Duck egg custard with forced rhubarb This recipe was provided by The Pig. Forced Rhubarb Although you can harvest rhubarb throughout the summer, nothing quite beats the rush of trying those tender shoots of the first forced rhubarb of the year. The process of forcing rhubarb, is as simple as putting a forcing pot over the crown in the late winter, which in turn warms the soil up slightly, which promotes growth, and blocks all light from the plant. Keeping your rhubarb in complete darkness can seem counter-intuitive when you are trying to get an early harvest, however by doing this you are quite literally “forcing” the plant into focusing all of its energy into trying to find a light source, and as a consequence it forms long straight shoots. These long, straight shoots are particularly desirable to our chefs, as without light, the shoots do not produce oxalic acid or chlorophyll, meaning that they are sweeter and more tender than those grown without being forced.If you would like to try forcing rhubarb yourself, there are many varieties of rhubarb that can be forced, but our favourites are Timperley early and Victoria. And don’t worry if you don’t have a purpose built forcing pot, an upside down plant pot or bucket will do the job, in the past I’ve even used an old chimney pot with slates laid on the top to block out the light.Yorkshire is famous for producing forced rhubarb, where it is grown in huge barns, that have all of their windows blacked out to remove any natural light. In fact, even the staff who pick the rhubarb have to do it by candlelight. For the custard:Ingredients375g Double cream8g Good quality vanilla paste, or a fresh vanilla pod, split and scraped3 duck egg yolks (approximately 90g) or 4 medium hens egg yolks (approximately 90-100g)50g Caster sugar MethodBring the double cream and vanilla to the boil in a suitable pan.Whisk the yolks and sugar together.Pour one third of the cream on to the yolks and whisk together, then pour into the remaining cream and mix well. If using a vanilla pod, remove it now.Return to the heat and stir constantly until the custard starts to thicken – if you have a temperature probe, remove it from the heat when it reaches 820c.Divide the custard into suitable serving dishes and allow to cool at room temperature, then chill for six hours. For the rhubarb: Ingredients 200g Forced rhubarb stalks 100g Water 50g Caster sugar (or to taste) Zest and juice of one orange A shot of Grenadine (optional) MethodTop and tail the rhubarb stalks and then wash in cold water.Chop the stalks into 2cm chunks, and place in an oven-proof shallow pan with the remaining ingredients, cover with clingfilm and bake @ 1400C/2840F/Gas mark 1, for approximately five minutes, or until softened.Alternatively, poach the rhubarb on a very low heat, on the hob.Allow to cool before chilling.To serve:Take the custard from the fridge, one hour before eating, and just before serving top with the cooked rhubarb, and the juice. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px} BOOK BBC GARDENERS' WORLD LIVE TICKETS BOOK SPRING FAIR TICKETS Find more grow your own recipes Find out more about the Fair

Top Five Spring Plug Plants Discover the Top Five Spring Plug Plants! From the elegant Bellis to the fragrant Lavender, these perennial favourites promise vibrant blooms and easy care for your spring garden. Join us as we delve into their unique qualities and growing tips, perfect for all levels of gardening enthusiasts. With thanks to British Garden Centres 1. Bellis A spring perennial, boasts vibrant hues and delicate petals, thriving in cool, moist soil. Easy to grow, it’s a favourite of both novice and seasoned gardeners, offering continual blooms for elegant spring gardens. 2. Erysimum Erysimum, or the wallflower, is a spring perennial, known for its long vibrant blooms and scent. Thriving in well-drained soil and sunlight, it adds colour to beds and containers with shades ranging from purple to yellow, making it ideal for spring and beyond. 3. Dianthus A sought-after spring plant, has silver foliage, vibrant blooms and fragrances, perfect for garden beds and containers. Low maintenance and adaptable to different soils, it’s great for quick impact. Its compact size suits pathways and pollinators love it! 4. Primroses Primroses are iconic spring bloomers, thrive in cool temps and partial shade and are perfect for early planting. Their vivid colours adorn beds, containers, hanging baskets, and troughs. Low maintenance, they need only water and well-drained soil. Cluster them together for a visually striking spring display. 5. Lavender Loved for its fragrant, purple blooms, is hardy and thrives in diverse climates, enduring cold and heat, and ideal for spring gardens. Fast-growing, and fuss-free, it adds beauty to gardens and containers, enticing bees. British Garden Centres are sponsoring BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre. Experience an inspirational talk or practical demos from your gardening hero BBC Gardeners’ World Events 2024: BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 13-16 June at Birmingham’s NECBBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 3-5 May, Beaulieu HampshireBBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, 30 Aug-1 Sept, Audley End House & Garden BOOK NOW VIEW THE THEATRE TIMETABLE

How to grow carrots: Everything you need to know Discover the vibrant world of home-grown carrots, where flavor reigns supreme, and diversity thrives beyond the confines of the typical grocery store fare. From the familiar orange to the exotic hues of purple, yellow, and white, and even the charmingly rounded varieties perfect for container cultivation, there’s a carrot for every palate and every patch of soil.Embarking on a carrot-growing journey is refreshingly straightforward with a few essential considerations: soil preparation, fending off pesky carrot root flies, and selecting the right varieties tailored to your space and preferences. By sowing seeds successively and mastering storage techniques, you can relish your home-grown bounty nearly year-round. