Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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415 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Episode 112: Heritage Apples with Caroline Ball
19 oktober 2020 · 36 min
This week's guest is Caroline Ball, author of a beautiful book called 'Heritage Apples'. In normal circumstances, this week would have seen lots of events to celebrate Apple Day taking place across the country, but instead, I'm celebrating here on the podcast by delving into some of our lesser known and historic varieties with Caroline, plus there's a very useful bit at the end where Caroline explains the mysteries of apple tree pollination. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Leather Jackets
About Caroline Ball
"Caroline Ball is an editor, copywriter and occasional translator. She has written on subjects from horticulture and travel to antiques and health, and has contributed to books about William Morris and a guide to historical sites. She is a keen gardener and, having been born a 'Kentish Maid', some of her earliest memories are of apple orchards in blossom." - https://bodleianshop.co.uk/products/heritage-apples
What we talk about:
What is a heritage apples?
The Herefordshire pomona
Why should we grow heritage apples?
Some of the varieties described in the book; Beauty of Kent, Catshead & Oslin
Where to taste heritage varieties
Apple tree pollination
Links:
Heritage Apples by Caroline Ball
Paul Barnett's Family Tree
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Episode 111: Nerines with Nick de Rothschild
12 oktober 2020 · 27 min
This week I'm speaking to Nick de Rothschild, President of the Nerine and Amaryllid Society and of Exbury Gardens in the New Forest. The gardens play host to a huge range of plants providing interest throughout the year, but one of jewels in the crown of Exbury is the collection of Nerines. There are many types of Nerines planted in the garden and an exhibition is currently underway of one particular species, sarniensis. We talk about the different types, how to grow them successfully and about some of the intricacies and intrigue of plant breeding. (Apologies for sounding muffled, I was wearing a mask!) Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: House Spiders
About Nick de Rothschild
Nick de Rothschild, President of the Nerine and Amaryllid Society and of Exbury Gardens in the New Forest.
Now celebrating more than 100 years, Exbury Gardens encompasses a spectacular collection of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens.
At over 200 acres, these impressive gardens located in Hampshire, were created and are now managed by the Rothschild family. They boast a number of special collections including world-famous rhododendrons and azaleas, unprecedented swathes of hydrangeas and the National Collection of Nyssa trees - https://www.exbury.co.uk/gardens
What we talk about:
The different nerine species
Growing nerines outdoors and under glass
The history of Nerine sarniensis cultivars
Breeding Nerine sarniensis
Pests and diseases
Links:
www.exbury.co.uk
Nerine & Amaryllid Society
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Episode 110: Probiotics for Your Garden with Sue Allen of Microbz
5 oktober 2020 · 37 min
This week I'm speaking to Sue Allen of Microbz, which produces and distributes probiotics for gardens. The concept of probiotics in gardens is new to me, but it dovetails nicely with previous episodes looking at soil health and mycorrhizal fungi so I was delighted to speak to Sue and find out more about how probiotics work in gardens and what we can do to encourage them. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Woodlice
About Susan Allen
I'm co-founder and co-director of Microbz Ltd, producers and distributors of probiotics for gardens. Most of all I love gardening. I love long summer evenings out on our land nurturing our plants and vegetables, and even cold wet winter days preparing for the next season. Part of the reason I am so passionate about microbes is because I really see the difference that they have made to my garden. They really work. My soil is healthier, my plants are more robust, and the best thing is: it is all natural.
I want to share my love of using microbes so that other people feel confident to give it a go. It will benefit their health and the long-term health of soil and plants all over the UK.
About Microbz
In 2007 my husband was asked to join a philanthropist who travelled the globe looking for solutions to environmental problems. His job was to mediate the potential conflicts of interest between investors and innovators. It was a fascinating time of travel and discovery.
When he got home, Jeff described the technology he saw that really excited him: Microbial Balancing Technology. The excitement we both felt for the potential of this 'solution' for the planet, was immediate.
We committed to learning more and quickly turned one of our outbuildings into a mini-brewery.
The first brews in 5-litre jars were trialled by us, and by friends and family. Now we're up to 100 and 300-litre containers, regular lab tests and a fully functioning business.
Our involvement with microbes is all that you would wish a love affair to be, full of enthusiasm…
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Episode 109: Hedgerow Foraging with Joff Curtoys
28 september 2020 · 28 min
This week I'm speaking to Joff Curtoys, conservationist, ecologist and founder of Sloemotion Distillery. Saturday just gone saw the launch of National Hedgerow Day, an annual event launched by Joff to inspire people to undertake their own foraging missions to spot what's growing and living in their local hedgerows. Hedgerows are historically important, biodiverse and fascinating, as Joff explains. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Fruit Flies
About Joff Curtoys
Joff is the founder of Sloemotion Distillery, a family-run Yorkshire business producing small batch spirits and liqueurs, and a passionate advocate of wildlife conservation. He has a background working for the RSPB and his respect for the environment and protection of the countryside is deeply embedded into how Sloemotion operates. The brand has its roots firmly in the Yorkshire countryside and this is a huge influence on the premium spirits they produce providing not only a source of sloes and hedgerow fruits, but also inspiration on their doorstep.
What we talk about:
The history of hedgerows
Hedgerows and biodiversity
When and what to forage from hedgerows
Managing hedgerows for foraging
Links:
https://www.sloemotiondistillery.com
National Hedgerow Day
A Natural History of the Hedgerow - John Wright
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Episode 108: Gardening Post-Lockdown with Adam Kirtland
21 september 2020 · 31 min
This week I'm speaking to Adam Kirtland, who began gardening seriously at the start of lockdown. His initial interest has become a full-blown obsession and we talk about the challenges presented by going back to work full time and having less time to garden. For more seasoned gardeners, this episode may be a useful reflection upon how we communicate with newer gardeners. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Flatworms
About Adam Kirtland
"Bookseller by day, gardener by night. I work as part of the head office team at Waterstones looking after some of the gifting products rather than books, but it's still the love of books that got me here in the first place.
Gardening has always been something that I've used as a tool to relax and wind down but it's only this year, during lockdown that I really found what it was to be a gardener. For me it's not just mowing the lawn every fortnight or doing a bit of weeding, it's become so much more. Making a garden for both me and my family that can be used in all season.
Lockdown opened my eyes to the world of Instagram and how huge the community is there and that's where my gardening journey has taken me now."
What we talk about:
Sources of gardening information
Catching the gardening bug
Gardening post lockdown and post-furlough
Gardening social media
Links:
Adam's Instagram account - @viewfromthepottingbench
Episode 20 - Container Planting with Harriet Rycroft
Episode 1 - Dahlias
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Episode 107: Sweet Peas with Philip Johnson
14 september 2020 · 30 min
This week I'm speaking to Philip Johnson of Johnson's Sweet Peas. Philip grows and sells plants and seeds via his website and he sells and exhibits his plants at shows across the country, when they're on! He judges at major shows and has put in 25 years service as a Sweet Pea judge. He is a former chairman of the National Sweet Pea Society/RHS Sweet Pea trials held at Wisley and is currently serving as a member of the RHS Herbaceous Committee. So what Philip doesn't know abut sweet peas you could write on the back of a stamp and still have room to lick it. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Woolly Aphids
About Johnson's Sweet Peas
Johnson's Sweet Peas is a traditional Sweet Pea specialist, growing their own seeds and plants at their nursery in Kent. Through their extensive breeding programme, they occasionally have brand new varieties available for naming and introduction.
Philip grows and sells plants and seeds via his website and he sells and exhibits his plants at shows across the country. He judges at major shows and has put in 25 years service as a Sweet Pea judge. He is a former chairman of the National Sweet Pea Society/RHS Sweet Pea trials held at Wisley and is currently serving as a member of the RHS Herbaceous Committee.
What we talk about:
When to sow sweet pea seeds
Can we succession sow to prolong the season?
Pinching out seedlings
Deadheading; why? Essential?
Why do stems get shorter as the season progresses?
Watering, feeding, soil requirements
Best kinds of supports for sweet peas
Pests and diseases
Wildlife value
Best varieties for scent
Colours in sweet pea flowers
Colour trends for next year. Exciting developments on the horizon in sweet pea breeding?
Links:
www.johnsonssweetpeas.co.uk
Philip Johnson on Twitter
Johnson's Sweet Peas on Instagram
National Sweet Pea Society on Twitter
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Episode 106: More Than Weeds and More with Sophie Leguil
7 september 2020 · 41 min
This week I'm speaking to biologist and ecologist Sophie Leguil. Sophie is an outspoken and passionate advocate for nature, plants and wildlife and can often be found on social media, helping make sense of complex concepts that affect gardeners and their outdoor spaces. We talk a bit about public spaces, a bit about gardens and urban areas and we touch upon what can happen when you try to stand up for what you believe in. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Tardegrades
About Sophie Leguil:
"Trained as a biologist & ecologist, with experience in horticulture, I am fascinated by the natural world in all its forms. I have a soft spot for plants, from the tiniest orchid at the top of a Vietnamese mountain, to the blousiest iris in a 18th century garden.
I currently work freelance in the UK and France, as a writer, photographer, speaker, translator and wildlife tour leader.
My BSc research focused on pollens of Psychotria (a fascinating genus with ethnobotanical uses), and my MSc on systematics of a small genus of African orchids.
