Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

Sandra Schwarz talks about her new book Restore, and shares how her research led her to identify six universal qualities that make landscapes restorative. We talk about the complexities of "owning" nature, who restorative gardens are really for, and how designers can create spaces that meet people where they are. It's a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about greening with intention.

Links

Restore: How Green Spaces Support Human Restoration 

Official Restore Book Page (Humanaturescapes)

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On Instagram @rootsandallpod

Linden Groves of the Gardens Trust talks about the vital—and surprisingly vulnerable—protections for our historic parks and gardens, and the government's proposal to remove the Trust's statutory consultee role. We unpack what this would mean for our green spaces, why it matters to all of us, and how people can help.

Links

The Gardens Trust

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If you...

I'm joined once again by permaculture designer and author Pippa Chapman to explore how beauty, productivity and wildlife-friendly principles can all thrive together in the garden. We dive into her creative approach, the ideas behind her new book, and how small, thoughtful changes can transform any space into a resilient, edible ecosystem.

Links

Permaculture Planting Designs by Pippa Chapman

Pippa on YouTube

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Richard Hayden of New York's High Line talks about how the space has grown and transformed—its evolving plantings, newly added areas, and the thoughtful maintenance practices that have helped it become a beloved, essential part of daily life for both residents and visitors. We trace how this once-industrial rail line has matured into one of the city's most treasured green spaces.

Links

www.thehighline.org

Please support the podcast on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On...

I'm joined by Chris Whitelock, author of Growing Fruit, to explore how modern varieties are reshaping the way we grow fruit at home. We discuss everything from choosing space-saving or container-friendly trees to tackling pests, diseases, and even the challenge of keeping birds off your harvest.

Links

Growing Fruit: A Practical Guide to Growing Top and Soft Fruit 

Chris Whitelock - Learning with Experts 

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @ro...

I'm speaking with Karen Hall, Program Director of Ecological Education at the Institute for Applied Ecology, about an inspiring initiative that connects conservation with social rehabilitation. We explore what ecological education involves, the features of the landscape and ecology of the region where Karen works and how changes to funding have affected these conservation in the efforts. 

Links

Staff profile at IAE: Karen Hall – Institute for Applied Ecology — her bio, role description and contact information. 

Curriculum materials she oversaw: Ecological Education Curriculum – Institute for Applied Ecology — downloadable education-units with her listed as Program Director. ...

Nancy Matsumoto discusses her new book Reaping What She Sows, an exploration of the women transforming our broken food system from the ground up. We talk about what an alternative food system really looks like, why women are at the forefront of this movement, and how they're reimagining the way we grow, distribute, and consume food could offer a more just, sustainable, and human-centric future.

Links

Reaping What She Sows by Nancy Matsumoto 

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Episode 263: Ooooby – Out of Our Own Back Yard
In this epi...

This episode, Nicolas Salazar of Guardians Worldwide explores the often-overlooked role of rocks in our designed environments. We discuss their carbon storage potential, their deep relationship with plants, and why removing rocks from landscapes may have more impact than we think. It's a conversation that challenges us to see rocks not as static objects, but as vital, living parts of ecological systems.

Links

www.guardiansworldwide.org

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Episode 41: Natural Stone with Giles Heap
In this episode, host Sarah Wilson speaks to Giles Heap of CED Stone ab...

Gardens Illustrated editor Stephanie Mahon has curated the magazine's first ever book, The New Beautiful — a celebration of gardens that reflect today's shifting ideas of beauty, sustainability, and design. We discuss what defines a 'Gardens Illustrated' garden, how the featured spaces in the book were chosen, about the evolving role of perennials to the challenges of capturing a garden's true character in a photograph, Stephanie shares insights from her years at the forefront of garden publishing — and offers a glimpse into where garden design might be heading next.

Links

www.gardensillustrated.com

The New...

Luke Coleman is the founder of Luke Coleman Gardens, an Edinburgh-based studio known for bold, climate-resilient gardens rooted in story, ecology, and craft.

Luke was named RHS Young Designer of the Year 2025, winning Gold, Best Construction, and People's Choice at the Wentworth show. His work draws on landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to the Cape Floral Kingdom, exploring how gardens can tell stories of resilience and culture.

We talk about his design principles, what resilience means in a garden, and how gardens might bring cultures together.

Links

Website: lukecoleman.co.uk<...

Environmental scientist and author Shannon Jade talks about her work and her book A Song for the Earth — a poetic, hopeful take on the climate crisis. We talk about the themes in the book, our connection to nature, and the importance of finding your voice, whatever form that takes.

Links

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 336: Creating an Ar...

Dr Linda Birkin is the dynamic entomologist and wildlife gardener who stole the show at the recent Talking Plants event with her energetic and informative talk on creating living gardens that welcome all creatures great and small. Find out how she came to champion bugs, and how you can join in with her mission to make gardens a haven for wildlife. 

Links

www.ljbees.uk

Instagram @drljbees

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Episode 244: The Biodiversity Gardener
Paul Sterry, ecologist, author and photographer, joins the podcast to d...

Acclaimed garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin discusses the craft of planting design, the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the profession, and the evolving role of planting designers today. He also shares insights from his new book, The Modern Professional Planting Designer, which is a novel and interesting look at the processes behind successful planting design.

Links

www.andrewfishertomlin.com

The Modern Professional Planting Designer: Creating Beautiful, Sustainable, Resilient Gardens for the Twenty-First Century

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Episode 94: James Basson of Scape Design
...

