Collected a trio of awards, Charlotte Hugh was presented with Best Beautiful Border, Best BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Subscriber Border and a Platinum award at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair.

Taking place on 29-31 August, the fair was celebrated on the grounds of English Heritage’s Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden.

Hugh’s border, Conversation in Bloom, was her first show garden design. She says, “I’m overwhelmed, but incredibly proud of the garden. I’ve attended the Autumn Fair ever since it started and always dreamt of exhibiting one day”.

This year’s theme was Cultivating Connections, whilst Hugh’s border invites visitors to take a seat surrounded by nature set to spark conversations. 

Conversations in Bloom Beautiful Border designed by Charlotte Hugh

Ian Hodgson, head assessor, comments on the border:

“This was a potent interpretation of the theme of Cultivating Connections. The artfully crafted seating and exquisite, delicate planting invited conversation between all who would use the garden.”

Applications for next year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair border competition opens today, 1 September 2025, with the theme, Once Upon a Time.