I am particularly interested in the love-hate relationship between plant conservation and horticulture, and more specifically how growing plants can help us better understand, preserve and raise awareness on need to conserve plants." https://naturanaute.com/about/
What we talk about:
Rewilding
Warren Park
Meadows and wildflower planting
Sophie's 'More Than Weeds' Project
Brownfield sites and their ecological value
The future of nature under our current government
Links:
www.naturanaute.com
www.morethanweeds.co.uk
Sophie Leguil on Twitter
Sophie Leguil on Instagram
More Than Weeds on Twitter
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Episode 105: I Want to Like my Garden with Rachel McCartain
31 augustus 2020 · 36 min
This week I'm speaking to garden designer, writer and podcast host Rachel McCartain. Rachel believes the garden should work for you, that it should suit your lifestyle. If you struggle to reconcile the garden you want with the time you have to spend on it, this is the episode for you. Whether you have your own garden or you create gardens for others, Rachel's advice will no doubt prove useful. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Tree Bumblebees
About Rachel McCartain:
Rachel founded PlantPlots.com an online garden design company which is now one of the world's most popular websites. PlantPlots offers uniquely practical garden design advice, with the aim of making gardening easier for everyone.
In addition PlantPlots creates affordable and practical garden design for anyone with a garden. She has designed gardens in both the UK and the USA and presents the popular gardening podcast The Plotting Shed. It was whilst transforming her second garden, she began to wonder why with all the thousands of gardening books available do so many gardens all look the same! A lawn in the middle surrounded by borders hugging the fence and a couple of hanging baskets.
It began to dawn on her that the reason was because all these books showed how to make A garden but didn't say how the reader could change THEIR garden - and that's why PlantPlots was founded. To help you make the gardening easier.
Rachel currently lives by the sea in West Sussex UK, she is married with 3 children. Although having pets has never been high on her list of must haves, her garden does boast a chicken wire heron named Eric, a shoal of wire 'Michael' fish (named after a departed uncle) and in pride of place a 7-foot sunbathing topiary leopard called Ingwe. Rachel is currently planning whether to 'grow' a giraffe or some antelopes.
What we talk about:
Useful ways of analysing your garden from a planting and design perspective
Having a garden that works for your skills and your schedule
Buying plants for…
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Episode 104: Botanical Storytelling with Amanda Edmiston
24 augustus 2020 · 36 min
This week I'm speaking to botanical storyteller Amanda Edmiston. Amanda trained in herbalism and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of historical plants and botanical figures but in this episode, we focus mainly on what Amanda does and her work around Elizabeth Blackwell's book 'A Curious Herbal'. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Conopid Flies
About Amanda Edmiston:
"Amanda takes people into the stories she tells and brings other worlds, redolent with layers of history into people's lives. Immersion into one of Amanda's stories involves all the senses and often reveals facts which are often threatening to drift from the everyday consciousness. Each session is a magical experience and often stays in participants memories for years.
Her work weaves together plants, herbs and flowers with traditional tales, facts and her own stories.Amanda creates an enchanted world to take people into, one that is frequently funny and full of unexpected twists. Her work illustrates and is inspired by oral traditions, history, food, smells, places, objects and the audience themselves. Working with people in museums , botanical gardens, libraries, wherever they are, Amanda's work opens up different possibilities and can enhance a range of events and projects." https://www.botanicafabula.co.uk/about
What we talk about:
The art of botanical storytelling
Elizabeth Blackwell's 'A Curious Herbal'
The lost connection with nature?
Historical herbals
Links:
Amanda's website: www.botanicafabula.co.uk
The Botanica Fabula Facebook group
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Episode 103: Wasps with Richard Jones
17 augustus 2020 · 32 min
This week I'm speaking to nationally acclaimed entomologist and author of the book 'Wasp', Richard Bugman Jones, about a species of wildlife that may not spring to mind as one of your immediate favourites. Wasps, yellow jackets, jaspers, stripy bastards…whatever you call these members of the insect world and whether you love them or loathe them, you will certainly learn lots about them as Richard explains their life cycles and the role they play in ecosystems. If you're not convinced to become a full-blown wasp lover by the end of the episode, I suspect you will at least have a grudging respect for these resilient creatures. (FYI This episode was recorded a while ago, so it may sound as if we're talking in late winter.) Lees meer
About Richard Jones:
Richard writes about insects, wildlife and the environment for a number of publications such as Gardener's World and BBC Wildlife magazines, The Guardian and The Sunday times. He guests on programmes such as Radio 4's Home Planet and Natural Histories, plus is the author of many books, full list below. He is a fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and of the Linneaen Society of London. He's past president of the British Entomological and Natural History Society.
What we talk about:
The number of species of wasps plus which wasps you're most likely to find in your garden
The life cycle of a wasp
A look at a typical nest
What stings worse, a wasp, bee or hornet?
Invasive species
Links:
Richard Jones's website: www.bugmanjones.com
Books by Richard Jones
Wasp - Reaktion Books, 2019
Beetles - Collins New Naturalists Series, 2018
Call of Nature: The Secret Life of Dung - Pelagic Publishing, 2017
House Guests, House Pests - Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016
Nano Nature - Collins, 2008
Mosquito - Reaktion Books, 2012
The Little Book of Nits - A & C Black Publishers, 2012
Extreme Insects - HarperCollins, 2010
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram r…
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Episode 102: Mycorrhizhal Fungi Part 2 with Petra Guy
10 augustus 2020 · 31 min
This episode is somewhat of a follow-up to my interview with Jeff Lowenfels in Episode 51. Following that interview, I found myself asking a few more questions, particularly about how we're progressing with research into mycorrhizal fungi here in the UK. So here I am talking to Petra Guy, who's based at Reading University. Petra looks mainly at woodland health from the perspective of mycorrhizal fungi but we cover a lot of garden territory too including proprietary fungi mixes, composts and replant disease. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Crab Spider
About Petra Guy:
Petra is a postgraduate researcher at the University of Reading modelling the responses of trees to climate, land-use soils and mycorrhizal symbioses. Currently exploring game theory as a means of understanding different ectomycorrhizal/plant relationships and responses.
What We Discuss:
How long mycorrhizal fungi can persist in the soil without a host
The efficacy of proprietary mixes
Saving soil over the winter to inoculate next year's crop
Replant disease
Should we be building 'soil bridges'?
Susan Simard's concept of mother trees in forests
Links:
Episode 51: Mycorrhizal Fungi with Jeff Lowenfels
Suzanne Simard TED Talk
Paul Stamets - Host Defence Mushropoms
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram @rootsandallpod
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon
Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe
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Episode 101: Saving Our Plants with Vicki Cooke of Plant Heritage
3 augustus 2020 · 27 min
This week I'm talking to Vicki Cooke of Plant Heritage. Plant Heritage is a UK charity that works to conserve cultivated garden plants, predominantly through the National Plant Collection scheme and their Plant Guardians initiative. Think National Plant Collections are the preserve of stately homes with huge gardens or horticultural institutions? Not at all! In fact, you could start you own on an allotment, in your greenhouse or porch, you could choose a genera with a 1000 species or just one and choose anything from trees to houseplants. All you need is a passion for a particular group of plants and you can join the ranks of experts and plant fans helping to look after our cultivated plants for future generations. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Gooseberry Sawfly
About Vicki Cooke:
Vicki Cooke is the Conservation Manager at Plant Heritage, and has spent much of her career delving into plants and their history. From Garden Organic's Heritage Seed Library, growing and saving seed from heirloom vegetables, to the Hampton Court Palace kitchen garden and now at Plant Heritage, Vicki has always been passionate about growing and conserving our garden plants.
What We Discuss:
What is Plant Heritage
National Collections and why they are important
The Missing Genera project
Some of the genera that don't already have a home
What is involved in becoming a National Collection holder?
How you can take part
Links:
www.plantheritage.org.uk
Missing Genera top 10 for 2020, plus a link to the long list of all genera without a National Plant Collection
How to start a National Plant Collection
Join and support the National Plant Collections
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram @rootsandallpod
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon
Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe
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Episode 100: Tapestry Lawns with Dr Lionel Smith
27 juli 2020 · 34 min
This week I'm talking to Dr Lionel Smith, horticulture lecturer and author of the book Tapestry Lawns: Freed from Grass and Full of Flowers. As the title suggests, a tapestry lawn replaces grass with flowering dicots, increasing biodiversity, lowering maintenance needs and seriously upping the aesthetic value of a lawn. Living with a tapestry lawns involves a little bit of self-education around how you treat plants and I start by asking how to overcome one of my own biggest worries about having one… Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Painted Lady Butterfly
About Dr Lionel Smith:
Dr Lionel Smith received his PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Reading in 2014. He is currently Lecturer in Horticulture at Myerscough College, Lancashire, and lives in St. Anne's-on-Sea.
What We Discuss:
The history of lawns
What is a Tapestry lawn?
Tapestry lawn maintenance
Height convergence and why it's relevant to Tapestry lawns
Tapestry lawns and wildlife
Tapestry lawns over winter
Sourcing plants for a Tapestry lawns
What does the future hold for Tapestry lawns?
Links:
www.grassfreelawns.co.uk
Tapestry Lawns : Freed from Grass and Full of Flowers by Lionel Smith - Taylor & Francis, 2019
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram @rootsandallpod
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon
Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe
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Episode 99: Growing Food with Stephanie Hafferty
20 juli 2020 · 41 min
This week I'm chatting with Stephanie Hafferty. Amongst other things, Stephanie is a writer, speaker, long-time champion of No-Dig gardening, a food growing expert, a talented chef she shares some brilliant tips with us this week. The knowledge comes thick and fast in this episode, so you may want to grab a pen and paper before you begin listening! Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Asian Hornets
About Stephanie Hafferty:
"I'm an organic no dig kitchen gardener, plant based cook, award winning food & gardening writer, small scale homesteader and mum of three.