Paulette Whitney of Provenance Growers in Tasmania is a grower, cook, and the author of Broccoli and Other Love Stories. We explore the world of seeds, soil, and flavour—from the challenges of gardening in Tasmania's unique climate, to Paulette's favourite herbs, root veg, and go-to meals after a long day in the garden. Along the way, Paulette shares how chefs inspire her to try new varieties and how her twin loves of growing and cooking continue to nourish her life.

Links

Provenance Growers - A thriving market garden and edible plant nursery in Lutruwita, Ta...

Ali Morse is the Water Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts and together we talk the truth about peat: how much is still being extracted, why government promises have fallen short, and the role horticulture plays in the story. We also look ahead to the solutions—both practical and political—that could finally protect these precious habitats.

Links

The Wildlife Trusts – Main Website

Nic Wilson's Peat Free Nurseries List

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Episode 47: Going Peat Free with John Walker
In this episode, I speak with J...

Liz Morley is the force behind @you_dig_gardens and Nottingham College's inspiring Wilder Campuses project, where she's transforming educational spaces into thriving, biodiverse landscapes. We explore her accessible, low-budget approach to rewilding and how it's reconnecting people with nature right where they study and work.

Links

The project on instagram: @you_dig_gardens

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Episode 336: Creating an Ark with Mary Reynolds
Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the We Are The Ark rewilding movement—joins Sarah Wilson to explore how even...

In this episode I have a captivating conversation with writer and artist James Roberts. We explore the profound themes of his book "Two Lights," delving into the beauty and tragedy of the natural world. James shares his journey from city life to the rural landscapes of the Welsh borders, where he finds inspiration in the twilight hours and the delicate balance of nature. We also discuss the intersection of science and creativity, the importance of attention, and the emotional resonance of beauty. 

Links

James Roberts' Substack - Into the Deep Woods

Night Ri...

George Fredenham—aka Flavour Fred—chef, forager, fermenter, and former co-owner of The Foragers at The Verulam Arms in St Albans is this episode's guest. Known for turning hedgerow finds into award-winning dishes and wild cocktails, George now runs foraging walks, woodland feasts, and fermentation workshops, blending deep ecological knowledge with a flair for flavour.

We talk about his journey with wild food and how he's teaching others to find, cook, and preserve the edible abundance all around them.

Links

www.flavourfred.com

Instagram @flavourfred

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I'm speaking with Olga Evans, co-founder of the Forest Bathing Institute and author of a new book exploring the science behind nature's healing power. We'll discover what forest bathing really means, whether you need an actual forest to benefit, and learn practical techniques you can use wherever you are.

Links

The Forest Bathing Institute

The Healing Power of Trees by Olga Terebenina and Gary Evans

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Episode 48: Forest Bathing with Stefan Batorijs— Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is the practice of immersing yourself in n...

I'm speaking with Christina Oakley Harrington, founder of the legendary Treadwell's Bookshop in London and author of The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic. We dive into her lifelong work in magic and folklore, explore the rich, earthy history of plant magic, and uncover the stories and secrets behind the herbs and flowers that have enchanted humans for centuries.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just plant-curious, listen on to find out what plants can do if you just ask.

Links

Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic

Treadwells' Online

Other episodes...

I'm joined by designer Will Tomson, whose work blends creativity with a deep commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. We chat about some of his exciting projects involving recycled aggregates, who inspires him, his Talking Plants events which he runs with Amy Langron and Katy Merrington, plus we lift the lid on a new and exciting event happening this September for anyone interested in practical, hands-on gardening tips from the best in the game. 

Links

Talking Plants website www.talkingplantssheffield.co.uk

Talking plants instagram @talking_plants_sheffield

Symposium tickets

C...

Pat Thomas is Director of Beyond GM, and we explore the hidden realities of GMOs, the implications of new "Precision Breeding" legislation, and how these changes could affect gardeners, small-scale growers, and our food future. From campaigns like Stop Hidden GMOs to looking at the global landscape regarding GMO policies, Pat offers essential insights and practical advice on where to learn more and how to take action.

Links

You can help fund the legal case by donating at CrowdJustice

Check out the Stop Hidden GMOs website for more information

Read more...

Lee Miller lived many lives—model, surrealist, war correspondent—but it was in the kitchen and garden at Farleys House that she found a kind of peace after the chaos. In this episode, Lee's granddaughter Ami Bouhassane discusses her book Lee Miller: A Life with Food, Friends and Recipes, and offers an intimate portrait of her grandmother's postwar years. We explore how cooking became a creative outlet, the mystery of the unpublished Entertaining Freezer, and the role of the garden in shaping Lee's later life.

Links

Lee Miller Archives (official site) – Explore her life as a surr...

Writer and naturalist Julian Hoffman joins me for a dive into his latest book Lifelines, exploring the fragile beauty of threatened landscapes, the deep connections between wildlife and culture, and what it means to belong—to a place, to a species, to a song. From regent honeyeaters losing their voices to the shifting borders that divide both people and animals, Julian shares stories that remind us of what's at stake, and what still remains.

Links

www.julianhoffman.com

Julian on Instagram

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🎧 Episode 53: "Irrepl...

Episode 342: Healsville Sanctuary: Creating Habitats

Luke Boyle is the Horticulture Manager at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, Australia—a leading conservation zoo nestled in native bushland, dedicated to protecting and showcasing Australia's unique wildlife. We chat about the incredible work Luke and his team are doing to ensure the sanctuary is not just a safe and enriching haven for animals, but also an inspiring and welcoming place for human visitors.

