s so special this year include; Stepping back in time at The Nostalgia Garden (Paul Stone, plants supplied by St Andrews Healthcare), a village scene set in the ‘60s complete with garden centre overflowing with the plants of the decade, and the prices to match! Stroll by a babbling brook, spot the vintage `1967 Mini Austin and Nuffield Tractor famously constructed in Birmingham and the plants named after Gardeners’ World presenters!
You can then journey through five decades of glorious gardening, from the crazy paving of the ‘70s to naturalistic planting of the ‘00s, at The Anniversary Garden: A Brief History of Modern Gardens (Prof David Stevens and Peter Dowle). The Beautiful Borders are also all themed around 50 years of Gardeners’ World.
Returning to their roots, Barnsdale Gardens and Birmingham City Council recreate their acclaimed exhibits from RHS Chelsea Flower Show, plant for plant, in the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Floral Marquee.
More floral tributes to the anniversary include a three-tier birthday cake made of Peonies (Primrose Hall Nursery) and a garden party scene of British cut flowers and table set for the Gardeners’ World presenters (Flowers from the Farm), plus the spectacular Jubilee Bedding Display (Allensmore Nurseries). From the most recent presenters of BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World to some of the most famous faces from the past, the nation’s best-loved gardeners take to the stage, including: Monty Don, Carol Klein, Joe Swift, Adam Frost, Nick Bailey, Flo Headlam and Frances Tophill from the current line-up. Plus Alan Titchmarsh, Toby Buckland and Peter Seabrook from series of old.
Marking this extra special year, the BBC team will film the Show highlights for a one-hour anniversary programme.
As part of this, the winning Golden Jubilee Plant will be unveiled to much delight, with visitors able to explore a fantastic display of all 10 Golden Jubilee Plant varieties in the Changing Face of Gardening feature, which also includes a look back at the revolution in Grow Your Own, the emergence of container gardening and the changing attitudes towards wildlife since the ‘60s.
Topping off the anniversary antics the Show will be packed with entertainment including live music, vintage tea tent, Spiced Beetroot birthday cake created exclusively by TV presenter and BBC's ‘The Great British Bake Off’ winner, Nadiya Hussain, Michelin masters Tom Kerridge and Michel Roux Jr taking to the stage, queen of baking Mary Berry back by popular demand, firm Show favourite James Martin, the fantastic Two Greedy Italians, Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo, plus family fun including face painting, making bird feeders, creating Father’s Day cards and craft sessions, picnics, street food, Pimm’s and fizz!
BBC Gardeners’ World Live takes place June 15-18.
