Explore every episode of the podcast BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair - 11-13 September 2026

See Sue Kent at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair on Sunday 13 September 2026.

In 2020, Sue Kent launched her gardening career by sending a viewer’s home video to BBC2 Gardeners’ World; it was such a hit that she is now a regular presenter on the show, winning a Garden Media Award for her efforts.

Born with an upper limb disability caused by the drug Thalidomide, Sue used her feet and hands to the garden. 

From her own life experience and her passion for gardening, Sue is keen to show how gardening can be possible with physical limitations and encourage others to have a go whatever their ability may be. 

Sue is now RHS ambassador for disability inclusions. In July 2022 Sue received a Silver Gilt medal and The People’s Choice award At RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival for her garden.

designed by Pip Probert

This garden demonstrates a range of planting combinations and things you can do in your own garden within a single metre squared.  Although the garden is realistic to a small garden plot, we aim to show multiple ways of enhancing just a small amount of space within.  

We are trying to show how re-using things can be done in a way that looks new and fresh, plus how we all like to put our own mark on a space and add a few quirky bits!  

The planters have come along to each show as part of our “Make a Metre Matter” experience and this time are being used in a real garden setting to create structure.  

Again we want to demonstrate how we can accommodate pollinators and wildlife into the garden and even a few edibles – creating a space that combines all the interests of a true gardener! 

Kevin Smith is the Content Editor of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine 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.

Cara Thompson is the founder of ‘Make it Flourish’. TV Art Director turned flower grower during the national lock down, Cara now hosts ‘Make It Flourish ’ Flower sow-alongs, which started online and now presents in person around the country.

In 2021 she set up a community ‘Make it Flourish Together’ sow along meet up sponsored by Mr Fothergills seeds and Sylvagrow compost.

Cara has became an Advocate for community growing sharing the joy of growing flowers through her own life changing experience of growing. Most recently leading a flower sow along to celebrate 60 years of ‘Britain in Bloom’ and this summer designing a community flower garden in a public park.

From Art Directing on television shows such as BBC’s EastEnders to then designing a GOLD award garden and winning the ‘Peoples Choice’ award for BBC Gardeners Worlds Autumn show. She now shares her passion for growing flowers and planting design through an Art Director’s eye.

Book a place on Cara’s Flower Crown Workshops at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair 2026, here >

Professional eater and drinker Andy Clarke is one of the UKs most exciting and vibrant voices in the food & drink industry. Having worked in food, drink, travel and behind the camera as a television producer, Andy is happiest when communicating his love of all things edible and sippable. Either on telly or via his social media platform. As a host at events, Andy can be found on the stage with chefs, behind the scenes and as one of the country’s most respected food & drink writers.

Andy’s TV production credits include developing and producing ‘Saturday Kitchen Live’ (BBC1), series producing Both James Martin’s French & American Adventures (ITV) and being responsible for food & drink on ‘Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip’ (ITV). He also produced and directed a brand series ‘Rachel Khoo’s Chocolate’ (Discovery+ / Food Network) and helped to produce ‘The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver’ (Channel 4).

https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/autumn-fair/whatson/the-autumn-table/

Meet the experts NEW - Ashley Edwards

See Ashley Edwards at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, Sun 13 September 2026.
Ashley Edwards, a dedicated horticulturist and horticultural therapist on a mission to cultivate well-being through the transformative power of gardening. With a profound passion for teaching, Ashley is committed to making gardening an accessible and inclusive activity for everyone.

See Ashley on the BBC Gardener’s World Magazine Stage, Sunday 13 September:

As a seasoned horticulturist, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of gardening. Since graduating from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, his work has taken him across the world to garden in America and Italy.

He’s currently Head Gardener at Horatio’s Garden London & South East, a national charity that creates beautiful, accessible gardens at NHS Spinal Injury Centres. Beyond the practical skills of cultivating plants, he understands the profound impact that gardening can have on mental health. This insight has led Ashley to become a staunch advocate for the therapeutic benefits of gardening, firmly believing that it holds the key to enhancing overall well-being.

ashley edwards spring fair expert
Driven by the desire to share the joys of gardening with others, Ashley has dedicated his career to teaching people of all backgrounds the art and science of cultivating plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, Ashley believes that with the right guidance and encouragement, anyone can discover the joy and therapeutic benefits of tending to a garden. Even if you don’t have a garden, there’s plenty you can achieve with indoor plants and windowsill growing.

At the heart of Ashley’s philosophy is the belief that gardening transcends age, ability, and background. Through his work, Ashley aims to break down barriers and inspire individuals to connect with nature, fostering a sense of fulfilment and tranquillity. By weaving together horticulture and therapy, Ashley strives to create an inclusive space where everyone feels empowered to explore the world of gardening, realising its potential as a tool for positive mental health.

Join Ashley on this inspiring journey of growth, both in the garden and within ourselves, as he continues to sow the seeds of well-being and cultivate a community where the therapeutic benefits of gardening are celebrated and accessible to all.

Meet the experts NEW - Ashley Edwards

See Ashley Edwards at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, Sun 13 September 2026.

