Gardeners’ World presenter talks Chelsea Flower Show and what David Beckham wanted to grow in his garden

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Frances Tophill found the King’s recent trip to the US a bit odd. It felt strange to see him as a global figurehead when she’s currently working alongside him on a garden project. As a presenter on Gardeners’ World and a horticulturalist, she admits to often feeling like an impostor, and seeing the King in the spotlight only amplified those feelings, making her question her own role in the project.

Tophill is the lead designer for the Curious Garden, a collaborative project with King Charles, Alan Titchmarsh, and Sir David Beckham, and supported by the Royal Horticultural Society and the King’s Foundation. It will be showcased at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show – a major achievement for any garden designer.

Tophill’s debut show garden, a unique blend of rustic sheds and homegrown herbs, took first prize at the 2022 BBC Gardeners’ World Live event in Birmingham. She describes it as looking like a set from a post-apocalyptic film – raw and unconventional.

Chelsea wasn’t the kind of garden I was used to – it lacked the natural, wild feel of the community gardens where I’ve always worked, so it was a bit of a change. I asked Alan Titchmarsh, a friend from our time on the TV show Love Your Garden, for advice, and he told me to stay true to myself, but with a more refined approach.

The garden’s central feature is a building with an oak frame called the Museum of Curiosities. Inside, you’ll find handmade objects that demonstrate how plants have always been essential to human life – impacting our history, economy, trade, health, clothing, and what we eat.

A bed of delphiniums in the garden represents King Charles’s Highgrove estate. Designer Tophill admits the initial meeting to discuss the project at Highgrove was a bit daunting. He says every time he speaks with the King, he’s struck by the fact that he’s actually talking to the monarch, and often worries afterward if he was too talkative or remembered to use the proper form of address, ‘Your Majesty.’

One of the coolest details of the garden is the seven raised planting beds – apparently, that’s a nod to David Beckham’s iconic number seven jersey! I learned from the team that David’s really into growing his own vegetables, and he specifically asked for garlic to be included. He’s a true plant lover, and also a big fan of traditional crafts. He’s a keen beekeeper, and absolutely loves woven willow, so they built a beautiful beehive for him using that technique – it’s a really personal touch.

The King is expected to appreciate the work as well. According to Tophill, he deeply values quality and pays attention to even the smallest details, with a genuine love for art and creativity. He’s also very concerned about the environment, consistently advocating for sustainability and even requesting eco-friendly choices like avoiding concrete whenever possible.

Tophill started her career in gardening at age 19, after a shy start as an apprentice at the Salutation, a high-end hotel owned by the popular TV personalities Steph and Dom. Her initial duties included the less glamorous task of cleaning up after the hotel’s dogs.

Even though she didn’t start out as a gardener, she soon realized how beneficial they could be. She explained that connecting with nature through gardening can help people, especially young people or those facing mental health challenges, feel more hopeful and less overwhelmed by their difficulties.

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Anyone familiar with Tophill’s work on Gardeners’ World knows she’s a confident television presenter. But despite appearing poised on screen, she admits to still being very shy. She doesn’t see herself as an extrovert and approaches public appearances as playing a part. Even meeting someone like the King makes her nervous, and she quickly reverts to her comfortable, more reserved self—complete with a cozy jumper and Crocs—once the event is over.

Through hard work and dedication, she’s created a garden that represents both the King’s interests and, more personally, her own values. She believes gardening can greatly benefit communities, boosting people’s confidence and overall well-being. It’s a truly empowering activity.

It’s a shame so many people who’d really love a garden just don’t have the space, but Tophill has a brilliant idea! They want to transform local parks into beautiful, well-kept gardens where everyone can get involved – planning them, helping to maintain them, and really feeling a sense of ownership. I was thinking, the King has a few parks himself, maybe Tophill could suggest it to him next time she’s at Highgrove? She’s working on building up the courage to do that, which is great!

Authors

Michael Hodges

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2026-05-11 19:41