See Sue Kent at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair on Sunday 13 September 2026.

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.

designed by Pip Probert

This garden demonstrates a range of planting combinations and things you can do in your own garden within a single metre squared.  Although the garden is realistic to a small garden plot, we aim to show multiple ways of enhancing just a small amount of space within.  

We are trying to show how re-using things can be done in a way that looks new and fresh, plus how we all like to put our own mark on a space and add a few quirky bits!  

The planters have come along to each show as part of our “Make a Metre Matter” experience and this time are being used in a real garden setting to create structure.  

Again we want to demonstrate how we can accommodate pollinators and wildlife into the garden and even a few edibles – creating a space that combines all the interests of a true gardener! 

Kevin Smith is the Content Editor of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for the GW brand. He’s worked for GW for the past 18 years and is responsible for leading the magazine’s content in print and on GardenersWorld.com, the GW podcast, social media and our live events.

Kevin’s a passionate gardener with a suburban plot in Essex that he shares with his wife and daughter – he’s trying to adapt the way he gardens to be more sustainable and better suit our changing climate. Kevin’s a regular radio contributor and has been a host of BBC Gardeners’ World Live theatres for several years.

Cara Thompson is the founder of ‘Make it Flourish’. TV Art Director turned flower grower during the national lock down, Cara now hosts ‘Make It Flourish ’ Flower sow-alongs, which started online and now presents in person around the country.

In 2021 she set up a community ‘Make it Flourish Together’ sow along meet up sponsored by Mr Fothergills seeds and Sylvagrow compost.

Cara has became an Advocate for community growing sharing the joy of growing flowers through her own life changing experience of growing. Most recently leading a flower sow along to celebrate 60 years of ‘Britain in Bloom’ and this summer designing a community flower garden in a public park.

From Art Directing on television shows such as BBC’s EastEnders to then designing a GOLD award garden and winning the ‘Peoples Choice’ award for BBC Gardeners Worlds Autumn show. She now shares her passion for growing flowers and planting design through an Art Director’s eye.

Book a place on Cara’s Flower Crown Workshops at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair 2026, here >

Professional eater and drinker Andy Clarke is one of the UKs most exciting and vibrant voices in the food & drink industry. Having worked in food, drink, travel and behind the camera as a television producer, Andy is happiest when communicating his love of all things edible and sippable. Either on telly or via his social media platform. As a host at events, Andy can be found on the stage with chefs, behind the scenes and as one of the country’s most respected food & drink writers.

Andy’s TV production credits include developing and producing ‘Saturday Kitchen Live’ (BBC1), series producing Both James Martin’s French & American Adventures (ITV) and being responsible for food & drink on ‘Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip’ (ITV). He also produced and directed a brand series ‘Rachel Khoo’s Chocolate’ (Discovery+ / Food Network) and helped to produce ‘The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver’ (Channel 4).

https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/autumn-fair/whatson/the-autumn-table/

Meet the experts NEW - Ashley Edwards

See Ashley Edwards at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, Sun 13 September 2026.
Ashley Edwards, a dedicated horticulturist and horticultural therapist on a mission to cultivate well-being through the transformative power of gardening. With a profound passion for teaching, Ashley is committed to making gardening an accessible and inclusive activity for everyone.

See Ashley on the BBC Gardener’s World Magazine Stage, Sunday 13 September:

As a seasoned horticulturist, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of gardening. Since graduating from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, his work has taken him across the world to garden in America and Italy.

He’s currently Head Gardener at Horatio’s Garden London & South East, a national charity that creates beautiful, accessible gardens at NHS Spinal Injury Centres. Beyond the practical skills of cultivating plants, he understands the profound impact that gardening can have on mental health. This insight has led Ashley to become a staunch advocate for the therapeutic benefits of gardening, firmly believing that it holds the key to enhancing overall well-being.

ashley edwards spring fair expert
Driven by the desire to share the joys of gardening with others, Ashley has dedicated his career to teaching people of all backgrounds the art and science of cultivating plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, Ashley believes that with the right guidance and encouragement, anyone can discover the joy and therapeutic benefits of tending to a garden. Even if you don’t have a garden, there’s plenty you can achieve with indoor plants and windowsill growing.

At the heart of Ashley’s philosophy is the belief that gardening transcends age, ability, and background. Through his work, Ashley aims to break down barriers and inspire individuals to connect with nature, fostering a sense of fulfilment and tranquillity. By weaving together horticulture and therapy, Ashley strives to create an inclusive space where everyone feels empowered to explore the world of gardening, realising its potential as a tool for positive mental health.

Join Ashley on this inspiring journey of growth, both in the garden and within ourselves, as he continues to sow the seeds of well-being and cultivate a community where the therapeutic benefits of gardening are celebrated and accessible to all.

