Pantone's Peach Fuzz is here to flourish

As the fresh shoots of a new year start to peek out, we’re looking to the Pantone Colour of the Year, Peach Fuzz, for inspiration. Embrace the warmth of this delicate orange, with Pantone noting that this ‘velvety gentle peach tone’ is the perfect hue to ‘enrich the mind, body, and soul.’

Below, you’ll find a beautiful bouquet of blooms in this year’s colour, taken from BBC Gardeners’ World Events of the past few years. You’ll find the full spectrum of colours amongst the incredible variety of plants available to browse and buy at the BBC Gardeners’ World Events. Sign up to the Autumn Fair newsletter to be one of the first to know when tickets are on sale!

Blog pods - PANTONE

Dahlia – ‘Maya’

Dahlias offer a spectrum of colours and shapes, from petite pompons to larger blooms. These half-hardy plants thrive in mild winters and are moderately easy to grow, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens. 

Best planted from May to June in well-drained, humus-rich soil and a sunny location, be sure to give them approx. 60cm between plants. They flower from June until the arrival of the first frost. Versatile and adaptable, Dahlias are suitable for borders, gardens, beds, cut flowers, as well as containers and patio pots, offering a charming addition to any plot.

Blog pods - PANTONE (2)

Foxtail Lily – ‘Eremus Cleopatra’

Foxtail lilies, also known as Eremurus, are enduring perennials prized for their striking flower spikes that typically bloom in June or July. These majestic spikes consist of numerous star-shaped flowers, alluring to bees and offering a captivating presence in the garden for about three weeks and should be planted between January to March.

They necessitate a cold winter period to ensure the most magnificent blooms, and thrive best in full sun and well-drained soil. They are ideally situated at the back of a border where they can also contribute valuable height to the rear. 

Blog pods - PANTONE (4)

Fox Gloves – ‘Dalmatian Peach’

Foxglove ‘Dalmatian Peach’ (Digitalis) is a biennial or short-lived perennial that blooms in midsummer, attracting bees and pollinators. This variety typically blooms in its first year, and prefers humus-rich, moist soil and grows well in sun or part shade.

As a hardy plant, doesn’t need winter protection, and can be propagated easily from mid-summer seeds. Ideal for borders or containers, it pairs beautifully with purple companions wherever you choose to plant it.

Blog pods - PANTONE (5)

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian lily or Lily of the Incas, is a hardy perennial originating from South America, renowned for its vibrant summer-to-autumn blooms in reds, oranges, purples, pinks, yellows, and softer hues.

Planting these flowers in warm, damp soil during spring or autumn ensures the roots are established quickly, and are perfect for borders, containers, and compact pots. Loved by bees, these blooms thrive in sunny or partially shaded spots, lasting from early summer to late autumn.

Blog pods - PANTONE (6)

Roses

Roses add charm to any garden, delighting both gardeners and pollinators. Blooming in summer, many varieties re-flower in autumn and endure for years, with a broad variety of hues to choose from. 

Attractive pollinators and serve as nesting spots for bees, most prefer full sun and fertile soil, while some tolerate shade and poorer grounds. Plant bare-root roses from November to March or container-grown roses anytime, avoiding frozen or waterlogged conditions. 

Blog pods - PANTONE (7)

Lupins – ‘Lupinus Salmon Star’

Lupins, classic in cottage gardens, thrive in sunny spots like formal borders and gravel gardens. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and bloom in various colours, attracting pollinators. Plant them in sunny to partially shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. Best placed towards the back of borders, they don’t suit containers due to potential weak growth. Lupins, with their traditional charm, also fit modern schemes when nestled among ornamental grasses for a unique display.

Blog pods - PANTONE (8)

Anemone-Flowered Dahlia – ‘Totally Tangerine’

Anemone flowering Dahlias, also called Powder Puff Dahlias, bear distinctive double feathered central petals resembling a Powder Puff, making them ideal for indoor displays as cut flowers. These versatile plants are suitable for garden borders, beds, patio pots, or containers. Growing up to 90cm in height, they bloom from June to October, providing a long flowering period.

Blog pods - PANTONE (9)

Trumpet Pitchers – Sarracenia

Trumpet pitchers, scientifically known as Sarracenia, are carnivorous plants known for their unique pitcher-shaped traps. These plants thrive in wet, boggy environments, using their pitchers to attract, trap, and digest insects for nutrients. They make intriguing additions to gardens or terrariums, requiring moist, acidic soil and plenty of sunlight. Trumpet pitchers are captivating and low-maintenance plants, adding a fascinating touch to any plant collection.

What will take root in your garden this year? Don’t forget, you can glean expert advice at all of our events, with live expertise on stage and one-to-one recommendations from a wealth of exhibitors.

With every hue right there at your fingertips, don’t miss out on a great gardening day out – register for the newsletter and be one of the first to know when Autumn Fair tickets for 2024 go on sale!

New year, new garden, new trends!

We’re through the garden gate into 2023, with a host of gardening trends blooming throughout the country. From house plants reaching dizzying heights of popularity, to the colour of the year ‘Viva Magenta’, read on for our full list of trends.

To get up close and personal with fresh garden inspiration, new plants, the latest gardening kit and more, join us in 2023.

Colour of the Year 2023

Hand-picked by Pantone, the colour of the year has been named as ‘Viva Magenta. 

Pantone describe the colour as ‘brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.’

Discover a world of colour and scent in the stunning Floral Marquee,  bursting with award-winning nurseries and display.

Sustainable gardening

Whilst your garden might seem to already be very green, it can always be greener!

Discover ways you can make gardening more sustainable, like upcycling common items to make stylish features. What was a pallet, hessian bags, bits of pipe, and tin cans, could become a planter, grow bags, water features, and wildlife habitats.

Be inspired by the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine editorial team as they’re joined by experts to give tips and advice.

Grow your own food

Looking to go from soil to supper this year? Get brilliant advice from the National Allotment Society at the event.

Peat-free gardening

Learn about the latest peat-free compost from exhibitors who can offer face-to-face advice.

Indoor gardening

Foliage doesn’t just belong outside – bring nature indoors and be inspired by the Houseplant Hub.

Mindful gardening

Beautiful Borders returns with this year’s theme ‘My Garden Escape’ to give you space savvy ideas.

Gardening on a budget

Discover different ways you can let your garden bloom under a tighter budget, with advice from expert gardeners.

Fermented foods

Visit the BBC Good Food Summer Show (with free entry with your ticket!) and discover the latest foodie trends.

Feeling inspired? Find out what else is happening at BBC Gardeners’ World Live this June!