Kate Mason’s ‘Garden Envy’ Beautiful Border, sponsored by eBay, was a visitor favourite. Here’s how you can recreate elements of it at home!We asked Kate to share her top five features of her Platinum Award winning Beautiful Border, for ideas that you can recreate at home. In her true candid style, Kate shares all this and more as she takes you on a journey through her experience designing and creating this incredible display.We’ll hand you over to Kate… /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-divider{--divider-border-style:none;--divider-border-width:1px;--divider-color:#0c0d0e;--divider-icon-size:20px;--divider-element-spacing:10px;--divider-pattern-height:24px;--divider-pattern-size:20px;--divider-pattern-url:none;--divider-pattern-repeat:repeat-x}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider{display:flex}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{font-size:15px;line-height:1;max-width:95%}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__element{margin:0 var(--divider-element-spacing);flex-shrink:0}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-icon{font-size:var(--divider-icon-size)}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider-separator{display:flex;margin:0;direction:ltr}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator{align-items:center}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:before{display:block;content:"";border-block-end:0;flex-grow:1;border-block-start:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider__element{margin-left:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider__element{margin-right:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider__element{margin-inline-start:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider__element{margin-inline-end:0}.elementor-widget-divider:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text):not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon) .elementor-divider-separator{border-block-start:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern{--divider-border-style:none}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern.elementor-widget-divider--view-line .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not([class*=elementor-widget-divider--view]) .elementor-divider-separator{width:100%;min-height:var(--divider-pattern-height);-webkit-mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;-webkit-mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);background-color:var(--divider-color);-webkit-mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url);mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url)}.elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing{--divider-pattern-size:auto}.elementor-widget-divider--bg-round{--divider-pattern-repeat:round}.rtl .elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{direction:rtl}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-divider,.e-con>.elementor-widget-divider{width:var(--container-widget-width,100%);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)} “BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition was an unexpected event for us this year.  My team and I pulled together to build my design for eBay and were over the moon to be awarded platinum during the judging. The reception from the visitors and some of my gardening heroes was wonderfully positive, and being featured on the BBC2 Gardeners’ World TV programme, as Carol Klein’s favourite Border, was a true honour. I honestly felt like it was some kind of out of body experience, I couldn’t quite believe I was living my dream and still don’t really believe it now. To create a beautiful border on behalf of such a huge brand as eBay, was an incredible opportunity and one that has given me the motivation to hopefully do another next year.  Having struggled with my mental health for a few years now, I knew that I had to find ways of dealing with coming down from the highs of a show, and the answer was simple, get out and garden. While I was out organising my garden post show, I got to thinking about all the lovely people I had met and the questions they had asked during the show. I wonder if any of the visitors get the same feeling of sadness or post show blues? Well, in a bid to aid your happiness, I decided I’d do a quick rundown of the most popular plants and accessories from the show. I have included my top tips to make the most of your imminent new tropical plants. In case you were wondering, yes I am trying to stitch you all up with new plants to hide from your significant others, it makes me look less like a crazy plant lady if you all join in.Everything on my Beautiful Border is available from eBay, so all you need to do is type in the following plant names or descriptions into the eBay search engine and check out the different sizes and suppliers available, make sure you check the descriptions and seller ratings before you commit to buying. Colocasia “black magic”This plant is just beautiful if a little temperamental, in fact there’s no two-ways about it, it is one tricky beast! To over-winter these, ideally, they need to be in a heated green house and don’t let them dry out or get too wet. I find keeping them in leaf over winter is better than dry storing as the bulbs tend to rot if lifted, even if you use sulphur or cinnamon to keep the mould away. During the growing season I