Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
Alle afleveringen
415 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Episode 359: Hard Landscapes, Living Systems
27 oktober 2025 · 22 min
This episode, Nicolas Salazar of Guardians Worldwide explores the often-overlooked role of rocks in our designed environments. We discuss their carbon storage potential, their deep relationship with plants, and why removing rocks from landscapes may have more impact than we think. It's a conversation that challenges us to see rocks not as static objects, but as vital, living parts of ecological systems. Lees meer
Links
www.guardiansworldwide.org
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 41: Natural Stone with Giles Heap
In this episode, host Sarah Wilson speaks to Giles Heap of CED Stone about sourcing natural stone ethically, using materials appropriate to location and job, UK local‑stone options, production/process environmental impacts, permeability and drainage issues with hard surfaces and the future of stone products.Episode 222: Nature from the Rubble
In this episode, landscape architect Sally Bower discusses her RHS‑bursary‑winning report exploring gravel and recycled aggregate gardens in Essex and London (including Hilldrop, Hyde Hall, Beth Chatto's gravel garden, Langdon Nature Discovery Car Park and the Horniman Museum Grasslands garden) and shares surprising insights for designing with or growing in these media.Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 358: Inside The New Beautiful
20 oktober 2025 · 27 min
Gardens Illustrated editor Stephanie Mahon has curated the magazine's first ever book, The New Beautiful — a celebration of gardens that reflect today's shifting ideas of beauty, sustainability, and design. We discuss what defines a 'Gardens Illustrated' garden, how the featured spaces in the book were chosen, about the evolving role of perennials to the challenges of capturing a garden's true character in a photograph, Stephanie shares insights from her years at the forefront of garden publishing — and offers a glimpse into where garden design might be heading next. Lees meer
Links
www.gardensillustrated.com
The New Beautiful: Inspiring Gardens for a Resilient Future
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 295: Picture Perfect Gardens with Mark Bolton
In this episode, freelance photographer Mark Bolton discusses his approach to capturing gardens and interiors for editorial and commercial clients. He shares insights into creating visually appealing garden spaces and offers tips for gardeners looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their own gardens.Episode 354: Modern Planting Design with Andrew Fisher Tomlin
Garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin explores contemporary planting design, focusing on how modern approaches are shaping the aesthetics and functionality of gardens. He discusses trends, challenges, and the evolving role of planting design in creating beautiful and sustainable garden spaces.Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 357: Designing for Wild Futures
13 oktober 2025 · 24 min
Luke Coleman is the founder of Luke Coleman Gardens, an Edinburgh-based studio known for bold, climate-resilient gardens rooted in story, ecology, and craft. Lees meer
Luke was named RHS Young Designer of the Year 2025, winning Gold, Best Construction, and People's Choice at the Wentworth show. His work draws on landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to the Cape Floral Kingdom, exploring how gardens can tell stories of resilience and culture.
We talk about his design principles, what resilience means in a garden, and how gardens might bring cultures together.
Links
Website: lukecoleman.co.uk
Instagram: @lukecolemangardens
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 305: Building on Nature
In this one, Sarah speaks with Nick Townsend of NatureScaping about how to integrate wildlife‑friendly features into garden construction and landscape design. They explore how hardscape and structural elements can support or harm biodiversity.Episode 222: Nature from the Rubble
Sarah talks with landscape architect Sally Bower, whose work studies gardens using gravel, recycled aggregate, and other resilient growing media. They delve into designing with "non‑traditional" soils and how these gardens can help wildlife.Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 356: Poetry for the Planet
6 oktober 2025 · 22 min
Environmental scientist and author Shannon Jade talks about her work and her book A Song for the Earth — a poetic, hopeful take on the climate crisis. We talk about the themes in the book, our connection to nature, and the importance of finding your voice, whatever form that takes. Lees meer
Links
A Song for the Earth on Amazon UK
A Song for the Earth on Goodreads
A Song for the Earth on Bookshop
Shannon Jade online
Shannon Jade on Instagram
Shannon Jade on TikTok
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 336: Creating an Ark
In this episode, Sarah talks with landscape designer and rewilding pioneer Mary Reynolds about her mission to turn gardens into wild sanctuaries. They explore how even small patches of land can play a part in restoring biodiversity.Episode 340: The Nature of Resilience
Author Nic Wilson joins Sarah to share how her relationship with the natural world supports her through chronic illness. They discuss the ways nature mirrors our inner worlds and offers space for healing.Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 355: Turn Up The Wild
29 september 2025 · 39 min
Dr Linda Birkin is the dynamic entomologist and wildlife gardener who stole the show at the recent Talking Plants event with her energetic and informative talk on creating living gardens that welcome all creatures great and small. Find out how she came to champion bugs, and how you can join in with her mission to make gardens a haven for wildlife. Lees meer
Links
www.ljbees.uk
Instagram @drljbees
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 244: The Biodiversity Gardener
Paul Sterry, ecologist, author and photographer, joins the podcast to discuss how even small gardens can play a huge role in reversing biodiversity loss. He shares insights into practical wildlife gardening, the importance of scrub and edge habitats, and how gardeners can maximise their patch's ecological value using native planting, structural diversity, and a bit of wildness.
LinkEpisode 322: Garden Wildlife Ponds
Pete Case from the Freshwater Habitats Trust explores the vital role ponds play in supporting biodiversity. In this episode, he explains how to create and maintain garden ponds for wildlife, the importance of clean water, how pond size and shape affect its ecology, and how even the smallest container of water can benefit invertebrates, amphibians, and more.
LinkPlease support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 354: Modern Planting Design
22 september 2025 · 26 min
Acclaimed garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin discusses the craft of planting design, the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the profession, and the evolving role of planting designers today. He also shares insights from his new book, The Modern Professional Planting Designer, which is a novel and interesting look at the processes behind successful planting design. Lees meer
Links
www.andrewfishertomlin.com
The Modern Professional Planting Designer: Creating Beautiful, Sustainable, Resilient Gardens for the Twenty-First Century
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 94: James Basson of Scape Design
James Basson of Scape Design, working from southern France, talks naturalistic planting, use of native species, matrix/grid planting in large landscapes, and how to design resilient planting schemes.
LinkEpisode 205: Gardening on a Gradient
Carol Smith, garden designer and lecturer, discusses designing and establishing gardens on sloping sites — site assessment, design, planting, and the challenges and opportunities slopes bring.
LinkPlease support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 353: Tasmanian Roots and Flavours
15 september 2025 · 25 min
Paulette Whitney of Provenance Growers in Tasmania is a grower, cook, and the author of Broccoli and Other Love Stories. We explore the world of seeds, soil, and flavour—from the challenges of gardening in Tasmania's unique climate, to Paulette's favourite herbs, root veg, and go-to meals after a long day in the garden. Along the way, Paulette shares how chefs inspire her to try new varieties and how her twin loves of growing and cooking continue to nourish her life. Lees meer
Links
Provenance Growers - A thriving market garden and edible plant nursery in Lutruwita, Tasmania, run by Paulette Whitney. They grow produce, plants, and preserves with organic and regenerative methods.
Also featured on Salamanca Market's site:
Provenance Growers at Salamanca MarketBroccoli & Other Love Stories – Murdoch Books
https://www.murdochbooks.com/browse/book/Paulette-Whitney,-Provenance-Growers-Broccoli-&-Other-Love-Stories-9781922616876
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary
Joshua Sparkes, a regenerative grower, discusses his experimental, soil-centred practices and deeply respectful approach to the land. It's a meaningful exploration of how observation, experimentation, and a love of soil can shape future-focused, sustainable food systems.
Link
Episode 328: Soil, Health and Nutrition
This episode features Sam Hamrebtan, a nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert. She delves into how growing practices directly influence food quality and nutrition—demonstrating the intimate connection between soil care and what ends up on our plate.
