BBC Gardeners’ World has announced the opening of its 2026 Beautiful Borders competition, themed Once Upon a Time. 

Applications are open for the flagship BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC Birmingham in June, the Spring Fair at Beaulieu in Hampshire in May and the Autumn Fair at Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden in Essex in September.

The Beautiful Borders competition encourages both experienced garden designers, students and community or charity groups to enter. 

There are also limited £250 bursaries available for plants and props.

Lucy Tremlett, event director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, comments:

“Gardens are great places for storytelling, and we can’t wait to see how this year’s entrants bring the Once Upon a Time theme to life.” 

Applications will be open until 23 January for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the Spring Fair, whilst the Autumn Fair applications close on 1 May.