On September 11th-13th, 2026, we will be excitingly showcasing our "Once Upon a Time" Beautiful Borders Display at the Gardeners' World Autumn Fair.
“Pots upon pots until pots became troughs and beyond! Before long the ambition from our little gardening hobby that we took from just one ‘happy scrap seed’ that entered our life one day, encouraged the renovation of our yard space, to create a place of mindful escape through togetherness, creativity and learning”.
What is Gardeners’ World - Autumn Fair?
Extend the gardening season in style at the Autumn Fair
11 - 13 September 2026 at Audley End House and Garden, Saffron Walden, Essex.
“Expert tips, Garden inspiration, Plants to buy, Great shopping, Showcase Gardens, Beautiful Borders, Plant Expert Tours plus all NEW! Autumn Table and Hands-on workshops, plus the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage, Good Food Market, Street food, Live music, Access to Audley End House and Garden” - More information at www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/autumn-fair/
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Beautiful Borders
“This popular area of the Fair is always awash with take-home ideas to help you squeeze the most into your garden. Be it growing veg in tight spaces, colour combinations, plants for shady spaces or clever use of materials you’ll find inspiration in abundance.”
The creative theme for the 2026 Beautiful Borders competition is ‘Once upon a time’.
“This theme invites you to discover how even the smallest garden can become a storybook—connecting past to present, memories to moments, and dreams to reality. Through plants, colour, and design, your border can transport visitors into a world where imagination blooms and every detail tells a tale.”
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Why us?
As passionate, hobbyist gardeners we could dream of nothing more exciting than bringing all the love and fun we have for our past-time, to an event where we might display a heartfelt creation, such as Gardeners’ World. The theme of this year’s ‘Beautiful Borders’ fits us so perfectly too, with our journey through renovation as well as other growth and personal achievements. We have a story to tell and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to share it in this way.
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This humble experience for us in creating our ‘Beautiful Border’ is not simply about our creativity with compost and blooms, it's about raising awareness within a story of growth and possibilities, no matter the foundations.
With this in mind, we're excited to document chapters of our Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair journey on Instagram (@happypotting), as we fundraise for Beat – the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can affect anyone, and they impact not just those who suffer but also their loved ones. Currently, at least 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder, which means millions more are affected by the ripple effects of these challenges.
Our target is to raise £100 to support Beat's mission, with love, via our Just Giving page.
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There is always hope. With better understanding, faster diagnosis, and proper treatment, recovery is possible. Personal growth is achievable, no matter the root complexity.
Beat provides invaluable emotional support and expert advice to those in need. They work tirelessly to change policies, perceptions, and lives for the better.
Together, we can end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders and bring hope to those who need it most. Your support means everything! 💜
Thank you again for any support you can give!
Thanks to you, anyone who is worried about themselves or a loved one can contact our Helpline services 3-8pm, Monday-Friday, so no one has to face an eating disorder alone.
Learn more by visiting the official site below about the many ways in which Beat remain in their plight to make a positive change for those affected by the harsh and often hidden realities of Eating Disorders.