Link
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 352: Peat, Politics and Horticulture
9 september 2025 · 30 min
Ali Morse is the Water Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts and together we talk the truth about peat: how much is still being extracted, why government promises have fallen short, and the role horticulture plays in the story. We also look ahead to the solutions—both practical and political—that could finally protect these precious habitats. Lees meer
Links
The Wildlife Trusts – Main Website
Nic Wilson's Peat Free Nurseries List
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 47: Going Peat Free with John Walker
In this episode, I speak with John Walker, the "Earth Friendly Gardener," about the use of peat in gardening, why it's so harmful, and what's being done to end its use. He reflects on whether we can realistically eradicate peat from horticultural products. Roots and AllEpisode 144: The State of Horticulture with Matthew Appleby
I chat with Matthew Appleby, Editor of Horticulture Week, about broader industry dynamics—such as Brexit, supply chain changes, and how the push to go peat-free is impacting both gardeners and the horticultural trade. Roots and AllPlease support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 351: Wild Campuses, Wild Futures
1 september 2025 · 25 min
Liz Morley is the force behind @you_dig_gardens and Nottingham College's inspiring Wilder Campuses project, where she's transforming educational spaces into thriving, biodiverse landscapes. We explore her accessible, low-budget approach to rewilding and how it's reconnecting people with nature right where they study and work. Lees meer
Links
The project on instagram: @you_dig_gardens
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 336: Creating an Ark with Mary Reynolds
Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the We Are The Ark rewilding movement—joins Sarah Wilson to explore how even small spaces can be transformed into biodiverse sanctuaries. Her insights into rewilding, from her award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden to grassroots ecological design, resonate beautifully with the ethos of campus rewilding.Listen here
Episode 106: More Than Weeds with Sophie Leguil
Ecologist and biologist Sophie Leguil brings a passionate perspective on public spaces, meadows, wildflower planting, and the value of brownfield sites for urban nature. She challenges conventional horticulture and champions the ecological potential of overlooked weeds—an enriching counterpart to the themes of accessible biodiversity and rewilded campuses.Listen here
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 350: Between Two Lights: A Creative Journey
25 augustus 2025 · 22 min
In this episode I have a captivating conversation with writer and artist James Roberts. We explore the profound themes of his book "Two Lights," delving into the beauty and tragedy of the natural world. James shares his journey from city life to the rural landscapes of the Welsh borders, where he finds inspiration in the twilight hours and the delicate balance of nature. We also discuss the intersection of science and creativity, the importance of attention, and the emotional resonance of beauty. Lees meer
Links
James Roberts' Substack - Into the Deep Woods
Night River Wood - James Roberts' Official Website
"Two Lights" Book Purchase Link
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 320: Channeling Wild Gods with Tom Hirons - Tom Hirons is a poet whose work resonates deeply with the primal and ungovernable forces of nature, the human condition, and the intersections where they meet. His writing, including the much-lauded poem Sometimes a Wild God, stirs something ancient within, reminding readers of the chaos and beauty that lie at the heart of existence. In this conversation, we delve into the inspirations and philosophies behind his work, exploring the wild, untamed forces that shape his poetry and his perspective on creativity.
Listen here
Episode 82: Irreplaceable with Julian Hoffman - This week's guest is writer Julian Hoffman and we're talking about his book Irreplaceable. I read the book a few months back and as you might expect from reading the blurb, it's about those irreplaceable wild environments and the species we're in danger of losing. But it's also about the people who are so deeply connected to the landscapes and the animals they're battling to save. Julian speaks about why it's imperative that we stop the destruction of precious landscapes, how we can help at the individual level and why it's vital to maintain the connection between people and place.
Listen here
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 349: Foraging Feasts with Flavour Fred
18 augustus 2025 · 25 min
George Fredenham—aka Flavour Fred—chef, forager, fermenter, and former co-owner of The Foragers at The Verulam Arms in St Albans is this episode's guest. Known for turning hedgerow finds into award-winning dishes and wild cocktails, George now runs foraging walks, woodland feasts, and fermentation workshops, blending deep ecological knowledge with a flair for flavour. Lees meer
We talk about his journey with wild food and how he's teaching others to find, cook, and preserve the edible abundance all around them.
Links
www.flavourfred.com
Instagram @flavourfred
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 32: Foraging with Michael Wachter
Synopsis: Sarah Wilson speaks with Michael Wachter, a seasoned forager and gardener from East Sussex (formerly at Great Dixter), about living sustainably off the land. Michael shares insights from his remote-island-living experiences in Germany, guiding listeners through foraging in gardens, coastal areas, and wild landscapes—while also cautioning on safety and ecological responsibility.
Listen here
Episode 184: Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying
Synopsis: This episode features Frank Hyman, a certified mushroom forager and educator, who guides listeners through the often-overlooked world of wild fungi. Frank covers essential topics like safe harvesting, identification, cooking uses, and common pitfalls such as soil contamination or misidentification. The episode balances practical tips with engaging anecdotes and humor. Roots and All
Listen here
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 348: A Forest Fix
11 augustus 2025 · 27 min
I'm speaking with Olga Evans, co-founder of the Forest Bathing Institute and author of a new book exploring the science behind nature's healing power. We'll discover what forest bathing really means, whether you need an actual forest to benefit, and learn practical techniques you can use wherever you are. Lees meer
Links
The Forest Bathing Institute
The Healing Power of Trees by Olga Terebenina and Gary Evans
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 48: Forest Bathing with Stefan Batorijs— Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is the practice of immersing yourself in nature as therapy. It's the perfect antidote for those who feel disconnected from the land and unattached from nature, which is increasingly likely to happen in a world where 55% of us live in urban areas. In this episode, I speak to Stefan Batorijs who founded Nature and Therapy UK in 2017, as a response to a growing need to foster a spiritual and psychological connection to the land. If you've always wondered what Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, entails, this is the episode for you!.
Episode 118: The Tokachi Millennium Forest with Dan Pearson & Midori Shintani — In this episode, I am very pleased to have a double interview with Dan Pearson and Midori Shintani, the two key horticultural forces driving the Tokachi Millennium Forest project in Hokaido, Japan and co-authors of the book Tokachi Millennium Forest: Pioneering a New Way of Gardening with Nature. I speak to Midori first, then Dan, about this vast, 1000 year project, their hopes and intentions for now and the future and about their own places with the timeline of the forest.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 347: Can Plants Help You Find Lost Things?
4 augustus 2025 · 25 min
I'm speaking with Christina Oakley Harrington, founder of the legendary Treadwell's Bookshop in London and author of The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic. We dive into her lifelong work in magic and folklore, explore the rich, earthy history of plant magic, and uncover the stories and secrets behind the herbs and flowers that have enchanted humans for centuries. Lees meer
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just plant-curious, listen on to find out what plants can do if you just ask.
Links
Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic
Treadwells' Online
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 243: Magical Plants & Flowers — This week's episode, my guests are Chris Young and Susan Ottaviano. Chris and Susan are better known as the 2 Green Witches. Chris Young is a lifelong gardener whose acclaimed garden, Tiny Sur is a certified wildlife habitat and Susan is an artist, performer, songwriter, and food stylist. Their new book is The Green Witch's Guide to Magical Plants & Flowers: Love Spells from Apples to Zinnias and together we take a light-hearted look at the power of plants to help you manifest your deepest desires.
Episode 293: The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn — Hello and welcome to this week's episode where my guest is Sue Reed. Sue's background is varied and she's worn a variety of hats, including teacher, museum guide, upcycler of waste wool knitwear and published author. Her most recent creation is the fictional character Molly McFlynn, a quirky and courageous character who comes to terms with the concept of being an outsider against the backdrop of covid and a rugged Northern landscape. Listen on to find out how nature factors into the rewilding of Molly…
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Where will the horti cool kids be in September?
28 juli 2025 · 27 min
I'm joined by designer Will Tomson, whose work blends creativity with a deep commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. We chat about some of his exciting projects involving recycled aggregates, who inspires him, his Talking Plants events which he runs with Amy Langron and Katy Merrington, plus we lift the lid on a new and exciting event happening this September for anyone interested in practical, hands-on gardening tips from the best in the game. Lees meer
Links
Talking Plants website www.talkingplantssheffield.co.uk
Talking plants instagram @talking_plants_sheffield
Symposium tickets
Creative Cultivation website
Will Tomson/Creative Cultivation instagram @creativecultivation
Amy Langron @amy_langron_landscapes
Katy Merrington @katymerrington
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 222: Nature from the Rubble — I'm speaking to landscape architect Sally Bower. Sally has just been awarded the main RHS prize for her Bursary Report titled 'Nature Rising from the Rubble' which looks at gravel and recycled aggregate gardens in Essex and London. Specifically, Sally looked at John Little's Hilldrop garden, RHS Hyde Hall, Beth Chatto's gravel garden, the Langdon Nature Discovery Car Park and the Horniman Museum Grasslands garden and her findings were invaluable if you're interested in designing with or growing in these types of media, and Sally had some surprising findings of note too.