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cultivating carrots from our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine: Sowing Seeds: Plant carrot seeds sparingly in prepared soil from March to June. Create shallow drills, cover the seeds lightly with sieved soil, and water gently. Within a couple of weeks, you should see the seeds germinate. Avoid thinning to deter carrot root flies, but ensure the area remains weed-free and water as needed. Depending on the variety chosen, expect to harvest fresh carrots in approximately 10-16 weeks post-sowing. Soil Preparation: Pot on into individual pots when the first true leaves appear. Keep potting on if growing in pots or plant out into the greenhouse when night temperatures exceed 10ºC – ensure the soil or compost is free-draining. Feed weekly with a high potash fertiliser once plants have started flowering, and harvest chillies as and when they appear.  Variety Selection: Choose between early and late varieties based on your preferred harvesting timeline. The prime sowing season spans late March to June, but adjustments can be made for earlier or later sowings using protective structures like greenhouses or cloches. Successful Sowing: Extend your harvesting window by sowing seeds every two weeks. Opt for a diverse selection of carrot varieties to stagger your harvest throughout the season. Container Cultivation: Carrots adapt well to container gardening, particularly in environments with heavy or stony soil. Select containers with a minimum depth of 30cm, filling them with well-draining soil or compost. Ensure regular watering, especially during dry spells, and cover containers with fleece to deter carrot root flies. Care and Maintenance: Keep the soil weed-free and water occasionally, aiming for deep root growth. Avoid overwatering to prevent stunted growth. Monitor for bolting, which indicates the plant has flowered and become inedible. Thinning Practices: Sow seeds thinly to minimise the need for thinning, which can attract carrot root flies. If thinning becomes necessary, follow proper techniques to minimise disruption and scent release. Pest Management: Carrot fly infestations pose a significant threat to crops. Consider resistant varieties or employ physical barriers like fine-mesh netting or companion planting with aromatic herbs like onions or garlic to deter pests. Harvesting: Harvest carrots when the soil is moist to prevent breakage. Gently lift them from the ground, and water afterward to settle the soil around remaining roots. With these guidelines in hand, you’re poised to embark on a rewarding journey into the world of home-grown carrots, from seed to harvest and beyond. Enjoy the bountiful flavours and vibrant colours of your labour, knowing you’ve cultivated a taste of freshness right in your backyard. Find more grow your own recipes Find out more about the Show

Celebrating women in gardening at our BBC Gardeners' World events This International Women’s Day, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women gardeners who grace our events this year. From nurturing delicate blooms to cultivating thriving ecosystems, these women exemplify dedication, expertise, and passion in the world of gardening. Join us as we celebrate their green thumb and the invaluable contributions they bring to our gardening community. Frances Tophill See Frances Tophill at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring and Autumn Fairs, as well as BBC Gardeners’ World Live in June. Frances is involved with the RHS campaign for school gardening and is passionate about enthusing young people to get into horticulture. She is working on a number of community gardening projects in the South West and is also helping the redevelopment of some costal gardens that were damaged by the 2014 storms. This is a particular passion of hers having grown up by the sea and was also part of her degree specialisation.Frances is a popular choice for gardening talks and has appeared at Blenheim Palace Flower Show, Hampton Court Flower Show and the Eden Project Green Fingers Festival to name a few. Hailing from Deal in Kent, Frances now lives in Exeter having completed her BSc in Horticulture with Plantmanship at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 2013. Frances got into gardening from an early age, helping out around the garden at home and after overly ambitiously designing a terraced landscape in a planter, given to her by her mum, age 7, she was hooked. As well as all things gardening Frances is a budding crafter and currently doing a pottery course.Frances’ first book, First Time Gardener, was published in 2015 and her 2nd book, Container Gardening will be published in April this year. She has also written a column for Coast magazine on highs and lows of coastal gardening. Rachel de Thame See Rachel de Thame at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair and BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair in 2024. Rachel is a broadcaster, writer and passionate gardener. Trained at The English Gardening School, she has been a regular presenter on BBC2’s Gardeners’ World since 1999. Rachel is also a long-term member of the team providing coverage of all the major RHS Flower Shows, for which she co-anchored several episodes in 2021. The author of three gardening books, Rachel is a gardening columnist for the Sunday Times and The Garden magazine for the RHS. Her writing commissions for other publications, include BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and The Huffington Post.Rachel is Vice President of wild flower charity Plantlife, and an Ambassador for The National Garden Scheme. She has also supported Flowers From the Farm – the network for the UK’s cut flower growers – since its inception.The mother of four children, Rachel’s interests beyond horticulture include the performing and fine arts, history, antiques and crafts of all kinds. She is currently restoring the garden – including walled vegetable, herb and cut flower beds – and interiors at her home in the Cotswolds, where country walks and wildlife spotting are welcome distractions. Sue Kent Sue Kent will be joining us for BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair and BBC Gardeners’ World Live in 2024. In 2020, Sue Kent launched her gardening career by sending a viewer’s home video to BBC2 Gardeners’ World; it was such a hit that she is now a regular presenter on the show, winning a Garden Media Award for her efforts.Born with an upper limb disability caused by the drug Thalidomide, Sue used her feet and hands to the garden. From her own life experience and her passion for gardening, Sue is keen to show how gardening can be possible with physical limitations and encourage others to have a go whatever their ability may be. Sue is now RHS ambassador for disability inclusions. In July 2022 Sue received a Silver Gilt medal and The People’s Choice award At RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival for her garden. Nicki Chapman Nicki Chapman will be at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2024.  