Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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415 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Episode 409: Growing Community Gardens
2 november 2026 · 31 min
What can one neglected patch of land grow beyond plants? This week, I'm joined by Shereen Chung-Blake, community gardener and programme coordinator at Bankside Open Spaces Trust, to hear how she turned an unused space in Camberwell into a thriving community garden, and why making horticulture accessible can transform both places and people. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Heath Potter Wasp
Links
Shereen's Instagram
LinkedIn
Camberwell Triangle Gardeners
Future Gardeners Course
Incredible Edible
London Right to Grow
SLUG (Community Composting)
Burgess Plant Nursery (Community Plants and Propagation)
Walworth Community Gardening Network (WCGN)
Walworth Road Retail Opportunity (Walworth Corners)
Walworth Neighbourhood Food Model
If you enjoyed this week's episode with Shereen, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 275: Community Gardening
Vicky Chown, head gardener at OmVed Gardens, talks about the role of community gardens in bringing together food growing, creativity and wellbeing. It's a useful companion to Shereen's story of turning an unused patch of land into a thriving shared space.
Episode 386: Walworth Garden – Rooted in Community
Oliver Hayden of Walworth Garden discusses how a free community garden can support local people, encourage connections with nature and create meaningful social change. Like Shereen's work in Camberwell, it shows how gardens can offer far more than a place to grow plants.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 408: Understanding the Green Kingdom
26 oktober 2026 · 30 min
What can 450 million years of plant evolution teach us about the world we live in today? This week, I'm joined by horticulturist and author Ben Dark to discuss his latest book, *Green Kingdom*, exploring the stories behind plant evolution, botanical classification and our changing understanding of the natural world. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Field Digger Wasp
Links
Ben's Website
The Garden Collective
Green Kingdom by Ben Dark
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Ben, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 169: Darwin's Garden with Dr Jude Piesse
Jude Piesse explores the largely forgotten garden of Charles Darwin's childhood home in Shrewsbury, revealing the people, stories and horticultural history that shaped this remarkable place. It's a fascinating companion to Ben's discussion of plant history, bringing together gardens, literature and the people behind our understanding of the natural world.
Episode 164: By Any Other Name with Simon Morley
Artist, art historian and rose gardener Simon Morley explores the cultural history of the rose, from its symbolism and origins to its enduring place in gardens and human society. Like Ben, Simon looks beyond the plants themselves to uncover the stories, ideas and cultural influences that shape how we understand and use them.
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Episode 407: Living Alongside Garden Wildlife
19 oktober 2026 · 33 min
What if the answer to seriously undesirable garden wildlife visitors isn't eradicating them, but learning to live alongside them? I'm joined by Kevin Newell, founder of Humane Wildlife Solutions, to explore humane ways to manage conflicts with species such as rats, mice, foxes, squirrels and badgers, and why changing our own behaviour can make all the difference. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Long-winged conehead
Links
Website
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Kevin, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 303: Slugs and Snails
Jo Kirby explains why the usual methods of slug and snail control often don't work, what these creatures eat, and importantly, what eats them. It's a great companion to Kevin's advice on understanding wildlife and finding ways to manage garden conflicts without harming other species.
Episode 17: Foxes in the Garden
Animal behaviour expert Terry Woods explores the challenges of sharing our gardens with foxes, from digging up plants to common misconceptions about these often-maligned animals. Like Kevin, Terry offers a practical, humane perspective on living alongside wildlife.
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Episode 406: Should We Stop Feeding Birds?
12 oktober 2026 · 37 min
Could feeding the birds in your garden actually be doing them more harm than good? This week I'm joined by Adrian Thomas from the RSPB to unpack the research behind the headlines, from declining greenfinches and chaffinches to bird feeding hygiene, trichomonosis and how we can help garden birds. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Mexican Grass-Carrying Wasp sponsored by Kipos
Kipos makes garden tracking social. We house your entire gardening journey in one spot, you can see your hard work, and you get to share the results with friends—real effort from real people. Use code 'ROOTSFORALL' during sign-up to gain a year of free access to Kipos.
Use code 'ROOTSFORALL' on Kipos for a year of free access - download the app HERE
Links
RSPB website
RSPB Instagram
RSPB Facebook
RSPB X Twitter
RSPB TikTok
RSPB LinkedIn
RSPB YouTube
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Adrian, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 290: Saving Song Birds
This episode looks at the pressures facing our songbirds and what we can do to support them, making it a natural companion to Adrian's discussion of declining greenfinches and chaffinches, and the role our gardens can play in helping struggling bird populations.
Episode 244: The Biodiversity Gardener
Paul Sterry explores how we can make our gardens better for wildlife by thinking beyond individual species and creating richer, more diverse habitats. It complements Adrian's advice on planting for birds, providing food and shelter, and making our gardens genuinely useful to wildlife.
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Episode 405: Reimagining City Spaces
7 oktober 2026 · 34 min
Jon Davies and Steve Williams of Wild City Studio discuss their fresh, unconventional approach to urban horticulture, their collaborative design journey, their experimental playground at Markfield Park, and how embracing a lighter touch can transform rigid cityscapes into thriving ecological havens. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Small Copper Butterfly
What You'll Learn
Redefining Urban Wildness: How nature-connection and human culture intertwine to make modern cities far wilder than traditional notions suggest.
Markfield Park Experiments: Insights into using crushed waste substrates, food forestry, and self-seeded corridors for resilient urban landscaping.
Community-Led Design: Moving away from rigid, sterile design templates to allow local communities and natural processes to shape public spaces.
Horticultural Rebellion: Why creative outsiders and designers find a new vehicle for expression and disruption through plants and landscape architecture.
Episode 391: Letting the Wild In: This deep-dive archive episode looks closely at how natural ecological processes and spontaneous vegetation interact with modern design choices, matching Jon and Steve's focus on stepping back from rigid control and letting urban spaces breathe.
Episode 179: Ecological Gardens with Sid Hill: An extensive look into building resilient, nature-led garden systems, directly echoing the punk horticulture ethos and practical structural approaches discussed in this episode.
Key Topics & Discussion Points
What Does Wild Look Like in a City?
Jon and Steve discuss the challenge of finding the right vocabulary to talk about nature connection when humans are inherently part of the ecosystem. Rather than viewing cities as static, controlled environments, they advocate for a light-touch approach that embraces dynamic ecological processes, like weeds breaking through concrete.
Markfield Park: An Experimental Playground
As a legacy project originating from the Chelsea Flower Show, Markfiel…
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Episode 404: Uncovering the Biodiversity of Gardens with Johnnie Johnson
28 september 2026 · 25 min
In this episode of Roots and All, I chat with ecology consultant Johnnie Johnson about his journey into the natural world, his detailed multi-visit garden surveys, and the incredible discoveries he makes in unexpected places. From tracking scarce insects to working with prominent public spaces like the Horniman Museum and John Little's garden, Johnnie Johnson shares how anyone can boost wildlife by embracing structural complexity and natural variation. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Southern Green Shieldbug
What You'll Learn:
How garden biodiversity audits work, spanning multiple visits across the spring and summer seasons.
Why urban gardens serve as crucial ecological stepping stones for wildlife in an increasingly paved-over landscape.
The importance of starting at the bottom of the food chain by focusing on native plants and structural micro-habitats.