Listen here
Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity with Benny Hawksbee — My guest this week is gardener Benny Hawksbee. Benny has a background in biology and gardens with one eye on biodiversity. His projects include the Eden Nature Garden, a community garden designed to be a haven for people and wildlife, and John Little's garden in Essex. We talk about how Benny brings biology and ecology into his work, what we can all do to garden for wildlife whilst reducing our input in terms of resources and how we can involve the community in building and using gardens that work for everyone.
…
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Episode 345: GMOs in the Garden
21 juli 2025 · 24 min
Pat Thomas is Director of Beyond GM, and we explore the hidden realities of GMOs, the implications of new "Precision Breeding" legislation, and how these changes could affect gardeners, small-scale growers, and our food future. From campaigns like Stop Hidden GMOs to looking at the global landscape regarding GMO policies, Pat offers essential insights and practical advice on where to learn more and how to take action. Lees meer
Links
You can help fund the legal case by donating at CrowdJustice
Check out the Stop Hidden GMOs website for more information
Read more about GMOs at Beyond GM
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 338: Real Organic vs Regenerative Farming — I'm joined by Dave Chapman, host of the US chart-topping Real Organic Podcast. We dive into the rise of "regenerative" as the latest industry buzzword, the troubling reality of corporate consolidation in agriculture, and how antitrust issues are threatening the future of truly organic food. We also explore the key differences between organic food markets in the U.S. and the EU—and what they might mean for growers and consumers alike.
Listen here.
Episode 179: Ecological Gardens with Sid Hill — This week's guest is eco gardener, landscape designer, permaculturist, horticultural thinker and garden experimenter, Sid Hill.Sid is concerned with building gardens that can sustain people and wildlife and he's talking to me today about his particular brand of gardening, what we can do differently to improve our gardens and the whole discipline of horticulture in the UK.
Listen here.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 344: Lee Miller - Chef and Gardener
14 juli 2025 · 22 min
Lee Miller lived many lives—model, surrealist, war correspondent—but it was in the kitchen and garden at Farleys House that she found a kind of peace after the chaos. In this episode, Lee's granddaughter Ami Bouhassane discusses her book Lee Miller: A Life with Food, Friends and Recipes, and offers an intimate portrait of her grandmother's postwar years. We explore how cooking became a creative outlet, the mystery of the unpublished Entertaining Freezer, and the role of the garden in shaping Lee's later life. Lees meer
Links
Lee Miller Archives (official site) – Explore her life as a surrealist, model, war correspondent, photographer, and gourmet cook, with access to archives, exhibitions, and images.
Farleys House & Gallery (official site) – Visit the Sussex home and sculpture garden of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose, with information on guided house tours, seasonal exhibitions, and booking details.
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Episode 324: "Kitchen Garden Living" with Bailey Van Tassel — we dig into the art of seasonal, sustainable kitchen gardening, echoing Lee Miller's own relationship with her garden at Farleys House.
Episode 328: "Soil, Health & Nutrition" featuring Sam Hamrebtan — an exploration of how growing practices shape the nutrient quality of our food, beautifully complementing our discussion of Lee's experimental cooking.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 343: Lines Across the Wild
7 juli 2025 · 25 min
Writer and naturalist Julian Hoffman joins me for a dive into his latest book Lifelines, exploring the fragile beauty of threatened landscapes, the deep connections between wildlife and culture, and what it means to belong—to a place, to a species, to a song. From regent honeyeaters losing their voices to the shifting borders that divide both people and animals, Julian shares stories that remind us of what's at stake, and what still remains. Lees meer
Links
www.julianhoffman.com
Julian on Instagram
Other episodes if you liked this one:
🎧 Episode 53: "Irreplaceable" with Julian Hoffman
In this earlier visit, Julian explores the imperative of protecting wild landscapes and the deep human-place connections that motivate conservation efforts. We dive into the loss of habitats and the meaning of biodiversity for future generations
🔗 Listen here: https://rootsandall.co.uk/podcast/episode-53-irreplaceable-with-julian-hoffman/🎧 Episode 197: "Britain's Birds" with Benedict Macdonald
Naturalist, conservationist and writer Benedict Macdonald. Benedict has recently released a new book 'Cornerstones', which talks about how by restoring cornerstone species we can help turn around the current impoverished state of nature in the UK. His previous book 'Rebirding' was how I first came to know of his work and I've been a great admirer of his work ever since. We talk about the numbers of UK birds, how land management needs to change in order to stop the loss of species in this country and what we can do at a garden level to make changes.
🔗 Listen here: https://rootsandall.co.uk/podcast/episode-168-britains-birds-with-benedict-macdonald/
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 342: Healsville Sanctuary: Creating Habitats
30 juni 2025 · 16 min
Episode 342: Healsville Sanctuary: Creating Habitats Lees meer
Luke Boyle is the Horticulture Manager at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, Australia—a leading conservation zoo nestled in native bushland, dedicated to protecting and showcasing Australia's unique wildlife. We chat about the incredible work Luke and his team are doing to ensure the sanctuary is not just a safe and enriching haven for animals, but also an inspiring and welcoming place for human visitors.
Links
Healesville Sanctuary – Official site (Zoos Victoria)
Discover updates on their conservation projects, visitor information, and how to support their wildlife work: https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/Zoos Victoria "Fighting Extinction" Program
Learn how Healesville Sanctuary is part of statewide efforts to protect and recover threatened species through breeding, habitat restoration, and research: https://www.zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction/Helmeted Honeyeater Release (May 2025)
Read about the recent release of critically endangered helmeted honeyeaters from Healesville into the wild—an inspiring milestone in their breeding program: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/09/helmeted-honeyeater-release-healesville-sanctuary-cardinia-south-east-victoria-breed-wild-populationAbout Luke Boyle
After completing a gardening apprenticeship at Swinburne University, Luke worked with various landscapers and gardeners and also at a local council managing reserves and remnant vegetation. Studying landscape design and construction at night school as well as a short course run by the national Trust called Save the Bush, inspired him to look at the protection and restoration of bushland as a career.
Luke started at Healesville sanctuary in 1993 where he is the Curator of Horticulture presently
Other episodes if you liked this one:
🍃 Episode 329: Wildlife Gardening, Australia Style
Summary:
Sarah Wilson speaks with AB Bishop, an expert in Australian native plants and wildlife-friendly gardens. They … -
Episode 341: Sun Safety for Gardeners
23 juni 2025 · 26 min
I'm joined by Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, and horticulturists Rachel Reynolds, Paul Kimberley and Jenny Warner, who share their personal experiences with skin cancer. With temperatures on the rise, we explore why sun safety is essential for anyone working outdoors, how to protect yourself effectively, and the serious risks of not taking the sun seriously. Lees meer
Links
Melanoma Focus is a national charity dedicated to providing help and support to melanoma patients and healthcare professionals as well as raising awareness of melanoma, the 5th most common cancer in the UK. As nearly 9 in 10 melanomas are preventable, awareness and advocacy work is key element of the work. Melanoma awareness posters and a comms toolkit (including a specific farming and horticultural comms toolkit) is available via our melanoma awareness page.
Some other useful pages:
What is melanoma
Sun safety
Signs and symptoms of melanoma
How to check your skin and nails
How a melanoma is diagnosed
The Melanoma Helpline – expert skin cancer nurses are available for anyone with a worry about melanoma from diagnosis to treatment and beyond
Melanoma Stages and Treatment – Patient Guide
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 340: The Nature of Resilience
16 juni 2025 · 22 min
Author Nic Wilson speaks about her memoir, Land Beneath the Waves. We delve into how her relationship with the natural world has provided insight and resilience in the face of chronic illness, and how our surroundings can shape and reflect our inner landscapes. Lees meer
Links
Official Website
nicwilson.co.uk – The central hub for Nic's writing, including her memoir Land Beneath the Waves, Guardian Country Diary contributions, newsletter subscription ("Only Connect!"), book tour dates, and the Peat‑Free Nurseries list.
Linktree
A central portal with quick links to her website, book launch, newsletter, and social profiles.
Instagram
@dogwooddaysgardener – Nic's nature-and-garden-focused Instagram, where she shares updates on her memoir, writing, and everyday natural world reflections.
Bluesky (Alternative Social Platform)
nicwilson.bsky.social – Her profile on Bluesky, with nature musings and updates.