feed them once a week with an organic liquid seaweed feed which gives you the huge leaves that were on display at GWL. Make sure you water them regularly especially in hot weather, I use rain water where possible as I’m in a hard water area and tap water can leave water marks on the leaves. Colocasia “pink china”Pink China is probably the most hardy of the colocasia and is your best bet If you are just starting out with a tropical garden. Last year when all of my colocasia perished in my experimental, unheated green house, this was the only cultivar to survive in the form of very small bulbs. The bulbs came good after some repotting and sitting on a heat mat for a couple of weeks. I know in warmer areas of the UK they can be overwintered outside with a heavy mulch. The watering and feeding requirements are the same as with black magic. Because they can take a while to get going, I keep all of my colocasia in pots, then they can be easily moved and stored, but you can plant them out and dig up if you chose. Albizia Julibrissin f. Rosea This has to be the most asked about tree I have ever displayed, it’s beautiful pink, silk-like flowers are divine.  The deciduous foliage is delicate and offers stunning dappled shade. Albizia trees have a hardiness rating of H4 they can survive with -5 to -10 temperatures & grow in well-drained soil, in full sun. Alternating mild and cold spells may damage top-growth so I’ve been known to put fleece over if we are due a frost when new growth is visible. Saplings should flower in three years but can take as long as 10 years Angelica giagasThis plant caused great joy and lots of wasp stings during the build and open days. As its predominantly wasp pollinated we had every single wasp in a ten mile radius buzzing around this plant, but It’s beauty is worth all those pollinating wasps. I’d suggest placing this plant away from seating and high traffic areas but definitely don’t miss out. The ideal position is a deep, moist, loamy soil in full or partial shade but it can tolerate drier conditions if mulched. It is a short-lived perennial so collecting seed and sowing as soon as the seed is ripe is the key here. The seeds will also need light for germination, so keep them in a cold frame or green house for the best results. Boho rattan basket chair with cushionsAnd finally, the perfect egg chair to watch these beauties grow. After all of this gardening you’ll need the perfect corner to relax and watch your new plants flourish. This chair was not cheap at £493.99 but it’s worth every penny it has found its forever home in my courtyard surrounded by my most favourite plants. The feeling of calm this chair provides is genuinely one of the best things about it, it’s like sitting in a giant hug. During the show open days, I sat here and felt completely removed from the mayhem surrounding me, I think we all need a moment peace sometimes. If you are planning on buying one of the plants featured on my Beautiful Border, or already have a tropical garden why not tag me, I’d love to see how your projects are coming along also because I love a nosey at a new garden. I often update my social media with tips and tricks for getting the best from your plants and gardens. So head over to @katesgardendesign on Instagram or Facebook and I will do my best not to lead you astray and encourage you to buy more plants… joking, I definitely encourage my fellow plantaholics, it’s kinda my job!” A big thank you to Kate for sharing not only the most talked about features of her Border, and where to get them, but also the soul that goes into the creation of a garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live.For more inspiration direct to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter > Explore the Beautiful Borders at BBC Gardeners' World Live... Feeling inspired? Find out how to apply to bring a Beautiful Border to the Show

When Tina Worboys took up the challenge of creating a Beautiful Border at this year’s Show, she didn’t expect to take home a Platinum Award and the honour of Best Border! We asked Tina to share her thoughts and motivations during her journey at BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition and her experience as she worked to breath life into her fantastic Meadow Border design. I grew up watching Gardeners’ World so when my design career took me into the garden, I knew there was one place I wanted to go to show what I could do EpiphanyAfter 20 years as a graphic designer, it was whilst watching Gardeners‘ World one evening that my epiphany occurred. I was sick of using design to sell yet more ‘stuff’ to people, I wanted to use design for good rather than evil! I knew the power of good design could enhance someone‘s mood and maybe even their outlook but I wasn’t sure where that left me. I’d dabbled with interior design but it didn’t have the deeper connection I was looking for.It was hearing Adam Frost speak one Friday evening that the lightbulb finally burst into light. He spoke about design the way I did, yet his subject matter was growing, living and actually benefiting the planet as well as the people. Bingo! I knew there and then that I’d found what I’d been searching for. Thanks Adam! A long, bumpy roadThe road to BBC Gardener’s World Live Special Edition 2021 was a long one! I first contacted the team back in September 2019, ahead of the show due to take