Practical, low-cost ways to invite wildlife in—from small water sources and log piles to areas of bare ground and varied vegetation heights.
The Reality of Ecology Consulting and Garden Surveys
Johnnie Johnson shares how he transitioned into ecology later in life, moving from the planning side of the profession—which deals heavily with development and mitigation—into hands-on garden surveys that actually focus on finding and celebrating life. He discusses his detailed reports, which often span 80 to 100 pages and combine scientific data with custom artwork and portraits of notable insects found on site.
Why Gardens Matter More Than You Think
Reflecting on his survey work across Essex, Suffolk, and London, Johnnie Johnson highlights that private and public gardens often possess a remarkable variety of micro-habitats. Because traditional rural landscapes can sometimes be impoverished, these green spaces act as vital urban refuges. He also touches on his baseline surveys at the Horniman Museum, tracking how strategic changes to cutting regimes over several years can drastically improve species richness.
Pr…
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Episode 403: Climate Adaptation, Plant Evolution & Design
21 september 2026 · 27 min
In this episode of Roots and All, I chat with designer, researcher, and filmmaker Eliza about the intersection of design, ecology, and the fast-paced realities of plant evolution. Coming straight from her extensive research fields—including tracking wildflowers in the Rocky Mountains with Dr. Diane Campbell and exploring alpine meadow systems in Italy—Eliza shares how climate change is reshaping landscapes, why plants are shifting behaviours, and how gardeners can embrace a more observational, resilient approach. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The European Firebug
What You'll Learn:
How extreme weather, drought, and low snowpacks are accelerating plant evolution and altering seasonal lifecycles in the Rocky Mountains.
What assisted migration, natural hybridisation, and resilient "Hybridising Scentscapes" mean for future planting schemes and garden biodiversity.
How traditional practices, like alpine cattle transhumance festivals, can inspire creative seed dispersal solutions.
Practical takeaways for gardeners and designers looking to relinquish rigid control and embrace natural resilience.
Understanding the Future Through Design and Research
Eliza explains her unique multidisciplinary practice, which blends design research, ecology, and filmmaking to simulate and speculate on future environments. Moving beyond traditional interior or product design, her work explores how humans can collaborate with scientists and natural ecosystems to address climate pressures.
Climate Realities in the Rocky Mountains and the Alps
Reflecting on her recent field observations in Colorado—where she spends every summer at a field station working alongside scientists—Eliza highlights how extreme drought, a lack of reliable afternoon rain showers, low snowpacks, and early melting have severe domino effects on plant health, pollinator survival, and local marmot populations. She also dives into her work in the Italian Alps, examining ancient meadow systems and how nomadic animal mig…
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Episode 402: The Art of Cottage Gardening
14 september 2026 · 30 min
In this episode, gardening expert and The English Garden editor Clare Foggett joins us to explore what truly defines a cottage garden. We discuss why these spaces are defined by generous planting rather than rigid design, the magic of self-seeding plants, and how this traditional style fits into modern, sustainable, and biodiverse gardening. Lees meer
Includes:
Planted, Not Designed: Discover how cottage gardens evolve naturally through a passion for plants rather than a master plan.
The Power of Self-Seeders: Learn why plants like foxgloves and valerian are essential for a relaxed, charming aesthetic.
Modern Sustainability: Find out why this high-flower, low-lawn approach is the ultimate eco-friendly choice for contemporary gardeners.
Benny's Insect of the Week: Ivy Bee
Links
Beauty & Abundance: British Cottage Gardens by Clare Foggett
Nestboxes Talk - with Ian Rumley-Dawson
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Clare, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 168: Cottage Gardens with Andrew Sankey
Andrew Sankey has spent decades researching English cottage gardens, and this episode explores what defines the style, both historically and today, including the plants, planting techniques, edibles and wildlife-friendly qualities that make cottage gardens so distinctive. It's a particularly useful companion to Claire's exploration of how the cottage garden has evolved and why it remains so relevant to the way we garden today.
Episode 244: The Biodiversity Gardener with Paul Sterry
Paul Sterry explores how gardens can contribute to biodiversity, from the plants we grow and the way we manage them to the habitats we create for insects and other wildlife. Like Claire's conversation, it considers how a more relaxed, abundant approach to gardening can benefit nature as well as creating a beautiful gar…
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Episode 401: Seeing Plants Differently
7 september 2026 · 39 min
We tend to think of plants as static things: rooted to the spot, quietly getting on with being plants. But what if, beneath our feet, there's a much more dynamic world of movement, adaptation and decision-making going on? In this episode I'm talking to plant ecologist and artist Curtis Lubbe about roots, bulbs and rhizomes, plant 'animacy' and why changing the way we think and talk about plants might change the way we treat them too. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Fig-Leaf Skeltoniser
Links
Curtis Lubbe Blog
Journal of Ecology profile: Curtis Lubbe
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Curtis, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 109: The Botanical Mind with Gina Buenfeld
This episode explores the relationship between art and the natural world, including ideas around plant intelligence, symbolism and the ways plants have been understood across different cultures. It's a particularly good companion to Curtis's thoughts on plant perception and the role of art in helping us see plants differently.
Episode 245: The Language of Trees
Artist and activist Katie Holten explores our relationship with trees through art, language, literature and ecology. Like Curtis's work, it asks us to rethink how we perceive plants and to find new ways of communicating their importance and complexity.
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Episode 400: Growing a Living Pharmacy
31 augustus 2026 · 33 min
What if your garden could double as a living pharmacy? In this episode, I'm talking to gardener, chef and herbalism practitioner Vanessa Minton about growing medicinal herbs, using them in everyday life, and understanding both the benefits and limitations of herbal remedies. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Toadflax Brocade Moth
Links
From The Garden – Linktree
How to Grow Medicinal Herbs: An Illustrated Beginner's Guide to Growing, Harvesting, and Making Herbal Remedies at Home - Vanessa Minton
Please support the podcast on Patreon
As featured in the Feedspot Top 100 Horticulture Podcasts
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
On Facebook @rootsandalluk
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Vanessa, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 270: Herbology
This episode explores the long history of using plants to make remedies and therapeutic preparations, and the growing interest in reconnecting with traditional herbal knowledge. It's a natural companion to Vanessa's discussion of medicinal herbs and the garden as a source of plant medicine.
Episode 96: Sensory Herbalism with Karen Lawton
Karen Lawton talks about developing a deeper connection with medicinal plants through observation, sensory awareness and herbal practice. It's a lovely companion to Vanessa's discussion of bringing herbs into everyday life and getting to know the plants we grow.
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Episode 399: Nature Restoration
24 augustus 2026 · 34 min
Can we save nature by putting a quantifiable value on it? Tim Christophersen is a forester, former UN environmentalist and a leading voice in the global ecosystem restoration movement, championing regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions. With the UK sweltering through multiple heatwaves, we discuss whether investment can really deliver the restoration we need — and what happens when living ecosystems become part of the financial system. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Toadflax Brocade Moth
About Tim Christopherson
Tim Christophersen joined Salesforce as VP, Climate Action in May 2022. Within the global Impact Team, he leads the work on climate and nature action and investments. Tim is based in Denmark. He is the author of 'Generation Restoration', a book about restoring nature at planetary scale. Before joining Salesforce, Tim was Head of the 'Nature for Climate' Branch at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and led a growing global movement backed by all UN Member States and over 300 partner organizations to 'prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide': the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030.