Meet the experts NEW - Ashley Edwards

See Ashley Edwards at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, Sun 13 September 2026.

Ashley Edwards, a dedicated horticulturist and horticultural therapist on a mission to cultivate well-being through the transformative power of gardening. With a profound passion for teaching, Ashley is committed to making gardening an accessible and inclusive activity for everyone.

See Ashley on the BBC Gardener’s World Magazine Stage, Sunday 13 September:

As a seasoned horticulturist, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of gardening. Since graduating from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, his work has taken him across the world to garden in America and Italy.

He’s currently Head Gardener at Horatio’s Garden London & South East, a national charity that creates beautiful, accessible gardens at NHS Spinal Injury Centres. Beyond the practical skills of cultivating plants, he understands the profound impact that gardening can have on mental health. This insight has led Ashley to become a staunch advocate for the therapeutic benefits of gardening, firmly believing that it holds the key to enhancing overall well-being.

ashley edwards spring fair expert
Driven by the desire to share the joys of gardening with others, Ashley has dedicated his career to teaching people of all backgrounds the art and science of cultivating plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, Ashley believes that with the right guidance and encouragement, anyone can discover the joy and therapeutic benefits of tending to a garden. Even if you don’t have a garden, there’s plenty you can achieve with indoor plants and windowsill growing.

At the heart of Ashley’s philosophy is the belief that gardening transcends age, ability, and background. Through his work, Ashley aims to break down barriers and inspire individuals to connect with nature, fostering a sense of fulfilment and tranquillity. By weaving together horticulture and therapy, Ashley strives to create an inclusive space where everyone feels empowered to explore the world of gardening, realising its potential as a tool for positive mental health.

Join Ashley on this inspiring journey of growth, both in the garden and within ourselves, as he continues to sow the seeds of well-being and cultivate a community where the therapeutic benefits of gardening are celebrated and accessible to all.

Meet the experts - Lucy Chamberlain

Lucy was raised at her parents’ market garden in Essex, before venturing to further her horticultural education at Writtle and Wye colleges.

With an Honours Degree in plant sciences she then worked at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden (RHS) Wisley. After six years she left to pursue a career as a garden writer – first, for four years at Amateur Gardening magazine and then for six years as Editor of Grow Your Own magazine. She is now Head Gardener at East Donyland Hall – a 100- acre private estate which is home to a sizeable walled garden. Lucy is author of the book, The RHS Step-by-Step Veg Patch, and she also regularly writes for gardening magazines such as Gardeners’ World, The Garden and Amateur Gardening. She regularly podcasts with her Head Gardener friend, Saul Walker, on the Talking Heads gardening podcast. Lucy is also the gardening expert for BBC Essex radio, and she won Practical Journalist of the Year in 2020. 

https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/autumn-fair/lucy-chamberlain/

Where to hear from De-Graft Mensah at the Autumn Fair

BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage

Friday 11 September
12.00pm De-Graft Mensah and Lucy Chamberlain hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Kevin Smith – Make a Metre Matter

Saturday 12 September12.00pm De-Graft Mensah and Lucy Chamberlain hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Kevin Smith – Make a Metre Matter

Subscriber Club Lounge
Friday 11 September
11.30am De-Graft Mensah and Lucy Chamberlain , hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Teams Kevin Smith

Saturday 12 September
11.30am De-Graft Mensah and Lucy Chamberlain , hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Teams Oliver Parsons 

Sunday 13 September
3.30pm De-Graft Mensah, hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Teams Oliver Parsons 

Friday 11 September
2.30pm De-Graft Mensah – My Allotment Journey

Saturday 12 September
2.30pm De-Graft Mensah – My Allotment Journey

Sunday 13 September
2.30pm De-Graft Mensah – My Allotment Journey

What to Expect at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair

• “Make a Metre Matter”: Get inspired by his signature campaign with BBC Gardeners’ World Live, which demonstrates how to maximize tiny spaces—even just one square metre—to boost biodiversity and grow your own food.
• Real-Talk Allotment Advice: Accessible, down-to-earth tips for beginners, focusing on community growing, embracing mistakes, and celebrating the small wins.
• Autumn & Winter Prep: Ideas on keeping your growing momentum alive during the cooler months and prepping small plots for the year ahead.

Meet the experts - Frances Tophill

See Frances Tophill at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair.
Find out where you’ll be able to hear Frances share top tips and advice on stage at the Fair below.

In 2016 Frances joined BBC’s Gardeners’ World doing a few strands for the programme, one on vegetable seed trials which she worked on from her local RHS garden, RHS Rosemoor and another on gardens situated in extreme locations.
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.

https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/autumn-fair/meet-the-experts/