I live in Bruton, a small market town in rural Somerset where I grow delicious vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs in my garden and allotment using no dig methods. I love reading (I studied Literature and Art History at university and worked as an English teacher), crafting, visiting interesting places, exploring the countryside, trying out new recipes and food, making potions and learning new skills." https://nodighome.com/about/
What We Discuss:
Avoiding bolting crops
The best way to pick leafy crops to prevent bolting
When to sow to stop bolting
Eat crops like rocket and mustard greens when they've flowered
Quick fillers for gaps
Gluts of crops
How can we avoid gluts
Preserving food
Deadheading and harvesting
Crops that people might think have gone past their best but are actually still usable
Links:
Stephanie's website nodighome.com
Stephanie Hafferty on Twitter
Stephanie Hafferty on Instagram
The Creative Kitchen by Stephanie Hafferty
No Dig Organic Home & Garden by Charles Dowding & Stephanie Hafferty
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram @rootsandallpod
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon
Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe
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Episode 98: Gardening By Touch, Sound, Smell and Taste with Andrew Hesser
13 juli 2020 · 37 min
This week I'm speaking to Andrew Hesser, the man behind Bryan's Quest, a website and YouTube channel dedicated to exploring the natural world from the perspective of Bryan, a blind person. Andrew is also blind and draws on his personal experiences of gardening, volunteering for the National Trust and getting out and about in nature to produce videos and a library of resources for gardeners, in order to highlight how the natural world can be experienced without sight. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Grasshoppers
About Andrew Hesser:
"I've been blind for many years and I've enjoyed the challenge of study, work and family life. There have, of course, been difficult times when I've struggled to keep positive as I've 'battled' hard to get information made accessible to me. It is, for example frustrating to find shops full of cookery and gardening books totally inaccessible to me. Then there are the significant challenges of getting around using buses, trains, taxis and on foot, especially in new locations.
It is only in the past five years, or so that I have started to discover new ways of engaging with and enjoying nature and this naturally leads to wanting to learn more about the wonderful wildlife we are all surrounded by. However, much of the natural world is presented in a visual way, with colourful photos in books and amazing television documentaries. In fact it's easy for all of us to think of nature being predominantly a visual experience, with all those beautiful views across gardens, countryside landscapes and hill-top vistas.
However, I continue to explore the opportunities to appreciate nature using hearing, touch, smell and taste. There is a lot of work to be done to arrange facilities and services to fully exploit the use of all five senses to appreciate the natural world.
Gardening is one readily available pastime that brings me very close to nature. Without sight all of the non-visual senses can be applied to get success in the garden and a feeli…
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Episode 97: Nature's Best Hope with Prof. Douglas W. Tallamy
6 juli 2020 · 33 min
This week I'm speaking to Professor Doug Tallamy, author of amongst other things, the internationally influential wildlife gardening books Bringing Nature Home and Nature's Best Hope. Prof. Tallamy calls for an urgent rethink of gardening methods and backs up these calls with an illustrious career's worth of research, facts and figures This interview is a must-listen for wildlife gardeners everywhere! Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Rosemary Leaf Beetle
About Prof. Douglas W. Tallamy:
"Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 95 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 40 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His book Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens was published by Timber Press in 2007 and was awarded the 2008 Silver Medal by the Garden Writers' Association. The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, was published in 2014. Doug's new book 'Nature's Best Hope' was published by Timber Press in February 2020. Among his awards are the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd, Jr. Award of Excellence, the 2018 AHS B.Y. Morrison Communication Award and the 2019 Cynthia Westcott Scientific Writing Award." - http://www.bringingnaturehome.net
What We Discuss:
The problem with thinking that nature is somewhere else, that it's outside our garden fences
The most compelling reasons to choose natives over non-native plants in gardens
Carrying capacity and why it's important to humans
The problem with losing species that have evolved as specialist feeders
Are our native trees disease prone and do non-natives provide us with a healthier alternative?
Key research that needs to be done and what people can do in order for us to keep m…
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Episode 96: Sensory Herbalism with Karen Lawton
29 juni 2020 · 36 min
This week, I'm speaking to Karen Lawton, co-author of the book 'The Sensory Herbal Handbook'. The book isn't just about herbalism, it's about developing a connection to plants and yes, this can include talking to them! 'The Sensory Herbal Handbook' is a manual for learning not just to look at plants but to really see them. If you want to take your appreciation of plants to a deeper level, this episode is a good place to start. Lees meer
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Summer Snowflake
About Karen Lawton & Fiona Heckels:
Karen and Fiona are the Seed SistAs, authors of The Sensory Herbal Handbook and founders of herbal education group Sensory Solutions Herbal Evolution. Combining medical training and years of clinical practice with a passion for plants and creativity, their teaching gives people more autonomy in their health by connecting them with their local medicinal plants and the magical nature of the green world.
What We Discuss:
What is sensory herbalism?
The benefits of starting a herbal journal
Some good exercises to do if you would like to start one
Making a connection with a plant and using intentions when making remedies
An easily recognised herb that can be harvested now (July) and what could it can be used for
The importance of communities having medicinal gardens
Links:
www.sensorysolutions.co.uk
Facebook - Sensory Solutions Herbal Evolution
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram @rootsandallpod
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon
Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe
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Episode 95: How to Coexist Happily With The Bugs in Your Garden
22 juni 2020 · 37 min
This week, I'm speaking to esteemed entomologist Dr Ian Bedford about accepting the insects in your garden and learning to accept their vital role in the wider ecosystem. We talk about the how gardens can work alongside public spaces to provide habitats for beleaguered bugs, how we can reconcile growing food with welcoming bugs and whether reports of Insectageddon are justified. Lees meer
About Dr Ian Bedford:
"I have been fascinated by insects and other invertebrates for most of my life.
Starting out as an Amateur Entomologist, studying and conserving butterflies on the South Downs, I went on to pursue a professional career as a Research Entomologist and ran the Entomology Department at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, until my recent retirement after 42 years. I can now follow my passion for all things Entomological at a more leisurely pace.
Following retirement I am continuing to visit Garden and Horticultural Societies to give talks on various insect - related subjects.
In addition, I'm attending event days for Garden Centres, giving talks and arranging a Plant Pest Clinic for visitors and customers. I'm also invited to talk at a number of Garden Shows around the country.
I also speak on a number of radio shows and currently have the great honour of being the resident 'Go To' Entomologist for BBC Radio Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. I also record a bug-related story each week for Toby Buckland's Sunday morning show on BBC Radio Devon 'An Entomologist Entertains'.
I've also featured on BBC Gardeners Question Time and appeared on TV shows such as BBC Gardeners' World, Inside Out, Tonight, Horizon, BBC Breakfast, A to Z of TV Gardening, The Great British Garden Revival and even Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule!".
What We Discuss:
The species that most need our help at the moment
Some of the best and worst habits us gardeners have that either help or hinder insects
Plants that are fairly common but do little or nothing to provide a food source or habitat
Publi…
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Episode 94: James Basson of Scape Design
16 juni 2020 · 31 min
This week I'm speaking to James Basson of Scape Design. James runs his design practice along with wife Helen out of the south of France and their work is synonymous with a naturalistic style, the use of native plants and often, the implementation of matrix or grid planting to populate large areas of landscape. It was this part of James's practice that initially sparked my interest and we get round to talking about that towards the end of the interview, but first we cover the type of work undertaken by Scape Design and the gardens James designs for some of the most demanding environments. Lees meer
About James Basson:
James specialises in dry, sustainable gardens that are inspired by his passion for the natural landscape and is known for using natural materials and local artisans. He has won numerous awards at Garden Shows throughout the world with Gold Medals at the Gardening World Cup in Japan, the Singapore Garden Festival, the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Chelsea Flower Show, where he won best in show in 2017.
He has published papers on a generative approach to Garden Design, and is currently developing a database around matrix form planting design, to help designers and gardeners create ecological planting schemes.
What We Discuss:
The work of Scape Design
The design principles that underpin James's work and how he separates the cultivated from the uncultivated
The importance of building in resilience to the gardens James designs, both in the hard landscaping and planting
Problems with invasive plants in naturalistic plantings
James's matrix form of planting and this works from an ecological point of view
His work to develop a database of plants that work together from an ecological point of view
Links:
www.scapedesign.com
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram @rootsandallpod
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon
Or donate as much or as little as you l…
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Episode 93: Organic Farming in Kenya with Simon Murungi
9 juni 2020 · 28 min
This week's interview is with Kenya-based organic farming champion Simon Murungi. Simon is an organic farming trainer and founded the organization SOFAFRICA (Spreading Organic Farming in Africa). He is passionate about Agro Ecological Regenerative Agriculture and Rural Development and sees organic farming methods as a sustainable approach that can turn around smallholder agriculture from mere subsistence farming to a more commercial enterprise. We talk about why Simon believes organic agriculture is important for Kenya's farmers, how it can be implemented and the challenges farmers face. Lees meer
About Simon Murungi:
Simon is an organic farming trainer who founded the organization SOFAFRICA (Spreading Organic Farming in Africa). He is passionate about Agro Ecological Regenerative Agriculture and Rural Development as a viable and sustainable approach to turn around smallholder agriculture from mere subsistence farming to a more commercial enterprise.
He is a promoter and experienced trainer of Agro-ecological techniques towards social, economic and environmental conservation in Africa. Simon is also a change maker on how food is produced and linking the plate with the farm for a more safe and nutritious food to the ever increasing population. He champions and advocates for Organic Market Enterprises and Agribusinesses through value addition, creating employment in the rural areas and reversing the rural to urban migration.