Ashley Edwards, a dedicated horticulturist and horticultural therapist on a mission to cultivate well-being through the transformative power of gardening. With a profound passion for teaching, Ashley is committed to making gardening an accessible and inclusive activity for everyone.

See Ashley on the BBC Gardener’s World Magazine Stage, Sunday 13 September:

As a seasoned horticulturist, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of gardening. Since graduating from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, his work has taken him across the world to garden in America and Italy.

He’s currently Head Gardener at Horatio’s Garden London & South East, a national charity that creates beautiful, accessible gardens at NHS Spinal Injury Centres. Beyond the practical skills of cultivating plants, he understands the profound impact that gardening can have on mental health. This insight has led Ashley to become a staunch advocate for the therapeutic benefits of gardening, firmly believing that it holds the key to enhancing overall well-being.

ashley edwards spring fair expert
Driven by the desire to share the joys of gardening with others, Ashley has dedicated his career to teaching people of all backgrounds the art and science of cultivating plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, Ashley believes that with the right guidance and encouragement, anyone can discover the joy and therapeutic benefits of tending to a garden. Even if you don’t have a garden, there’s plenty you can achieve with indoor plants and windowsill growing.

At the heart of Ashley’s philosophy is the belief that gardening transcends age, ability, and background. Through his work, Ashley aims to break down barriers and inspire individuals to connect with nature, fostering a sense of fulfilment and tranquillity. By weaving together horticulture and therapy, Ashley strives to create an inclusive space where everyone feels empowered to explore the world of gardening, realising its potential as a tool for positive mental health.

Join Ashley on this inspiring journey of growth, both in the garden and within ourselves, as he continues to sow the seeds of well-being and cultivate a community where the therapeutic benefits of gardening are celebrated and accessible to all.

Where to hear from De-Graft Mensah at the Autumn Fair

BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage

Friday 11 September
12.00pm De-Graft Mensah and Lucy Chamberlain hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Kevin Smith – Make a Metre Matter

Saturday 12 September12.00pm De-Graft Mensah and Lucy Chamberlain hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Kevin Smith – Make a Metre Matter

Subscriber Club Lounge
Friday 11 September
11.30am De-Graft Mensah and Lucy Chamberlain , hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Teams Kevin Smith

Saturday 12 September
11.30am De-Graft Mensah and Lucy Chamberlain , hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Teams Oliver Parsons 

Sunday 13 September
3.30pm De-Graft Mensah, hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Teams Oliver Parsons 

Friday 11 September
2.30pm De-Graft Mensah – My Allotment Journey

Saturday 12 September
2.30pm De-Graft Mensah – My Allotment Journey

Sunday 13 September
2.30pm De-Graft Mensah – My Allotment Journey

What to Expect at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair

• “Make a Metre Matter”: Get inspired by his signature campaign with BBC Gardeners’ World Live, which demonstrates how to maximize tiny spaces—even just one square metre—to boost biodiversity and grow your own food.
• Real-Talk Allotment Advice: Accessible, down-to-earth tips for beginners, focusing on community growing, embracing mistakes, and celebrating the small wins.
• Autumn & Winter Prep: Ideas on keeping your growing momentum alive during the cooler months and prepping small plots for the year ahead.

Meet the experts - Lucy Chamberlain

Lucy was raised at her parents’ market garden in Essex, before venturing to further her horticultural education at Writtle and Wye colleges.

With 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. 

https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/autumn-fair/lucy-chamberlain/

Meet the experts - Frances Tophill

See Frances Tophill at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair.
Find out where you’ll be able to hear Frances share top tips and advice on stage at the Fair below.

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.
Frances is involved with the RHS campaign for school gardening and is passionate about enthusing young people to get into horticulture.  She is working on a number of community gardening projects in the South West and is also helping the redevelopment of some costal gardens that were damaged by the 2014 storms.  This is a particular passion of hers having grown up by the sea and was also part of her degree specialisation.

Frances is a popular choice for gardening talks and has appeared at Blenheim Palace Flower Show, Hampton Court Flower Show and the Eden Project Green Fingers Festival to name a few.  Hailing from Deal in Kent, Frances now lives in Exeter having completed her BSc in Horticulture with Plantmanship at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 2013.  Frances got into gardening from an early age, helping out around the garden at home and after overly ambitiously designing a terraced landscape in a planter, given to her by her mum, age 7, she was hooked.  As well as all things gardening Frances is a budding crafter and currently doing a pottery course.

Frances’ first book, First Time Gardener, was published in 2015 and her 2nd book, Container Gardening will be published in April this year.  She has also written a column for Coast magazine on highs and lows of coastal gardening.

https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/autumn-fair/meet-the-experts/

Sue Kent will be at the Show on 3rd May  – JOIN US THERE!

Sue Kent is a celebrated British garden designer, television presenter, author, speaker, and advocate for accessible gardening whose work challenges traditional expectations of who can engage with horticulture. Known for her unique and inspiring approach to garden design — often using her feet due to an upper‑limb disability — Kent transforms outdoor spaces with creativity, sensitivity, and a focus on inclusivity. Her acclaimed work has been featured on BBC Gardener’s World and BBC Garden Rescue. Kent’s genuine passion, relatable style, and innovative perspective make her a compelling on‑screen talent and creative force.

See Ashley Edwards at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, Sun 3 May 2026.
Ashley Edwards, a dedicated horticulturist and horticultural therapist on a mission to cultivate well-being through the transformative power of gardening. With a profound passion for teaching, Ashley is committed to making gardening an accessible and inclusive activity for everyone.

Meet the Experts - Lucy Chamberlain
Soak up seasonal advice with Lucy Chamberlain – whether on a tour of one of Beaulieu’s stunning gardens or in a hands-on Have-A-Go Workshop each day at the Fair!

The BBC Gardeners’ World Make a Metre Matter campaign is back! and this year, it’s coming to life in a bold, interactive way. BBC Newsround presenter and passionate allotmenteer De-Graft Mensah is teaming up with expert garden designer Lucy Chamberlain to create gardens that inspire small garden ideas and demonstrate how every metre can make a difference.

Join Andy Clarke’s Mocktail tastings at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair for a flavour-packed tasting workshop celebrating alcohol-free drinks. Discover sparkling teas, fruit vinegars, honey syrups, ginger blends and summer cider, while learning simple techniques and insider tips to create vibrant, garden-inspired drinks at home.

Every session starts at 11am.

Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Rachel de Thame will share gardening advice at BBC Gardeners’ World Live.

We’re delighted to announce that BBC2 Gardeners’ World presenter, Rachel de Thame, will join the expert line-up at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025.

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. 

Ade Sellars AKA ‘The Good Life Gardener’ is an award-winning garden writer, garden designer, presenter and filmmaker, with a passion for growing food in his kitchen garden.

After working in London as a TV editor and director for many years, he re-trained with the RHS at Capel Manor before upping sticks and moving to the heart of rural Suffolk to build the kitchen garden of his dreams and launch a media and gardening business.

As well as a regular gardening presenter on the QVC channel, Ade hosted the Urban Gardening Stage at Gardeners’ World Live at the Birmingham NEC in June 2024.

The winner of The Beth Chatto Environmental Award 2023, Ade writes for several gardening magazines and gives talks and demonstrations around the country, as well as creating film content for garden shows and brands. Having filmed and created his YouTube gardening mini-series Down The Garden Path, it was picked up by ITV’s Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club earlier this year and shown weekly on the programme.

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 £3,000 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.

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.

See Arit at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair.

Arit is a regular presenter on BBC2 Gardeners’ World. 
Prior to this, she spent 25 years working in retail fashion and creative events, which she balanced with interests in well-being and holistic therapies, leading her to the world of gardening.

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. 

Frances is involved with the RHS campaign for school gardening and is passionate about enthusing young people to get into horticulture.  She is working on a number of community gardening projects in the South West and is also helping the redevelopment of some costal gardens that were damaged by the 2014 storms.  This is a particular passion of hers having grown up by the sea and was also part of her degree specialisation.

Frances is a popular choice for gardening talks and has appeared at Blenheim Palace Flower Show, Hampton Court Flower Show and the Eden Project Green Fingers Festival to name a few.  Hailing from Deal in Kent, Frances now lives in Exeter having completed her BSc in Horticulture with Plantmanship at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 2013.  Frances got into gardening from an early age, helping out around the garden at home and after overly ambitiously designing a terraced landscape in a planter, given to her by her mum, age 7, she was hooked.  As well as all things gardening Frances is a budding crafter and currently doing a pottery course.

Frances’ first book, First Time Gardener, was published in 2015 and her 2nd book, Container Gardening will be published in April this year.  She has also written a column for Coast magazine on highs and lows of coastal gardening.

See Adam Frost at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair
Adam Frost, presenter on BBC2s Gardeners’ World, is a regular at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, sharing top tips and advice live on stage.

Pip Probert is an accomplished garden designer with nearly two decades of experience transforming outdoor spaces into stunning, personalised havens. Her passion for innovative design, combined with an extensive horticultural background, has made her a respected name in the gardening world both nationally and internationally.

Over her career, Pip has created 42 award-winning show gardens at prestigious events, including RHS Chelsea Flower Show, RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, RHS Malvern Spring Flower Show, BBC Gardeners’ World Live, Gardening Scotland, and the Ascot Spring Garden Show. These gardens showcase her expertise in design, construction, and planting, consistently earning medals for their high standard.

Pip has also collaborated with other designers to bring their show garden visions to life and mentors aspiring designers through their first garden builds as part of her Garden Design Diploma course. Internationally, her designs have been featured at events like the Besiktas Garden Festival in Istanbul and the Beijing Horticultural Expo, highlighting her global influence.

Rosy Hardy - Plant Expert - BBC Gardeners' World Live - 14th June 2025

Malcolm Catlin - Plant Healthy - BBC Gardeners' World Live - 14 June 2025 

Emma Crawforth - Horticultural Editor GW Magazine - BBC GW Live - 14 June 2025