He holds a degree in Forestry and Forest Conservation Engineering from Dresden University of Technology. He previously worked for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), where he led the portfolio on the conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity. From 2017-2019, he was elected Chair of the Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration. From 2002-2007 he was Regional Programme Coordinator for Europe, the Caucasus and the Commonwealth of Independent States at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). He also worked for the Danish Ministry of the Environment, and for the European Commission.
Links
Generation Restoration: How to Fix Our Relationship Crisis with Mother Nature by Tim Christopherson
Tim Christophersen on how to rebuild humanity's ties to …
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Episode 398: Rewilding Childhood
17 augustus 2026 · 28 min
Blending storytelling with facts can encourage children to see the wildlife on their doorstep in a completely different way. In this episode, I'm talking to children's author and wildlife expert Sonia Copeland Bloom about storytelling, wildlife and getting children curious about the natural world. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Rock Rose Prickly Leaf Beetle
Links
Amazing Tales & Truths about Garden Minibeasts by Sonia Copeland Bloom, with illustrations by Nick Page
First edition ISBN 978-917673-54-9.
Available on Amazon, to order from all good bookshops, including Amazon Kindle and on www.amentsoc.com along with Sonia's six smaller books.
For more info visit www.bugglebury.com and www.amentsoc.com
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sonia, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 76: School Gardening with the MiniHorts
A look at the benefits of getting children gardening and connecting with nature from an early age. It's a great companion to Sonia's work bringing wildlife and the natural world to life for young readers.
Episode 343: Lines Across the Wild
Writer and naturalist Julian Hoffman explores threatened landscapes, wildlife and our deep connections to the natural world. It complements Sonia's passion for encouraging curiosity about the creatures and wild places around us.
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Episode 397: Britain's Gardening Questions
10 augustus 2026 · 31 min
Have you ever wondered who answers all those gardening questions that stump the rest of us? This week I'm chatting to Leigh Hunt, Principal Horticultural Advisor at the RHS, about what really goes on behind the scenes of the Society's advice service, the questions gardeners ask most often, and what those thousands of enquiries reveal about the way we're gardening in a changing climate. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Mexican Grass-Carrying Wasp
Links
RHS Gardening Advice
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Leigh, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 210: Gardening in a Changing World
Darryl Moore discusses how gardeners can respond to the climate crisis by rethinking the way we design and manage our gardens. His ideas about working with plants, rather than against them, make this an excellent companion to Leigh's observations on the changing questions the RHS is receiving as gardeners adapt to new weather patterns and growing conditions.
Episode 321: Weathering It All
Sarah talks to writer and naturalist Matt Gaw about our relationship with weather, exploring how storms, drought and seasonal change shape both landscapes and our experience of nature. It complements Leigh's insights into how increasingly unpredictable weather is influencing the advice sought by gardeners across the UK.
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Episode 396: Fermenting the Seasons
3 augustus 2026 · 33 min
Could the secret to better health be sitting in a simple jar on your kitchen counter? Today I'm joined by food writer and fermentation expert Rachel de Thample to explore how fermentation can rewild the gut microbiome, preserve the seasons, and prove that making your own fermented foods is much easier than most of us think. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Bee Wolf
Links
The Fermentation Year: Everyday techniques and recipes to rewild your microbiome by Rachel de Thample
Rachel on Instagram - @dethample
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Rachel, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 371: Wild Edibles
Wendy Russell and Freda Farquharson explore the potential of wild edible plants, from citizen science and biodiversity to health and climate-friendly farming. Their conversation about making better use of overlooked plants is a great companion to Rachel's discussion of fermentation, seasonal eating and increasing the diversity of the foods we eat.
Episode 306: The Soil Habitat
Sarah talks to geologist and soil food web specialist Eddie Bailey about the living world beneath our feet, why healthy soils are essential for healthy plants, and how soil health ultimately affects our own wellbeing. It pairs perfectly with Rachel's explanation of the links between soil microbes, fermentation and the gut microbiome.
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Episode 395: Small Actions, Big Change
27 juli 2026 · 27 min
The biggest changes in how we care for nature might start just outside our front door. This episode, I'm joined by adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys to discuss his latest book, Unwilding, and explore why reconnecting with the natural world is less about escaping to the wilderness and more about noticing what's already around us—from litter picking to climate handprints, and the power of small, everyday actions. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Weld Bee
Links
Alastair Humphreys – Official Website
Unwilded – Book Page
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Alastair, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature
Brigit Anna McNeill joins Sarah to explore what it means to truly reconnect with the natural world. Together they discuss healing through plants, reclaiming our relationship with nature, and how slowing down and paying attention can help us rediscover our place within it. It's a thoughtful companion to Alastair's reflections on finding wonder close to home and building a deeper connection with the landscapes around us.
Episode 373: V-Wilding
Sarah talks to Randal Plunkett about his ambitious rewilding project at Dunsany Nature Reserve, where farming has given way to a hands-off approach that allows nature to recover on its own terms. From biodiversity and conservation to rethinking our role in the landscape, this episode complements Alastair's conversation about repairing the places we already inhabit rather than searching for wilderness elsewhere.
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Episode 394: Keeping Plant Stories Alive
20 juli 2026 · 30 min
What if the plants around us are carrying stories we've forgotten? This week, I'm joined once again by Amanda Edmiston of Botanica Fabula to explore her latest book, a rich blend of folklore, social history and the enduring stories of plants. We talk about how this knowledge is passed down through generations, and why now is the perfect time to start asking the people around us about the plants and traditions they remember. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Sieve-winged Snailkiller
Links
Website
Amanda on Instagram
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Amanda, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 104: Botanical Storytelling with Amanda Edmiston
Amanda first joined Sarah to explore the art of botanical storytelling, her work inspired by Elizabeth Blackwell's *A Curious Herbal*, and the rich connections between plants, history and storytelling. It's the perfect companion to this conversation, offering the beginning of Amanda's journey and the ideas that have since grown into her latest books.
Episode 347: Can Plants Help You Find Lost Things?
In this episode, Sarah talks to Christina Oakley Harrington about the folklore, history and magic of plants. Together they explore the stories and traditions that have surrounded herbs and flowers for centuries, making it an ideal follow-on from Amanda's discussion of plant lore, memory and the enduring power of botanical storytelling.
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Episode 393: My Body is a Meadow
13 juli 2026 · 28 min
What if the biggest barriers to experiencing nature aren't natural at all? Today, I'm joined by author, poet and disability activist Bethany Handley to explore accessibility, belonging, and how redesigning our landscapes could create richer places for both people and wildlife. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Cinnabar Moth
Links
Bethany's website
My Body is a Meadow The Book
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
On Facebook @rootsandalluk
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Bethany, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens
In this episode, Sarah talks to Sandra Schwarz about the restorative power of green spaces and the qualities that make gardens welcoming, supportive and healing. Together they explore how thoughtful design can help people connect with nature, making it an ideal companion to Bethany's conversation about accessibility, belonging and creating landscapes that work for everyone.
Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity
In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Bethany's discussion of designing landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.