Nicki has become a mainstay of the BBC presenting team, being a central figure during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.She’s a regular presenter for Radio 2, often sitting in for Zoe Ball on the Breakfast Show and Vanessa Feltz on Early Breakfast. She has also hosted three documentaries: The Fuller Picture (an in-depth interview with music entrepreneur Simon Fuller), Here We Come – The Monkees at 50, and Let’s Abba Party.Having started her career as a Promotions Assistant at MCA Records, Nicki quickly become one of the youngest and most successful publicists in the industry. Three years later she moved to RCA Records as Head of TV Promotions, before joining Brilliant! PR Company where she was joint partner for five years. Her vast knowledge of the music industry led Nicki to be a judge on ITV’s Popstars and then subsequently on Pop Idol. Having met with Simon Fuller in the nineties Nicki joined his management company 19 Entertainment in January 2001 as Creative Director, working with artists and personalities such as Annie Lennox, David and Victoria Beckham, Will Young, The Spice Girls, Carrie Underwood and S Club 7.Lockdown presented an opportunity for Nicki to further spread her wings, this time working on a podcast from her home studio called Talking Success where she interviewed some of the biggest names in the media and the arts.Nicki is a proud Ambassador for British Dressage and a keen and active supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust, Childline and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy. After successful brain surgery in 2019, Nicki is now a passionate Ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity. Carol Klein See Carol Klein at BBC Gardeners’ World Live on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June. Book seats in the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre or drop into the Let’s Talk Plants Stage to see Carol on the stage. Her natural, down-to-earth approach has made her popular and trusted figure. As well as covering all the wonderful shows from Chelsea and Tatton to Hampton Court, Carol has fronted many series, including Grow Your Own Veg and Open Gardens.Carol originally trained as a fine artist and spent many years teaching art in schools and colleges. She started gardening and running a nursery from her home in Devon, and her hobby eventually became a career. She began exhibiting at RHS shows in 1990 and went on to win gold medals at Chelsea, Hampton Court, Westminster and Malvern.Carol first appeared on Gardener’s World in 1989 when Geoff Hamilton did a feature on her garden, Glebe Cottage. Following regular appearances as a guest presenter for both the BBC and Channel 4, she wrote and presented her own six-part series Wild About the Garden in 1998, and two series of Real Gardens. Other television work includes offering gardening expertise on Time Team and Garden Doctors, and appearing as a guest on Water Colour Challenge (all Channel 4).Her extensive writing work includes not only her books – Grow Your Own Veg was a six-month top 20 bestseller, with over 200,000 copies sold – but also her weekly double page spread for Garden News and contributions to the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph, Gardener’s World magazine, Gardens Illustrated, English Garden and Horticulture. Check out five plants she recommends for beautiful blooms here.Carol’s recent series Life in a Cottage Garden, which was filmed at her own gardens at Glebe Cottage has also been made into a book of the same title to accompany the series. And many more incredible women who will be on our stages and offering expert advice at our 2024 events.  BBC Gardeners’ World Events 2024: BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 13-16 June at Birmingham’s NECBBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 3-5 May, Beaulieu HampshireBBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, 30 Aug-1 Sept, Audley End House & Garden BOOK NOW MEET MORE OF OUR FEMALE EXPERTS

Newson Health Menopause Garden The Garden:In 2023, Menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson joined forces with award-winning garden designer Ruth Gwynn to create the Newson Health Menopause Show Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2023.The inspiration:The garden reflected Newson Health’s ethos of inclusive and accessible menopause support for all, creating a tranquil and comfortable space for women to reflect on their health and discover the nutritional and physical power of plants for mental health and wellbeing. We spoke with a number of women who confirmed that, whilst gardening may not be a cure for menopause symptoms, it can certainly help women through it. Here’s what Liz Garrigan said: Name, age, location, jobLiz, 50, Surrey, Self-Employed Gardener Meno or periPerimenopause for about a year Main symptomsAt the start of last year I started feeling overwhelmed with life, waking up a lot in the night and my mind would start racing and a general feeling of “not being able to face”  decision making. I then started to think that maybe I was perimenopausal when the brain fog kicked in as well. I’ve always had a good memory and like to be organised and planning, but my brain really felt vacant at times. Impact of symptoms on your daily lifeThe emotional and physical tiredness coupled brain fog knocked my confidence and made me feel that I didn’t want to do anything, particularly not wanting to engage with social situations or go out in general. Avoidance techniques started to kick in as it felt simpler to take the path which was easiest, even if deep down I knew that I should be seeing people and getting out.  