SOFAfrica provides training to farmers, youths and schools on climate change mitigation strategies, indigenous seed saving, water and soil conservation, organic agriculture, natural resources conservation, rural development, nutrition, animal welfare, human rights especially for the young, elderly, those with disabilities and related issues based on public policy, the best available research science, and effective management.
SOFAfrica has a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural Kenyans to thrive; to promote agricult…
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Episode 92: The Secret Life of Crows with Ricky Whelan
2 juni 2020 · 29 min
This week I'm speaking to expert ornithologist Ricky Whelan about a talk he gives on the Secret Life of Crows, which has surprised Ricky with its "unexpected but massive interest and attendances". As a life long lover of crows myself, I thought it would be great to find out a bit more about these birds in general, but also in a garden context. So if you're intrigued to find out how corvids organise their societies, how they communicate, about their love lives and about the good and not so good things they do in the garden, join us as we put an eye to the key hole and spy on the secret life of crows. Lees meer
About Ricky Whelan:
Ricky grew up in the Irish midlands surrounded by rural landscapes and bogland and it was here he developed his love for nature. After university Ricky left Ireland and started his conservation career in the UK working for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) as part of their reserve's teams in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. On return to Ireland Ricky began working for BirdWatch Ireland on the Dublin Bay Birds Project and now leads on Urban Bird projects with a large focus of his work being on Swifts. Outside of work Ricky volunteers with a number of wildlife and conservation projects close to home and has had unexpected but massive interest and attendances with and at his "Secret Life of Crows Talk" which he regularly gives around the country. Ricky lives close to his birthplace with his Claire and their son Art.
What We Discuss:
Some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding crows
Their societal structures
Do crows mate for life?
How clever are crows?
Their repertoire of songs and sounds
How crows recognise humans
Their main food sources
Do they cause problems for gardeners or can they be beneficial?
The most amazing thing Ricky has discovered about crows during his research
Links:
Ricky Whelan on Twitter
On Instagram
Snowboarding Crow
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitt…
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Episode 91: The Living Jigsaw with Val Bourne
25 mei 2020 · 36 min
This week, I'm talking to journalist and author Val Bourne about her book The Living Jigsaw: the secret life in your garden. Val is a perfect example of a gardener who loves ornamental plants as much as she respects the wildlife in her garden. She walks the walk, produces writing based on her observations and has a palpable love for all the things that share her garden. We talk about how to achieve an outdoor space where there's room for everything to flourish. Lees meer
About Val Bourne:
Val Bourne is an award-winning author and journalist, photographer and lecturer. She gardens organically in the Cotswolds, growing a huge range of ornamental and edible plants. Val is a true plantaholic and her work is informed by growing often challenging plants and observing how they interact, not only with each other but with other species that share the garden.
What We Discuss:
The idea behind The Living Jigsaw
Slugs and snails in the garden - how bad are slug pellets? Garlic spray?
Which roses work in an organic garden
Is leaving patches of garden undisturbed a necessity?
Some key wildlife plants
When to cut grassy areas of the garden
Some of the best and worst practices for a wildlife garden
Links:
Val Bourne - The Natural Gardener
The Living Jigsaw: the secret life in your garden by Val Bourne - Kew Publishing, 2017
SLUGS IN GARDENS: THEIR NUMBERS, ACTIVITIES AND DISTRIBUTION. PART 2 - Barnes, H. F. and Weil, J. W. 1945. Slugs in gardens: Their numbers, activities and distribution. Part 2. Journal of Animal Ecology. 14 (2), pp. 71-105.
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram @rootsandallpod
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon
Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe
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Episode 90: I Ate Sunshine for Breakfast with Michael Holland
19 mei 2020 · 28 min
This week I'm chatting to author of the book I Ate Sunshine for Breakfast, Michael Holland. The book is a botanical and environmental textbook for children that makes learning about even quite complex topics such as plant scientific names seem like fun. I talk to Michael about activities you can do with children using stuff you can find in your cupboard, about some of the most engaging horticultural concepts for kids and how you can make learning entertaining. Lees meer
About Michael Holland:
Expert ecologist, educator and author, Michael Holland FLS is on a mission to educate and inspire people from all walks of life about the powerful world of plants and the vital role they play in our daily lives. Michael's first book, I Ate Sunshine for Breakfast is published by Flying Eye Books on April 1 2020. Printed on Munken Arctic Paper and with ink using soya beans and linseeds, it provides an inspiring and accessible introduction to the wonderful world of plants and how they are relevant to our lives. Colourfully illustrated, it is packed with hints, tips, practical ideas and fun-filled activities to get children 7+ and their families informed, engaged and excited about plants.
Michael studied Ecology at Lancaster and Oregon State Universities and is a keen photographer, wildlife gardener and all-round composting nerd! Michael had a 25-year career at the eminent Chelsea Physic Garden in London, latterly as Head of Education for over 17 years. He has taught tens of thousands of people, aged 2 to 92, about the natural world. He is both a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London and of the London Environmental Educators' Forum (LEEF) - both organisations that work tirelessly ensuring people from all walks of life are connected to nature and natural history. Michael has spoken at a number of global conferences; a highlight being invited to talk at a botanical garden in Japan on subjects including 'State of the Art Medicinal Plants', 'Container Gardening', 'London's Parks & Gardens'…
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Episode 89: Design Experts Part 4 with Xanthe White
12 mei 2020 · 28 min
This episode is the fourth and final part of the Design Experts series and this week's guest is New Zealand-based garden designer Xanthe White who runs Xanthe White Design which has offices in Auckland and Wellington. As with the other episodes in the design experts series, we talk about the practicalities of running a design practice in the region, what the client design relationship looks like and the evolving face of garden design. The interview starts with me asking Xanthe about the beliefs underpinning her practice. Lees meer
This series has very kindly been sponsored by the London College of Garden Design.
About Xanthe White:
Xanthe is one of New Zealand's top landscape designers. Her studio works with clients to design gardens that work for them on a personal level, creating gardeners as well as gardens. Her work is fused throughout with concerns for sustainability, ecosystems and the cultural significance of the spaces she builds. She has won medals at the 2006 and 2011 RHS Chelsea Flower Shows and has also won top awards at the Ellerslie International Flower Show and the Gardening World Cup in Japan.
What We Discuss:
The ethos behind Xanthe White Design
What would Xanthe's ideal client looks like
Some of the biggest challenges Xanthe faced as a garden designer in New Zealand
Xanthe's favourite part of the design process
Who or what inspires Xanthe right now
How Xanthe sees the discipline of garden design evolving over the coming decades
Links:
www.xanthewhitedesign.co.nz
With thanks to the episode sponsor, the London College of Garden Design.
www.lcgd.org.uk
Tel +44 (0) 1483 762955
Email info@lcgd.org.uk
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram @rootsandallpod
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon
Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe
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Episode 88: Scent Magic with Isabel Bannerman
5 mei 2020 · 31 min
This is an interview I did with garden designer and author of the book Scent Magic, Isabel Bannerman. You will deduce from some of the comments in the episode that it was recorded in autumn last year and for one reason or another, I've sat on it all that time, never quite sure when to release it. Of course, there are scents in the garden all year round, but when you're heading towards winter and the scent of a sweet pea flower seems a lifetime away, somehow I couldn't quite get together the enthusiasm for the subject matter that I felt this episode deserved, especially as scents are such an important thing to me. If you read the book, you will realise these ethereal, ephemeral things make up an integral part of our very being and yet we don't have a consensus on a vocabulary to even begin to describe them. As the natural world bursts into green and flower around us, stick your nose in the air and have a good sniff. Lees meer
About Isabel Bannerman:
Alongside Julian Bannerman, Isabel heads up a garden design practice. Together, the couple have designed gardens for HRH The Prince of Wales, clients from the worlds of film and fashion and have won gold medals at RHS Chelsea for their work. Isabel is also an accomplished photographer with 4 solo shows under her belt and is the author of two books, 'Scent Magic' and 'Landscape of Dreams' (2016).
What We Discuss:
The importance of scent to Isabel's design work. Designing scentscapes.
Dreaming scents; why don't we?
Air pollution and its affect on the way scent carries
Unexpected or overlooked scents in the garden
How aspect affects the way scent travels
The faecal smell that sometimes underscores the top notes of flowers
Some of Isabel's favourite scent combinations
Combinations that don't work together
Links:
Scent Magic by Isabel Bannerman - Pimpernel Press, 2019
Isabel & Julian Bannerman Garden Design
www.howgreennursery.co.uk
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @…
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Episode 87: Chasing the Ghost with Peter Marren
28 april 2020 · 31 min
I'm speaking to Peter Marren, author of Chasing the Ghost: My Search for all the Wild Flowers of Britain. Peter travelled the length and breadth of Britain to track down those native species he'd never seen growing in the wild. Like all the best hero's journeys, the path must be littered with challenges, disappointments, interesting characters, in this case both plants and people and the drama of the journey travelled surpasses the quest. This episode is perfect for those of us lucky enough to still have access to nature and my hope is that by the end of it at least one or two of you will have a new hobby/obsession! Lees meer
About Peter Marren:
Peter Marren is an all-rounder naturalist, nature writer and conservationist. Peter is the author of many books, including volumes on nature conservation, mushrooms and butterflies. His writing has appeared in every issue of British Wildlife since 1990, where he writes a satirical column 'Twitcher in the Swamp'.
What We Discuss:
The quest embarked upon in Chasing the Ghost
How many species of native wildflower are there in the British Isles? How many did Peter need to see in order to see the 'full set'?
How the book is as much about the people Peter met along the way as it is about plants
Peter's best/most triumphant find
Of all the plants Peter saw, which is the most endangered, in his opinion?