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Episode 392: Knepp's Rewilded Garden
6 juli 2026 · 27 min
What happens when you stop trying to control a garden and start working with nature instead? This week, I'm joined by Charlie Harpur, head gardener at Knepp, to explore rewilding, biodiversity, and why careful observation and systems thinking can transform the way we garden. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Pantaloon Bee
Links
Website
A link to all the garden tours and workshops
And a link to the Knepp garden blog which, written by Moy
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Charlie, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 376: From Rewilding to Renaturing
In this episode, Sarah talks to writer James Canton about *Renaturing* and his two-acre biodiversity project in Essex. Together they explore the differences between rewilding and renaturing, the value of close observation, and how thoughtful, small-scale interventions can help restore nature—making it an ideal companion to Charlie's discussion of rewilding in a garden setting.
Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity
In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Charlie's ideas about designing and managing gardens with biodiversity at their heart.
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Episode 391: Letting the Wild In
29 juni 2026 · 35 min
What if the secret to a better garden is letting go of control? This week I'm joined by gardener and conservationist Sue Mabberley from Nant-y-Bedd in the Black Mountains, where four decades of working with nature have created a thriving wildlife haven. We discuss the value of so-called weeds, gardening for biodiversity, and why even the smallest garden can make a difference. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Yellow Loosestrife Bee
Links
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Visit the Garden / Book Visits & Tours
Garden Meadows Workshop with Jo McKerr
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sue, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 194: Gardening for Wildlife
In this episode, Sarah talks to Ralph Hobbs about creating gardens that actively support wildlife. From practical habitat creation to understanding the needs of different species, it's a great companion to Sue's philosophy of gardening with nature and making space for biodiversity.
Episode 333: Designing for Habitat & Biodiversity
In this episode, Sarah speaks with ecological landscape designer Emmaline Bowman about designing gardens and landscapes that support healthy ecosystems. The conversation explores how thoughtful planting and habitat creation can benefit wildlife, making it a natural follow-on from Sue's approach to working with, rather than against, the natural world.
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Episode 390: Gardens with a Cause
22 juni 2026 · 36 min
Can a show garden change minds as well as win medals? This week, I'm joined by Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, whose Chelsea gardens championed peatland restoration and dementia research. We discuss whether the impact of a show garden can justify its environmental cost, and explore the power of gardens with a purpose. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Jewel Wasp
Links
Martha Krempel
Bog in a Box
St Pancras
Gut-brain health research information
Tina Worboys
Iota - manufacturers of amber structures in Tina's garden
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 190: Show Gardens
In this episode, I explore the world of show gardens, discussing their purpose, their impact, and the questions they raise about value, sustainability and public engagement. It's a perfect companion to this week's discussion about whether show gardens can justify their environmental cost through the awareness and change they inspire.
Episode 230: Sensory Gardens and Autism
In this episode, Sarah explores sensory gardens with a focus on design for people with autism. Featuring Camellia Taylor, Meraud Davis and Alexis Selby, it examines how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can support wellbeing, engagement and connection with nature.
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Episode 389: Down to Earth
15 juni 2026 · 29 min
What if the key to better health, stronger communities and a more sustainable future lies beneath our feet? This week, I'm joined by author Robert Ashton to discuss his new book Down to Earth and explore our relationship with soil. From farming and education to mental health and conservation, Robert reveals why reconnecting with the land could be one of the most important challenges of our time. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Shieldbug Stalker
Links
Down to Earth by Robert Ashton
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Robert Ashton, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition
In this episode, Sam Hamrebtan explores the links between soil health, food quality and human wellbeing. It's an excellent companion to Robert's discussion of our relationship with soil and the importance of caring for the living systems that sustain us.
Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary
In this episode, Joshua Sparkes discusses innovative approaches to farming and food production, challenging conventional ideas about agriculture and land use. It's a natural follow-on from Robert's reflections on regenerative farming, sustainability and how we can build a healthier relationship with the land.
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Episode 388: Connecting Through Plant Stories
8 juni 2026 · 26 min
What if the secret to connecting more deeply with nature lies in the stories we tell about plants? This week, I'm joined by landscape architect and Plant Connection podcast host Lisa Cutshaw to explore how folklore, history, and careful observation can transform the way we see the natural world. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Harlequin Ladybird
Links
Website
Instagram
Plant Connection
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Lisa Cutshaw, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 53: Garden Design for Every Species
In this episode, John Little shares his approach to creating gardens that support wildlife at every level, encouraging us to think beyond purely human needs and consider our place within a wider ecological community. It's a great companion to Lisa's reflections on reconnecting with nature and building meaningful relationships with the living world.
Episode 219: The Wheel of the Year
In this episode, Rebecca Beattie explores seasonal cycles, folklore, and our relationship with the natural world through the lens of the Wheel of the Year. It's a thoughtful follow-on from Lisa's discussion of plant stories, cultural meaning, and finding deeper connections with nature.
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Episode 387: Lessons from Keyhole Gardens
31 mei 2026 · 24 min
Could a simple circular garden help solve food insecurity in some of the world's harshest climates? In this episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by Sam Evans, whose dissertation took him to Lesotho to explore keyhole gardens — ingenious compost-fed growing systems that help communities grow food sustainably in extreme conditions. We discuss how they work, the wider benefits they bring, and what they could teach us about growing food in a changing climate. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Harlequin Ladybird
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sam Evans, you might also like these conversations from the archives:
Episode 23: Esiah Levy's SeedsShare Project
A fascinating discussion about seed sovereignty, food growing and empowering communities through accessible, sustainable gardening initiatives — themes that closely connect with today's conversation about keyhole gardens and food security.Episode 185: Food Forests for Plant Lovers
This episode explores resilient growing systems, biodiversity and regenerative planting approaches, making it a perfect companion to today's discussion on sustainable food production and climate-smart gardening. -
Episode 386: Walworth Garden - Rooted in Community
25 mei 2026 · 31 min
What happens when a community garden becomes a lifeline for people, wildlife and an entire neighbourhood? In this episode, I'm chatting with Oliver Hayden from Walworth Garden about running a free community space in the heart of London, why gardening can drive real social change, and how reconnecting with nature can quietly transform lives. It's funny, thought-provoking and full of big questions about the way we live and garden. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Four Banded Flower Bee
Links
You can find Walworth Garden online here:
Official website: Walworth Garden
Instagram: @walworthgarden on Instagram
You can also visit the garden in person at 206 Manor Place, London SE17 3BN.
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Oliver Hayden, you might also like these conversations from the archives:
Episode 323: Wildflowers, Community & Urban Nature
A conversation exploring the importance of urban green spaces, biodiversity and the role community projects canEpisode 275: Community Gardening
This episode looks at the social value of community gardening projects and the ways shared green spaces can support wellbeing, learning and local connection, making it a natural companion to today's discussion. -
Episode 385: Growing Older, Growing Gardens
18 mei 2026 · 31 min
What happens when the garden you love starts demanding more than you can give? In today's episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by garden writer Rhonda Fleming Hayes to explore how gardening changes as we age — from adapting high-maintenance spaces to embracing balcony gardens, community plots and slower, more meaningful ways of connecting with nature. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Rose Chafer Beetle
Links
Garden for Life: Strategies for Easier, Greener, More Joyful Gardening as We Age by Rhonda Fleming Hayes
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Rhonda, you might also like these conversations from the archives:
Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens
Benjamin Vogt explores the restorative power of gardens and the ways thoughtfully designed spaces can support wellbeing, connection and healing throughout our lives — a fitting companion to today's discussion on gardening as we age.Episode 325: Growing in the Garden
Emma O'Neill reflects on personal growth through gardening and the many ways our outdoor spaces evolve alongside us, echoing today's conversation about adapting gardens to changing needs and lifestyles. -
Episode 384: Sustainable Eating for Planet Health
11 mei 2026 · 31 min
This episode might just change the way you grow, shop, cook, and eat. Today I'm joined by returning guest Dave Goulson to talk about his new book, Eat the Planet Well, a practical guide to eating in a way that's healthy, affordable, and better for the planet. Even if you think you know the basics — and are wondering about Dave's shift from his usual nature writing — there's plenty here that will surprise you. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Dark-edged Bee-fly
With thanks to our sponsor - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.