How gardening helps you manage those symptoms.Sometimes when I’d wake up, having finally fallen asleep just before my alarm was due to go off, I’d feel quite anxious for no specific reason – the anxiety could be about “anything and everything”. I noticed that getting myself out to my clients and getting going on the garden I was working in started to reduce the anxiety. I suppose it’s a way of gaining control over negative feelings and making a difference to clients’ gardens that spurred me on. I’ve always been someone who enjoys being outside and some of the days I’ve felt most invigorated and affirmed are in the bad weather with my big coat on.   I think if I had to be inside for most of the day, I’d be very restless. The light and fresh air really helps me manage feelings of anxiety. I also like the peace of gardening and usually the single focus of an activity helps with diminishing difficult emotions and concentration. Being close to nature, whether that’s the wind and rain or birds and worms, brings home the benefits of appreciating simple and natural experiences.    How often you spend time gardening or at the allotmentI garden 5 days a week all day. But also enjoy my own garden at the weekend.  What type of gardening activities do you find particularly helpful for symptomsI’ve noticed that I benefit from two different types of activities. Sometimes something fairly physical like cutting a big hedge, laying manure or digging out plants that have died really helps send out the endorphins – like after a good running or gym session! Other times, I find that something quieter and less physical like tackling a large weeding job where it’s more of a mindful activity clears my head. Either way, the physical act of being outside, the fresh air and being able to stand back and feel fulfilled that a garden looks better is a huge feel good factor.  Some days I like to listen to podcasts but most of the time sounds of nature are restorative. This winter I’ve been buying meal worms to keep in my pockets to feed the ever present robins with. I think gardening full time over the past couple of years has really helped with body strength, whether it’s carrying bags of compost, digging or being able to crouch tending to plants. To compliment this activity, I swim and do yoga once a week each to stretch out.  A brief description of your gardenOur garden at home is a typical sized garden for a terrace house. The front is fully south facing and the back is north. This suits us a family as none of us like to be too hot, so the softer light of the back is a pleasure in the summer.  Our back garden is planted with Roses, both shrub and a rambler, with a couple of large Peonies, Japanese Anemones, Verbenas and Magnolia and Cherry trees. The front is fairly drought inspired due to the summer heat, with a variety of salvias, from Amethyst Lips through to Amistads, planted alongside Pelargoniums and an Olive tree.  Amongst others, I listen to a variety of gardening podcasts and have been inspired to create a wild flower area at the end of the garden this summer. I’m going to leave the grass long and have ordered some Ox Eye Daisies to plant whilst waiting to see what else pops up.  Symptom Stations: The garden featured interactive ‘symptom stations’ exploring different aspects of menopause and perimenopause, with clinicians on hand with information and advice about diet and nutrition, the wide-reaching benefits of gardening, exercise, mindfulness and mental wellbeing.  There was also an area for relaxation, a yoga deck, and an area for outdoor cooking. “It’s been great working with Newson Health on this wonderful space to eat, grow and thrive. The initial brief for the garden was full of wonderful ideas on how a garden can support a woman's journey through the menopause. The aim of this design was to create a garden which could be built on a budget which is affordable and achievable. It is a space in which to reconnect with plants and nature, allowing visitors the opportunity to see what they could achieve in their own gardens.” Ruth Gwynn “It’s well documented that menopause and perimenopause can have a huge impact on mental health. Our aim is for this immersive garden to enable visitors to see the benefits of gardening on both menopause and mental health. BBC Gardeners’ World Live offers the perfect opportunity to connect with visitors and to open up conversations in a safe and calming garden setting.” Dr. Louise Newson Previous Next BBC Gardeners’ World Events 2024: BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 13-16 June at Birmingham’s NECBBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 3-5 May, Beaulieu HampshireBBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, 30 Aug-1 Sept, Audley End House & Garden BOOK NOW

Transform Your Wellbeing: 6 Expert Gardening Tips As gardeners, you probably already know how beneficial gardening can be to health and wellness but there are certain activities when gardening that can be intentionally enjoyed for specific wellness reasons. I first realised how gardening was improving my overall health when I had abdominal surgery which meant months of lonely recovery. The gentle acts of being outside, observing, sowing seeds and pruning were not just helping me to get moving physically, but mentally gave me so much joy. Gradually as I was getting back to the heavier work of building and mulching, I recognised how the garden nurtured me through the process of recovery and that understanding this process gave me the tools to help others find that all important, intrinsic link to nature, through the joy of gardening. And don’t forget that indoor gardening can have many benefits as well, so filling your home with houseplants is also wonderful – there’s always room for one more plant isn’t there? By Ellen Mary Here’s a few intentional acts of plant care that can really help wellness: 1. Sowing Seeds Sowing seeds is a great activity where the magic of gardening can be felt as you clear noise from your mind and focus in on tiny little pieces of joy, so full of hope for the future. Before you sow the seeds you have chosen to grow, feel them gently in your hand. Move some carefully between your fingertips and focus on the sensation. Some seeds are smooth and round, others are flat and silky. There are many different shape and size seeds, each one with its own identity. As you sow each seed focus in on the moment, imagine what each one will become and what it will encounter during its life in order to grow and flourish. This is good practice as not only will you be relaxing as your mind clears to focus on this one moment in time, but your senses will be stimulated as you touch the seeds and watch them as they fall into the compost. Many are fragrant as well, just like the plant they will become. Fenugreek and Coriander are great examples of seeds with scent. 