From childhood days digging for potatoes to becoming one of Britain’s most recognisable gardening voices, gardener and broadcaster Toby Buckland has always believed life is best lived outdoors, whether tending plants, drawing inspiration from nature or sharing his passion for gardening with audiences across the country.
We caught up with Toby to talk about his journey into horticulture, the sanctuary of his own garden and the growing success of his much-loved garden festival, as he prepares for another year of celebrating plants, people and traditional skills on the 1st and 2nd May.
Tell us a bit about yourself Toby
I’m a Devon-based gardener and broadcaster. I present BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World as well as a Sunday show on BBC Radio Devon. I’m also the founder of Toby’s Garden Festival, a two day celebration of gardening held just outside Exeter in the beautiful grounds of Powerham Castle.
How long have you been a gardener and how did it come about?
I’ve been gardening since I was a child. I’ve always loved being outdoors, working and making stuff using my hands. Gardening is something that comes naturally to me.
Where did your love of plants first begin?
I was with my Uncle Bob who was a keen potato grower. He took me down to the beach to gather seaweed to improve the soil before he planted his potatoes. When I went back later in the summer and dug where the seaweed had been, instead of kelp there were bucket loads of spuds! It was like finding buried treasure and I’ve been hooked ever since.
What does being in the garden mean to you?
It’s an instant top-up of nature. When I’m gardening, with the soil beneath my feet and plants between my fingers, I feel I’m where I should be.
Qualified horticulturalist and TV present Toby Buckland is best known as one of the many faces of the seminal BBC series Gardener’s World
Describe your own garden style in three words
Beauty through usefulness.
What does your own garden mean to you?
My garden is a sanctuary, the place I go to reboot, unwind and be productive – but at my own pace.
Which plants never fail to bring you joy?
I love trees, for their sheer heft and magnificence. In a fast-moving world, sharing space with such long living organisms is awe inspiring. The old oaks in the woods where I work were here before I was born and will still be dropping acorns long beyond my life.
What does a perfect summer’s day in the garden look like to you?
A run along the beach followed by a swim in the sea, then home to potter in the garden and barbecue with friends and family.
What is Toby’s Garden Festival and when is it?
The ‘Fest’ is a two-day celebration at Powderham Castle of plants and the great outdoors. It’s on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of May.
What makes Toby’s Garden Festival different from other shows?
There are a few things that make it stand out, the location in the grounds of Powderham Castle is stunning. The range of free talks and demos from BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World presenters, to drystone wallers and food producers is inspiring and the atmosphere is really warm and inclusive. The word that comes up more than any others from people who come along is that the fest is uniquely ‘friendly’.
Are you being joined by any famous faces this year?
Arit Anderson from BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World is taking time out from building an RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden and Chris Hull from BBC One’s Garden Rescue are both joining us on the Friday and Saturday. Instagram sensation Jonny Hincks, gardenwithjonny, will be joining us on the Saturday to discuss his new book ‘Garden Yourself Happy’ as well as trained ecologist, passionate gardener, writer and author, Becky Searle.
Toby’s Garden Festival boasts an impressive programme full of free gardening and food and drink talks, demonstrations, tastings and workshops plus live music
Beyond gardening inspiration, what other experiences can guests enjoy?
We love traditional crafts, with scything, basket making and drystone walling demonstrations plus a market of the finest artists and makers displaying everything from jewellery to glassware, pottery and homeware. Food Drink Devon’s market in the Castle Courtyard features over 20 local and artisan food, drink and wine producers from across the region. Oh, and not to forget the vintage cars, new Mini Woofstock Dog Show, musicians and street performers.
What are you most excited about for the 2026 festival?
We have over 30 specialist nurseries attending, so I’m really looking forward to shopping for plants (no surprise!)
What inspired you to launch Toby’s Garden Festival?
It was to support small growers and artisan makers across the region. Before the fest there were no events curated around quality and a passion for the great outdoors.
What’s your biggest achievement?
Raising three children! Also reaching our 10th anniversary was an amazing feeling though I still can’t believe where the years have gone! I guess time flies when you’re having fun…and being the first garden show in the world to be officially carbon-neutral was a massive high.
What’s next for you Toby?
Filming at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, if I don’t see you at the Fest, I’ll say hello from the telly.
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