His most dangerous expedition
Plant twitching as a hobby
Some of the most interesting common names
How could a person embark upon their own plant hunting quest? Where would be a good place to get started?
Links:
Chasing the Ghost: My Search for all the Wild Flowers of Britain - Peter Marren Vintage Publishing, 2019
Harrap's Wild Flowers by Simon Harrap - Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018
Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland by Marjorie Blamey, Richard Fitter, Alastair H. Flitter - Bloomsbury Publishing, 2013
The New Concise British Flora by Rev. W Keble Martin - Sphere Books Ltd, 1972
www.fertilefibre.com
www.naturalgrower.co.uk
…
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Episode 86: Nicole Rose of Solidarity Apothecary
21 april 2020 · 26 min
This week I'm talking to anarchist organiser, agroecologist and grassroots herbalist, Nicole Rose. Nicole runs the Solidarity Apothecary, an organisation supporting mainly prisoners and refugees either by supplying herbal remedies or by facilitating the growing and making of these. We talk about Nicole's work to help prisoners, refugees and other facing state repression by helping them with their physical and mental wellbeing through a connection to nature. Lees meer
About Nicole Rose:
"I'm undertaking a four-year clinical training with The Plant Medicine School in Ireland to develop my skills as a practitioner. This site shares my learning journey as well as the work of my project, the Solidarity Apothecary.
Plants and social struggle have always been inseparable to me. I learnt how to grow food on a 3.5 year prison sentence for a campaign to close down Europe's largest animal testing company. Inside, it was the plants cracking the concrete that kept me going. On release, I have organised with many collectives and campaigns, from helping organise the first Radical Herbalism Gathering in the UK to stopping fracking in Somerset. I now mostly engage with campaigns against prison expansion and the prison industrial complex, as well as supporting prisoners and people experiencing repression.
As a massive and unashamed plant geek, my main field has been agroecology and food autonomy.
I started Empty Cages Design in 2011 to offer design consultancy services and community education in liberatory forms of land use, including teaching an annual Vegan Permaculture Design Course. In 2013, I co-founded Feed Avalon, a workers cooperative that works for socially-just and ecologically sound food production in Glastonbury, Street and surrounding villages. We have community gardens, a kitchen, mushroom farm and all sorts of projects! I complimented this grassroots work with studying for a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design, as well as a BSc Integrative Ecosocial Design and MSc Appli…
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Episode 85: Invasive Plants with Tomos Jones
14 april 2020 · 34 min
This week I'm speaking to Tomos Jones. Tomos is a PhD student at the University of Reading where he's currently researching invasive plants. There are 17000 plant species from all over the world currently residing in our gardens here in the UK. A small percentage of these manage to jump the garden fence and survive in the wild and a smaller percentage still become a problem. But although it's a small percentage that become invasive, anyone who's done battle with Japanese Knotweed knows they can be a huge problem. Tomos is working to predict which plants may become a problem in the future, using a range of forecasting techniques, coupled with help from gardeners. Lees meer
This episode is published in support of another of our independent nurseries, Ivy Hatch Plants, who continue to deliver fantastic plants to customers at this time. Please support them! www.ivyhatchplantsupplies.co.uk
About Tomos Jones:
Tomos Jones is a NERC SCENARIO PhD student at the University of Reading and a passionate gardener. His research focuses on the 17,000 plant species - introduced from all over the world - which are found in our gardens. A small number of these ornamental plants have become invasive, having a detrimental impact on native biodiversity. Climate change could provide opportunities for more plants to become a problem. Tomos' challenge is to identify which plants might become our future invaders. Gardeners are crucial to his approach to this challenge; in both their choice of plants to grow and in understanding how ornamental plants can escape gardens and potentially become invasive.
Before starting his PhD, Tomos worked at Treborth Botanic garden in N. Wales. Tomos also completed a British Council internship at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunnan, China, where he focused on in situ orchid conservation. These are only two of many fantastic gardens he has visited around the world giving him an appreciation of the long history of global horticultural trade, and the ri…
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Episode 84: Butterflies with Peter Eeles
7 april 2020 · 34 min
This week I'm speaking to butterfly expert Peter Eeles. If you're interested in encouraging more butterflies into your garden and you'd like to know what plants to grow to encourage them, we discuss how you can be a better gardener for butterflies and it doesn't stop at growing some buddleia! Peter is the author of the book Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies. The book is THE definitive guide to UK butterflies and documents the different life stages from adults down to the smallest eggs. Lees meer
This episode is supporting Independent UK Nursery Johnson's Sweet Peas.
What We Discuss:
How many British butterfly species are there? How many life stages are documented in the book?
What are the chances of us recreating butterfly habitats in our gardens?
What are some of the most important host or nectar plants we can include in our gardens?
Are butterflies fussy about their food plants? Are some plants better than others?
Do any of our butterflies overwinter in the UK or are they all migratory?
Do we have any invasive species that force others out?
Which species are most able to cope with a loss in habitat? Will we see a proliferation of one or two successful species that are more adaptable?
The key period we should avoid cutting back foliage in our gardens/meadows/road verges
Links:
www.ukbutterflies.co.uk
Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies - Peter Eeles, NatureBureau 2019
Peter Eeles on Twitter @petereeles
www.johnsonssweetpeas.co.uk
Johnson's Sweet Peas on Twitter @JohnsonsSweetPs
Johnson's on Instagram @johnsonssweetpeas
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram @rootsandallpod
Patreon Link:
Help me keep the podcast free & independent by subscribing at Patreon!
Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe
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Episode 83: Making & Using Natural Dyes with Nicola Mehdi
31 maart 2020 · 54 min
This week I'm speaking to Nicola Mehdi who's been making and using natural dyes using the contents of her own and other people's gardens and over the years through trial and error, she's gained a huge amount of knowledge that she's happy to share. If you're stuck indoors with little to do, making dyes is a fantastic pastime that you should be able to do using just the contents of your garden or store cupboard. This episode is for anyone looking to learn a new skill or keep children entertained and it will hopefully give you enough pointers to go off and explore natural dyes for yourself. It's a slightly longer episode than usual, so sit back and like a scoured piece of fabric, soak up the dye of Nicola's knowledge. Lees meer
This episode I'm delighted to support independent nursery Ashwood Nurseries, who are still open for mail order and have a stunning range of Lewisias and Primula auriculas looking their best right now. Plus, they have an impressive range of shrubs, trees, conifers, fruit, roses, climbing plants, herbaceous perennials, alpines, heathers, patio and indoor plants. Visit www.ashwoodnurseries.com to browse their range and for cultural information on the plants they grow.
What We Discuss:
How long it takes to make a dye
Some common things you might find in your garden that you could use
General dyeing processes
Different techniques involved in applying the dye to the fabric
Which fabrics you can dye
Relatively quick and easy projects you can try with children
Where you can find out more about making and using natural dyes
Links:
Jean Dean - Wild Colour : How to Make and Use Natural Dyes, Octopus Publishing Group, 2018
The Wild Dyery
Suzanne Dekel on Instagram
www.traditionaldyeworks.com
Seasalt Stories
www.georgeweil.com
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram rootsandallpod
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe or …
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Episode 82: Irreplaceable with Julian Hoffman
24 maart 2020 · 33 min
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. Lees meer
About Julian Hoffman:
Julian is a writer living in the northwest of Greece, next to the Prespa Lakes. This area is home to a particularly diverse range of people, wildflowers, animals and habitats, making it a rich environment in which to learn about the connections between people the natural world. Julian's previous book, 'The Small Heart of Things: Being at Home in a Beckoning World'; won the 2012 AWP Series for Creative Nonfiction. His fiction and nonfiction work has been widely published; you can find some links below and more on his website.
What We Discuss:
What are we really losing when we lose wild places?
If future generations don't experience as much biodiversity or wild spaces as we do, does that matter? Will they know what they're missing if they never have it?
Does it matter if we lose established habitats, such as ancient woodland?
What's the problem with biodiversity off-setting?
How can we reconcile a desire to protect wild spaces with our need to expand, be better/faster/richer?
Who's to say the changes we make to the landscape today won't contribute to positive developments in the future?
Restoration of landscapes versus preservation
How can people learn to love landscapes that may not be so easily read or their beauty not quite as apparent?
What can we do to help protect threatened landscapes, as individuals?
Links:
www.julian-hoffman.com
Julian's Blog -…
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Episode 81: Grow Fruit & Vegetables in Pots with Aaron Bertelsen
17 maart 2020 · 30 min
This week I'm talking to Aaron Bertelsen about his new book 'Grow Fruit & Vegetables in Pots'. Aaron is the resident kitchen gardener at Great Dixter but as with many who work there, he lives and breathes the Great Dixter way of life and works tirelessly to support the house and garden. You may find him harvesting produce in the kitchen garden, serving lunch to guests and students, hosting horticultural royalty in the house or travelling the world to promote Great Dixter. Lees meer
'Grow Fruit & Vegetables in Pots' is both a practical guide to growing food in containers and a recipe book, providing inspiration for what to do with the abundance of produce you'll have once you've mastered the art. Aaron gives tips on the best fruit for containers, how to avoid flea beetle, what to feed your crops, cooking with lettuce, plus loads of other invaluable advice for those growing their own produce in containers.
About Aaron Bertelsen:
"Aaron studied Social Anthropology at the University of Otago before coming to England in 1996 to volunteer in the garden at Great Dixter. He subsequently studied for a Diploma in Horticulture at Kew Gardens, and spent two years at Jerusalem Botanical Gardens in Israel, where he is still a trustee. Aaron returned to Great Dixter in 2005 and became the vegetable gardener and cook in 2007. Aaron is regularly invited to speak about gardening at events worldwide. His first book The Great Dixter Cookbook is published by Phaidon and has received international acclaim since its publication in March 2017." - www.greatdixter.co.uk
What We Discuss:
What crops you can grow in containers
What crops you can't
The best salad leaf crops
Feeding crops in containers
The best fruit for containers
Growing for aesthetics as well as production
Aaron's top 3 crops (which turned into 4!)