Links
Dave Goulson on instagram
Eat the Planet Well by Dave Goulson
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Dave, you might also like these conversations from the archives:
Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary
Joshua Sparkes shares a regenerative, soil-first approach to growing food that challenges conventional farming — a natural companion to today's discussion on rethinking how we produce and consume what we eat.Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition
Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital link between soil health and the nutritional value of our food, reinforcing the idea that what's good for the planet is also good for us. -
Episode 383: Roots in Orkney
4 mei 2026 · 34 min
What happens when you follow a decades-long love affair with a place all the way to its shores? Victoria Bennett did exactly that, uprooting her life in Cumbria to start afresh on the windswept islands of Orkney — new garden, new climate, and an inspiring vision for a community apothecary space rooted in creativity, care, and the land itself. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Orange-tip Butterly
With thanks to our sponsor - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.
Links
Author Website Victoria Bennett — Official Author Site
Books
The Apothecary by the Sea — Waterstones
All My Wild Mothers — Amazon author page
Instagram — @beewyld
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Victoria, you might also like these conversations from the archives:
Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature Brigit Anna McNeill explores healing through plants, herbalism, folklore and ancestral connection — a beautiful companion to today's conversation about finding yourself through the natural world and the restorative power of putting down new roots.
Episode 368: Rooted In Purpose Robin Singh's journey from corporate life to growing his own food and living more intentionally echoes Victoria's themes of caregiving, community and choosing a life shaped by purpose rather than habit.
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Episode 382: When Gardening Doesn't Make You Happy
27 april 2026 · 30 min
What if gardening doesn't make you happy? Gardening isn't always the simple "cure-all" it's often made out to be. We get into the realities behind the wellbeing narrative — from overwhelm and pressure to the deeper emotional connections we form with our outdoor spaces. It's a thoughtful, honest conversation about what gardens really give us… and what they sometimes don't. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Gooden's Nomad Bee
With thanks to our sponsor - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.
Links
The Psychology of Gardening (The Psychology of Everything) - Harriet Gross
Garden Lovers Reading Retreat
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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Harriet, you might also like these conversations from the archives:
Episode 314: Nurturing Growth, Inside and Out
In this episode, Sarah looks at the emotional side of gardening and how our outdoor spaces can shape identity, wellbeing, and resilience — a thoughtful companion to today's discussion about the psychological weight and reward of tending a garden.Episode 286: Natural Happiness
This episode explores the relationship between nature and wellbeing, questioning what we really mean when we say gardens make us "happy," and how that experience varies from person to person — closely linked to today's reflections on the limits of gardening as a cure-all. -
Episode 381: Ecology, Art and Memory
20 april 2026 · 32 min
Rebecca Wynn Kelly works at the intersection of sculpture, ecology, and myth as a "species architect" exploring how we might reimagine our relationship with the land. Rooted in West Wales, her work blends habitat creation with storytelling and folklore to ask who—and what—we build the landscape for. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Batman Overfly
Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.
Links
Rebecca Wynn Kelly – Artist
Instagram – Rebecca Wynn Kelly
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If you liked this week's episode with Rebecca Wynn Kelly, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives:
Episode 53: Garden Design for Every Species
In this episode, John Little explores how gardens can be designed with wildlife at the centre, creating layered habitats that support a wide range of species. It's a natural companion to today's conversation about building for more than just human needs and thinking like a "species architect."Episode 301: The Wheel of the Year
In this episode, Rebecca Beattie discusses seasonal cycles, folklore and ritual, and how reconnecting with the rhythms of the year can deepen our relationship with the land. It offers a thoughtful extension of today's themes around story, place and ecological connection. -
Episode 380: Following a Drop of Water
13 april 2026 · 37 min
This week, we dive into the hidden world of water with author Stephen Rutt, exploring the landscapes we so often overlook. From chalk streams to peat bogs, we trace water's strange and vital journey through our environment—and why it deserves far more of our attention. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Yellow-Legged Mining Bee
Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.
Links
The Waterlands - Stephen Rutt
Stephen Rutt on Instagram
https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall
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If you liked this week's episode with Stephen, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives:
Episode 352: Peat, Politics and Horticulture
In this episode, Sarah explores the importance of peatlands, from their role in carbon storage to their impact on water systems, making it a natural companion to today's conversation about wetlands and the movement of water through the landscape.Episode 322: Garden Wildlife Ponds
This episode looks at how introducing water into the garden can support biodiversity, offering practical insights into creating and maintaining ponds — an ideal follow-on from today's discussion on the value of water in both wild and cultivated spaces. -
Episode 379: Pam Lewis: Ahead of the Curve
6 april 2026 · 37 min
Horticultural legend Pam Lewis began her garden at Sticky Wicket in Dorset decades ago, and revisiting her early writing shows just how ahead of the curve—and fearless—she was in championing wildlife-friendly, sustainable gardening. We sat down to reflect on her years in the garden and how the horticultural world has changed along the way. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Asiraca clavicornis
Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.
Books
Sticky Wicket: Gardening in Tune With Nature - Pam Lewis, 2007
Making a Wildflower Meadow - Pam Lewis, 2015
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If you liked this week's episode with Pam, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives:
Episode 194: Gardening for Wildlife
In this episode, Sarah explores how gardeners can better support biodiversity, sharing practical ways to create spaces that welcome and sustain wildlife — making it a natural companion to today's conversation about gardening in harmony with nature.Episode 285: No Mow May
This episode looks at the impact of letting lawns grow wild through May, highlighting how small changes in garden management can have big benefits for pollinators and biodiversity — an ideal follow-on from today's discussion on working with, rather than against, the natural world. -
Episode 378: Growing a Sustainable Nursery
30 maart 2026 · 35 min
What does it really take to run a small, sustainable nursery? This week on Roots and All, I'm joined by nurseryman and designer Ben Preston of Cliff Bank Nursery for an honest conversation about the realities of the job—from growing in sand and selling bare root plants to why local nurseries matter more than ever, and why it's truly a labour of love. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Orange Ladybird
Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.
