BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair blooms at Beaulieu

By Janine Pulford

Flowers bloomed, trolleys trundled, children had fun and dogs rubbed noses as the crowds thronged to BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair on 2-4 May. It was like a gigantic garden party where you felt as though you were among friends even though you didn’t know anyone.

The event offered gardeners a paradise to explore, and plants on sale ranged from the humble forget-me-knot to exotic pitcher plants. If you wanted to find out how to Make a Metre Matter, which is BBC Gardeners’ World’s 2025 campaign, there were many metre-plot displays to fire the imagination including veggie plots, salad bars and for fungi fans there were inspirational ways to grow tasty mushrooms in a tiny space. Workshops ran throughout the day and there was live entertainment. 

Food and drink from Greek to Thai, fish and chips, pasties, wraps and pancakes attracted long queues and shaded areas were in high demand when the sun shone.

Regular, free, shuttle buses were praised by many, particularly those with mobility issues and others who were simply weighed down with plants, pots and garden ornaments.

The show was so big, it was easy to while away the hours and for those with boundless energy there was an opportunity to visit other Beaulieu attractions within the entry price.