Links

Healesville Sanctuary – Official site (Zoos Victoria)
Discover updates on their conservation projects, visitor information, and how to support their wildlife work: https://www...

I'm joined by Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, and horticulturists Rachel Reynolds, Paul Kimberley and Jenny Warner, who share their personal experiences with skin cancer. With temperatures on the rise, we explore why sun safety is essential for anyone working outdoors, how to protect yourself effectively, and the serious risks of not taking the sun seriously.

Links

Melanoma Focus is a national charity dedicated to providing help and support to melanoma patients and healthcare professionals as well as raising awareness of melanoma, the 5th most common cancer in the UK.  As nearly 9 in 10 melanomas ar...

Author Nic Wilson speaks about her memoir, Land Beneath the Waves. We delve into how her relationship with the natural world has provided insight and resilience in the face of chronic illness, and how our surroundings can shape and reflect our inner landscapes.

Links

Official Website

nicwilson.co.uk – The central hub for Nic's writing, including her memoir Land Beneath the Waves, Guardian Country Diary contributions, newsletter subscription ("Only Connect!"), book tour dates, and the Peat‑Free Nurseries list. 

Linktree

A central portal with quick links to her website, book la...

Lockie Scicluna is part of the crew living and working at Australia's remote Mawson Station in Antarctica. Lockie is closely involved in the station's hydroponic growing setup — an ingenious system that allows the team to produce fresh vegetables in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. We talk about the challenges of growing food without soil or sunlight, and why having a growing operation might matter more than you might think.

Links

Australian Antarctic Division Mawson station

Lockie on Instagram @scic.travels

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...

I'm joined by Dave Chapman, host of the US chart-topping Real Organic Podcast. We dive into the rise of "regenerative" as the latest industry buzzword, the troubling reality of corporate consolidation in agriculture, and how antitrust issues are threatening the future of truly organic food. We also explore the key differences between organic food markets in the U.S. and the EU—and what they might mean for growers and consumers alike.

Links

www.realorganicproject.org

On Facebook

On Instagram

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🌱 Episo...

I'm joined by author Sarah Bilston to explore the strange allure of orchids and the daring—and often destructive—pursuits of the plant hunters who sought them. We delve into the economic and ecological entanglements of botany, the lasting impacts of orchid mania on countries like Brazil, and what we risk losing when we oversimplify the tangled roots of horticultural history.

Links

The Lost Orchid: A Story of Victorian Plunder and Obsession by Sarah Bilston

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🌱 1. Episode 154: Modern Plant Hunters with Dr. Sandy Primrose

In th...

In this episode, I'm speaking with Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the rewilding movement We Are The Ark.

This episode originally aired in 2019 and it's particularly pertinent as it coincides with the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where Mary, won a gold medal winner for her ground-breaking, naturalistic garden which at the time was a revelation. Mary has long championed a shift from traditional gardening to a more nature-centric approach. Her initiative, We Are The Ark, invites gardeners, landowners, and stewards to rewild areas under their care, transforming them into sanctuaries fo...

Geeta Mehta, author of Japanese Gardens, talks about the beauty, philosophy, and deep cultural roots of Japan's garden traditions. We delve into how these serene landscapes reflect harmony, mindfulness, and a unique dialogue between nature and design.

Links

Japanese Gardens: Tranquility, Simplicity, Harmony by Geeta Mehta & Kimie Tada 

Geeta Mehta on Wikipedia

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If you liked this week's episode with Geeta Mehta you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 

Episode 271: Japanese Maples with Miles Hayward

Summary:
In...

Joshua Sparkes is a grower whose innovative, soil-centered approach blends regenerative principles with a deep reverence for the natural world. We dig into his unique style of farming, how it's shaped by observation and experimentation, and why it offers a glimpse into what must be the future of sustainable food production.

Links

The Collective at Woolsery

Joshua Sparkes on Instagram

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If you liked this week's episode with Joshua Sparkes you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 

Episode 328: Soil, H...

I'm joined by Pete Case from the Freshwater Habitats Trust to dive into the world of garden ponds—why they can be crucial for wildlife, how to create one, and what makes them such a powerful tool for conservation right in your own back, or front,  garden. Whether you've got a bucket or a full-blown pond, this one's for you.

Links

www.freshwaterhabitats.org.uk

The Pond Book

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Ecological designer and waterway whisperer Emmaline Bowman, talks about her mission to heal landscapes through nature-led design at her practice Stem Landscape Architecture & Design. We dig into the magic of restoring ecosystems, how nature-led design is possible and feasible from a business perspective and the knock-on effects of starting the ball rolling one green space at a time.

Links

www.stemlandscape.com

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If you liked this week's episode with Emmaline Bowman you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 

Episode 208: Ecological G...

Today's episode is a bit different because I'm not well at the moment and the podcast has taken a back seat to hospital visits and sleeping lots I'm afraid. But, out of something negative comes a positive because I decided to re-master and re-release an episode from the back catalogue, and this week we're dipping back into Episode 97 with Doug Tallamy. But we're not just hitting replay. We're bringing new light to it, inspired by last week's conversation with the incredible Kelly Morse…

Links

Bringing Nature Home: How you can sustain wildlife with native plants by...

