Capel Manor College is proud to announce its return to the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, taking place at Beaulieu, Hampshire from 2-4 May 2025.
This year, students studying the Level 2 Professional Gardener Diploma will be showcasing Aspects of Nature – a thoughtfully designed garden that explores nature’s ability to create beauty in contrasting conditions.
Aspects of Nature is a garden of two distinct sides, each inspired by opposing ecosystems in which plants thrive.
The North Aspect draws on shady, damp environments. With an emphasis on texture and form, this section highlights the elegance found in natural decay. A blackened timber wall behind a white-barked tree creates a striking focal point that captures the balance between shadow and light.
The South Aspect celebrates dry, sun-drenched conditions. Featuring drought-tolerant planting and a bold sculptural centrepiece, it’s a showcase of resilience and resourcefulness, with materials that have been repurposed to reflect sustainable design practices.
Together, the two sides invite visitors on a sensory journey, reflecting nature’s contrasts and complexities.
Created by students as part of their practical coursework, the garden demonstrates not only their horticultural knowledge but also their teamwork, creativity, and project management skills.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our students to apply their learning in a real-world environment and showcase their skills on a national stage,” said Zephaniah Lindo, Head of Curriculum for Horticulture and Landscape at Capel Manor College.
Following the Spring Fair, elements of Aspects of Nature will be relocated and incorporated into displays across the College’s five campuses in London.
“Being part of this project has been a huge boost for my confidence and given us all direct experience in professional horticulture. I’ve learned so much about garden design, plant choice, purchasing, construction and landscaping.” said Helen Bell, one of the students involved in the build.
Capel Manor College would like to thank its sponsors and supporters, whose generous contributions have helped bring this garden to life including Caradon Stone, Bradstone, Wood Green Timber and Caley Bros. Mushrooms.
More information about the garden can be read here: https://www.capel.ac.uk/bbc-gardeners-world-spring-fair-2025/
