See Tom Leonard, the Drag Queen Gardener, at the Show on Sunday on the We Grow Stage, on the Secret Homestead Garden.

Tom Leonard is a horticulturist from Warwickshire, who has a passion for gardening… and drag. It all started after a break up in 2019 when he decided to get an allotment. His love of gardening blossomed into a career, from training with the RHS to becoming a professional working gardener.

The gardening world was calling out for something fresh and Daisy Desire is now a well known face within mainstream society for adding some sequins to the horticultural scene, her joyful personality and a refusal to take life so seriously, has proven a tonic to audiences of all ages as she sets out with the aim to promote the mental wellbeing benefits of horticulture whilst giving people the motivation to be who they want to be and simply do what makes you happy. The Drag Queen Gardener has been breaking both barriers and ground, and is fast becoming the next rising star in the gardening world!

Find out more about the session on gardening for mental wellbeing on the We Grow Stage

Learning from nature and from others as well as about yourself – we don’t just learn gardening we learn patience, resilience, hope, we learn about our own capacities as well as how we can learn and reach for more, whether that be a skill or a quality in ourselves. Our own mental wellbeing can often challenge our ability to believe in ourselves, but seeing a shoot emerge from the soil, or a flower come into bloom can prove to us that we can do something, that we are successful. Join Tom Leonard (The Drag Queen Gardener) for an informal talk on the benefits of gardening for mental well-being. Discussing what plants allow you to connect with nature on a more intimate level and why gardening can be beneficial to us. Tom draws on his own research and personal experiences to promote the nurturing advantages of horticulture for oneself and why it is so important to consider when taking care of your own growing space.

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!

EASTER Flash Sale! Ends 2 April

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