GREEN-FINGERED Silhillians are being called on to share their garden design talents at BBC Gardeners’ World Live.
Applications are open for the Beautiful Borders competition which showcases those colourful mini masterpieces in compact, 9m2 show gardens when the show returns to the NEC from June 12 to 15.
Organisers say these are always a popular highlight and provides visitors with endless inspiration and take-home ideas, particularly for small or challenging garden spaces.
Whether you’re a design or landscaping professional, a first-time designer or student, or a gardening club, community group or charity, BBC Gardeners’ World events’ friendly and experienced horticultural team support entrants every step of the way, from application to final build. 25 bursaries worth £200 each are available to BBC Gardeners’ World Live applicants for plants and props.
The creative theme for the 2025 Beautiful Borders competiton is ‘Cultivating Connections’, inspired by the power of garden spaces, no matter how small, to foster meaningful connections of all kinds.
Whether it’s connecting cultures, species, generations or communities, or deepening our relationship with nature, education or mental wellbeing, the organisers are looking for small spaces with big impact.
Entries are assessed on site by esteemed professional assessors, with medals for all and awards presented for Best Beautiful Border, Best Interpretation of the Theme, and Best Subscriber Border for the best design by a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine subscriber.
Event visitors have their say too, voting for their favourite Border in the Peoples’ Choice award.
Lucy Tremlett, event director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said: “We – and our visitors – never cease to be impressed at the creativity that goes into the Beautiful Borders.
“The designs are not only technically brilliant with an eye-catching aesthetic, but really come from the heart, often reflecting a designer’s personal story, journey or experience.
“Gardens are wonderful spaces to bring human beings and nature together, so the Cultivating Connections theme should inspire some really strong entries. We can’t wait to see them.”
Winner of the ‘best in show’ Beautiful Border, Best BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Subscriber Border and a Platinum award at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2024 was Leanne Wood from Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire. Leanne’s Border, Following In My Footsteps, was a celebration of education through shared experiences and deep connections with nature. Inspired by following in her grandparents’ gardening footsteps, Leanne’s Border combined a children’s play space with a relaxing haven.
To enter a Beautiful Border for BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025, download the application form and find full details, including bursary information, here.
Applications close on January 23.
Tickets for BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025 are on sale now here.