Newsletter
Only Connect! – Nic's periodic newsletter focusing on nature writing, wild-life interviews, book news, and Peat‑Free gardening resources. Available via her website and Linktree.
🔗 Subscribe here: https://nicwilson.co.uk/Other episodes if you liked this one:
🍃 Episode 336: Creating an Ark with Mary Reynolds
Summary:
Sarah Wilson speaks with Mary Reynolds, the visionary behind the We Are The Ark movement. They explore how rewilding—even in small spaces like gardens or balconies—can foster biodiversity and emotional reconnection with the natural world. Mary's journey from Chelsea Flower Show gold medalist to ecological activist is both inspiring and practical.
🔗 Listen here🚶♀️ Episode 327: Following in the Footsteps with Kerri Andrews
Summary:
In this insightful episode, Sarah chats with author and academic Kerri Andrews about Pathfinding: On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom. They discuss walking as a form of healing, reflection, and resistance—how movement through landscape can mirror and nurture our emotional journeys. It's a natural companion to Nic Wi… -
Episode 339: Growing Veg in Antarctica
9 juni 2025 · 25 min
Lockie Scicluna is part of the crew living and working at Australia's remote Mawson Station in Antarctica. Lockie is closely involved in the station's hydroponic growing setup — an ingenious system that allows the team to produce fresh vegetables in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. We talk about the challenges of growing food without soil or sunlight, and why having a growing operation might matter more than you might think. Lees meer
Links
Australian Antarctic Division Mawson station
Lockie on Instagram @scic.travels
Other episodes if you liked this one:
🌱 Episode 226: Soil Bacteria & Rhizophagy
Summary:
In this episode, I delve into the fascinating world of soil bacteria and their interactions with plants, including discussions on bacteria in monocrops, their presence in seeds, and notably, their role in hydroponic systems. This exploration provides insights into how microbial life adapts and functions in both traditional soil-based and soilless growing environments, offering a deeper understanding relevant to controlled environment agriculture.
🔗 Listen here🌿 Episode 289: Animal Friendly Fertiliser
Summary:
I chat with Los Angeles-based landscaper and fertiliser expert Erin Riley about her pioneering work in creating vegan, organic fertilisers. We discuss the environmental and ethical implications of traditional animal-based fertilisers and explore plant-based alternatives that are beneficial for plants, people, animals, and the planet. This conversation is particularly pertinent to sustainable practices in controlled environment agriculture, such as hydroponic systems.
🔗 Listen herePlease support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 338: Real Organic vs Regenerative Farming
2 juni 2025 · 25 min
I'm joined by Dave Chapman, host of the US chart-topping Real Organic Podcast. We dive into the rise of "regenerative" as the latest industry buzzword, the troubling reality of corporate consolidation in agriculture, and how antitrust issues are threatening the future of truly organic food. We also explore the key differences between organic food markets in the U.S. and the EU—and what they might mean for growers and consumers alike. Lees meer
Links
www.realorganicproject.org
On Facebook
On Instagram
Other episodes if you liked this one:
🌱 Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary with Joshua Sparkes
Summary:
In this episode, I speak with Joshua Sparkes, a grower whose innovative, soil-centered approach blends regenerative principles with a deep reverence for the natural world. We explore his unique style of farming, shaped by observation and experimentation, and discuss why it offers a glimpse into what must be the future of sustainable food production.
🔗 Listen here🌿 Episode 296: Regenerative Design with Erik Ohlsen
Summary:
I chat with Erik Ohlsen, a US-based regenerative designer, permaculturist, and author, about his holistic approach to landscape design. Erik shares insights from decades of practical experience, emphasizing the importance of listening to the land and integrating ecological principles into our gardens and communities.
🔗 Listen herePlease support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 337: Orchid Obsession
26 mei 2025 · 24 min
I'm joined by author Sarah Bilston to explore the strange allure of orchids and the daring—and often destructive—pursuits of the plant hunters who sought them. We delve into the economic and ecological entanglements of botany, the lasting impacts of orchid mania on countries like Brazil, and what we risk losing when we oversimplify the tangled roots of horticultural history. Lees meer
Links
The Lost Orchid: A Story of Victorian Plunder and Obsession by Sarah Bilston
Other episodes if you liked this one:
🌱 1. Episode 154: Modern Plant Hunters with Dr. Sandy Primrose
In this episode, Dr. Sandy Primrose discusses the legacy of Victorian-era plant hunters and how their adventurous—and often exploitative—quests for botanical treasures continue to influence modern horticulture. The conversation touches on the ethical complexities of plant collection and the enduring allure of rare species.
🔗 Listen here
🌿 Episode 54: Growing Orchids in Your Garden with Dr. Wilson Wall
In this episode, Dr. Wilson Wall, director of Bewdley Orchids and co-author of How to Grow Native Orchids in Gardens Large and Small, shares his expertise on cultivating native British orchids. He discusses the symbiotic relationship between orchids and fungi, suitable species for various garden settings, and the importance of conserving these plants as their wild populations decline. This conversation offers a practical perspective on orchid cultivation, complementing the historical and cultural exploration in the interview with Sarah Bilston.
🔗 Listen here
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 336: Creating an Ark
19 mei 2025 · 32 min
In this episode, I'm speaking with Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the rewilding movement We Are The Ark. Lees meer
This episode originally aired in 2019 and it's particularly pertinent as it coincides with the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where Mary, won a gold medal winner for her ground-breaking, naturalistic garden which at the time was a revelation. Mary has long championed a shift from traditional gardening to a more nature-centric approach. Her initiative, We Are The Ark, invites gardeners, landowners, and stewards to rewild areas under their care, transforming them into sanctuaries for biodiversity. This conversation delves into Mary's journey, the philosophy behind We Are The Ark, and practical steps we can all take to support nature in our own spaces.
As we face increasing environmental challenges, Mary's insights offer a timely reminder of the power each of us holds to make a difference. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, this episode provides inspiration and guidance on creating your own "Ark" for nature.
Links
1. Official Website – Mary Reynolds
Mary Reynolds' official website offers insights into her philosophy, projects, and design approach.
Website
2. We Are The Ark – Rewilding Movement
Mary founded the "We Are The Ark" initiative to encourage people to transform their gardens and land into safe havens for nature.
Website
3. Book: The Garden Awakening: Designs to Nurture Our Land and Ourselves
In this book, Mary shares her vision of creating gardens that are in harmony with nature, blending practical advice with spiritual insights.
Publisher's Page
4. Book: We Are The Ark
This book expands on the principles of the "We Are The Ark" movement, providing guidance on rewilding and creating sanctuaries for biodiversity.
Publisher's Page
5. Film: Dare to Be Wild
A biographical drama inspired by Mary Reynolds' journey to winning a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show.
IMDb Page
Other …
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Episode 335: Japanese Gardens
12 mei 2025 · 26 min
Geeta Mehta, author of Japanese Gardens, talks about the beauty, philosophy, and deep cultural roots of Japan's garden traditions. We delve into how these serene landscapes reflect harmony, mindfulness, and a unique dialogue between nature and design. Lees meer
Links
Japanese Gardens: Tranquility, Simplicity, Harmony by Geeta Mehta & Kimie Tada
Geeta Mehta on Wikipedia
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Geeta Mehta you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 271: Japanese Maples with Miles Hayward
Summary:
In this episode, Sarah Wilson speaks with Miles Hayward, an expert in Japanese Maples and founder of Miles Japanese Maples nursery. They delve into the different types of maples, how to grow and care for them, and what makes these trees so iconic in Japanese garden design. Miles also shares insights into how he built his nursery around quality, sustainability, and deep botanical knowledge.Web Link
Episode 118: Tokachi Millennium Forest with Dan Pearson & Midori Shintani
Summary:
Sarah interviews renowned garden designer Dan Pearson and head gardener Midori Shintani about the Tokachi Millennium Forest project in Hokkaido, Japan. The episode explores the forest's design philosophy, the fusion of traditional Japanese landscape principles with ecological awareness, and the challenges of working on a project with a 1,000-year vision. It's a profound conversation about stewardship, beauty, and long-term thinking in garden design.Web Link
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary
5 mei 2025 · 27 min
Joshua Sparkes is a grower whose innovative, soil-centered approach blends regenerative principles with a deep reverence for the natural world. We dig into his unique style of farming, how it's shaped by observation and experimentation, and why it offers a glimpse into what must be the future of sustainable food production. Lees meer
Links
The Collective at Woolsery
Joshua Sparkes on Instagram
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Joshua Sparkes you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition
Guest: Sam Hamrebtan
Link: Roots and All
Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital connection between soil and the nutrients in our food. As the founder of the Life Larder newsletter and Course Director at CNM's Natural Chef School, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge on how growing practices impact the quality of what we eat.Episode 306: The Soil Habitat
Guest: Eddie Bailey
Link: Roots and All
Eddie Bailey, a geologist, organic no-dig gardener, and soil food web specialist who runs Rhizophyllia, discusses the soil food web, what inhabits the soil habitat, why soil health impacts plant health and ultimately our health, and what you can do to get the best out of your garden.Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 332: Garden Wildlife Ponds
21 april 2025 · 27 min
I'm joined by Pete Case from the Freshwater Habitats Trust to dive into the world of garden ponds—why they can be crucial for wildlife, how to create one, and what makes them such a powerful tool for conservation right in your own back, or front, garden. Whether you've got a bucket or a full-blown pond, this one's for you. Lees meer
Links
www.freshwaterhabitats.org.uk
The Pond Book
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Pete Case you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 312: Gardening for Amphibians
Will Johansen is from Froglife, a conservation group devoted to protecting amphibians and reptiles. Will's here to discuss practical ways we can support amphibians in our gardens, from building simple ponds to creating safe spaces where they can thrive. Will gives tips and advice to help you make a real difference for these often-overlooked creatures.