2. Fulfil your senses with happiness Awakening your senses at any given moment as you step in and through your garden can being such joy. From the cool, morning dew on your bare feet to the alluring fragrance of plants by your patio door. Gardens can be a place to hide away when you need to or enjoy fun, active times with friends and family. Think about how you can stimulate all of your senses and provoke positive emotions. Have you enjoyed an experience in the past that a specific plant reminds you of? Have you any emotions attached to plants such as what you had in your wedding bouquet or perhaps your Grandparent’s favourite flowers. Allow yourself to take a trip down memory. Does the smell of roses remind you of your most loved perfume, or are petunias your parents favourites? Keep in mind these memories when you plan your sensory feast. 3. Incorporating homes for wildlife Creating a home for wildlife is one of the most wonderful aspects in gardening. Part of this is learning to love the mini creatures that are welcome in your garden. From the excitement of seeing your first bee on your plants to hearing the rustling of a hedgehog, creating a biodiverse garden allows you to connect the cycle of life right before your very eyes. Remembering that we are each nature ourselves and we can choose what kind of impact we want to have on our planet means that connectivity between your being and the garden becomes all the more meaningful.Many of our garden creatures are great to help with controlling garden pests. Birds eat aphids and toads each slugs, even wasps play a crucial role. Many different elements come together to create an active and vibrant space and it doesn’t matter how big or small your garden is. Making it a haven for living creatures will in turn bring you joy. 4. Observation is key Take some time out to observe your garden and look closely at your plants, tune in to the sounds you can hear, focus on details and movements, feel the sensations as you touch foliage and relish the taste of edibles on your tongue. Be in the moment where you are entirely aware of your thoughts, emotions and reactions as they arise. We hear the breeze, but are we really ‘listening’ to the sound? As our attention is maxed out in amongst the digital world and distractions of everyday life, it can be an enlightening practice to bring your mind back in to the moment and focus on the natural world around you. The garden brings a host of opportunities to tune in and connect with the natural world for wellbeing. Try this exercise each time you step into your garden:Take five deep breaths. Inhale through your nose and exhale via your month. Breathe in for five seconds and exhale for ten seconds. Breathe for longer or more times if that feels natural to you. When you are relaxed focus in on the below;3 things that you can see3 things that you hear2 things that you touch2 things that you can smell1 thing that you can tasteThese mindful moments can help you take a step away from a busy world and allow yourself time to calm, reset and look after yourself. 5. Companion planting Just as we thrive with companionship, so do plants. As humans, connection with others is part of who we are and can influence who we become. It is one of the most basic needs for us to be happy and healthy, it deepens our sense of purpose. Companions help us to combat loneliness, boost mental stimulation and a supportive network connection invigorates positive wellbeing. It is important to be around people who look out for you and be there to support you as you grow. And, just like us, not all plants enjoy growing next to each other and, just as it is wise to put some distance between yourself and those who have a negative impact on your life, the same applies to plants. A few combinations to try: Marigolds (Tagetes) in any garden can repel whitefly and even carrot root fly plus the spicy scent attracts pollinators who in turn will eat the aphids.Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are well known to attract black fly which keeps them off your other plants. Caterpillars will also have a feast, again leaving your other crops alone.Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a scent that deters black fly and possibly white fly from your cabbages, not to mention the flowers are highly attractive to bees. 6. Houseplant care Looking after houseplants has many benefits for wellness. Not only do houseplants soften a room but bring hope, joy and responsibility. Find some time to not just hurry around and water your houseplants but to also sit amongst them, read, meditate and touch the foliage to see how it feels and look closely at the detail. Give the leaves a wipe and feed or repot as necessary. Getting to know your plants closely is the best way to spot any pests or diseases really quickly. It may well be that plants respond to your touch and voice – so there’s no harm in having a little chat with them either!* Some of this piece is taken from extracts of The Joy of Gardening; the everyday zen of mowing the lawn by Ellen Mary. Available in all good bookshops and online. Find Ellen Mary hosting the House Plant Stage every day of Gardeners’ World Live, Birmingham’s NEC, 13-16 June 2024. BBC Gardeners’ World Events 2024: BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 13-16 June at Birmingham’s NECBBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 3-5 May, Beaulieu HampshireBBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, 30 Aug-1 Sept, Audley End House & Garden BOOK NOW MEET THE EXPERTS * Some of this piece is taken from extracts of The Joy of Gardening; the everyday zen of mowing the lawn by Ellen Mary. Available in all good bookshops and online.

