Frances Ruth Tophill^[1] is a British horticulturist, author, and television presenter known for her contributions to Love Your Garden and Gardeners' World. She has written five books.

Early life

Tophill was born in Deal,^[2] Kent, and is one of three sisters.^[3] She studied for a bachelor's degree in horticulture with plantsmanship from the Scottish Agricultural College and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh which she completed in 2013.^[4]

Career

Tophill featured on ITV's Love Your Garden alongside Alan Titchmarsh, David Domoney, and Katie Rushworth,^[5] and in 2016 became a presenter on the BBC's Gardeners' World.^[6]

In June 2022, her first show-garden won a platinum medal and best in show at Gardeners' World Live at the NEC in Birmingham.^[7]

Her book, The Modern Gardener: A practical guide for creating a beautiful and creative garden (Octopus Publishing, 2022), has been described as containing a "passionate, environmental debate" about gardening and gardeners.^[8]

Tophill works with the Royal Horticultural Society's Campaign for School Gardening to promote gardening to young people,^[9] and is a keen quilter and amateur potter.^[10][11]

Selected publications

• The First-Time Gardener. Kyle Books, 2015.^[12] ISBN 978-1620083307
• The Container Gardener. Kyle Books, 2017.^[12] ISBN 978-0857833808
• Container Gardener's Handbook. Companion House Books, 2018. ISBN 978-0857832542
• Rewild Your Garden: Create a haven for birds, bees, and butterflies. Quercus Books, 2020. ISBN 978-1529410259
• The Modern Gardener: A practical guide for creating a beautiful and creative garden. Octopus Publishing, 2022. ISBN 978-0857839435
• A Year in a Small Garden: Creating a Beautiful Garden in Any Space. BBC Books - Ebury Publishing, 2024. ISBN 9781785948640