Links:
Aaron's Blog https://dixtervegetablegarden.wordpress.com
Grow Fruit & Vegetables in Pots by Aaron Bertelsen - Phaidon, 2020
The Great Dixter Cookbook by Aaron Bertelsen…
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Episode 80: Mycorrhizal Fungi with Jeff Lowenfels
10 maart 2020 · 37 min
This week I'm speaking to Jeff Lowenfels, author of the 'Teaming With' series of books, specifically about the latest volume in the series 'Teaming With Fungi: The Organic Grower's Guide to Mycorrhizae'. Jeff writes the longest running gardening column in the US, is a former president of the Garden Writers of America and was inducted into the GWA Hall of Fame in 2005. He lectures on organic gardening, has presented a gardening show on television and is the founder of a programme that has resulted in millions pounds of garden produce being donated to the hungry. And gardening is just his side gig. Lees meer
I start by asking Jeff what inspired him to write his series of books, which deal with some in-depth scientific concepts around plant growth and nutrition, and also to explain what mycorrhizal fungi actually is.
About Jeff Lowenfels:
Jeff Lowenfels is the author of the 'Teaming With' series of books; 'Teaming With Microbes: The Organic Gardener's Guide To The Soil Food Web', 'Teaming With Nutrients: The Organic Gardener's Guide to Optimizing Plant Nutrition' and 'Teaming With Fungi: The Organic Grower's Guide to Mycorrhizae'.
Jeff writes the longest running gardening column in the US, is a former president of the Garden Writers of America and was inducted into the GWA Hall of Fame in 2005. He lectures on organic gardening and hosted Alaska's most popular gardening show "Alaska Gardens with Jeff Lowenfels". He also hosted a weekly radio show.
He is the founder of a national programme that has resulted in millions pounds of garden produce being donated to the hungry. "Plant A Row For The Hungry" runs across all 50 US states and in Canada and is something Jeff is deeply passionate about.
In his spare time, Jeff is a lawyer.
What We Discuss:
What is mycorrhizal fungi?
How does it interact with plant roots and how does it benefit the plant?
How does the relationship benefit the fungi?
Plants that don't form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi
How can we e…
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Episode 79: Sacred Woodlands with Simon Leadbeater
3 maart 2020 · 41 min
Hello and welcome to this episode of the podcast. In this episode, I'm talking to ecologist and woodland owner Simon Leadbeater. We talk specifically about whether trees are sacred; spoiler alert, Simon thinks they are and he explains eloquently and convincingly why. He touches on books by authors you may well have already read; The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben and Thus Spoke the Plant by Monica Gagliano. However, if you believe trees are sacred and sentient, a problem arises, namely do you have any right to move them, to prune them or even to move amongst them. And it's questions like these that we touch on in the episode. Lees meer
About Simon Leadbeater:
Simon has a background in local government and the third sector. He and his wife bought Rector's Wood in 1999 and have lived there ever since. Simon has published work around the themes or ecology, rewinding and forestry. In his own words, Simon sums up his feelings on woodlands and the right to roam therein;
"I think my essential philosophy is that we lack empathy for nature and particularly her animals, and we no longer venerate nature, in particular we no longer consider trees (and other plants) as sacred. If you have empathy, and wish to act as animals' proxy, then obviously you will give them space; if you consider trees sacred, then you will wish to look after them with reverent care. The latter would include behaving in a woodland as if you were in a temple or church – our behaviour would be appropriate for such sacred settings."
What We Discuss:
Simon's beliefs surrounding the sacredness of trees.
What are the historical roots of considering trees to be sacred? How/why have we moved away from this idea?
What makes Simon believe trees are sentient? How does this sentience manifest itself in the everyday lives of trees?
What is open access to nature? Why might it be problematic?
How do humans rediscover their connection with forests and woodlands?
Why is important to consider the feelings of the…
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Episode 78: Garden Sculpture with Victoria Leedham
25 februari 2020 · 35 min
This episode I'm speaking to Victoria Leedham, Co-Curator and Gallery Manager of the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden. Lees meer
I visited the garden earlier this month and even in winter garb, it was beautiful, set as it is in ancient woodland with streams running through it that pour down from Leith Hill in Surrey. The sculptures in the garden are diverse in character and look stunning within the location, each one fitting harmoniously into the backdrop of planting and landscape. Victoria is responsible for sourcing and placing sculpture in the garden, alongside owner garden designer Anthony Paul. We spoke about Victoria's work, about the sculpture garden and also how you can select and place sculptures in your own garden.
This episode I'm speaking to Victoria Leedham, Co-Curator and Gallery Manager of the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden. I visited the garden earlier this month and even in winter garb, it was beautiful, set as it is in ancient woodland with streams running through it that pour down from Leith Hill in Surrey. The sculptures in the garden are diverse in character and look stunning within the location, each one fitting harmoniously into the backdrop of planting and landscape. Victoria is responsible for sourcing and placing sculpture in the garden, alongside owner garden designer Anthony Paul. We spoke about Victoria's work, about the sculpture garden and also how you can select and place sculptures in your own garden.
About the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden:
"The Sculpture Garden was the brainchild of owner and original curator Hannah Peschar 36 years ago, and has grown from a handful of sculptures to over 200 pieces exhibited every summer. Artists come from across Britain and Europe to exhibit their work in these breathtaking surroundings, allowing their sculptures to be seen in a whole new way.
The Garden used to be part of a large estate, laid out between 1915 and 1920. Later it was split up and sold in several lots; leaving the 15th Century, grade …
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Episode 77: Design Experts Part 3 with Leon Kluge
18 februari 2020 · 30 min
Hello and welcome to this episode of the podcast. This episode is the hotly anticipated Part 3 of the Design Experts series and this week's guest is South African garden designer Leon Kluge who runs a design practice in Cape Town. I spoke to Leon about his work and the particular set of challenges he faces in South Africa. And let's just say, you might just think twice the next time you moan about aphids…Leon goes out of his way to source and propagate plants from his local region and he discusses some of the amazing landscapes that surround the area. He also talks about when and where to go if you're a plant lover and you're planning a visit to South Africa. Lees meer
This series has very kindly been sponsored by the London College of Garden Design.
About Leon Kluge:
"Leon kluge was brought up in the Lowveld botanical gardens,From an early age, Leon has nurtured a great affinity for plants; his grandfather was the curator of the Betty's Bay Botanical Garden and the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, while his mother owns and runs a renowned wholesale nursery in Nelspruit.
Leon has been invited to create his unique landscapes throughout the world: being the only landscape designer from Africa that has ever won the Gardening World Cup held in Nagasaki Japan. He has also been awarded best designer at the biggest Garden design event on earth held in the USA, The Philadelphia flower show. Leon is also a multiple Gold award winner at the prestigious Chelsea flower show held in London-UK. He has also been the first designer from Africa to win Gold at the biggest design show in Asia, The Singapore Garden Festival and also the New Zealand International flower show. Some of Leon's Clients include gardens for Disney ,The United Nations, Hollywood celebrities, and for governments all over the world. Leon also represents Cape Town and Kirstenbosch at the Chelsea flower show yearly. Leon Kluge has become synonymous with modern contemporary landscaping and garden design." - www.leonkl…
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Episode 76: School Gardening
11 februari 2020 · 25 min
This episode I'm joined by 3 guests; Louise Moreton who heads up the horticultural programme at Wicor Primary School and 2 of the MiniHorts themselves, Rebecca and Kieran. Louise set up a horticultural programme at the school 11 years ago, initially in a voluntary capacity. The programme became such a success she's now employed by the school and works 4 days a week to deliver what has become a vital part of the curriculum. Rebecca and Kieran are Year 6 pupils who are members of the after school gardening club and leads in the MiniHorts programme, passing on their knowledge and enthusiasm to younger pupils. The MiniHorts have been in the media quite a bit, including featuring in an episode of Gardeners' World in 2017, so they're seasoned pros at this sort of thing! If you don't have children or children of school age, I think you'll still find this episode interesting and inspiring, it's well worth a listen. Lees meer
About Louise, Rebecca and Kieran:
Rebecca and Kieran are two MiniHorts; year 6 pupils who are also in the Wicor after school gardening group.
Louise's history at Wicor is having worked from volunteer 11 years ago to employed horticulturalist 8 years ago. Her work has grown from a few hours a week to 4 days. She also works as a horticultural consultant alongside her work at the school.
After the school gardens appeared on Gardeners' World, Louise was approached to work for the BBC on the Editorial Review Board for the Gardeners' World magazine. In January's clippings, she was asked to comment on The Wildlife Trust's recent survey on school gardening, from an angle that's mentioned in the episode; what is stopping more schools gardening?
What We Discuss:
What are the MiniHorts?
Objections to school gardens; they're hard work, rely on volunteers and run to rack and ruin whilst pupils are on holiday. How can you overcome these challenges?
Is horticulture on the curriculum in UK schools? Can more be done to promote horticulture in schools?