Treat them this Mother's Day Are you looking for that perfect surprise to share on Sunday 10 March? No need to dig any further – we’ve plucked the best of the bunch with a list full of gifts to suit every style and budget. Whether you’re after something on the smaller side or really hoping to make a splash, you’re bound to find the right gift below This wish-list of gifts are all available online, from exhibitors you’ll be able to meet and buy from, across the BBC Gardeners’ World this year. Will you be shopping at BBC Gardeners’ World Live or the BBC Gardeners’ World Fairs in 2024?Please note that all gifts are subject to availability and delivery times of independent suppliers may vary.  Share a great gardening day out in 2024!Take them on a green-fingered day out this year, with plenty of dates to suit anyone’s calendar:BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 13-16 June at Birmingham’s NECBBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 3-5 May, Beaulieu HampshireBBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, 30 Aug-1 Sept, Audley End House & Garden (on sale March) BOOK GW Live tickets book spring fair tickets sign up to the autumn fair newsletter A little something special Little bag of well-beingOh Oils | £15.00 Treat them to a perfect bundle of essential oils for the days when a bit of extra pampering is needed! Featuring scents including Confidence (Jasmin & Ylang Ylang), Calm (Neroli and Bergamot), Relax (Lavender and Honeysuckle), and more, there’s a world of soothing oils waiting to be discovered.  Click here Aromatherapy ‘Breathe’ Reed DiffuserUniquessence | £26.00 Crafted with an eco base blend and concentrated essential oils, this diffuser will bring scents of calm to their space lasting a minimum of 12 weeks. Handmade in a green matte jar with rose gold details, it features thick reeds for an extra aromatic boost, with a fresh blend of eucalyptus, spearmint, and lemongrass provides soothing and peace-inducing benefits.  Click here Scabiosa ‘Pink Mist’Hillier Nurseries | £13.99 Bring a fresh splash of colour to their plot with this hardy perennial in a beautiful range of soft pinks. Loved by bees, butterflies and borders, their upright stems produce flowers from early summer right through to autumn. Click here Mixed Tea BundleDorset Tea | £12.99 For soothing cuppas in a variety of flavours after a long day of gardening, Dorset Tea is on hand. Featuring four boxes of teas, they’ll be able to enjoy 20 cups each of Wild About Mint, Strawberries & Cream, Ginger & Sunshine Lemon, and Cool Chamomile. Click here Heart Teardrop Bird FeederRotherwick Bird Feeders | £35.00 Bring winged friends to their plot with a handmade stoneware bird feeder! Fired to make it strong enough to withstand modern climates without cracking, each item is unique and measures 25cm in height and 13cm in width.  Click here ‘Dig These’ Bamboo SocksSoctopus | £8.00 Keep them cosy from their green fingers right down to their toes, with a pair of dedicated gardening socks. Available in three colours and in multiple sizes.  Click here Push the boat out Create-Your-Own Gift Box Valentte | from £17.70 to £76.50 Choosing from Valentte’s extensive collection of perfumes, diffusers, soaps, oils and more, create a bespoke gift box for that perfect person, coming in beautiful gift packaging. Whether they already have a signature scent or are keen to sample different scents, there’s something to suit all tastes. Click here Hill Bloomville Stone VaseOlive & Olive interiors | £74.00 Create a new space for their latest bouquets with a charmingly earthy vase, complete with an eye-catching geometric pattern. Timeless yet on brand, its stone texture will fit any home. Click here Golden Bumble Bee PendantElly Harvey Silver | £115 Charm them with a solid 9ct yellow gold bumble bee pendant, complete with intricate detailing. Perfect for a fine chain and measuring approximately 18mm x 15mm, it includes a multiway fine gold chain, adjustable to 16″ or 18”. Click here Wave – abstract wall artD’Sculpted | £175 Gift a truly unique piece of art to your loved one, with each wall art being an individual composition of metal and organics. A truly show-stopping was to bring nature in to any home. Click here

How to curate seasonal stems in a bouquet NEW for 2024, floral expert Kim O’Brien will be leading hands-on workshops teaching how to arrange spring flowers into beautiful bouquets. Ahead of the Fair, Kim shares how to make the right choices for your blooms – discover her five top tips below.Looking to join a workshop in person? Simply select your Spring Fair tickets and then add a Workshop to your booking. Or, if you’ve already booked tickets, you can add a workshop by heading straight to the ‘Extras‘ section’. BOOK TICKETS AND A WORKSHOP ADD A WORKSHOP TO YOUR BOOKING Choose your foliage carefullySelecting the right foliage is crucial for creating a visually appealing and balanced floral arrangement. Incorporating at least two different types of foliage can add depth and interest to your design. Look for varieties that contrast in color, form, and texture to create a dynamic composition. For example, you might combine feathery ferns with broad, glossy leaves to achieve a pleasing contrast. Condition your flowers thoroughlyProper conditioning of flowers is essential for maximising their vase life. Before arranging your flowers, it’s important to remove any leaves that will be submerged in water, as these can harbor bacteria and lead to premature wilting. Additionally, trimming the stems at a 45-degree angle and placing them in clean water will help ensure optimal hydration and longevity. Avoid toxic microplastics and floral foamEnvironmental considerations are increasingly important in floral design. Rather than relying on traditional floral foam, which is non-biodegradable and can release harmful microplastics, consider eco-friendly alternatives such as floral frog pins, chicken wire, or willow lattice. These options provide support for arranging flowers while minimising environmental impact. Be bold in your flower choicesWhen selecting flowers for your arrangement, don’t shy away from bold and impactful choices. Mixing large accent flowers with smaller filler blooms can create a dynamic contrast in size, shape, and colour. Experiment with complementary colours to create visual interest and make a statement with your arrangement. Keep your blooms hydrated To ensure your flowers stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, it’s important to keep them well-hydrated. Cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle helps facilitate water uptake, while changing the water every other day prevents bacterial growth and maintains water quality. By following these simple steps, you can extend the vase life of your blooms and enjoy their beauty for longer. Looking for even more tips?  