Kelly Morse is co-founder of 70|30 Studio—a design practice with a mission to rewild spaces and reconnect people with nature. Kelly's work blends ecology, sustainability, and creative design to transform how we experience the natural world. We'll be discussing the philosophy behind 70|30 Studio, the challenges and rewards of integrating wild landscapes into urban environments, and how we can all bring a little more nature into our everyday lives.

About

Kelly Morse is an ecological landscape designer, writer, and environmental artist. She is an award-winning author and founder of 70|30 Design Studio. As co-founder of Symbiocene Project she...

I'm joined by the brilliant AB Bishop, a passionate advocate for wildlife-friendly gardening and author and journalist. We dive into the incredible ways AB has transformed her outdoor space into a thriving habitat for native birds, insects, and other creatures. If you're keen to make your patch more biodiverse and buzzing with life, plus find out about Australia's incredible flora and fauna, this one's for you!

Links

AB Bishop is a renowned horticulturist, conservationist, and writer specialising in Australian native plants and wildlife-friendly gardening. Here are some of her notable works: 

Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital connection between soil and the nutrients in our food. As the founder of the Life Larder newsletter and Course Director at CNM's Natural Chef School, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge on how growing practices impact the quality of what we eat. Sam talks about  nourishing both the land and ourselves.

Links

The Life Larder

On Instagram

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Explore the deep connection between movement, landscape, and wellbeing In this episode featuring author and academic Kerri Andrews. We talk about her book Pathfinding and the profound impact of walking in nature. Discover how walking can be an act of reflection, discovery, and even resistance. Kerri shares insights from history and her own experiences, reminding us why putting one foot in front of the other is more powerful than we might think.

Links

www.kerriandrews.co.uk

https://kerriandrews.co.uk/

Pathfinding: On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom by Kerri Andrews

Investigative journalist Carey Gillam talks about glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Carey has spent years researching its impacts on health and the environment, as well as the discussions surrounding its regulation and use. She talks about her research, the science behind this particular herbicide, and the effects of the chemical on soils and our health.

Links

Learn more about Carey:

www.careygillam.com

The New Lede

At The Guardian

Her books:

Whitewash - The Story of a Weed Killer...

Content creator, writer and gardener Ramona Jones talks about her garden and her beautiful book Growing. We discuss her experiences as a neurodivergent gardener, how she uses social media to document her journey, and the joys of creating a space that nurtures both plants and wildlife. She shares her deep connection with nature and the ways gardening has helped her grow in more ways than one.

Links

Growing: A year of living and nurturing with the seasons by Ramona Jones

Ramona Jones on Instagram - @monalogue 

Ramona on YouTube

Bailey Van Tassel talks about the art of kitchen gardening. We explore Bailey's seasonal, intuitive approach to growing food at home and discuss insights from her book, Kitchen Garden Living. With a focus on simplicity and sustainability, Bailey shares her thoughts on cultivating a thriving kitchen garden.

Links

www.baileyvantassel.com

Kitchen Garden Living: Seasonal Growing and Eating from a Beautiful, Bountiful Food Garden by Bailey Van Tassel

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I'm joined by Richard Scott and Polly Moseley from the Scouse Flowerhouse to explore the transformative power of community gardens. They share insights on using wildflowers to create vibrant, biodiverse spaces that benefit both people and wildlife, as well as the challenges and rewards of managing community green spaces. Listen on to discover how their work is weaving nature into urban communities.

Links

www.scouseflowerhouse.com

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If you liked this week's episode with Richard Scott & Polly Moseley you might also enjoy this one from...

Trees and crops—better together! This week on Roots and All, I'm joined by Andy Dibben, co-author of Silvohorticulture, to explore how agroforestry can revolutionise our growing spaces for a more resilient and productive future.

Links

Silvohorticulture: A grower's guide to integrating trees into crops by Andy Dibben & Ben Raskin

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If you liked this week's episode with Andy Dibben you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 

235: Woodchip - My guest this week is Ben Raskin, the Soil Association's Head of Hort...

Join me for a timely exploration of how weather shapes our landscapes, ecosystems, and personal experiences of the natural world. Writer and naturalist Matt Gaw discusses his latest book, In All Weathers. As we face an increasing onslaught of extreme and unpredictable weather patterns across the globe, Matt's reflections on walking through the elements—be it storm, drought, or downpour—offer both a poetic and urgent perspective on our relationship with the forces that govern life on Earth. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on resilience, adaptation, and the beauty found in even the most inhospitable conditions.

Link...

Tom Hirons is a poet whose work resonates deeply with the primal and ungovernable forces of nature, the human condition, and the intersections where they meet. His writing, including the much-lauded poem Sometimes a Wild God, stirs something ancient within, reminding readers of the chaos and beauty that lie at the heart of existence. In this conversation, we delve into the inspirations and philosophies behind his work, exploring the wild, untamed forces that shape his poetry and his perspective on creativity.

Links

www.tomhirons.com

Instagram @bearspeakstothestars

Other episodes if you l...

Andrew Jackson is changing the future of garden spaces for new builds with his groundbreaking initiative, the New Build Manifesto. Drawing on over a decade of experience as a Director in social housing, Andrew is now channeling his expertise to advocate for better quality garden spaces that benefit both homeowners and nature. His campaign brings together developers and homeowners to create enriching outdoor environments that enhance living experiences and support biodiversity.

