The BBC’s Gardeners’ World Live show, in its 14th consecutive year, has really evolved into the “people’s show”.
The event, which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham from June 14-18, is unlike Chelsea or Hampton Court in that it is less about style and much more about hands-on gardening.
Throughout the show area, there is a strong evidence of advice and help for the gardener - whether it be from the specially-erected demonstration/forum areas that are synomous with Gardeners’ World, or from friendly assistance from the many plant societies and exhibitors.
The main theatre is the focal point, with gardening celebrities, including Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don, giving practical tips and under fire in the question and answer sessions.
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A new introduction to the show is the Grow It! demonstration area, which combines talks on how best to grow fruit and vegetables with celebrity chefs, including Brian Turner and Sophie Grigson, preparing and cooking the produce.
The Let’s Talk Gardening area is very much about design, with Diarmuid Gavin and Joe Swift, joined by top landscaping professionals, explaining the basic principles of good garden design.
For those wanting expert plant advice - in particular about the right plants for your garden conditions - the Royal Horticultural Society advisory desk in the Floral Marquee will be on hand to solve your horticultural problems.
And if you’re still unable to get that gardening dilemma answered, then there is a further wealth of knowledge available from the professional growers, nurseries and plant organisations in the Floral Marquee and the exhibition halls.
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