Audley End to host brand new BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair
The stunning setting of Audley End House and Gardens in Essex is the backdrop for a new ‘don’t miss’ event for keen gardeners across the East of England this autumn, the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair. In the care of English Heritage, Audley End is one of the country’s grandest mansions with award-winning gardens designed by Capability Brown.
The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, in association with English Heritage, takes place from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 September, and promises inspiration and take-home ideas by the bucketload. There will be Beautiful Borders packed with ideas, plants to browse and buy from local nurseries and growers and those from further afield, exclusive Plant Expert tours of Audley End’s Kitchen Garden with Lucy Chamberlain (Head Gardener at East Donyland Hall, writer and BBC Radio Essex gardening expert) and ornamental gardens Saul Walker (Head Gardener at Stonelands House, Trustee of The Hardy Plant Society and Chartered Institute of Horticulture) and shopping opportunities galore.
Bringing the spirit of the popular BBC Two Gardeners’ World TV programme and magazine to life, Adam Frost (Friday), Arit Anderson (Saturday) and Joe Swift (Sunday) will share a wealth of expertise, along with BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Editors, Lucy Hall, Kevin Smith, Emma Crawforth and David Hurrion. Don’t miss the practical plant tips and autumn growing advice in daily sessions at the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage and in entertaining ‘In Conversation’ style talks hosted in Audley End’s spectacular Parterre gardens.
BBC Two Gardeners’ World presenter, Adam Frost, said: “I’m really looking forward to the new Autumn Fair at Audley End. There’s nothing I love more than meeting people who love gardening, whether they’re experienced or just starting out. It is a great way to share inspiration and ideas, surrounded by glorious plants and in a location with a such rich gardening history.”
In recognition of Audley End’s role as a Heritage Seed Guardian, growing seeds for the national Heritage Seed Library, Garden Organic (who maintain the Library) will present a beautifully designed Potager Garden at the Fair. The garden will feature a central hexagonal shed with climbing rose and jasmine, a mud kitchen for children, a container garden, seating area, and a collection of heritage vegetable varieties from their collection. The Garden Organic team will also share tips and advice in talks on the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage.
No great day out would be complete without something tasty to eat and drink. Visitors to the Autumn Fair can enjoy a wide range of tempting, locally made and sourced seasonal treats, artisan produce and street food at the BBC Good Food Market, all while enjoying live entertainment in the bandstand.
Tickets for the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair include full access to Audley End House, grounds and gardens. Visitors can discover the spectacular country house’s servants’ wing, state rooms and stables. A highlight of autumn at Audley End is its mass of beautiful trees, many from the late 18th century, displaying their seasonal yellow, orange, red and bronze colours, plus the organic walled Kitchen Garden, intricately designed and restored Parterre, Lime Tree Avenue, parklands, Elysian Garden and Pond Garden.
Rachel Poletti-Gadd, Portfolio Director - Gardening Division at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, said: “We can’t wait to bring the magic of BBC Gardeners’ World to Audley End in September. It’s going to be a fantastic event and we have no doubt that visitors will leave feeling inspired to take new ideas – and almost certainly some new plants - back home. BBC Gardeners’ World Live and our seasonal Fairs celebrate hands-on gardening and the joy of plants, and we know that there are plenty of green fingers in the East of England that will enjoy all that our exciting new Autumn Fair has to offer.”
Louise Ellis, Head Gardener at Audley End, says: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Gardeners’ World team to Audley End. Many English Heritage members and visitors are keen gardeners and it is a wonderful opportunity to put on a day out for them with so much on offer. We will have a team of experts in our gardens on hand to share practical tips with visitors as well as members of our gardens team being part of the exclusive Plant Expert Tours. It’s going to be a great day out!”
Advance adult prices start from £18.00, or £9.50 for English Heritage adult members. Find out more and book tickets at www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com