Links

Instagram  @thenewbuildmanifesto 

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Returning guest John Little is on a collaborative mission to revolutionise the way we care for green spaces in order to ensure they deliver for people and for wildlife. John has set up a new initiative called Care Not Capital which is about investing in gardeners and recognising them as the key piece they are in the green spaces jigsaw.

Links

www.grassroofcompany.co.uk

Care Not Capital on Instagram 

www.carenotcapital.org

Other episodes if you liked this one:

If you liked this week's episode with J...

I'm joined by Clive Gravett, founder of The Budding Foundation and The Museum of Gardening. Clive is a passionate advocate for preserving gardening history, and he's here to share fascinating insights into the history of the lawnmower—an invention that revolutionised gardening as we know it. We also touch on the important work of The Budding Foundation in supporting education and young people through gardening.

Links

Museum of Gardening:
Visit the Museum of Gardening's official website at https://www.museumofgardening.co.uk. The museum is located at the South Downs Heritage Centre in Hassocks, We...

Explore the extraordinary world of exotic gardening with Paul Spracklin, author of The Dry Exotic Garden. Paul shares his infectious passion for transforming gardens conditions into lush, visually striking landscapes using drought-tolerant plants. Tune in to hear about the inspiration behind his book, the unique joys of cultivating exotic species, and the techniques that make gardens with drought loving plants not just possible, but breathtakingly beautiful.

About The Dry Exotic Garden

Discover everything you need to know about designing, choosing and planting cacti and succulents to create a drought-tolerant garden in this lavishly illustrated guide...

Prepare to be inspired! I am chatting with legendary landscape designer Mark Gregory, founder of Landform Consultants. With over 35 years of experience and a treasure trove of RHS Chelsea Flower Show awards under his belt, Mark shares his take on creating breathtaking gardens, the artistry of garden design, his career and the landscaping business. This interview is a great insight into a career spent crafting perfection!

Links

Landform Consultants

Mark Gregory on Instagram

Other episodes if you liked this one:

If you liked this week's episode with Mark Gregory...

Get ready for an inspiring journey as I'm joined by RAF Warrant Officer Pete Welsh—a man whose story spans the adrenaline of military life to the quiet power of the garden. While excelling in a remarkable military career and contributing to an RHS award-winning community garden, Pete has also confronted the profound challenges of mental health. Through the therapeutic calm of gardening and the transformative power of community connections, he's found resilience and growth. Pete's journey reveals the extraordinary parallels between cultivating plants and healing ourselves.

Links

Veterans' Growth: A charity focused on providing ho...

Your garden's shadows can actually be stunning, vibrant spaces! In this episode, I chat with Susanna Grant, author of Shade and founder of the London-based shady plant shop, LINDA. Susanna joins me to discuss shade-loving plants and how to bring life and vibrancy to those darker corners of our gardens.

About Susanna Grant

Susanna Grant is founder of Linda, a garden designer, planting specialist and writer, author of Shade (Quarto). She organises the Spring Plant Fair at The Garden Museum, and The Autumn Plant Fair at Arnold Circus where she is a volunteer and a...

Will Johansen is from Froglife, a conservation group devoted to protecting amphibians and reptiles. Will's here to discuss practical ways we can support amphibians in our gardens, from building simple ponds to creating safe spaces where they can thrive. Will gives tips and advice to help you make a real difference for these often-overlooked creatures.

Links

www.froglife.org

Discovering Dewponds Project

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292: S...

What if rest could be a radical act of resistance? In this episode, I talk with Evie Muir, author of Radical Rest, who challenges the myth that burnout can be cured by self-care alone. Evie offers a bold vision of rest as a communal, transformative practice grounded in Black Feminist and abolitionist thought. Tune in to explore how rest and time in nature can lead us from exhaustion and grief toward joy and resilience—and what it takes to build a world where we can all thrive.

About 'Radical Rest: Notes on Burnout, Healing and Hopeful Futures'

Christian Douglas is redefining vegetable gardening with a focus on style and functionality. Drawing on examples from urban and rural gardens, including his own garden in Marin County, he offers practical advice on growing a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Christian talks about how to assess lighting and soil, pick plants suited to the climate, and discover creative edible alternatives to traditional landscape plants. Looking at spaces from small city gardens to large rural plots, and even a rooftop space, his new book 'Food Forward Garden Design' offers guidance on how to create a purposely designed and beautiful...

Mitch McCulloch is redefining how we grow and cook with plants. He's is a former chef, turned seed hunter and gardener, who applies his culinary knowledge when choosing and cooking with the produce he grows. Not only does he select the most diverse and interesting varieties, he gets creative with how he serves up his produce. His new book The Seed Hunter is properly inspiring if you're both a cook and grower and you want to get the absolute most out of your edible plants. 

About Mitch McCulloch

Author, seed hunter, and gardener with a p...

Andy Mitchell believes gardening has the power to be a uniquely beneficial arena for the addiction recovery journey. In this interview, we discover why he feels this is the case and why we have much more to learn about this particular aspect of horticulture.

Andy is Professional Addiction Recovery Coach and has conducted research into gardening as a tool to help people overcome addictions. Alongside having lived experience, Andy has extensive professional training within the field of Addiction.

About Andy Mitchell

Andy Mitchell is a Social and Therapeutic Horticulturalist (STH) and addiction recovery...

If you've ever been even a little curious about the magic of trees, you won't want to miss this conversation with the ultimate tree expert, Tony Kirkham. We're diving into Tree: Exploring the Arboreal World—a seriously stunning collection of art, history, and culture, centred around the human-tree connection.