place in 2020. We all know what happened next, the world went into lockdown and everything ground to a halt. Unfortunately, not before I bought rather a lot of plants. I attempted to keep these ever expanding seedlings, plugs and small plants going through that first unsettling lockdown in spring/summer 2020. During this time we were still living in London with a polytunnel taking up most of the garden, later banished to the allotment as the paddling pool took preference (quite right too). We’d decided to move out of London before the pandemic hit and found our new home just before lockdown. While the sale and purchase went through the plants largely failed. High winds destroyed the polytunnels, homeschooling and uncertainty zapped my enthusiasm and my Dad’s worsening illness all added up to a pretty difficult time to say the least.Everything culminated in late July. After 20 years in London we moved into our dream house in the country on the Tuesday and said goodbye to my Dad on the Friday. Possibly the strangest and hardest week I’ve known.With the show back on for June 2021, I was off and running again, albeit in that strange autopilot that grief creates. Once again the polytunnel failed me. High winds one night lifted the whole thing and we found it the next day, over the out-building, down the bank and in a ditch. Not one to give up, and with a very supportive family, it was time to move everything indoors! Flower PowerThrough utter mollycoddling, seed trays turned into hundreds of happy pots. With all my annuals sown extremely early to ensure they’d definitely be in full flower for June, the continued pandemic meant the show was now pushed back to the end of August. I wasn’t going to give up now so I ploughed on, again, this time deadheading and praying the plants would just keep going. With hindsight I can see that this drawn out build up helped me immensely. Having to focus on the daily rituals of growing plants helped me through that awful first period after bereavement. I joined the millions of others who found solace and comfort in gardening through uncertainty.By growing the plants myself I also learned so much. Many came and went, roses flowered at will (their will and sadly not mine), slugs ravaged some while others trooped on unscathed. As an organic gardener using only peat free compost it was heart warming to see the garden full of blooms, butterflies and bees, knowing I was leaving the lightest of footprints but making a huge difference. Flowers and nervesAt long last it was finally time to pack up the van and hit the road. With my husband behind the wheel, a van full of plants and a stomach full or nerves we were off. A busy scene of diggers and high vis jackets greeted us as arrived at the NEC and found our way to our empty plot. Nerves were quickly banished by the lovely GWL team who showed us the ropes and helped us with anything we needed. Then it was head down and start building the border that had been rattling around in my head, and garden, for nearly 2 years. And action!After a couple of days of solid planting the Gardeners’ World TV crew asked if they could film my border the next morning with the wonderful Carol Klein for that Friday’s preview show. Obviously I said yes and planted at double speed to have the border looking perfect for its TV debut. The whole team were lovely and watching Carol talk so passionately and animatedly, as I’d seen her do so many times before, but this time about my work, was such a surreal moment that I did shed a few slightly overwhelmed tears! Judgement dayThe border was finished. I was so happy with what I’d created. It felt wild but curated, detailed but simple, beautiful but accessible, exactly what I’d set out to achieve. My plants looked great and all the little details I’d layered in were working their magic, I just hoped the judges would agree! A nervous day of tweaking and waiting followed. That evening when head judge, Richard Barnard, announced I’d won a Platinum Award I was over the moon, and when he read out my name as the Best Beautiful Border it felt incredible. All those months of hard work, false starts and set backs had all been worth it, I’d done it! Show timeWith all the hard work behind me and my award in hand it was time to meet the public and see what they made of The Meadow Border. Over the next four days the public response was beyond anything I could have hoped for. I really thought the ‘wild’ look would be more divisive but it wasn’t at all. The meadow aesthetic hit a nerve and people responded so positively that it filled me with hope for a wilder future. From the moment we arrived at the NEC, the show team, the other designers, landscapers, contractors and everyone was kind, welcoming and went out of their way to help and make sure we were happy and on track. There was a true camaraderie amongst us, many people having been on their own bumpy road to the show. Go for it!If anyone is reading this thinking I might apply but I’m nervous or not sure, I’d say definitely, definitely do it. It was an amazing experience, I learned a lot and met some wonderful people in the process. Don’t be the one sitting on the sofa thinking it could have been me: make it you! If you’d like to take the challenge of designing a Beautiful Border at one of the BBC Gardeners’ World events in 2022 or beyond, email [email protected] for more details.

You can use common household items that would otherwise be destined for landfill to add style and flair to your garden. Check out some of our favourite recycling and upcycling ideas from BBC Gardeners’ World Live over the years. Don’t forget to visit BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition to get even more ideas, including from the On Your Bike! Garden with a fun combination of recycling and upcycling all within a cycling theme! Pallet bike rack, in the Health For Life Garden designed by Owen Morganrecycled pallet bike rack Recycled tyres as a container, in ‘Our School Space’ Beautiful Border by Katie Suttlerecycled tyre container Recycled containersWater bottle hanging planters, in Taste the Incredible Edibles, by Shire Oak Academy An upcycled herb container, in the Watchmakers Garden by Alex Froggatt  Try preloved kitchen items to grow cut and come again salad, in the Pennard Plants display in the Floral Marquee A galvanised tub makes a great container on the allotment, in The Allotment Garden by Jon Wheatley and Terry Porter A cable drum for a seating area around a tree, in the Revelation Garden by Derby College Upcycled pipe water feature, in the Heightened Senses garden by Jo Jemmison Reclaimed farm machinery sculptural feature, in the Reuse & Recycle Garden by Longstock Estate Landscapes at the BBC GW Spring Fair Get tickets to BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition for a show-load more garden inspiration.And for more inspiration direct to your inbox…Sign up to the newsletter >

We’re thrilled to be welcoming the team from the National Allotment Society to BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition, at The NEC from 26 to 29 August 2021.Veteran members of the Midlands Group will be on hand at The Allotment to answer all your grow your own queries. The Allotment will be created by master grower Terry Porter, famed for his perfect peas, lovely leeks and cracking kale!We’ve asked members of the NAS to step up to a virtual garden fence, to share top gardening tips with you in advance of the Show too. From moon planting to companion planting, and more!  Jon Wheatley with Terry Porter at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2019 Tip for tying up runner/climbing beans.  Using garden wire, preferably ‘coated’ wire as you may want to keep this for another year and ‘coated’ will not rust.  You need to fix one end  of the wire to your first upright then work out the distances between your upright canes.  At the first distance allow about two to three inches of extra wire., wrap the wire around a small piece of cane once then twist the wire to make the ‘loop’ secure. Take out the cane and use it for the next loops.  Carry on this way leaving a distance between ‘loops’ the same spacing that you want the beans to go.  Then secure the end of the wire to the last upright.When this is complete all you need to do is put the top of your cane through the ‘loop’ and the other end in the ground. We have found that you save time and energy tying the tops of the canes and also they still remain in place when it is windy and they do not slide along the horizontal support. Mary,  Binley Woods AllotmentsDon’t dig trenches for potatoes – just dig a hole to plant the tuber – cuts out a lot of back-breaking work. It works for us! Roger,  Ansley CommonTaking over an overgrown allotment in 2005, I tried various green manures to strangle the weeds including field beans.  It seemed to work and the beans were edible (sweeter than the normal broad beans). RobertUsing a plastic shopping bag to sow beans.  Fill with damp compost and throw in the seed pods, germinates within two/three weeks, put straight into the ground. Rosemary, Binley Woods AllotmentsIf you don’t need large cauliflowers, plant them closer together and they will not grow as big. It works.  Works with many other vegetables as well. Colin,  Cheslyn Hay AllotmentsSave your old loo rolls – start your parsnips in them.  But don’t wait too long to plant out, a little on top, a lot below. Mick, Ansley CommonTake a few minutes to sit and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of your allotment,  Even better with a cup of tea. Jane, Ansley commonUsed tea-bags (bio-degradeable ones) in bottom of pots and baskets help retain water. Karin, Ansley CommonGrow runner beans north to south in rows to obtain a better crop. R.E.Preston, Windmill Lane Allotments, CoventryCover crops with fleece to advance early crops and protect peas from pea moth, leeks from allium leaf miner and carrots from carrot fly.  Do not sow too early. David, HolbrooksStart parsnip seeds off on damp blotting paper. JayneTo save French bean seeds for next year and keep them true to type, make sure you leave a minimum of three meters from any other French bean  (Only for non-F1 types.) Lea, Wheelwright Lane AllotmentsCut up used slug pellet containers to make plastic labels.  Write on with felt tip pen. Peter, Bagington Mill AllotmentsUse brightly coloured small pots on the ends of any horizontal canes at head height, like runner bean frames, to avoid eye injury. Judy, Market Bosworth Tomatoes are greedy feeders – put some vacuum cleaner dust on the soil when the tomatoes are developing.  The dust contains lots of minerals and nutrients which help with the flavour.  