What are the key f…
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Episode 75: Introduction to Forest Gardening
4 februari 2020 · 29 min
This episode I'm speaking to Jake Rayson. Jake lives in rural Wales on a 2 acre smallholding, which is set up as a working forest garden. In addition to managing his own plot, he also teaches about and designs forest gardens in the UK and beyond. For a long time, forest gardening was one of those terms I'd heard but I'm not sure I fully understood the principles behind it, partly because the term always struck me as a bit if a misnomer. Essentially, it's a common-sense and ecologically respectful way of organising a productive garden. Jake is here to explain exactly what it entails and how you can apply the principles in your own garden. Lees meer
About Jake Rayson:
Jake moved to a West Wales farmhouse in 2015 to pursue his vocation as a forest gardener. In a time of climate emergency, he passionately believes that a productive garden can be sustainable, wildlife-friendly *and* ornamental. He divides his time between forest garden design and teaching, the relentless planting of 3 acres of hillside and his relentless young family.
What We Discuss:
What is forest gardening?
How much space do you need to practice it? Can anyone do it?
What are some common things people struggle with when they're starting out growing this way or are establishing their first forest garden? What are your top tips for success?
Is it possible to be self-sufficient?
Top performing plants in a forest garden
How long does it take to establish a successful patch from scratch? Does it require a lot by way of maintenance?
Essential features in a forest garden
Where to find out more about forest gardening
Links:
www.forestgarden.wales
email hello@forestgarden.wales
Twitter @ForestGdnWales
Facebook @ForestGardenWales
Free mini-course 'Make a Forest Garden Plan'
Further Reading
Creating a Forest Garden by Martin Crawford
Plants For A Future, online database of useful plants
Orange Pippin fruit directory
RHS Plant Finder (with native filter)
Database of Insects and their Food
Backyard …
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Episode 74: Documenting the Natural World
28 januari 2020 · 59 min
This episode is a double-bill, featuring two interviewees speaking about two historical figures who led lives with many parallels, although they were working almost two centuries apart. Lees meer
The first interview is with Teri Sayers-Copper and we discuss the life and work of Marianne North. Marianne was a biologist and botanical artist who journeyed across the world during the Victorian era, documenting the flora and fauna of the countries throughout which she travelled. Marianne explored and painted in every continent except Antartica and was responsible for documenting landscapes that were rapidly changing and disappearing in the wake of a developing world.
The second part of the interview is with Tanya Latty, Associate Professor of Entomology at the University of Sydney. Tanya talks about Maria Sibylla Merian, a naturalist and scientific illustrator who was born in Germany in 1647. Merian also travelled the globe, meticulously observing and documenting insects and plants. In fact, she was the first to document caterpillar metamorphosis in an age where her contemporaries believed they came about by "spontaneous generation"!
Links:
Teri Sayers-Cooper www.creativeforce.org.uk
www.mariannenorth.uk
The Marianne North Gallery - Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Marianne North : The Kew Collection - RBG Kew, 2018
Recollections of a Happy Life: Being the Autobiography of Marianne North
www.tanyalatty.com
Hidden women of history: Maria Sibylla Merian, 17th-century entomologist and scientific adventurer - Dr Tanya Latty, The Conversation, February 20 2019
The Woman Who Made Science Beautiful - Andrea Wulf, The Atlantic, January 19 2016.
Video of a talk given at the Linnean Society - A Curious Performance: Maria Sibylla Merian and the Art of Natural History by Kate Heard, Senior Curator of Prints and Drawings at Royal Collection Trust
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram rootsandallpod
Patreon Link:
…
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Episode 73: Fergus Garrett on Biodiversity at Great Dixter
21 januari 2020 · 29 min
Over the past four or so years, experts from many fields have come together to record the biodiversity at Great Dixter and the results have been fascinating. Fergus shares some of the results of this biodiversity audit and talks about how important it is to establish a coherent network of habitats in both public and private spaces across the UK. Lees meer
About Fergus Garrett:
Fergus trained in horticulture at Wye College. He worked for Rosemary Alexander and for Beth Chatto before becoming Head Gardener at Great Dixter in 1992. Fergus worked closely with Christopher Lloyd until Christopher's death in 2006. Since then he has become Chief Executive of the Great Dixter Charitable Trust. Fergus continues to work full-time in the garden alongside a dynamic team of gardeners and students. He also writes for many publications and lectures extensively across the world. In 2019, he was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour.
What we talk about:
The decision to commission the Biodiversity Audit of Great Dixter
The findings of the audit
Biodiversity hotspots
How the ornamental areas compare to wilder areas such as the meadows and woodland
Thoughts about how the research that's underway at Great Dixter can be developed and how it can beneficially inform the way we all garden
The importance of preserving historic houses and gardens from a biodiversity perspective
Links:
Great Dixter House & Gardens www.greatdixter.co.uk
Great Dixter Biodiversity Report
Get in touch:
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram rootsandallpod
Patreon Link:
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall
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Episode 72: Pruning Roses with Richard Stubbs of David Austin
14 januari 2020 · 31 min
Hello and welcome to this week's episode of the podcast. This week I'm speaking to Richard Stubbs who currently works as the Trade Manager at David Austin but who's worked in pretty much every department there, including as the Head Gardener of the 2 acre show garden. Richard lectures, designs and advises all over the world and what he doesn't know about roses you can write on the back of a stamp and still have room to lick it. I asked him about which roses need pruning and which don't, when to do it, how to do it and how not to do it. Plus, I got some inside information on why you shouldn't leave the label on a rose when you plant it. Lees meer
About Richard Stubbs:
"My interest in gardening stretches back to my childhood as my dad was very knowledgeable and worked in the trade for a number of years after the War.
My original intention was to go to college when I left school but due to the poor economy at the time I found myself working for a bank !!!
After nearly 15 years I found myself out of work and decided a change of career was the right way to go. As I lived in the village of Albrighton the local unemployment office suggested I went to see David Austin Roses to see if they would consider me under a special Government Scheme at the time.
After a quick interview with Michael Marriott the then Nursery Manager I was taken on, on a temporary basis. My first job was to walk through a field full of 900,000 new plants picking up the tops of the rootstocks that had been chopped off to allow the actual varieties to grow on.
I loved the place from day one and still do to this day, it's a family business and everyone who work there is treated very much as members of their family.
I was very keen to learn and obtained a copy of Mr Austin's first book 'The Heritage of the Rose' which I found fascinating, and my passion for roses quickly grew. Over the years I have worked in almost all the departments, the breeding section, producing 100's of thousands of seedlings each year…
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Episode 71: Wildfires with Saul Elbein
7 januari 2020 · 34 min
The National Geographic published an article by Saul on December 9th titled "How to live with mega-fires? Portugal's feral forests may hold the secret", which provides an insight into what conditions are needed for mega-fires to occur, the effects they have on humans once they take hold and how we can, and indeed must, be responsible for curtailing these events in the future, however the way forward is not certain and will undoubtedly involve a large amount of individual responsibility. I began by asking Saul just how much of a problem forest fires are becoming across the globe. Lees meer
About Saul Elbein:
Saul is a freelance journalist who writes non-fiction features for outlets such as The New York Times Magazine, the National Geographic and one that some listeners may be fans of, the radio program and podcast, This American Life. He writes articles about the environment and the complex and often tense relationship between people and the land.
"Above all, my work is guided by one idea: the world is changing for all of us alike. Vast storm fronts sweep across it, bending down forests in their wake, shaking boulders from the mountains. We can see the outlines of faraway storms before they reach our homes. In my small way, as a Texan far from home, I try to chart these storms and find a logic in them." - Saul Elbein www.saulelbein.com
What we talk about:
Are forest fires getting worse globally?
What areas are most at risk
How more densely planted areas can actually be more susceptible to wildfires
How have the ways communities are structured contributed to the problem?
Do people realise the extent of the problem?
What is being done to tackle the problem in Portugal and is it enough?
What should/could be done?
Is there a danger communities are waiting for someone in power to do something when we all need to take back management of our lands, which involves a cost to the individual, at least in terms of time?
Is there a danger knowledge of land management is dying…
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Episode 70: Kim Wilkie - Led By the Land
17 december 2019 · 30 min
Part 2 of the Design Experts Series, kindly sponsored by the London College of Garden Design Lees meer
My guest for this episode is Kim Wilkie. Kim grew up in the Malaysian jungle and the Iraqi desert, before moving to England to attend school. He is a prolific landscape architect who works on large-scale projects in the UK and internationally, in both public and private spaces. He works on a scale that is beyond the experience of many, if not most designers, for example, designing the green spaces around an entire new city in Oman or his 100 year Thames Landscape Strategy that encompasses the land along the river Thames from Richmond to Kew.
Arguably, it's necessary on any project to tie together the culture, history, geology, the people, the place but never is it more important to get this right on projects of this scale where human experience is being shaped through what happens in the landscape on a huge scale and will be for generations to come. Kim's book Led by the Land explores just that, how he is led by the land through every part of his design process.
About Kim Wilkie:
"After 25 years of running his own practice, Kim now works as a strategic and conceptual landscape consultant. He collaborates with architects and landscape architects around the world and combines designing with the muddy practicalities of running a small farm in Hampshire, where he is now based.
Kim studied history at Oxford and landscape architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, before setting up his landscape studio in London in 1989. He continues to teach and lecture in America; writes optimistically about land and place from Hampshire; and meddles in various national committees on landscape and environmental policy in the UK.