This book documents the historical significance of trees throughout human history, society and culture. This really is the coffee table book to end all coffee table books for anyone with even so much as a passing interest in trees.

About Tree: Exploring the Arboreal World

...

Want to know what the soil food web is, what inhabits the soil habitat, why soil health impacts on plant health and ultimately our health and what you can do to get the best out of your garden?  

Eddie Bailey is a geologist, organic no-dig gardener, and soil food web specialist who runs Rhizophyllia. Eddie is passionate about soil health and growing healthy plants that are good for you and good for the planet.

About Eddie Bailey

Eddie Bailey is a geologist, organic no-dig gardener, and soil food web specialist who runs soil h...

What feature does a wildlife supporting landscaper refuse to install in a garden? What is the most beneficial addition for wildlife? And how can hard landscaping be compatible with wildlife and nature?

This week my guest is former ecologist and founder of NatureScaping, Nick Townsend, who sheds light on building greener gardens. Nick uses his knowledge of ecology and the environment in his landscaping business in order to make better gardens and outdoor spaces for wildlife.

About Nick Townsend

Nick holds a masters in Environmental Management and is a former ecologist. After working...

Hello and welcome to this week's episode which features garden writer , broadcaster and returning guest Kate Bradbury. Kate has a new book out One Garden Against the World: In Search of Hope in a Changing Climate. It's been a while since we last spoke about Kate's garden and with the opportune timing around the release of the book, I thought it would be the ideal time to catch up on what's changed for Kate, her garden and nature in general since 2019.

Links

One Garden Against the World: In Search of Hope in a Changing Climate...

Think you know what slugs eat? And what eats slugs? You might be surprised...This episode my guest is retired academic and lifelong gardener Jo Kirby. Jo has written The Good Slug Guide, the first-ever book on slugs and snails that explains why the usual controls often don`t work, what slugs and snails really get up to, what they really eat and – importantly – what eats them.

About the Good Slug Guide

The Good Slug Guide is full of simple, practical advice on how to encourage your new-found friends and transform your garden into a beau...

The episodes generating the most feedback recently have been those featuring other gardeners and business owners who are trying to run green businesses, so I called on former guest and supporter of the podcast, Dave Woolmer. Dave changed career from law to gardening and has been forging ahead creating a business based on sound principles and horticultural excellence.

Links

The British Association for Supported Employment 

Safe Opportunities are at safeopportunities.co.uk

Disability Confident Employment registration is at www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign

And Green Heart is at fa...

My guest this episode is gardener and activist Ed Allnutt. Ed is part of Plastics Rebellion and the @plasticscrisis Instagram account and campaigns to reduce the use of plastics, particularly in a gardening context. We talk about the most common offending items in the gardening world and discuss possible solutions to the current accepted ways of gardening so we can make changes that better the environment. 

Links

Plastics Crisis on instagram

Other episodes if you liked this one:

If you liked this week's episode with the Ed Allnutt, you might also e...

Welcome to the 300th episode! Join me as I take a look back at some of my favourite episodes, some of your favourites and take a bit of time to reflect on the sheer enormity and yeah, I'll say it, the sheer excellence of the back catalogue of the podcast!

Find out;

The Top 3 episodes of all time as ranked by downloads

How I choose guests to be on the podcast

What guest had me in tears

The ones that got away…

The episode that was a lo...

What if growing food was never meant to be about just the end product? What are we missing from conventional agriculture and gardening?

Steven Martyn is an Ontario based teacher and practitioner of sacred agriculture and what he terms wildculturing. He focusses on the traditional living skills of growing food, building and healing and has a unique take on how we can live in the with the earth. Steven had me pondering how agriculture has been used to create culture historically, how we incorporate intentionality into horticulture, he even had me rethinking my morning beverage…

Ab...

Why have gardens been underused in care home settings in the past, even when they're designed to be used?

This episode, my guest is Debbie Carroll. Debbie is a Southampton based garden designer with experience in designing for care homes and other health settings for residents with dementia. Her work in these surroundings prompted her to question why these gardens were not more actively used even when they were designed to the latest design guidance. Along with her fellow designer Mark Rendell they researched what hindered engagement with the garden, in particular for people living with dementia.<...

This episode, my guest is Ella Malt. Ella runs an all female gardening team in Norfolk called Soul and Soul Norfolk Ltd. She is passionate about the intentional reimagining of existing spaces, and about renovation over replacement. Listen on to find out how Ella started her business and developed her team, whilst maintaining a focus on sustainability and nature.

About Ella Malt

Ella Malt runs an all female gardening team in Norfolk called Soul and Soul Norfolk Ltd. She is passionate about the intentional reimagining of existing spaces, renovation over replacement with a focus on...

This episode, my guest is Erik Ohlsen, a US based regenerative designer, permaculturist, landscape contractor, author, farmer, herbalist, storyteller and practitioner of Nordic folk traditions. His approach to regenerative landscaping is rooted in decades of practical experience and a humbleness that allows Erik to be led by what the land has to tell him. 

Links

www.erikohlsen.com

The Regenerative Landscaper: Design and Build Landscapes That Repair the Environment by Erik Ohlsen

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Ecological Gardens with Sid Hill - This week's guest is e...