Episode 274: Natural Swimming Ponds
Caroline & Jon have created the most amazing swimming pond in their back garden and have documented their journey on social media, posting videos of year-round swimming adventures and pond-life. If you need inspiration to tackle a garden project you've always thought was just a pipe-dream, listen in as Caroline & Jon offer their refreshingly optimistic and can-do approach.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 333: Designing for Habitat and Biodiversity
21 april 2025 · 25 min
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. We dig into the magic of restoring ecosystems, how nature-led design is possible and feasible from a business perspective and the knock-on effects of starting the ball rolling one green space at a time. Lees meer
Links
www.stemlandscape.com
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Emmaline Bowman you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 208: Ecological Gardens with Sid Hill
This week's guest is eco gardener, landscape designer, permaculturist, horticultural thinker and garden experimenter, Sid Hill. Sid is concerned with building gardens that can sustain people and wildlife and he's talking to me today about his particular brand of gardening, what we can do differently to improve our gardens and the whole discipline of horticulture in the UK.
Episode 232: Ecologically Integrated Gardens
My guest this week is Shawn Maestretti of Studio Petrichor, a design studio working out of California. Shawn's personal mission is to reconnect with the natural world, tread lightly on the land, nurture biodiversity, protect water, and bring people together. We speak about how Studio Petrichor designs with these values in mind and the systems and techniques that are used to achieve these goals.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 331: Doug Tallamy Revisited
14 april 2025 · 31 min
Today's episode is a bit different because I'm not well at the moment and the podcast has taken a back seat to hospital visits and sleeping lots I'm afraid. But, out of something negative comes a positive because I decided to re-master and re-release an episode from the back catalogue, and this week we're dipping back into Episode 97 with Doug Tallamy. But we're not just hitting replay. We're bringing new light to it, inspired by last week's conversation with the incredible Kelly Morse… Lees meer
Links
Bringing Nature Home: How you can sustain wildlife with native plants by Prof Doug Tallamy
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Kelly Morse you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 58: A New Garden Ethic
Sarah talks to garden designer and author Benjamin Vogt about his book A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant Compassion for an Uncertain Future.
Benjamin writes in his book how it's imperative that we take up a new style of gardening, a new garden ethic, and that we do so fast. Benjamin explains what it means for him to garden with every species in mind and what happens when we separate ourselves from the rest of our garden's community.
Benjamin Vogt runs Monarch Gardens, a prairie garden design practice. His own garden was named a top outdoor space of 2012 by Apartment Therapy and has been featured in Fine Gardening, Garden Design, Nebraska Life, the Omaha World Herald, the Lincoln Journal Star and on KOLN.
Episode 218: Creating Wildlife Habitats
This episode, my guest is Catherine Heatherington. Catherine is a garden designer and consultant and she's the author of several books about landscape. Along with Alex Johnson, Catherine is a co-founder of Design Wild Associates, a design practice that encourages wildlife into even the smallest of urban spaces and Catherine and Alex have co-authored the recently released book 'Habitat Creation in Garden Design'.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 330: Ecological Art for the People
7 april 2025 · 26 min
Kelly Morse is co-founder of 70|30 Studio—a design practice with a mission to rewild spaces and reconnect people with nature. Kelly's work blends ecology, sustainability, and creative design to transform how we experience the natural world. We'll be discussing the philosophy behind 70|30 Studio, the challenges and rewards of integrating wild landscapes into urban environments, and how we can all bring a little more nature into our everyday lives. Lees meer
About
Kelly Morse is an ecological landscape designer, writer, and environmental artist. She is an award-winning author and founder of 70|30 Design Studio. As co-founder of Symbiocene Project she collaborates with artist Brendan Baylor and others to create environmental, community-centred art installations, including Hothouse and Soundings: Soundmap for a Changing Landscape.
Links
70|30 Design Studio
Brendan Baylor Art
Hothouse Project
Soundings: Soundmap for a Changing Landscape
70|30 Design Studio on Instagram
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Kelly Morse you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 209: Soundscapes and Landscapes
This week I'm speaking to Dr Mike Edwards, Chief Listening Officer at Sound Matters, a company focussed on using sound and listening to create more sustainable and resilient futures. Sound Matters provided the soundtrack to the Rewilding Britain garden that one best in show at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. Mike recently spoke passionately about climate change, soundscapes and landscapes at the Beth Chatto Symposium and wowed a lecture theatre full of rapt listeners with his prowess on the didgeridoo.
Episode 138: The Botanical Mind
In this episode, I talk with gardener, TV presenter, and wildlife advocate Chris Baines about the evolution of wildlife gardening since the 1980s. Chris shares his experiences designing the first wildlife garden at the Chelsea Flower Show and offers practical advice on mimicking natural habitats, …
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Episode 329: Wildlife Garden, Australia Style
31 maart 2025 · 24 min
I'm joined by the brilliant AB Bishop, a passionate advocate for wildlife-friendly gardening and author and journalist. We dive into the incredible ways AB has transformed her outdoor space into a thriving habitat for native birds, insects, and other creatures. If you're keen to make your patch more biodiverse and buzzing with life, plus find out about Australia's incredible flora and fauna, this one's for you! Lees meer
Links
AB Bishop is a renowned horticulturist, conservationist, and writer specialising in Australian native plants and wildlife-friendly gardening. Here are some of her notable works:
Habitat: A Practical Guide to Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Australian Garden
This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on designing, planting, and maintaining gardens that support local wildlife. It emphasizes understanding the interconnectedness of backyard ecosystems to create authentic habitats.Naturescapes: How to Create a Natural Australian Garden (co-authored with Phillip Withers)
This book provides inspiration and guidance on transforming outdoor spaces into naturalistic Australian gardens. It focuses on plant selection, materials, wildlife habitats, soil information, and design principles to establish thriving environments.Articles in ABC Gardening Australia Magazine
As the horticultural editor, AB Bishop has contributed numerous articles covering topics such as composting, pruning native plants, and garden design. Her writings offer valuable insights and practical tips for gardeners.Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with AB Bishop you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
Episode 38: Wildlife Gardening with Kate Bradbury
In this episode, I speak with wildlife gardening expert Kate Bradbury about creating gardens that support and attract wildlife. We discuss the best practices for designing wildlife-friendly spaces, including plant choices and features to include, as well as common mistakes to avoid. Kate sha… -
Episode 328: Soil, Health and Nutrition
24 maart 2025 · 22 min
Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital connection between soil and the nutrients in our food. As the founder of the Life Larder newsletter and Course Director at CNM's Natural Chef School, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge on how growing practices impact the quality of what we eat. Sam talks about nourishing both the land and ourselves. Lees meer
Links
The Life Larder
On Instagram
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Sam Hamrebtan you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
257: Taste Your Garden
This episode, my guest is qualified herbalist Meghan Rhodes. Meghan discusses how we can tap into our gardens for better health, why herbs are good for dealing with conditions that are manifestations of multiple problems, such as stomach issues, the 7 keys tastes you find in herbs and how you can get started on your own journey using herbs for wellbeing.