Links
Cliff Bank Nursery
Instagram: @cliff_bank_nursery
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On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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If you liked this week's episode with Ben, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives:
Episode 284: The Organic Nursery
In this episode, Sarah speaks with Sam Frings about building and running an organic nursery, exploring the challenges of growing plants sustainably, maintaining ethical practices, and creating a resilient small business — making it a perfect companion to today's discussion on the realities of nursery life.Episode 175: Seeking Rare Plants
Nick Macer of Pan Global Plants joins Sarah to share his passion for unusual and hard-to-find plants, discussing plant sourcing, selection, and what it takes to run a specialist nursery — an ideal follow-on from today's conversation about plant choice, diversity, and the role of small growers. -
Episode 377: Britain's Hidden Psychedelic History
23 maart 2026 · 27 min
What if Britain's fields were hiding a secret psychedelic past in plain sight? In this episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by historian and publisher Robert Dickins to explore the surprising story of our native mushrooms—from how they grow to the cultural and legal forces that have shaped our relationship with them. It's a fascinating glimpse into a little-known side of Britain's natural and social history. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Orange Ladybird
Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk and get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.
Links
Psilocybe Pickers by Robert Dickins - Psychedelic Press, 2025
About: Robert Dickins, PhD, is a historian and publisher, whose works examines the social and literary history of psychoactive substances and altered states of experience. He is the author of Cobweb of Trips: A Literary History of Psychedelics (2024) and Psilocybe Pickers: A Short History of Bemushroomed Britons (2025), and is currently researching the connection between tripping and gardens for a forthcoming project. He is on the steering committee for Breaking Convention, Europe's largest psychedelic conference, and has been publishing in the psychedelic space for almost 20 years. He lives in the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire.
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If you liked this week's episode with Robert, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives:
Episode 371: Wild Edibles
In this episode, Sarah explores the world of foraging and our relationship with wild food — from what's safe and sustainable to pick, to the deeper cultural connections we have with the plants and fungi around us, making it a perfect companion to today's discussion of Britain's overlooked natural history.Episode 136: In Search of Mycotopia with Doug Bierend
Doug Bierend joins Sarah to delve… -
Episode 376: From Rewilding to Renaturing
16 maart 2026 · 37 min
Small spaces, big wildlife. Writer James Canton joins me to discuss his book Renaturing and his two-acre North Essex project, showing how subtle, thoughtful interventions can revive biodiversity — a great companion episode to Randal Plunkett's conversation about large-scale "V-wilding." Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: European Orchard Bee
Links
www.essex.ac.uk
Renaturing: Small Ways to Wild the World by James Canton
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If you liked this week's episode with James, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives:
Episode 373: V‑Wilding with Randal Plunkett
Randal Plunkett joins Sarah to explore his large‑scale "V‑wilding" project at Dunsany Nature Reserve, where a hands‑off approach lets ecosystems recover and challenges mainstream ideas about restoration — a great complement to today's discussion on working with nature at different scales.Episode 322: Garden Wildlife Ponds with Pete Case
Freshwater Habitats Trust expert Pete Case dives into the world of garden ponds — why they matter for wildlife, how to create and maintain them, and how even modest water features can support biodiversity, making this a practical and inspiring complement to today's episode about working with the land you have. -
Episode 375: Growing with Cloches
9 maart 2026 · 27 min
https://rootsandall.co.uk/podcast/episode‑193‑growing‑under‑protection/In this episode, I'm joined by Beth Gregg, founder of Claverton Cloches, who's on a mission to revive the beauty and practicality of Victorian cloche gardening. We talk about cloches of all shapes, sizes, and materials, how they can extend the growing season and protect crops, and explore the history, design, and sustainability behind them — and why sometimes the smallest structures can make the biggest difference in the garden. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: Daffodil Dung Fly
About
Beth Gregg is a passionate advocate of cloche gardening and the founder of Claverton Cloches. Her love affair with the romance of the English garden, particularly the ingenuity of historic kitchen gardens, led her to explore the power of the humble cloche as both a practical and beautiful growing tool.
In her own garden, Beth uses cloches extensively to extend the seasons and create microclimates. She ripens chillies and tender crops outdoors in lieu of a greenhouse, overwinters flowers for early cutting in late spring, and protects delicate young plants from frost, wind and hungry garden visitors. For her, cloches are not ornamental extras, but transformative tools - simple structures that can dramatically improve yield, resilience and timing in the garden.
Inspired by antique Victorian designs, she went on to found Claverton Cloches in 2020, reviving traditional cast-iron and glass forms for modern gardeners who value both beauty and productivity. Her work celebrates the quiet practicality of historic garden craft, and the idea that functional objects in the garden can, and should, be deeply beautiful.
You can explore Claverton Cloches at www.clavertoncloches.com
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If you liked this week's episode with Beth you might also enjoy this episode from the archives:
Episo…
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Episode 374: Smarter Tomato Growing
2 maart 2026 · 35 min
Tomatoes might be the gateway drug to vegetable gardening — but are we making life harder than it needs to be? Lees meer
In this episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by Frank Hyman to talk about the origins of the tomato, why it struggles in our wet climates, and how small shifts in the way we grow can make a huge difference. From myth-busting pruning advice to clever ways of keeping plants dry and productive, this is a practical, good-humoured deep dive into growing better tomatoes.
Benny's Insect of the Week: Hairy-footed Flower Bee
Links
Ripe Tomato Revolution: Planting and Growing Every Type of Tomato - Beefsteaks, Cherries, Plums, Dwarfs, and Heirlooms by Frank Hyman
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If you liked this week's episode with Frank you might also enjoy this episode from the archives:
Episode 142: Growing Under Cover with Niki Jabbour
Canadian gardener and author Niki Jabbour joins Sarah to share her deep‑dive wisdom on using crop covers, season‑extending techniques and protected structures to grow productive, weather‑resilient vegetable gardens — even in challenging climates. From practical crop‑cover strategies to prolonging your growing year, this episode is full of hands‑on insight for gardeners looking to get more from their space.Episode 324: Kitchen Garden Living with Bailey Van Tassel
Bailey Van Tassel joins Sarah to discuss cultivating a thriving kitchen garden, exploring seasonal growing practices, companion planting and strategies for turning a small space into a productive, food-focused garden. This conversation complements Frank's tomato insights, offering practical tips and inspiration for anyone looking to grow vegetables beautifully and successfully. -
Episode 373: V-Wilding
23 februari 2026 · 41 min
What happens when a thousand-year-old estate stops farming and lets nature take the lead? I'm joined by Randal Plunkett, who transformed his ancestral home at Dunsany Nature Reserve into a bold rewilding experiment — removing livestock and embracing a hands-off, vegan approach to restoration. We explore how his model challenges mainstream ideas about deer, biodiversity, woodland succession and the economics of conservation in a time of climate crisis. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Spotted Thintail
Links
Dunsany Estate
Wild Thing: Finding hope and a home in the natural world by Randal Plunkett
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If you liked this week's episode you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary
Grower Joshua Sparkes joins Sarah to discuss regenerative, soil-centred farming and how rethinking our approach to food production can restore ecosystems rather than deplete them. From building soil health to designing resilient growing systems, this episode explores practical ways to work with natural processes instead of against them. A companion to Randal's conversation about stepping back, restoring balance, and redefining our role within the landscape.
Episode 355: Turn Up The Wild
Dr Linda Birkin joins Sarah to champion wildlife-friendly gardening and the science behind creating spaces that genuinely support insects, birds and wider biodiversity. Sharing research-led insights and practical action, this episode focuses on building ecological richness from the ground up. It complements the Dunsany discussion, reinforcing the idea that restoring balance — whether in gardens or entire estates — begins with allowing nature's systems to function fully.
