For anyone who grew up with Ambridge in their ears, there’s a real treat in store at this year’s brand new RHS Badminton Flower Show (8–12 July).
For the first time ever, an Archers-themed garden has appeared at the RHS Show to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Britain’s longest-running rural soap opera. As a lifelong Archers fan myself, I was beyond excited to visit the reimagined Bridge Farm Garden, designed by celebrated garden designer and Country Living columnist Jo Thompson.
Along with other sharp-eyed fans, I was thrilled to spot plenty of hidden Easter eggs throughout the garden, creating a space that truly brings the characters to life.
Set in the aftermath of the recent sewage spill storyline, the space imagines a hopeful front garden, lovingly rebuilt and replanted. A collection of wellies in various sizes and colours sits by the back door, clearly belonging to Tony and Pat, the garden’s owners, and their grandchildren, Henry and Jack.
Enamel bowls filled with strawberries and jars of fruit preserves are playful nods to Pat’s jam-making. There are even packets of sweet peas, referencing the episode in which Tony shared seeds with the rest of the village to celebrate his own 75th birthday.
Just around the corner, I was delighted to spot a cheesemaking area, complete with glass milk bottles and specially designed cheese wrappers labelled Borsetshire Blue and Sterling Gold, two of Helen Archer’s award-winning cheeses.
Then there’s Jo Thompson’s own favourite centrepiece: a full-sized vintage Fordson Major, alongside a toy MG Midget and a miniature Fordson Major, referencing the vehicles owned by Tony over the years.
At the front of the garden, an Ambridge village noticeboard displays notes and flyers linked to the show’s storylines, alongside the latest village events, including a call for volunteers for the local shop and a summer barbecue at The Bull.
Jo Thompson describes the project as “an absolute joy”, adding: “The Archers world feels incredibly familiar to so many people… I’ve loved the challenge of imagining how that much-loved place might translate into a real garden at RHS Badminton.”
Jeremy Howe, editor of The Archers, agrees: “The RHS garden will be a wonderful opportunity for fans to see Bridge Farm brought to life as never before.”
For me, as a lifelong Archers fan, this was far more than just another show garden. It was a beautiful celebration of a programme that has been part of British life for 75 years, full of warmth, wit and wonderfully observed details. I suspect many visitors will leave with a smile on their face - and perhaps even the theme tune playing in their heads.
The Archers 75th Anniversary Garden joins a full line-up of gardens, nurseries, talks, stage appearances and retail stands at the first RHS Badminton Flower Show, from 8–12 July. Visit rhs.org.uk to purchase tickets and find out more about the show.
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Vicky Carlisle is Editor of Country Living at Hearst UK. She heads up a talented editorial team delivering multichannel content across homes, decorating, crafts, wildlife, food, health and travel. She has been telling stories for magazines and blue-chip commercial clients for three decades. She has also worked for Hearst in the US, where she launched America’s first alternative health magazine. She has won three top industry awards. She has BA in English from Durham University and an MA in Journalism from Cardiff University. Follow Vicky on Instagram @vickycarlisle or Linkedin.
