TOBY BUCKLAND
Toby Buckland hosts the festival annually and is a qualified horticulturist, author and a regular broadcaster for BBC One and Two’s presenting team from RHS Chelsea Flowershow. In 2014 Toby joined forces with Country Gardener Magazine to create Toby’s Garden Festival to champion the smaller, specialist nurseries. The first Garden Festival took place at Powderham Castle near Exeter to popular acclaim and is now a premier gardening event in the South West.
Now you can join him and get in touch every Sunday from 10am to 2pm on BBC Radio Devon (and BBC Sounds) for his popular gardening show. Toby’s giving talks both days, and will be out and about saying hello to visitors.
Toby is hosting the festival on 1st and 2nd May 2026.
ARIT ANDERSON
We are thrilled that Arit Anderson, the award-winning garden designer, writer, TV presenter, podcast host and RHS ambassador will be joining us at Toby’s Garden Fest next May. She is the first celebrity gardener to sign up to be part of the two-day gardening bonanza on May 1st and 2nd – and Arit will be making a popular return visit to the festival where she was such a popular hit with visitors a few years ago.
Arit is a regular presenter on BBC Television’s Gardener’s World where her skilled designers eye has made her hugely popular with viewers. Arit spent 25 years working in retail fashion before switching her attention to horticulture where she has been keen to pass on her love of plants, people and place. Be sure to catch up with her at Powderham Castle in the spring.
Arit will be joining us as a speaker at the festival on 1st and 2nd May 2026.
CHRIS HULL
Chelsea Gold Medal winning garden designer Chris shares his design secrets behind the scenes stories from BBC One’s Garden Rescue. Chris has four series under his belt and has created spectacular garden designs across the UK plus appearances on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh.
In 2024, Chris achieved critical acclaim, winning Gold at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Chris will be joining us as a speaker at the festival on 1st and 2nd May 2026.
JONNY HINCKS
ITV bCREATOR award winner Garden with Jonny is where gardening gets a whole lot more fun. Led by gardener and plant enthusiast Jonny Hincks, packed with practical tips, seasonal inspiration, and plenty of feel-good growing confidence. Jonny’s friendly, no-fuss style makes gardening feel doable for everyone — whether you’re nurturing a jungle of houseplants, wrangling a wild border, or just figuring out which end of the trowel to hold. Expect plenty of laughs, loads of knowledge, and a genuine love of getting hands in the soil.
Jonny will be speaking at the festival on Saturday 2nd May 2026.
BECKY SEARLE
Becky is a trained ecologist, passionate gardener and plant lover known for her warm, down-to-earth approach and inspiring style. She shares practical, achievable advice that helps people grow with confidence — whether you’ve got a big garden, a small space, or just a few pots to play with. Last spring, Becky released her book Grow a New Garden, and she also writes for Gardener’s World Magazine, Kitchen Garden Magazine, and The Telegraph online. With a real eye for plants and a love of encouraging others, Becky brings a brilliant mix of knowledge, enthusiasm, and relatable gardening chat that always leaves you feeling ready to get stuck in.
Becky will be speaking and joining us as compère at the festival on 1st and 2nd May 2026.
MARK DIACONO
We’re delighted to welcome award-winning food and garden writer Mark Diacono to Toby’s Garden Festival this year. He’ll be speaking and compèring across the weekend.
Known for growing everything from Szechuan pepper to pecans and Asian pears, Mark has inspired a new generation to grow and cook with their own produce. A familiar face from the early days of River Cottage, he now writes for The Sunday Times, Guardian Food Quarterly and Country Life, hosts book clubs with Angela Hartnett, advises RHS Gardens, and shares his work globally through his Substack, Mark Diacono’s Abundance.
Mark will be speaking and joining us as compère at the festival on 1st and 2nd May 2026.
SUSY ATKINS
We’re thrilled that award-winning wine expert and Telegraph wine columnist Susy Atkins will be returning this year.
Known for her warm, approachable style and appearances on Saturday Kitchen, Susy will be hosting intimate talks and tastings celebrating the connection between garden-grown ingredients and great wine.
Expect fascinating conversations with local producers, plenty of delicious samples, and expert tips—from pairing fruit desserts with sweet wines to discovering the exciting rise of English still wines.
Susy will be joining us as compère at the festival on 1st and 2nd May 2026.