The Honest Communications team returned to the NEC last Thursday for our annual visit to BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025 – and once again, it did not disappoint.
It’s one of our favourite shows for good reason, bringing together a die-hard community of gardening enthusiasts, industry-leading brands, and buckets of inspiration for an immersive experience celebrating all things plants, outdoor living, and lifestyle trends – not to mention, the BBC Good Food Show is just next door, too!
A return to real-life connections
With the rise of more conscious consumer spending, and brands scrutinising budgets, many have questioned the role of live events in delivering meaningful return on investment (ROI). But if 2025 has proven anything, it’s that consumer appetite for immersive garden experiences is back with a bang. The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair broke attendance records earlier this year, and now its sister event has followed suit, with BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025 achieving its highest-ever pre-event ticket sales ahead of opening on 12th June – reinforcing that consumers are seeking memorable, in person experiences.
Even before stepping through the NEC’s ticket gates, the atmosphere was electric. The floral frocks were out in force, excited chatter filled the air, and the halls were alive with colour, creativity and a real sense of community. And that’s before reaching the show gardens and exhibitor stands offering endless garden design inspiration.
Key highlights from the show
Thursday was a particularly buzzing day, as the BBC camera crews were on site filming for Friday evening’s episode of BBC Gardeners’ World. Among the famous faces we spotted were Nick Bailey, Adam Frost, Sue Kent and non-other than garden royalty Monty Don, fresh from the magic of his Chelsea Dog Garden.
As for the gardens themselves, one thing’s clear: pollinator-friendly plants are here to stay. Perennial favourites such as salvia, nepeta, and lavender were in full bloom – their hues of blues, lilacs, and purples not only provided a feast for the eyes, but also a vital food source for pollinators. These wildlife-friendly garden staples continue to inspire sustainable gardening practices and wildlife-friendly garden design. Nick Bailey’s Plant Based Garden was another must-see for nature-inspired greenery. With plants provided by Hillier Nurseries, the carefully curated garden shows everyone how we can all ‘Make a Metre Matter’ and help out the bees, butterflies and other wonderful local wildlife.
Hillier Garden Centres also sponsored the Let’s Talk Plants stage, drawing in crowds of curious gardeners keen to soak up expert advice. Charles Carr, Hillier’s Head of Nurseries, gave an insightful talk on peat-free gardening, explaining how and why the transition away from peat is vital for environmental health. He offered practical tips on how to get the most out of peat-free compost and grow mediums – a very prominent message as we navigate the horticultural peat ban.
The day wrapped up with Monty Don giving a final talk on the ‘Let’s Talk Plants’ stage, cosily tucked up inside the Flower Marquee – which, incidentally, was great timing as the rain rolled in treating the show gardens to a well-earned drink!
What this means for garden, home & lifestyle brands
Yes, exhibiting at live events like BBC Gardeners’ World Live involves cost – but the benefits extend far beyond immediate sales – and here’s why!
- Direct customer engagement: Brands get the rare chance to speak directly with their target audience, understand their challenges, and offer real-time support and advice. This not only builds trust but positions your team as garden product experts and trusted voices in a crowded market.
- Live market research: It’s also a valuable opportunity to observe buying behaviours and spot early product trends. One surprising insight this year? The popularity of large foliage plants – especially the dramatic Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’, which Hillier nearly sold out of. For a plant of that size (and the impending train journey home), the demand speaks volumes about changing tastes in outdoor living trends and bold, statement planting.
- Brand awareness & PR: From TV coverage to social media influencer content, the show is a hotspot for generating press mentions, user-generated content, and brand exposure. If your product or display gets featured by a Gardeners’ World presenter or posted on Instagram by a visitor, that visibility is gold.
- Content creation: These events are also a content marketer’s dream. From behind-the-scenes photos and product demos to team interviews and trend roundups, the creative possibilities are endless. Capture the content, repurpose it across social media platforms and extend the impact of the show well beyond event day!
- Sustainability messaging: With growing consumer interest in eco-friendly gardening, this is the ideal setting to showcase your sustainable garden products, peat-free ranges, or wildlife-friendly innovations.
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BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025 isn’t just a haven for plant lovers – it’s a key opportunity for home and garden PR, brand storytelling, and reaching a highly engaged, purchase-ready audience. For brands aiming to strengthen consumer connections, stay ahead of emerging trends, and build lasting brand equity, this is an essential date for the 2026 calendar. It also marks the final year the event will be held at the NEC before relocating to the Packingham Estate near Coventry in 2027.
If you’re still hesitant about whether shows are suitable for your brand, take a peek at our fool proof blog about maximising your brand at industry and garden events or get in touch or pop us an email at hello@honestcommunications.co.uk.