Vanessa, Highland Road, CoventryPlanting brassicas in open -bottomed pots filled with compost protects the plants from ‘club root’, or so I have been told. Tracey, Ryders Hill Allotment AssociationWhen sowing parsley seed, pour a kettle of hot water over the seeds and then cover thinly with fine soil.  It also grows better if you sow it on Good Friday. AnonTry moon planting. It seems to work. Robert, Marston Lane AllotmentsPlant radish with parsnips. Brian, Westwood HeathLook at you nearest plot holder to see how they grow and what. Ask for advice if new. Brendan, Westwood HeathTo get parsnip seed to germinate place the seed between two sheets of damp kitchen paper, flat in a polythene bag in the airing cupboard. Some will have germinated after one week, after a fortnight you will have sufficient to plant on in pots. When large enough transplant into the ground. First make conical holes in the ground with a metal rod then fill with compost. Place the seeds and some of the pot’s compost on the ground, sprinkle with more compost, water, and wait. John, Rigby Lane Allotments, Bromsgrove.Put an old piece of hessian sacking over the edge of your water bath/tub so that the bees and insects can get out! Julie, Binley Woods Get tickets to BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition, and get your questions ready for the incredibly knowledgeable National Allotment Society. Head to their Potting Shed for 1-2-1 tips and to The Allotment for a barrow-full of inspiration.For more inspiration direct to your inbox…Sign up to the newsletter >

For National Pet Month, we asked Professor David Stevens, designer of The  APL’s ‘What Lies Beneath’ Show Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2020, for his top tips on how to make your garden a great space for you and your four-legged friend. We’ve paired each tip with exhibitors who you’ll find at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2020, to help you create the garden of both of your dreams!(Pictured: A Space for Remembrance by Emma Berry Garden Designs, Beautiful Border at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2019) Make sure paths are paved and solid, to stop your dog’s paws getting wet and muddy when they use the garden – especially in winter. (Pictured,  Young Landscapers Award Show Garden supported by The APL, at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2019, designed by Prof. David Stevens)Exhibitors: With over 1000 products across brick, roof, paving, facade and blocks, as well as extensive services in technical and design, Wienerberger may have just the thing for you. Stand G110 Try planting in containers, this avoids the need for large open planting beds which dogs might be tempted to dig in.(Pictured: The Stroke Association Legacy Garden 2019, by Alex Daley and Phil Pooleyat BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2019)Exhibitors:Stone Illusions are a Somerset based company selling garden planters designed to emulate a traditional staddle stone. Made from a highly durable, UV stable, frost proof and 100% recyclable polymer. Stand G402BBC Gardeners’ World Live regulars Jardinopia sell decorative bronze, and hand-painted, plant pot feet depicting a range of characters & animals including popular dog breeds, that’ll help keep your pots off the ground. Stand E90.Keep your veg out of reach of that inquisitive nose with Vegepod. Vegepod create raised garden bed kits that are self-watering, elevated and portable with a greenhouse cover. e, easy gardening. Stand E220. If planting in beds, mulch with bark or gravel – this not only limits watering but stops muddy paws. (Pictured: A Glimpse of South East Asia by Robyn Brookes, APL Avenue Show Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2019)Exhibitors:Coconut Coir‘s coconut husk chips are made by the regular slicing of the coconut husk so that they are cut into uniform size and are considered by Coconut Coir to be one of the best soil conditioning supplements found in the natural world. Coco chips are free of weeds, repel insects and harmful fungi from growing. Stand G202.Shell on Earth is a small family business in New Quay, Wales, who repurpose the crushed shells that are generated at their whelk processing factory. Use for; plant pot & terrarium dressing, garden borders & beds, drainage, soil aeration, mulch, paths & driveways. Stand G36. And with all that exercise running around your garden, they’ll need something tasty to eat. So you might want to seek out these other exhibitors fro BBC Gardeners’ World Live:Tailored dog food, based on your dog’s unique nutritional needs and delivered to your door each month by Tails.com. Stand FJ26Vitalin‘s blend of ingredients, nutritional expertise and modern manufacturing techniques to create a balanced food for your dog. Stand FG30/Butternut Box delivers freshly prepared dog food.in individual portions. Stand G400 and E118. As will be demonstrated by the  ‘What Lies Beneath’ Show Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2021, a well-constructed garden reduces the risk of accidents for dogs and owners alike with areas of mulching and paving, raised beds and steel pathways.You’ll find incredible garden inspiration in the Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders, and kit to make your garden dog-friendly from the exhibitors at BBC Gardeners’ World Live.For more inspiration direct to your inbox…Sign up to the newsletter > Explore the Show Gardens Sign up to the newsletter