Join Kim O’Brien at the Spring Fair for a hands-on workshop, where you’ll learn how best to arrange seasonal blooms and even take your personally curated bouquet home with you! BOOK TICKETS AND A WORKSHOP ADD A WORKSHOP TO YOUR BOOKING

T-bone steak with black pepper butter This recipe is from the BBC Good Food Show Summer 2022, as seen in the Big Kitchen by Tom Kerridge.  This is the king of steaks! Caramelised on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, you can’t beat a T-bone steak cooked on the barbecue. A colourful assortment of veg – cooked around the steak until tender and temptingly charred – is the perfect accompaniment. Serves 3-4Ingredients1 T-bone steak (about 900g), atroom temperature1 tbsp vegetable oilBlack Pepper Butter:100g salted butter, softened1 tbsp Dijon mustardCharred VegI red onion, quartered1 white onion. quartered3-4 spring onions1 medium leek (white part only), split lengthways and halved 6long-stem broccoli spears1 lemon, cut in half2 thyme sprigs2 tsp vegetable oil MethodFirst, prepare the black pepper butter.Mix the ingredients plus 2 tsp cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt together in a small bowl until evenly combined, then spoon onto the middle of a sheet of foil and roll to form a cylinder, roughly the diameter of a £1 coin. Twist the ends of the foil to seal and put in the fridge for 30 mins to firm up.Meanwhile, for the charred veg, put all the onions in a large bowl with the leek, broccoli, lemon and thyme. Drizzle with the oil and season with a little salt and pepper.When ready to cook, rub the T-bone steak with the oil and 1 tsp salt, then lay on a hot barbecue grid and cook for 5 mins.Using a pair of tongs, turn the steak over and cook for another 5 mins.Quickly place the onion wedges around the steak and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 mins. Now lay the leek, spring onions, broccoli and lemon halves on the grid and scatter over the thyme sprigs. Cook until the veg is tender and charred on both sides, turning as necessary.Once the steak is cooked, lift it off the barbecue and onto a warmed platter.Cover the steak with an upturned bowl to keep it warm and leave to rest for8 mins. Meanwhile, unwrap the black pepper butter and slice into discs, the thickness of a £1 coin.Carve the steak either side of the T-bone and place on a warmed platter or board.Lay the butter discs on top of the steak.Serve with the barbecued veggies and the charred lemons for squeezing over. Grow your own leeks To grow leeks, sow seeds in spring in peat-free compost. Keep them moist, then transplant in summer, either individually or in clumps. Harvest from autumn through spring. Alternatively, sow directly into prepared soil or buy seedlings. Sowing & care  For optimal growth, plant leeks in a sunny, sheltered area with well-drained soil enriched with manure or fertilizer. Use a dibber to create 20cm deep holes for seedlings, watering them in for robust growth. Alternatively, plant in small clumps. Monty Don demonstrates another method, focusing on harvesting flavourful small plants. Space clumps appropriately and maintain moisture through watering and mulching while keeping weeds at bay. Harvest Your leeks will be ripe for harvesting starting from summer, depending on the variety. Lift them with a fork either individually or in clusters, being careful not to disrupt nearby plants. Leeks can remain in the soil until needed and will keep well in the fridge or a cool pantry for up to a couple of weeks after harvesting. BOOK BBC GARDENERS' WORLD LIVE TICKETS BOOK SPRING FAIR TICKETS Find more grow your own recipes Find out more about the Fair

Cucumber Margarita This recipe is from the BBC Good Food Show Summer 2022, as seen in the Big Kitchen. Grow your own cucumbers to add flavour to your Valentine’s cocktail, with tips from our friends at BBC Good Food Show Summer. Crisp and refreshing, we’ve got the perfect recipe to use your cucumber in for a romantic evening in.  Serves 6Ingredients210g cucumber, peeled, deseeded and cut into pieces, plus extra sticks to decorate 130ml tequila 60ml orange liqueur 150g granulated sugar 3 limes, peeled, white pith removed and deseeded, plus 1 extra lime wedge  Method Prepare each salt-rimmed cocktail glass by rubbing the glass rim with a lime wedge, turning the glass upside down and twisting it into a saucer of 1-2tbsp fine sea salt.  