Blog

January is an exciting time - some of the first bulbs are starting to push through the hard earth and there's an optimism in the air. It's also the time to look forward to what the Great British gardeners will be focusing on this year. 

So, read on for our thoughts from BBC Gardeners' World Live HQ, on the gardening trends for 2018!

In winter, our gardens take on a new dimension. Whilst colours are muted and textures are diminished, it serves only to enhance what is left – what better time to reflect and take pleasure from the little things that make our gardens beautiful.

Read on for our Christmas Gift List, Festive favourites, Winter garden tips and Joe Wicks' Spiced Brussels recipe!

If you’re wondering how to bring a smile to the face of the gardener in your life this Christmas, look no further. We’ve compiled a gift list made up of bestselling products from exhibitors confirmed for the 2018 Show.

So, if you’re still looking for that perfect Christmas gift, there’s no time like the present to be ordering your presents!

With a touch of frost and a drift of snow appearing like a blanket over the country, my attention turns to the plants which symbolise the sparkle and magic of winter.

From the enchanting beauty of Rose 'Festive Jewel' to the ever-popular Christmas Box there are a host of wonderfully named plants to spread festive cheer this season.

With the weather getting colder, I’ve retreated to the comforts of my garden shed for a bit of a sort-out and some R&R! Whilst in there, I’m gathering my thoughts for the coming year.

And it’s not just my garden I’m planning for next year… when not in my shed I’m with the team, busy creating the show of all shows for 2018 – mark my words there’ll be no shortage of fresh inspiration coming your way!

The veg patch can be looking rather sparse at this time of year, but there are a few top winter veg that will keep you flush in home-grown produce over the colder months, including broccoli.

This recipe from Rich Harris, demonstrated live on stage at the BBC Good Food Show Summer 2017, gives a fantastic umami twist to the popular winter veggie.

Tickets now on sale

Tickets to BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2018 are now on sale! Click here to be an Earlybird and get yours today and get adult tickets for £18, a saving of £6*, with code WB1.

By booking early you can get the best seats in the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre - the line-up includes Monty Don, Carol Klein, Adam Frost, Frances Tophill and Alan Titchmarsh.
 

Recipe from the Veg Patch

Nadiya Hussian's Beetroot and Mackerel Crescents

As the GYO season comes to an end, you may just still be able to come across some local beetroot to give this recipe the homegrown depth of flavour that it deserves, as demonstrated by Nadiya Hussain back at the BBC Good Food Show Summer in June.

This recipe will use beetroot, onion, garlic and dill from your veg patch.

The Beautiful Borders at BBC Gardeners’ World Live are one of our favourite bits of the Show. They’re not the biggest or the flashiest, but they are full of passion, impact, creativity and, most importantly, they ooze inspiration!

This blog will take you on a stroll through some of our favourite bits over the years, with ideas you can have a go at yourself.

So, have you got a small garden or challenging area that you want to bring to life in 2018? Then read on...

Welcome back everyone – what a lovely summer! However, I think we can kiss goodbye to any chance of an Indian summer and replace it with soggy September. Our recent weather makes me consider how we need to work with our changeable climate - be it surprisingly hot Aprils or shockingly wet Septembers.

If you’re gardening in the rain this month, read on!

Wow, August, here we are already. This is the moment when so many of us take off on our summer holidays, or these days so many of us stay put for our summer holidays!

I’m going to be taking time off to explore some areas of the UK that I’ve not been to before - taking in inspirational gardens, parkland and the flora and fauna of the British Isles along the way.

Have a great summer everyone!

At BBC Gardeners' World Live this year we were joined by the Bat Conservation Trust for their seventh consecutive year at the Show!

Their Moonlight Garden, designed to give inspiration and tips for encouraging bats into our gardens, was awarded the prestigious 'Best Indoor Feature' Award. So we thought we'd delve into this subject a little more, with tips and advice you can continue to use at home...