Hello and welcome to this week's episode where my guest is freelance photographer Mark Bolton. Mark photographs gardens and interiors for editorial and commercial clients and after purchasing a house in Devon, he decided to create his own picture perfect garden. He chose the cottage style of gardening to fit the bill, so listen on to find out how he created his perfect space and tips for how to create your own picturesque paradise.  

Links

A New Cottage Garden: A practical guide to creating a picture-perfect cottage garden by Mark Bolton

About Mark B...

Hello and welcome to this week's episode where I have a returning guest, Jake Rayson. We're talking about wood meadows, or rather we're talking around the periphery of wood meadows as a concept. We're talking about the use of land, gardens, humans and wildlife and generally getting a bit ranty about the absolute state of things. I realise that's not by much in the way of introduction, but the conversation twists and turns and the best thing to do is just take a listen…

Links

When culture supports biodiversity: The case of the wooded meadow by...

Hello and welcome to this week's episode where my guest is Sue Reed. Sue's background is varied and she's worn a variety of hats, including teacher, museum guide, upcycler of waste wool knitwear and published author. Her most recent creation is the fictional character Molly McFlynn, a quirky and courageous character who comes to terms with the concept of being an outsider against the backdrop of covid and a rugged Northern landscape. Listen on to find out how nature factors into the rewilding of Molly…

About Sue Reed

Sue Reed lives in rural Northumberland with he...

This week, my guest is Meg Skinner. Meg works as an invertebrate ecologist, surveying sites for protected species and volunteers for the British Arachnological Society. We're talking today about spiders in your garden; how they go about their business,  how you can encourage more, to visit your garden, oh and we talk about the much maligned false widow…

About Meg Skinner

Meg Skinner works as an invertebrate ecologist, surveying sites for protected species. She volunteers for the British Arachnological Society as a Press Officer and recording scheme organiser for harvestmen. Meg grew up in the rur...

This week, my guest is watercolour artist Lisa Gardner. Lisa is inspired by the natural world, the connection between breath and brushwork and rare wild plant species on the edge of extinction - seemingly far flung interests that come together in a beautifully natural and synergistic way in Lisa's work.

About Lisa Gardener

Lisa Gardner is a watercolour artist inspired by the natural world, the connection between breath and brushwork and rare wild plant species on the edge of extinction.

Passionate about wild plants and the vital role they play in the health...

Sue has been CEO at SongBird Survival for the last three years leading the charity
in its ambition to protect the amazingly diverse but sadly declining songbird
populations across the UK. With its growing body of scientific research which is
fuelling solutions, SongBird Survival is advocating that we can and should take
action to protect these ecologically threatened creatures. Campaigns including
Gardens for Birds provide accessible and rewarding opportunities to play a part in
much needed practical ways to reverse the drastic declines many species are facing.

Charlotte has been the...

This week, my guest is Los Angeles-based landscaper and fertiliser guru Erin Riley. Erin specialises in organic vegetable gardens and native, drought-tolerant landscapes and we're talking today about her work to create fertilisers that are good for plants, people, animals and the planet.

About Erin Riley

Erin is stewarding a gardening renaissance: elevating organic fertilizers past their dependance on animal byproducts by founding the vegan fertilizer company. Her mission: to grow plants without killing the planet.

Links

www.cabbagehillfertilizer.com

Erin's substack post "Does fertilizer matter?"

Other...

This week, my guest is bee expert Kevin Hancock. Kevin has invented a honeybee nest box that's the only self-regulating honey harvesting system in the world, meaning the bees will dictate how much honey you can take dependent on the environment that year. It's a way of hosting rather than keeping bees and is an intriguing system.   About the Eco Beehive    "ECO BEEHIVE is the only SELF REGULATING HONEY HARVESTING SYSTEM IN THE WORLD!     Wow that is so exciting!! But it is !! no really.. give me a chance and I'll explain.   I am on a mission to strengthen the honeybee network...

This episode my guest is former jewellery designer to the stars, turned social media veg grower, Lucy Hutchings. Along with music festival organiser, Kate Cotterill, Lucy set up SheGrowsVeg, an heirloom seed company which is bringing the most unusual veg, fruit, and edible flowers to veg patches and plates everywhere. About SheGrowsVeg Would you like to enliven your dishes with homegrown veg that looks and tastes incredible? Jet black tomatoes, stunning pale pink chicory that looks like a rose or salad leaves that taste like wasabi are just a few of the tasty veg that could grace your plate thanks...

This episode my guest is Alan Heeks, former corporate world inhabitant, organic farmer, coach and author of the book 'Natural Happiness'. After his transition into organic farming, Alan realised that "a cultivated organic ecosystem is a profound guide to tending human nature, and that organic growth methods have parallels for people: such as composting your stress, and using crop rotation to avoid burnout." We explore the idea further…

About Alan Heeks

Alan Heeks had a baptism by mud at age 42, when he dropped out of a successful business career and followed a wild impulse to st...

Hello and welcome to this week's episode where my guest is Mark Schofield, Plantlife's Road Verge Advisor for the UK. Mark has a huge amount of experience when it comes to green space conservation and is currently involved in a number of projects across the country to manage road verges better for wildlife involving biomass harvesting trials and the use of AI in surveys. He's also one of Plantlife's representatives for the #NoMowMay campaign, and in this interview, he talks about how we can maintain both private and public green spaces more sympathetically for wildflowers and the wildlife they...

This episode, my guest is Sam Frings who founded The Organic Plant Nursery. Sam explains in his own words how he got started and how things have been along the way. It's not easy being a pioneer, but listen on to find out how Sam and his family have battled against the odds to do it right.