Put the cucumber, tequila, orange liqueur, sugar and limes into the mixing bowl and blend for 30 seconds/speed 8. Add 500g ice cubes and blend again for 1 in/speed 10. Serve in salt-rimmed cocktail glasses, decorated with cucumber sticks. Grow your own cucumbers In the warmer months, basil is the perfect addition to your windowsill or vegetable patch, and packs fantastic flavours for summer dishes. Read on below for tips on growing basil from our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and to find out more about a delicious one-pan lemon sole recipe, using your basil, from the BBC Good Food Show Summer in 2022. Sowing  To kickstart cucumber seed germination, ensure a minimum temperature of 20°C. Optimal spots include a greenhouse, heated propagator, or a sunny windowsill. Use 5cm pots filled with peat-free compost, sowing seeds vertically or on their sides, 1-2cm deep. Expect sprouting in 7-10 days, then thin out to one seedling per pot. Transfer them to 9cm pots once they sport their first set of large leaves.For outdoor planting, wait until late May or June when frost risk diminishes. Warm the soil by covering with a cloche or fleece post-planting. Caring for cucmbers In the greenhouse, ensure regular watering and mulch soil for moisture retention and weed control. Maintain humidity by damping down or misting plants. Consider partitioning sections for enhanced humidity.Feed flowering cucumbers weekly with high potash fertiliser. Remove male flowers to prevent bitterness in fruits. Pinch out growing tips for side shoot development and bigger yields. Outdoor varieties also require ample watering but retain both male and female flowers for natural pollination.For outdoor cucumbers, pinch out growing tips after seven leaves and train side shoots upwards or allow them to trail. Trim flowerless tips once they reach seven leaves. Harvest Harvest cucumbers around 12 weeks after planting, starting in midsummer. Pick regularly to encourage more growth. Outdoor types yield until September, while greenhouse varieties can last into October in warm conditions. Fruit length varies by type. Harvest as needed to avoid bitterness and tough skins. For best results, pick in the cool morning hours. Use secateurs or a sharp knife. Some longer varieties can be halved on the plant for later use. BOOK BBC GARDENERS' WORLD LIVE TICKETS BOOK SPRING FAIR TICKETS Find more grow your own recipes Find out more about the Fair

Top 10 plants for Valentine's Day with Mint Plants Looking to add a touch of green love to your Valentine’s Day? Look no further! From nostalgic favourites like the Aglaonema to the charming heart-shaped leaves of the Hemionitis fern, there’s something for every green thumb (or budding enthusiast). Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor garden journey, these plants are sure to bring joy and vibrant beauty into your home. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect botanical companion for this Valentine’s Day celebration! Share a great gardening day out this year Let their love of gardening flourish with an inspiring day out, with plenty of options throughout 2024, including:BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 13-16 June at Birmingham’s NECBBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 3-5 May, Beaulieu HampshireBBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, 30 Aug-1 Sept, Audley End House & Garden (on sale March) BOOK GW LIVE TICKETS BOOK spring fair tickets /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper,.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-container{position:static}.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-container .swiper-slide figure,.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper .swiper-slide figure{line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-slide{text-align:center}.elementor-image-carousel-wrapper:not(.swiper-container-initialized):not(.swiper-initialized) .swiper-slide{max-width:calc(100% / var(--e-image-carousel-slides-to-show, 3))} 1. Agalonema A very easy houseplant popular in US offices in the 70s and 80s. Will tolerate lower light and long periods of drought. Perfect for those wanting a splash of gorgeous colour without too much maintenance! BUY NOW 2. Dieffenbachia A beautiful large leaf tropical plant, loves super bright light. Happy to go dry inbetween waterings too, making it a lovely addition to those brighter spots in the home BUY NOW 3. Dracaena An absolute staple in the houseplant world, and very easy. Forms a chunky stem as it grows and happy to go long periods without repotting, making it a very easy plant BUY NOW BOOK GW LIVE TICKETS 4. Ficus Ruby Another easy plant with stunning variegation for those looking for something a little different. The rubber plant loves to go completely dry between waterings, and prefers bright light, making it a good plant for those hotter but drier spots in the home. BUY NOW 5. Hemionitis (heart leaf fern) Hemionitis (heart leaf fern) is a ridiculously adorable little fern, producing textured heart shaped leaves on long fuzzy stems. It is hard not to fall for this one. BUY NOW 6. Homalomena Maggy An underrated plant with deep burgundy stems and stunning glossy heart shaped leaves. These are a little like a peace lily in that they will flop when they are thirsty. Making them a very understandable plant! BUY NOW BOOK SPRING FAIR TICKETS 7. Hoya Carnosa Another variegated plant we think is ridiculously beautiful, and much easier than your variegated philodendrons and alocasias that seem to be all the rage at the moment. And the Hoya is so easy! Much like the ficus, it prefers bright light, but is happy to go completely dry between waterings BUY NOW 8. Hypoeste This little beauty is commonly known as the polkadot plant for its spotted foliage. It loves moisture, so is perfect for the overwaterers in your life! BUY NOW 9. Philodendron: Brasil Aka heart leaf pothos – comes in multiple beautiful varieties but our favourites are those with bright yellow variegation. The brasil is an absolute classic, with random, striped variegation across the whole leaf. And the micans lime is a newer variety with completely yellow leaves. Each require moderately bright light to keep the yellow colouring strong, but are very easy to keep as they prefer to go completely dry in between waterings. BUY NOW 10. Philodendron: Lime The micans lime is a newer variety with completely yellow leaves. Each require moderately bright light to keep the yellow colouring strong, but are very easy to keep as they prefer to go completely dry in between waterings. BUY NOW Book your tickets now and get ready to tick off your whole shopping list! BOOK GWL TICKETS TODAY BOOK spring fair tickets MINT PLANTS WEBSITE