Rodbaston College students set to take centre stage at BBC Gardeners’ World Live

Horticulture students from Rodbaston College are preparing to take part in one of the UK’s most prestigious gardening events, after their garden design, has been accepted into the Beautiful Borders showcase at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2026.

The design created by RHS Level 3 Practical Horticulture students, is titled ‘Grow Them On’. It tells the story of how horticultural teaching at Rodbaston has evolved over time. The design reflects the college’s journey from a post war focus on food production as a necessity, through the development of ornamental gardens, to today’s emphasis on sustainability and biodiversity.

The border has been carefully planned to tell this story through planting choices. At one end, traditional vegetable crops represent the importance of growing food for survival. This is mirrored at the opposite end with ornamental varieties selected not for human consumption but to provide a food source for pollinators. Horticulturally, the planting creates a clear narrative that links past and present practice.

Students have led the design process themselves, applying their technical knowledge, creativity, and understanding of sustainable horticulture. Over the coming months, they will begin growing much of the plant stock within the grounds of Rodbaston College, alongside sourcing additional materials such as paving and hard landscaping elements, before transporting everything to the NEC Birmingham to construct the border ahead of the show opening.

BBC Gardeners’ World Live takes place from 18–21 June at the NEC and is now in its 35th year, attracting more than 90,000 visitors across four days. Being selected for the Beautiful Borders showcase feature places Rodbaston College students’ work in front of a national audience of gardening enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Horticulture tutor at South Staffordshire College, Nicola Davies, said “Students involved in the project have been buzzing since hearing their design is to be featured at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. It is a chance for them to see first-hand all that is involved in creating a show garden and will provide a valuable horticultural experience, from the first design ideas and choosing plant associations right through to the actual build and assessment process for awards”.

This project is putting our RHS horticulture students and their work at the heart of a nationally recognised event, the college couldn’t be prouder, and we can’t wait to see their final design showcased at the event. To learn more about the event visit the Gardeners World website.