Gardeners’ World pays tribute to Peter Seabrook

A tribute to Peter Seabrook will be staged at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, from 16 – 19 June at Birmingham’s NEC.

The display, personally designed by Peter, will be a central feature within the Floral Marquee as part of the 100-year anniversary of the BBC in 2022.

Peter had a long running association with BBC Gardeners’ World Live and was known to be an enthusiastic showman. Over the years, Peter was closely involved in many areas including the Beautiful Borders, Show Gardens and the unforgettable four-meter-high Plant Pyramid, a monumental structure displaying over 3,000 plants, featuring Garvinea in 2018 and upwards of 50 new plant introductions in 2019.

To be a highlight of the BBC 100 celebrations at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, Peter Seabrook designed a display inspired by Pebble Mill, where he hosted the popular lunchtime programme Pebble Mill at One, from 1975 until 1986. Peter produced the design and illustrations for the display, personally selecting the fusion of images shown in his own artists impression, and selected Pebble Mill memorabilia to feature within. The feature centres around areas of horticulture that Peter was continually passionate about, including plants grown by youngsters and newly launched varieties. The Show organisers have confirmed it will go ahead, as planned by Peter, this year. ValChristman, who’s family worked with Peter from the early 1980’s, will be coordinating the exhibit. Val said, “We could have not had a better boss, Peter always rolled up his sleeves, was passionate about every project and became one of the team. He even made sure everyone had a tea or coffee!” 

Peter was passionate about the horticulture industry and was instrumental in encouraging many young people into the business.  His boundless energy and enthusiasm saw him supporting a number of school competitions at BBC Gardeners’ World Live including hosting the Grow Your Own Potato grand final. The intergenerational ‘Plantpot Teapot’ competition at BBC Gardeners’ World Live was of particular significance to Peter, a contest in which Early Years children planted up small upcycled containers which they then gifted to elderly people in their community. 

Horticultural director at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, Bob Sweet, said “Peter always had such huge enthusiasm and energy that we often ran away with his ideas. An example of this was the vast Plant Pyramid at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Through Peter, we were able to announce record numbers of new plant introductions in 2019.” Bob continues “Peter was hugely generous in his ideas and support of the Show and he will be very missed as a colleague and friend.”

For more information, please visit bbcgardenersworldlive.com