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Episode 372: Modular Greening in Cities
16 februari 2026 · 35 min
Can modular planting reshape our cities? Lees meer
In this episode, the Upper Bloom team explores how modular, plant-filled containers are bringing greenery to dense urban streets, terraces, and retail frontages. A natural follow-up to our Sloane Street episode, we discuss whether these systems enhance biodiversity, serve aesthetic goals, or simply make challenging urban spaces greener, while also diving into sustainability, plant choices, and the practical realities of keeping cities green.
Benny's Bug of the Week: Green fanged tube web spider - sponsored by Cerddwr's Herbs go to www.cerddwrshb.com and use the code BUGPODS for a listener's discount.
Cerddwr's Herbs on Facebook
Cerddwr's Herbs
Links
Upper Bloom
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If you liked this week's episode you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 363: The High Line
I explore the story behind New York's iconic elevated park, examining how an abandoned rail line was transformed into a richly planted public space that balances design, biodiversity and heavy footfall. A compelling companion to this modular greening conversation, it highlights what's possible when ambitious planting schemes reshape dense urban environments.Episode 369: Retail Meets Urban Nature
This episode looks at the greening of London's Sloane Street, exploring how large-scale streetscape redesign can integrate trees, planting and infrastructure to soften the urban realm. It pairs perfectly with today's discussion, offering a broader civic-scale perspective on how cities can weave nature back into commercial spaces. -
Episode 371: Wild Edibles
9 februari 2026 · 29 min
What if the future of our food system is already growing wild beneath our feet? Wendy Russell and Freda Farquharson explore the power of wild edibles — from sorrel seeds and citizen science to health, biodiversity, and climate-friendly farming — and how these overlooked plants could help shape a more resilient future for people, nature, and the land. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Australian Orange Tip Moth - sponsored by Cerddwr's Herbs go to www.cerddwrshb.com and use the code BUGPODS for a listener's discount.
Cerddwr's Herbs on Facebook
Cerddwr's Herbs
Links
The website link for becoming participants of the project
The Wild Edibles logo was designed by Gabrielle Reith
Gabrielle Reith is an artist, illustrator and maker based in Scotland – small-stories
Milestones since the project's launch on 1st May 2025:
1st seeds sent out on 7th May 2025
Over 300 packets of seeds sent or delivered by hand so that's over 15 000 seeds sent out so far!
Furthest south sent - Kent
Furthest North sent - Shetland
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If you liked this week's episode with Brigit you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 155: Wild Food with Marlow Renton
Foraging expert Marlow Renton joins Sarah to explore the delights and responsibilities of harvesting wild food, from deepening our relationship with the land to understanding seasonal abundance and ethical foraging. A perfect companion to Wendy and Freda's conversation about wild edibles, knowledge-sharing, and reconnecting with overlooked plants in our landscapes.Episode 349: Foraging Feasts with Flavour Fred
Chef and forager Flavour Fred shares his passion for turning wild ingredients into vibrant, accessible food, celebrating flavour, creativity, and sustainability. This episode beautifully complements the Wild Edibles project, bringing the journey full circle from g… -
Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature
2 februari 2026 · 30 min
There are no human atoms—only nature's. In this episode, Brigit Anna McNeill joins me to explore what it means to truly come home to the natural world. Drawing on her book and her journey, Brigit reflects on healing through plants, herbalism, folklore, and ancestral connection. We talk about losing and reclaiming connection, the slow unfolding of change, and why nature simply waits for us to listen. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Australian Orange Tip Moth - sponsored by Cerddwr's Herbs go to www.cerddwrshb.com and use the code BUGPODS for a listener's discount.
Cerddwr's Herbs on Facebook
Links
Author — Brigit Anna McNeill
Instagram profile (writer, naturalist, teacher, and author of The Wild Within)Author Substack "Into the Woods with Brigit Anna McNeill"
Book — The Wild Within: What Plants Taught Me about Life, Recovery and Renewal
https://septemberpublishing.org/product/the-wild-within-what-plants-taught-me-about-life-recovery-and-renewal-pb/Please support the podcast on Patreon
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If you liked this week's episode with Brigit you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 348: A Forest Fix
Olga Evans, co-founder of the Forest Bathing Institute, delves into what forest bathing really means, why nature immersion can be restorative even if you're not in an actual forest, and how simple, mindful practices can help you reconnect with the land—echoing Brigit's reflections on nature, wellbeing and presence.Episode 340: The Nature of Resilience
Author Nic Wilson discusses how her relationship with the natural world helped her navigate chronic illness, and how nature shapes our inner landscapes as much as our outer ones—a beautiful complement to Brigit's themes of slow transformation, embodied connection and the wisdom of listening to nature. -
Episode 369: Retail Meets Urban Nature
26 januari 2026 · 30 min
I'm joined by landscape architects Andy Harris and Andy Sturgeon to explore the thinking behind the transformation of London's Sloane Street. Together, they tell the story of a project that set out to reimagine this 1km stretch as a green boulevard inspired by the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden — shifting it from a traffic-dominated thoroughfare into a calmer, more human-centred place. We talk about how landscape can knit together retail and residential life, improve wellbeing, and encourage people not just to pass through, but to linger — using planting as environmental infrastructure. From underground constraints and traffic reduction to biodiversity uplift and long-term stewardship, this conversation reveals how thoughtful urban greening can reshape experience, behaviour and connection in the heart of the city and it provides a great companion episode to last year's one on New York's High Line. Lees meer
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Seven-Spot Ladybird - sponsored by Cerddwr's Herbs go to www.cerddwrshb.com and use the code BUGPODS for a listener's discount.
www.cerddwrshb.com
Cerddwr's Herbs on Facebook
Sloane Street | John McAslan + Partners – official project page outlining the landscape and public realm transformation of this 1 km London boulevard with widened pavements, planting and green infrastructure as part of a masterplan for Cadogan Estates.
Andy Harris | John McAslan + Partners – leading the Landscape and Urban Design Studio and responsible for the Sloane Street masterplan and other major public realm projects.