Current projects are focused on regenerative farming combined with human settlement, both in England and North America." - www.kimwilkie.com
What we talk about:
Keeping landscapes in a state of adolescence
Kim's projects in Solovki and Transylvania…
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Episode 69: Robin Snowdon of Limeburn Hill Biodynamic Vineyard
10 december 2019 · 37 min
This week, I'm speaking to Robin Snowdon who runs Limeburn Hill Biodynamic Vineyard. The vineyard is biodynamic and Robin works closely with the land, managing the estate not just for the vines but also for native flora and fauna. He also uses fascinating methods to produce unique wines that encapsulate the flavour and essence of the site. Robin gives an excellent insight into what can happen when you grow crops in tune with your site, rather than fighting against it. Lees meer
About Robin Snowdon:
Robin Snowdon and Georgina Harvey planted Limeburn Hill Biodynamic Vineyard in 2015, and Robin now works full time managing the vineyard and making the wine. The vineyard has been run following biodynamic practices from the beginning and this helps create both vineyard and wines that are full of character, identity and with a strong sense of place. More than half of the vineyard area is managed purely as habitat for native flora and fauna, and all wines are natural and fermented using only wild yeast from the vineyard. As part of his commitment to the land and his interest in the spiritual aspect of farming, Robin is also training to become a Druid.
What we talk about:
How Robin manages the vineyard and what they produce from Limeburn Hill?
How the vineyard is biodynamic? What does this involve?
What made Robin decide biodynamic growing was the best way to manage his vineyard?
Is there evidence that biodynamic growing produces better crops, higher yields and so on?
Robin's salutogenic approach to growing. The anti-fungal and anti-mildew sprays he uses on his vines
The terroir and why the wines wouldn't taste the same if they were grown anywhere else
Links:
Website: www.limeburnhillvineyard.co.uk
Instagram: limeburnhill
Twitter: @limeburnhill
For more details on Biodynamics have a look at the Biodynamic Association UK website
https://www.biodynamic.org.uk
Get in touch;
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram r…
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Bonus Episode - Plant Passports & New DEFRA Legislation
4 december 2019 · 36 min
This is a bonus episode and a follow-up to one I did back in April with Graham, where he spoke about new DEFRA Legislation that comes into effect on Dec 14th 2019. Lees meer
This episode will be relevant if you buy, sell or supply plant material (including plants, cut flowers, bulbs, Christmas trees and so on) in the UK. As you listen, you'll discover that there are no clear-cut answers as to what exactly the new legislation means as it seems very much up in the air, especially for small scale and independent nurseries.
I will aim to keep you abreast of the situation, but for now, here's Graham's take on how the industry may be affected.
Links:
Plantbase Nursery www.plantbase.co.uk
Plantbase on Twitter https://twitter.com/Plantbaseuk
Plantbase on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/plantbase
Get in touch;
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram rootsandallpod
Patreon Link;
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall
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Episode 68: Edimentals with Stephen Barstow
3 december 2019 · 46 min
Stephen grows a dazzling range of plants, some you probably haven't even heard of, let alone eaten and more still that you may have heard of but may not have considered to be edible. Lees meer
Stephen's book Around the World in 80 Plants looks at perennial, leafy plants from around the globe that play a big part in the diet of those living where these plants naturally occur in abundance. He's grown and studied these in his garden in Norway and selected varieties for taste, growth performance and for nutritional, ornamental and entomological value. that please the eye, work from a maintenance perspective and can evolve successfully over time. We talk about what he grows in his garden, his passion for onions, his book and some of the varieties mentioned therein.
About Stephen Barstow:
"Stephen Barstow has devoted 30 years to trialling the world's perennial vegetables. It is unlikely that anyone anywhere has tried as many different species of edible plants – just witness his salad comprising 538 varieties in 2003 – earning him the title of 'Extreme Salad Man'!
Stephen grew interested in green issues whilst studying in Norwich. He began eating whole-foods baking bread and learning the names of birds and plants. He became vegetarian when studying in Edinburgh and began a vegetable patch at his landlords flat. He was even sold with the building to the new owner as a lodger/gardener. In 1981 Stephen moved to Norway for work and found vegetarianism was only a small underground movement and that supermarkets stocked little vegetables. To survive they grew their own, and now Stephen has a garden that takes over two days to tour and 2,000 or so edibles, each with their own ethnobotanical story to tell." - Permanent Publications
What we talk about:
Stephen's book and how he came to write it, plans to release further editions that go beyond leafy veg?
Advice for interested in growing edimentals, where to source seeds or plants, in the UK and internationally?
If you're 'blessed' w…
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Bonus: A Review of the Podcast So Far
27 november 2019 · 11 min
A warm welcome to new listeners and to those existing listeners who haven't quite got to grips with my wonky episode numbering system - this episode is for you! Lees meer
Join me for a quick whizz through all the previous content. I've split it into areas of interest (sort of!) to help you navigate easily through the back catalogue and discover episodes you may have missed.
Thanks for listening.
Get in touch;
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram rootsandallpod
Patreon Link;
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall
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Episode 67: Planting in a Post-Wild World with Thomas Rainer
26 november 2019 · 34 min
Part One: The Design Experts Series - Sponsored by The London College of Garden Design Lees meer
This episode features Thomas Rainer, Principal Designer at Phyto Studio in Virginia and co-author of the book Planting In A Post-Wild World. Thomas's approach to design pays particular attention to establishing new plant communities, especially within urban and suburban environments, where the native flora and fauna has effectively been pushed out. Concentrating on plant selections that work alongside each other and also with the site, Thomas introduces green spaces that please the eye, work from a maintenance perspective and can evolve successfully over time.
About Thomas Rainer:
Thomas is a leading voice internationally in ecological landscape design. He co-authored the book 'Planting In A Post-Wild World' in 2015 and has designed landscapes for the U.S. Capitol grounds, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and The New York Botanical Garden.
Thomas is Principal Designer at Phyto Studio and works alongside Melissa Rainer and Claudia West. Phyto Studio was created "to bring clients both customized, technical expertise in plant community ecology as well as an artistic vision of the possibilities of gardens with emotional depth." He lectures internationally and teaches planting design on the George Washington University Landscape Design program.
What we talk about:
Wild landscapes - accepting that we can't turn back the clock to a bygone era and what this means for designers and gardeners going forward
Planting in urban and suburban landscapes versus rural areas?
Thomas's 3 archetypes for the purposes of categorising planting and landscapes
If there's a danger, especially in public spaces, that people come to accept edited versions of nature as the correct way 'natural' spaces should look and therefore become less tolerant of wilder, transitional, unkempt spaces?
The issue of ongoing, skilled maintenance
The future of built landscape design
Links:
Tickets to the Thoma…
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Episode 66: Beth Chatto: A Life With Plants with Catherine Horwood
19 november 2019 · 30 min
Explore the lasting legacy of legendary plantswoman Beth Chatto and her revolutionary approach to horticulture. Biographer and author Catherine Horwood joins me to discuss drought-tolerant planting strategies, the famous "right plant, right place" principle, and timeless garden design wisdom you can apply to your own plot. Lees meer
Right Plant, Right Place: Discover how Beth Chatto transformed difficult, dry, and shady spots into thriving garden ecosystems by matching plants to their natural conditions.
Drought-Resilient Design: Learn practical lessons from her famous gravel garden and how to manage water scarcity without sacrificing beauty.
The Living Legacy: Hear personal stories and insights from Catherine Horwood on what it was like researching the life of one of Britain's most influential gardeners.
About Catherine Horwood:
Catherine is a freelance author and journalist and is the authorised biographer of Beth Chatto. As well as writing the recently released Beth Chatto: A Life With Plants, Catherine has written Rose (Reaktion, 2018) Gardening Women: Their Stories from 1600 to the Present (Virago, 2010) and contributes articles to Gardens Illustrated, The English Garden and several national newspapers.
What we talk about:
Her early career in flower arranging
How she changed to fit in with the socials circles she found herself moving in
The move to White Barn House
Her friendship with Christopher Lloyd
The inspiration for the gravel garden
Her awards and the recognition she gained worldwide
Her legacy, the future of the nursery and the Beth Chatto Education Trust
Links:
Beth Chatto: A Life With Plants - Catherine Horwood, Pimpernel Press, 2019
Catherine Horwood www.catherinehorwood.com
The Beth Chatto Gardens www.bethchatto.co.uk
The Beth Chatto Nursery
Get in touch;
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram rootsandallpod
Patreon Link;
Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much…
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Episode 65: Apples with Naomi Slade & Sassie Yassamee
12 november 2019 · 36 min
This episode we're discussing apples and I have TWO guests; Naomi Slade who is the author of An Orchard Odyssey and Sassie Yassamee who runs Eve Apple Press, a mobile apple pressing service in East Sussex. We're just harvesting the last of our apples here in Sussex, so with the tastes and sights of varieties fresh in your mind, what better time to start planning your own orchard? Lees meer
Naomi's book, An Orchard Odyssey runs through the practicalities of growing apples, but the focus of our chat is the ways in which we use our apples and our trees as both ornamental and edible additions to our own gardens, particularly from a design perspective. We also chat about how to reconsider how we view orchards and how we can use them within our communities.
Which leads nicely on to my interview with Sassie Yassamee, who runs Eve Apple Press in Hastings in East Sussex. Sassie run a mobile apple pressing service, which helps people conveniently and productively deal with their crops and provides an ingenious solution to gluts and food waste.
What I cover with Naomi:
The definition of an orchard
Historical orchards
Our changing relationship with orchards
The tale of Johnny Appleseed
Fruit trees for wildlife
Designing & underplanting orchards
What I cover with Sassie:
About mobile apple pressing
Which varieties you can use
Preserving the juice
Links:
Naomi Slade www.naomislade.com
An Orchard Odyssey - Naomi Slade, Green Books, 2016
Naomi on Twitter @NaomiSlade
Naomi on Instagram @naomisladegardening
Eve Apple Press www.eveapplepress.co.uk
Eve Apple Press on Facebook
Get in touch;
Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk
Website www.rootsandall.co.uk
Twitter @rootsandall
Instagram rootsandallpod
Patreon Link;
Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall