The Verwood & District Horticultural Society enjoyed a full house and a truly memorable afternoon when award-winning gardener and television presenter Sue Kent took to the stage at Verwood Memorial Hall on Saturday 28 February.

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Best known for her appearances on Gardeners’ World since her debut in 202, Sue has won hearts with her warmth, honesty and infectious enthusiasm — and Verwood was no exception.

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A passionate advocate for making gardening accessible to all, Sue also serves as an ambassador for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), championing disability inclusion in horticulture. Her message is simple but powerful: there is no single “right” way to garden — it’s about creativity, determination and joy.

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The audience of 150 listened intently as Sue shared the story of being invited — despite having limited experience — to design a show garden for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in 2022. What could have been an overwhelming challenge became a triumph. Through perseverance and imagination, she created a stunning garden filled with practical features and abundant, colourful planting centred around daisies.

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One member summed up the mood perfectly: “Everyone was enthralled. I was sat at the back and you could hear a pin drop — no fidgeting or rustling — everyone hung on her every word!”

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Sue’s energetic speaking style, candid storytelling and obvious love of gardening made the afternoon both inspiring and entertaining. There was laughter, thoughtful moments and plenty of ideas for members to take back to their own plots as Spring approaches.

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For the Verwood & District Horticultural Society, it was an afternoon to remember — proof that gardening not only grows plants, but also community spirit.