BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair returns to Beaulieu

THE hugely popular BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair will be back at Beaulieu next month with a bumper crop of show gardens, expert advice and demonstrations.

Now in its fifth year, the event from 2nd to 4th May includes the Beautiful Borders competition showcasing a collection of mini show gardens by local garden designers, charities and community groups.

This year there’s a bumper crop of new surprises including a woodland-themed feature garden by headline sponsor Hillier’s, as well as one-to-one advice pods and new plant launches.

The event will also showcase the BBC Gardeners’ World 2025 Make a Metre Matter campaign which encourages gardeners to transform a metre of outdoor space to support wildlife, biodiversity and edible plants. Multi-award-winning garden designer Pip Probert, from the BBC’s Your Garden Made Perfect, will be creating an exciting collection of metres, all designed to inspire visitors to make their own small but meaningful changes for the good of the planet.

Meanwhile, the Spring Table will feature an eye-catching space for seasonal food, drink and tablescaping inspiration, hosted by BBC food broadcaster Chris Bavin. Luke Holder, chef director at Lyndhurst’s Lime Wood Hotel, will be sharing delicious, no-cook dishes, and mixologists from The Pig will be preparing plant-based tipples at ‘make and taste’ cocktail masterclasses.

BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Carol Klein will be sharing seasonal gardening advice and chatting about the Make a Metre Matter campaign. Adam Frost will be Friday’s guest presenter, and Arit Anderson joins the fun on Saturday.

Visitors can learn from the experts at a new ‘In Conversation With’ stage, which will feature a daily programme of relaxed chats with acclaimed horticulturalists and gardening personalities. There will be workshops covering everything from willow weaving and foraging to floristry and tablescaping.

Arena highlights will include the New Forest Tractor and Engine Club’s collection of vintage Land Rovers, tractors and mini steam engines, and the Beaulieu-based Countryside Education Trust showcasing coppicing workshops.

Beaulieu spokesperson Rachael Goldstraw said: “From non-gardeners and beginners to experienced experts, there’s always a real buzz with so much to see, do, buy and take home, plus all of Beaulieu’s many attractions to enjoy too. So come along and admire the gardens, soak up the atmosphere and spend the day with us.”

Tickets for the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair are from £17. For more information and bookings visit bbcgardenersworldfair.com