246: Urban Smallholding
My guest this episode is urban smallholder Sara Ward. Sara runs Hen Corner, a backyard smallholding in London. Her website Hen Corner has a wealth of information on growing and making food, she runs courses, sells products from her bakery and has just published a book 'Living the Good Life in the City'. I began by asking Sara what prompted her to follow in the wellie-prints of Barbara Good.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 327: Following in the Footsteps
17 maart 2025 · 28 min
Explore the deep connection between movement, landscape, and wellbeing In this episode featuring author and academic Kerri Andrews. We talk about her book Pathfinding and the profound impact of walking in nature. Discover how walking can be an act of reflection, discovery, and even resistance. Kerri shares insights from history and her own experiences, reminding us why putting one foot in front of the other is more powerful than we might think. Lees meer
Links
www.kerriandrews.co.uk
https://kerriandrews.co.uk/
Pathfinding: On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom by Kerri Andrews
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Kerri Andrews you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
321: Weathering It All
Join me for a timely exploration of how weather shapes our landscapes, ecosystems, and personal experiences of the natural world. Writer and naturalist Matt Gaw discusses his latest book, In All Weathers. As we face an increasing onslaught of extreme and unpredictable weather patterns across the globe, Matt's reflections on walking through the elements—be it storm, drought, or downpour—offer both a poetic and urgent perspective on our relationship with the forces that govern life on Earth. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on resilience, adaptation, and the beauty found in even the most inhospitable conditions.
276: Unearthing
This week, my guest is Kyo Maclear. Kyo is an author and her latest book is centred around family secrets, her mother and how gardening shaped their relationship and helped her frame their mutual experiences.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 326: Glyphosate
10 maart 2025 · 23 min
Investigative journalist Carey Gillam talks about glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Carey has spent years researching its impacts on health and the environment, as well as the discussions surrounding its regulation and use. She talks about her research, the science behind this particular herbicide, and the effects of the chemical on soils and our health. Lees meer
Links
Learn more about Carey:
www.careygillam.com
The New Lede
At The Guardian
Her books:
Whitewash - The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer and the Corruption of Science
The Monsanto Papers - Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man's Search for Justice
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 325: Growing in the Garden
3 maart 2025 · 22 min
Content creator, writer and gardener Ramona Jones talks about her garden and her beautiful book Growing. We discuss her experiences as a neurodivergent gardener, how she uses social media to document her journey, and the joys of creating a space that nurtures both plants and wildlife. She shares her deep connection with nature and the ways gardening has helped her grow in more ways than one. Lees meer
Links
Growing: A year of living and nurturing with the seasons by Ramona Jones
Ramona Jones on Instagram - @monalogue
Ramona on YouTube
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Ramona Jones you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
203: Gardening for Your Senses
This week I'm chatting with writer Kendra Wilson. Kendra has written a vast amount about gardening but I was particularly interested in speaking to her about her book Garden for the Senses. Engaging all your senses can lead to a deeper connection with the landscape and it can be an unusual and transformative experience. I wanted to find out how we can all learn to better use our senses and firstly, what prompted Kendra to write the book.
230: Sensory Gardens and Autism
I'm speaking about Sensory Gardens, with a focus on design for people with autism. I have three guests; Camellia Taylor who's designed The Natural Affinity Garden, which will be at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, after which time it will be relocated to Kent, to the charity Aspens where it will be used by residents of and visitors to the site. Next, I speak with Meraud Davis who's overseeing the project at Aspens and finally, to Alexis Selby a foraging obsessed, nature-loving, all-round amazing person who's giving us her take on using outdoor spaces with her son, Jared.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 324: Kitchen Garden Living
24 februari 2025 · 23 min
Bailey Van Tassel talks about the art of kitchen gardening. We explore Bailey's seasonal, intuitive approach to growing food at home and discuss insights from her book, Kitchen Garden Living. With a focus on simplicity and sustainability, Bailey shares her thoughts on cultivating a thriving kitchen garden. Lees meer
Links
www.baileyvantassel.com
Kitchen Garden Living: Seasonal Growing and Eating from a Beautiful, Bountiful Food Garden by Bailey Van Tassel
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Bailey van Tassel you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
188: Huw Richards on Veg Growing
This week's guest is veg growing expert Huw Richards. Huw grows a vast range of plants in his garden in mid-West Wales and is always trialling and experimenting with new ways of growing. He has an enormously popular YouTube channel and has authored a number of books, the latest of which is 'The Vegetable Grower's Handbook' which draws on his experience as very much a thoughtful and philosophical gardener.
171: Grow Easy with Anna Greenland
This year's first guest is organic vegetable grower Anna Greenland. Anna has supplied produce to some of the UK's top chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Jamie Oliver, has created gardens at Soho Farmhouse, Kew Gardens and the Huntington Botanical Gardens in LA. She is currently establishing a market garden and gardening school in Suffolk and has just released a book called 'Grow Easy'. Anna talks about working with the best chefs in the best kitchens and catering to their clientele, about producing pristine veg organically, about growing food in different climates and the fundamentals of veg garden success.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 323: Wildflowers, Community and Urban Nature
17 februari 2025 · 19 min
I'm joined by Richard Scott and Polly Moseley from the Scouse Flowerhouse to explore the transformative power of community gardens. They share insights on using wildflowers to create vibrant, biodiverse spaces that benefit both people and wildlife, as well as the challenges and rewards of managing community green spaces. Listen on to discover how their work is weaving nature into urban communities. Lees meer
Links
www.scouseflowerhouse.com
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Richard Scott & Polly Moseley you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
1. Episode 275: Community Gardening
Synopsis: This episode delves into the world of community gardening, exploring how shared green spaces can foster community spirit, provide fresh produce, and promote environmental stewardship. The discussion highlights the benefits and challenges of managing communal gardens and offers insights into starting and sustaining such projects.
2. Episode 173: Sharing and Borrowing Gardens
Synopsis: In this episode, host Sarah Wilson speaks with Joyce Veheary, founder of Lend and Tend, an initiative that connects garden owners with individuals who lack their own gardening space. They discuss how this platform facilitates the sharing and borrowing of gardens, promoting community engagement and making gardening more accessible to everyone.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 322: Trees and Crops Better Together
10 februari 2025 · 26 min
Trees and crops—better together! This week on Roots and All, I'm joined by Andy Dibben, co-author of Silvohorticulture, to explore how agroforestry can revolutionise our growing spaces for a more resilient and productive future. Lees meer
Links
Silvohorticulture: A grower's guide to integrating trees into crops by Andy Dibben & Ben Raskin
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Andy Dibben you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
235: Woodchip - My guest this week is Ben Raskin, the Soil Association's Head of Horticulture and Agroforestry. Ben is the author of several books on gardening, including Zero-Waste Garden and The Community Gardening Handbook. His latest book is 'The Woodchip Handbook', which I was very excited to read and even more excited to speak with Ben about, because I've long been a fan of using wood chip in the garden. In the interview, we cover the many uses for woodchip in the garden, how it can help with plant and soil health, what sort of wood makes good chip and the do's and don'ts of using it.
137: Dr Glynn Percival of Bartlett Tree Experts - This episode is brought to you by the team at The Real Soil Company. Launched to the market in 2020 The Real Soil Company proudly offers new organic, peat-free SuperSoil. Packed full of organic nutrients for optimal plant health, SuperSoil's natural 'boosters' will stimulate quicker plant establishment and better resilience against pests and disease, whilst also enabling edible crops to benefit from nutritional enhancement and a higher crop yield. The enhanced soil also offers better water retention and release for optimum plant growth, whilst providing a more balanced and workable material for gardeners.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 321: Weathering It All
3 februari 2025 · 19 min
Join me for a timely exploration of how weather shapes our landscapes, ecosystems, and personal experiences of the natural world. Writer and naturalist Matt Gaw discusses his latest book, In All Weathers. As we face an increasing onslaught of extreme and unpredictable weather patterns across the globe, Matt's reflections on walking through the elements—be it storm, drought, or downpour—offer both a poetic and urgent perspective on our relationship with the forces that govern life on Earth. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on resilience, adaptation, and the beauty found in even the most inhospitable conditions. Lees meer
Links
In All Weathers: A Journey Through Rain, Fog, Wind, Ice and Everything In Between by Matt Gaw
www.mattgaw.com
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Matt Gaw you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
191: Plants and People - Hello and welcome to this week's episode where I'm speaking to Marion Whitehead from the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in New South Wales, Australia, part of the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. I talk with Marion about one of her areas of speciality; the intersection of plants and human feelings, particularly in the context of 3 books as recommended by Marion; Enid Blyton's 'The Magic Faraway Tree', Frances Hodgson Burnett's 'The Secret Garden' and 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers.
220: The Gardener's Almanac - To book-end the winter break, I'm sort of picking up where we left off by talking about a way to mark the passing of the year and the seasons and to ground yourself and your gardening endeavours in the natural patterns that govern them. My guest is Lia Leendertz, author of the annual The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide and she starts by talking about the origins of her almanac.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 320: Channelling Wild Gods
27 januari 2025 · 22 min
Tom Hirons is a poet whose work resonates deeply with the primal and ungovernable forces of nature, the human condition, and the intersections where they meet. His writing, including the much-lauded poem Sometimes a Wild God, stirs something ancient within, reminding readers of the chaos and beauty that lie at the heart of existence. In this conversation, we delve into the inspirations and philosophies behind his work, exploring the wild, untamed forces that shape his poetry and his perspective on creativity. Lees meer
Links
www.tomhirons.com
Instagram @bearspeakstothestars
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Tom Hirons you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
282: Song of the Garden - This week my guests are Northern California based musical duo Misner & Smith. Sam, who is Misner, and Megan, who is Smith comprise one of the most acclaimed acts in the Americana world. Blending elements of that genre with bluegrass, traditional folk ballads, and more pop leaning ideas, they've been described as making music that is gloriously nonconforming. Aside from their musical chops, Sam & Megan are expert gardeners who focus on pollinators, sustainability and community gardening. Listen on to find out how their connection to nature feeds into their music.
219: The Wheel of the Year - My guest this week is Dr Rebecca Beattie. Rebecca has just released a book called 'The Wheel of the Year', which is a look at what is happening in nature and in ourselves as the seasons move from one to the other. She suggests tools and rituals to rediscover and appreciate each seasonal festival, giving you a chance to pause, reflect and connect you to the wheel of your own life. As this is the last episode of 2022 and the winter solstice is just 2 days away, I thought this would be a perfect way to wrap up the year and to encourage you to take time to appreciate, well time, as it passes and as things shift from one state of being to another. Christmas …
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Episode 319: New Build Gardens
20 januari 2025 · 24 min
Andrew Jackson is changing the future of garden spaces for new builds with his groundbreaking initiative, the New Build Manifesto. Drawing on over a decade of experience as a Director in social housing, Andrew is now channeling his expertise to advocate for better quality garden spaces that benefit both homeowners and nature. His campaign brings together developers and homeowners to create enriching outdoor environments that enhance living experiences and support biodiversity. Lees meer
Links
Instagram @thenewbuildmanifesto
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Andrew Jackson you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
305: Building on Nature - What feature does a wildlife supporting landscaper refuse to install in a garden? What is the most beneficial addition for wildlife? And how can hard landscaping be compatible with wildlife and nature? This week my guest is former ecologist and founder of NatureScaping, Nick Townsend, who sheds light on building greener gardens. Nick uses his knowledge of ecology and the environment in his landscaping business in order to make better gardens and outdoor spaces for wildlife.
251 - Green Roofs and City Wildlife - This episode, my guest is green roof guru, urban designer, photographer, birdwatcher, punk ideologist and all-round straight talker Dusty Gedge. We talk about green infrastructure, encouraging species back into landscapes, how to maintain landscapes for habitat value and what's being and can be done to up the green value of public spaces.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 318: Care Not Capital
13 januari 2025 · 27 min
Returning guest John Little is on a collaborative mission to revolutionise the way we care for green spaces in order to ensure they deliver for people and for wildlife. John has set up a new initiative called Care Not Capital which is about investing in gardeners and recognising them as the key piece they are in the green spaces jigsaw. Lees meer
Links
www.grassroofcompany.co.uk
Care Not Capital on Instagram
www.carenotcapital.org
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with John Little you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
53: John Little of The Grass Roof Company - This week I'm speaking to John Little. John founded the Grass Roof Company in 1998 and for the past 20 years, he's been designing and implementing gardens in public spaces that work for people, for plants and for wildlife.
Often working in urban locations, he installs wildlife habitats and planting in some unusual places including on roofs and structures such as cycle shelters. He also includes many edible plants in his schemes in order to create beautiful and useful spaces that engage the community.
Maintenance and management is a key focus, and is vital to the success and longevity of his projects. We also talk about the need to revise traditional maintenance practices in order to reduce costs, save time and preserve wildlife.
239: Growing Biodiversity - My guest this week is gardener Benny Hawksbee. Benny has a background in biology and gardens with one eye on biodiversity. His projects include the Eden Nature Garden, a community garden designed to be a haven for people and wildlife, and John Little's garden in Essex. We talk about how Benny brings biology and ecology into his work, what we can all do to garden for wildlife whilst reducing our input in terms of resources and how we can involve the community in building and using gardens that work for everyone.
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Episode 317: The Lawnmower
16 december 2024 · 21 min
I'm joined by Clive Gravett, founder of The Budding Foundation and The Museum of Gardening. Clive is a passionate advocate for preserving gardening history, and he's here to share fascinating insights into the history of the lawnmower—an invention that revolutionised gardening as we know it. We also touch on the important work of The Budding Foundation in supporting education and young people through gardening. Lees meer
Links
Museum of Gardening:
Visit the Museum of Gardening's official website at https://www.museumofgardening.co.uk. The museum is located at the South Downs Heritage Centre in Hassocks, West Sussex, and explores the history of gardening through its unique collection of tools and artefacts.Budding Foundation:
You can learn more about and support the Budding Foundation at https://www.thebuddingfoundation.co.uk. This foundation is closely associated with the Museum of Gardening and focuses on educational projects and preserving gardening history.Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 316: The Dry Exotic Garden
9 december 2024 · 21 min
Explore the extraordinary world of exotic gardening with Paul Spracklin, author of The Dry Exotic Garden. Paul shares his infectious passion for transforming gardens conditions into lush, visually striking landscapes using drought-tolerant plants. Tune in to hear about the inspiration behind his book, the unique joys of cultivating exotic species, and the techniques that make gardens with drought loving plants not just possible, but breathtakingly beautiful. Lees meer
About The Dry Exotic Garden
Discover everything you need to know about designing, choosing and planting cacti and succulents to create a drought-tolerant garden in this lavishly illustrated guide with experts forecasting reduced summer rainfall, xeriscaping – the practice of landscaping with minimal water – is now a popular choice for many gardeners.
Links
The Dry Exotic Garden: A Gardener's Guide to Xeriscaping with Succulents by Paul Spracklin
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Paul Spracklin you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
161: The Jungle Garden with Philip Oostenbrink - This week's guest is Philip Oostenbrink, Head Gardener at Walmer Castle and Gardens, Collections Coordinator for Plant Heritage in Kent, Plant Trials committee member for the RHS and self-confessed jungle plant nut. Philip has just published a new book titled 'The Jungle Garden' and in this interview, I talk to him about what a jungle garden is, whether they can work in shady and sunny aspects, easy jungle plants, rarer ones, plant hardiness, seasonal and winter interest and where to get plants.
175: Seeking Rare Plants - This week's guest is Nick Macer, plant hunter, self-taught botanist, rare species expert and owner of Pan Global Plants, a nursery based in the Severn Valley, which, to quote the website, offers "a selection of the finest, most desirable and often rarest plants capable of growing on these isles". And that's key – Nick hand selects plants, in the past, directl…
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Episode 315: Interview with Mark Gregory
2 december 2024 · 29 min
Prepare to be inspired! I am chatting with legendary landscape designer Mark Gregory, founder of Landform Consultants. With over 35 years of experience and a treasure trove of RHS Chelsea Flower Show awards under his belt, Mark shares his take on creating breathtaking gardens, the artistry of garden design, his career and the landscaping business. This interview is a great insight into a career spent crafting perfection! Lees meer
Links
Landform Consultants
Mark Gregory on Instagram
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Mark Gregory you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
278: Sustainability Matters - My guest this week is Nadine Charlton. Through her business Home Spring Gardens, Nadine provides specialist services to the horticultural and landscape construction industry, advising on sustainable best practice and creating beautiful gardens and landscapes with an environmental conscience. We talk about the importance of sourcing sustainable garden products, how you can tell whether what you're buying is sustainable and whether enough is being done on this front.
127: John Brookes with Gwendolyn van Paasschen - This week, I'm speaking to Gwendolyn van Paaschen about the legendary garden designer John Brookes. Gwendolyn is the owner of Denmans Garden and chairman of the John Brookes-Denmans Foundation. Gwendolyn's book (released 7th Oct) 'How to Design a Garden' brings together a collection of John's works from across his lengthy career, disseminating the fundamental principles which underpinned his design work, in a way that is useful to both professionals and home gardeners. Gwendolyn is carrying on John's work at Denmans by opening the garden to the public and as she puts in at the end of the interview, keeping his conversation going.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 314: Nurturing Growth, Inside and Out
25 november 2024 · 22 min
Get ready for an inspiring journey as I'm joined by RAF Warrant Officer Pete Welsh—a man whose story spans the adrenaline of military life to the quiet power of the garden. While excelling in a remarkable military career and contributing to an RHS award-winning community garden, Pete has also confronted the profound challenges of mental health. Through the therapeutic calm of gardening and the transformative power of community connections, he's found resilience and growth. Pete's journey reveals the extraordinary parallels between cultivating plants and healing ourselves. Lees meer
Links
Veterans' Growth: A charity focused on providing horticultural therapy to veterans dealing with mental health challenges. You can visit the official site at veteransgrowth.org
Tadpole Garden Village: This community initiative has a focus on gardening and sustainability. You can find more information about their activities and community updates through their dedicated website at tadpolegardenvillage.com
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Pete Welsh you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
286: Natural Happiness - This episode my guest is Alan Heeks, former corporate world inhabitant, organic farmer, coach and author of the book 'Natural Happiness'. After his transition into organic farming, Alan realised that "a cultivated organic ecosystem is a profound guide to tending human nature, and that organic growth methods have parallels for people: such as composting your stress, and using crop rotation to avoid burnout." We explore the idea further…
145: Therapy Gardening - In this episode I'm speaking to horticultural therapist Carol Sales. Carol headed up a therapy garden in a prison, before moving over to lead the Therapy Garden at Headley Court, a rehabilitation centre for injured military veterans. Carol is featured in many books, including Head Gardeners by Ambra Edwards and Sue Stuart-Smith's The Well Gardened Mind and she was awarded …
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Episode 313: Plants for Shade
18 november 2024 · 24 min
Your garden's shadows can actually be stunning, vibrant spaces! In this episode, I chat with Susanna Grant, author of Shade and founder of the London-based shady plant shop, LINDA. Susanna joins me to discuss shade-loving plants and how to bring life and vibrancy to those darker corners of our gardens. Lees meer
About Susanna Grant
Susanna Grant is founder of Linda, a garden designer, planting specialist and writer, author of Shade (Quarto). She organises the Spring Plant Fair at The Garden Museum, and The Autumn Plant Fair at Arnold Circus where she is a volunteer and a trustee.
Links
Susanna Grant on Instagram @hellotherelinda
Shade: Work with the light, grow the right plants, bring dark corners to life by Susanna Grant
Other episodes if you liked this one:
236: Mosses - This week, my guest is Dr Neil Bell, bryologist at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and author of The Hidden World of Mosses, which takes a look into the minute and fascinating world of bryophytes. If you've ever wanted to know how these plants live and reproduce, whether you can cultivate moss indoors or outdoors, what that green stuff is you find on the surface of potted plant's compost and whether you should take it off, the environmental and habitat value of mosses and how they are affected by the moon, listen on…
23: Ivy With Fibrex Nurseries - Key talking points covered are; Growing ivy as a houseplant, Ideal growing conditions for ivy indoors, Ideal growing conditions for ivy outdoors, Different growth habits and the suitability of certain species for certain garden situations, Fast and slow growing varieties, Pruning, Benefits to wildlife, Unsuitable situations for ivy,
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 312: Gardening for Amphibians
11 november 2024 · 23 min
Will Johansen is from Froglife, a conservation group devoted to protecting amphibians and reptiles. Will's here to discuss practical ways we can support amphibians in our gardens, from building simple ponds to creating safe spaces where they can thrive. Will gives tips and advice to help you make a real difference for these often-overlooked creatures. Lees meer
Links
www.froglife.org
Discovering Dewponds Project
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Will Johansen you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
292: Spiders - This week, my guest is Meg Skinner. Meg works as an invertebrate ecologist, surveying sites for protected species and volunteers for the British Arachnological Society. We're talking today about spiders in your garden; how they go about their business, how you can encourage more, to visit your garden, oh and we talk about the much maligned false widow…
303: Slugs and Snails - Hello and welcome to this week's episode where my guest is retired academic and lifelong gardener Jo Kirby. Jo has written The Good Slug Guide, the first-ever book on slugs and snails that explains why the usual controls often don`t work, what slugs and snails really get up to, what they really eat and – importantly – what eats them.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
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Episode 311: Radical Rest
4 november 2024 · 24 min
What if rest could be a radical act of resistance? In this episode, I talk with Evie Muir, author of Radical Rest, who challenges the myth that burnout can be cured by self-care alone. Evie offers a bold vision of rest as a communal, transformative practice grounded in Black Feminist and abolitionist thought. Tune in to explore how rest and time in nature can lead us from exhaustion and grief toward joy and resilience—and what it takes to build a world where we can all thrive. Lees meer
About 'Radical Rest: Notes on Burnout, Healing and Hopeful Futures'
We're burnt out—drained, anxious, overworked, and unsupported. The answer cannot lie in occasional self-care practices when our exhaustion points to a much deeper societal problem. Self-improvement cannot truly help us within a system that demands so much while giving so little in return. Instead, we need a full reimagining that prioritises a thriving, abundant life.
Through a Black Feminist, abolitionist, and nature-focused perspective, Evie Muir invites us to envision a world rooted in radical rest. Muir explores what genuine rest would feel like and how it would reshape our experiences. They examine burnout's core emotions—rage, grief, anxiety—and imagine the transformation toward hope, joy, and abundance that meaningful change could bring.
Muir speaks with those most affected by and resisting burnout: Black, queer, disabled activists of colour. Through their lived experiences, a vision emerges of a world where radical rest is communal, grounded in connection—with each other, our bodies, and the natural world.
Links
'Radical Rest: Notes on Burnout, Healing and Hopeful Futures' by Evie Muir
Evie Muir on Instagram: @xeviemuir
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Christian Douglas, you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
242: Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden - This week's guest is poet and scholar Camille Dungy. Camille has documented how she diversified her …
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Episode 310: Designer Food Garden
28 oktober 2024 · 23 min
Christian Douglas is redefining vegetable gardening with a focus on style and functionality. Drawing on examples from urban and rural gardens, including his own garden in Marin County, he offers practical advice on growing a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Christian talks about how to assess lighting and soil, pick plants suited to the climate, and discover creative edible alternatives to traditional landscape plants. Looking at spaces from small city gardens to large rural plots, and even a rooftop space, his new book 'Food Forward Garden Design' offers guidance on how to create a purposely designed and beautiful kitchen garden. Lees meer
Links
Food Forward Garden Design: A Complete Guide to Designing and Growing Edible Landscapes by Christian Douglas, foreword by Tyler Florence
Christian Douglas on Instagram: @christian_douglas_design
Other episodes if you liked this one:
If you liked this week's episode with Christian Douglas, you might also enjoy this one from the archives:
214: Food Forests for Plant Lovers - This week's guest is permaculture designer and author of 'The Plant Lover's Backyard Forest Garden', Pippa Chapman. Growing our own food is becoming more and more important, and Pippa has tips on creating a year-round food forest that is low-maintenance and good for wildlife, that can work in a variety of aspects and that is an enjoyable and beautiful space for people too.
52: Crops in Tight Spots with Alex Mitchell - This week I'm speaking to Alex Mitchell, aka the Edible Gardener. Alex is the gardening columnist for the Evening Standard and author of five books on gardening, including her latest 'Crops in Tight Spots'. I speak to Alex about growing edibles when space in tight and she has some brilliant tips and tricks about how to grow, what to grow and what not to bother with. Alex's book is based on years of experience and I respect her approach of trialling, experimenting (including catching pupae in jars and observing them as they hatch!) and…