Andy Sturgeon Design – the official site for Andy Sturgeon's landscape architecture and garden design practice, responsible for the planting and horticultural design on the Sloane Street project.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 368: Rooted In Purpose
19 januari 2026 · 26 min
I'm joined by Robin Singh, a former tech entrepreneur turned animal rescuer and author, to explore what it really means to live a purposeful life. Our conversation weaves through gardening, homesteading and sustainability, but quickly digs deeper into ideas of happiness, existential crisis and the search for meaning. Drawing on Robin's journey from corporate success to running an animal rescue and growing his own food, the episode reflects on reducing suffering, finding purpose over pleasure, and how small, thoughtful choices can help us live more intentionally—especially at the start of a new year. Lees meer
Robin's book "Happiness Happens"
Peepal Farm — official site for the animal rescue and farm founded by Robin Singh
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If you liked this week's episode with Robin Singh you might also enjoy these ones from the archives:
Episode 364: Permaculture Planting
In this episode Sarah is joined by permaculture designer and author Pippa Chapman as they explore how beauty, productivity and wildlife-friendly principles can all thrive together in the garden. They talk about designing resilient, edible ecosystems and how small, thoughtful changes to our spaces can transform the way we live with nature—echoing Robin's ideas about living intentionally and purposefully with the land.Episode 340: The Nature of Resilience
Author Nic Wilson discusses how her deep relationship with the natural world has helped her navigate chronic illness, and how our surroundings shape and reflect our inner resilience. This conversation complements Robin's reflection on suffering, meaning and transformation by highlighting how nature supports us through life's challenges. -
Episode 367: Kelly Baldry Interviews Sarah Wilson
22 december 2025 · 25 min
This time, I'm the one in the hot seat. Lees meer
In this reflective end-of-year episode, Kelly Baldry takes over as host to ask searching questions about the podcast, changing minds, climate contradictions, and the limits of horticulture as a mental-health cure, alongside a deeper look at my work with Veterans' Growth and what it really means to create safe, supportive spaces in and beyond the garden.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens
15 december 2025 · 32 min
Sandra Schwarz talks about her new book Restore, and shares how her research led her to identify six universal qualities that make landscapes restorative. We talk about the complexities of "owning" nature, who restorative gardens are really for, and how designers can create spaces that meet people where they are. It's a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about greening with intention. Lees meer
Links
Restore: How Green Spaces Support Human Restoration
Official Restore Book Page (Humanaturescapes)
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If you liked this week's episode with Sandra Schwarz you might also enjoy these ones from the archives:
Episode 348: A Forest Fix
Sarah speaks with Olga Evans, co‑founder of the Forest Bathing Institute, about what forest bathing really means, the science behind nature's healing effects, and practical ways to bring its benefits into everyday life, even if you don't have a forest nearby.Episode 314: Nurturing Growth, Inside and Out
Sarah talks to Pete Welsh, an RAF Warrant Officer whose journey from military life through mental health challenges highlights the therapeutic power of gardening and community connection, and the parallels between cultivating plants and healing ourselves. -
Episode 365: Protecting Our Parks & Gardens
8 december 2025 · 27 min
Linden Groves of the Gardens Trust talks about the vital—and surprisingly vulnerable—protections for our historic parks and gardens, and the government's proposal to remove the Trust's statutory consultee role. We unpack what this would mean for our green spaces, why it matters to all of us, and how people can help. Lees meer
Links
The Gardens Trust
Support the campaign
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If you liked this week's episode with Linden Groves you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 336: Creating an Ark
Sarah speaks with landscape designer and rewilding advocate Mary Reynolds about turning gardens and public green spaces into biodiversity-supporting "Arks," exploring how design choices can protect nature in everyday landscapes.Episode 351: Wild Campuses, Wild Futures
Sarah talks to Liz Morley about rewilding public and institutional landscapes, discussing how sensitive, ecologically informed design can support nature while still serving community needs. -
Episode 364: Permaculture Planting
1 december 2025 · 26 min
I'm joined once again by permaculture designer and author Pippa Chapman to explore how beauty, productivity and wildlife-friendly principles can all thrive together in the garden. We dive into her creative approach, the ideas behind her new book, and how small, thoughtful changes can transform any space into a resilient, edible ecosystem. Lees meer
Links
Permaculture Planting Designs by Pippa Chapman
Pippa on YouTube
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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If you liked this week's episode with Richard Hayden you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 185: Food Forests for Plant Lovers
Sarah speaks with Pippa Chapman about her book The Plant Lover's Backyard Forest Garden, exploring how to design beautiful, edible, wildlife-friendly forest garden spaces even in small gardens.Episode 296: Regenerative Design
Sarah talks to Erik Ohlsen, a permaculturist and regenerative designer, about creating landscapes that repair the environment and follow ecological principles.
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Episode 363: The High Line
24 november 2025 · 28 min
Richard Hayden of New York's High Line talks about how the space has grown and transformed—its evolving plantings, newly added areas, and the thoughtful maintenance practices that have helped it become a beloved, essential part of daily life for both residents and visitors. We trace how this once-industrial rail line has matured into one of the city's most treasured green spaces. Lees meer
Links
www.thehighline.org
Please support the podcast on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall
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If you liked this week's episode with Richard Hayden you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 323: Wildflowers, Community & Urban Nature
Sarah speaks with Richard Scott and Polly Moseley of the Scouse Flowerhouse about creating biodiverse, people-centred urban landscapes and how community-driven planting can transform the character and ecological value of city spaces.
Link: https://rootsandall.co.uk/podcast/wildflowers-community-urban-nature/Episode 59: Public Green Spaces with Neil Sinden
I talk with Neil Sinden from CPRE about the role of public green spaces in urban life, exploring access, stewardship, and how thoughtful planning can shape meaningful, lived-in landscapes for residents and visitors alike.
Link: https://rootsandall.co.uk/podcast/public-green-spaces-with-neil-sinden/ -
Episode 362: Growing Fruit
17 november 2025 · 26 min
I'm joined by Chris Whitelock, author of Growing Fruit, to explore how modern varieties are reshaping the way we grow fruit at home. We discuss everything from choosing space-saving or container-friendly trees to tackling pests, diseases, and even the challenge of keeping birds off your harvest. Lees meer
Links
Growing Fruit: A Practical Guide to Growing Top and Soft Fruit
Chris Whitelock - Learning with Experts
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Restoring Nature, Rebuilding Lives
10 november 2025 · 24 min
I'm speaking with Karen Hall, Program Director of Ecological Education at the Institute for Applied Ecology, about an inspiring initiative that connects conservation with social rehabilitation. We explore what ecological education involves, the features of the landscape and ecology of the region where Karen works and how changes to funding have affected these conservation in the efforts. Lees meer
Links
Staff profile at IAE: Karen Hall – Institute for Applied Ecology — her bio, role description and contact information.
Curriculum materials she oversaw: Ecological Education Curriculum – Institute for Applied Ecology — downloadable education-units with her listed as Program Director.
Article on the prison-conservation work mentioning her: "When Gardening is a Lifeline and Game-Changer" (in Pacific Horticulture) — includes direct quotes from her about the prison-based conservation programme. Pacific Horticulture
A podcast featuring her and the prison conservation programme: Seeds for Change: An Institute for Applied Ecology Podcast — she appears discussing the "Sagebrush in Prisons" / conservation-in-prisons initiative.
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 333: Designing for Habitat & Biodiversity
Ecological designer and waterway whisperer Emmaline Bowman talks about her mission to heal landscapes through nature-led design at her practice Stem Landscape Architecture & Design.
Episode 247: Botanical Education
I speak with Seb Stroud (Leeds University) about the state of botanical education, its implications for biodiversity & climate, and what is being done to revive it.
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Beyond Big Food
3 november 2025 · 32 min
Nancy Matsumoto discusses her new book Reaping What She Sows, an exploration of the women transforming our broken food system from the ground up. We talk about what an alternative food system really looks like, why women are at the forefront of this movement, and how they're reimagining the way we grow, distribute, and consume food could offer a more just, sustainable, and human-centric future. Lees meer
Links
Reaping What She Sows by Nancy Matsumoto
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 263: Ooooby – Out of Our Own Back Yard
In this episode, Pete Russell discusses how the platform Ooooby links customers with small‑scale local growers, promoting a shift away from the large industrial system and toward local, independent food supply chains.Episode 338: Real Organic vs Regenerative Farming
This episode features Dave Chapman and delves into the broader food‑system issues: corporate consolidation in agriculture, how "regenerative" is being used (or misused) as a buzzword, and how the choice of farming systems impacts equity, transparency and consumer trust.Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
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On LinkedIn @rootsandall