Links

www.organicplantnursery.co.uk

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Running a Green Nursery with Chris Williams of Edible Culture - This week I'm speaking to Chris Williams, co-founder of Edibleculture, an...

This episode, my guest is Sarah Dodd AKA the Tree Hugging Lawyer and founder of law firm Tree Law. Sarah specialises in civil and criminal claims arising from disputes with trees, in particular trees causing damage to properties. She's also the host of Tree Law TV channel on YouTube and today, we find out all about her background, her work and the law as it relates to trees.

What We Talk About

Common neighbour disputes when it comes to trees

Subsidence

Cutting trees that overhang your property

Is there...

This week my guests are Northern California based musical duo Misner & Smith. Sam, who is Misner, and Megan, who is Smith comprise one of the most acclaimed acts in the Americana world. Blending elements of that genre with bluegrass, traditional folk ballads, and more pop leaning ideas, they've been described as making music that is gloriously nonconforming. Aside from their musical chops, Sam & Megan are expert gardeners who focus on pollinators, sustainability and community gardening. Listen on to find out how their connection to nature feeds into their music.

What We Talk About

Sam & Megan's...

This week my guests are Kevin Philip Williams and Michael Guidi, authors of a new book 'Shrouded in Light: Naturalistic Planting Inspired by Wild Shrublands'. I'll let Kevin and Michael say more about the idea behind it but a book about horticulture that compares natural landscapes to graffiti and branch frameworks to sigils catches my attention immediately…

What We Talk About

The premise behind the book

What is a shrub?

Why have shrubs fallen out of fashion?

Which of the global shrublands most inspires and informs their planting design at...

This week my guest is Carolyn Dunster. Carolyn is a planting designer, botanical stylist, garden writer and author of a book all about eating flowers entitled 'A Floral Feast: A Guide to Growing and Cooking with Edible Flowers, Foliage, Herbs and Seeds'. We discuss how to expand your culinary endeavours to encompass the ornamental parts of your garden.

A Floral Feast: A Guide to Growing and Cooking with Edible Flowers, Foliage, Herbs and Seeds by Carolyn Dunster

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Edible Flowers with Jan Billington - In this...

My guest this week is Kumud Gandhi, a food scientist, author and founder of The Cooking Academy. Kumud has written a book called The Garlic Story, a look at the history of garlic and its culinary uses. We talk about how garlic has been celebrated and revered throughout history, the different types and uses and how you can incorporate more of it into your life.

'The Garlic Story' is a celebration of all things garlic with over 50 delectable recipes, promising a flavourful journey that showcases the diverse and irresistible facets of this humble ingredient.

The...

My guest this week is Nadine Charlton. Through her business Home Spring Gardens, Nadine provides specialist services to the horticultural and landscape construction industry, advising on sustainable best practice and creating beautiful gardens and landscapes with an environmental conscience. We talk about the importance of sourcing sustainable garden products, how you can tell whether what you're buying is sustainable and whether enough is being done on this front.

About Nadine Charlton & Home Spring Gardens

Nadine provides specialist services to the horticultural and landscape construction industry
with commitment to sustainable best practice and creating beautiful...

My guest this week is Polly Nicholson. Polly is the owner of Bayntun Flowers in Wiltshire, and holds the national collection of Tulipa (Historica) with Plant Heritage. Polly has also written a book called 'The Tulip Garden: Growing and Collecting Species, Rare and Annual Varieties' which is released on the 21st March and today she shares her knowledge of this complex and fascinating group of plants.

About Polly Nicholson

Specialist flower grower and tulip expert Polly Nicholson is the owner of Bayntun Flowers in Wiltshire – growers of organic flowers cultivated in walled gardens and a on...

Hello and welcome to this week's episode where my guest is Kyo Maclear. Kyo is an author and her latest book is centred around family secrets, her mother and how gardening shaped their relationship and helped her frame their mutual experiences.

About Unearthing

Kyo Maclear's Unearthing: A Story of Tangled Love & Family Secrets is published on 7th March 2024. It's a gripping and emotionally eloquent memoir about a family secret revealed by a DNA test, the lessons learned in its aftermath, and the transformative possibilities of growing plants.

A memoir of inheritance that goes...

Vicky Chown is a Medical Herbalist, foraging instructor and self taught permaculturist. She's head gardener at Omved Gardens, a fascinating community garden in London which focuses on food, creativity and wellbeing. 

What we talk about

The idea behind Omved Gardens

How nature factors in to the garden

Where food and creativity fit in

The design of the site and how it feeds into the purpose and the overall experience for visitors

Who uses the site

The activities that take place

About Vicky Chown Duration: 00:19:15

Caroline & Jon have created the most amazing swimming pond in their back garden and have documented their journey on social media, posting videos of year-round swimming adventures and pond-life. If you need inspiration to tackle a garden project you've always thought was just a pipe-dream, listen in as Caroline & Jon offer their refreshingly optimistic and can-do approach.

What we talk about

What made Caroline & Jon install a pool in their garden?

Planning permission

Filling the pond

Cleaning the pond

Swimming year round

Bringing in wildlife<...

Alexandra Steed is a passionate landscape architect with a profound commitment to art, sustainability, and the transformative power of landscapes. Alexandra recently authored Portrait to Landscape and we talk about the possibility of and the necessity for shaping our landscapes so they may help to heal the earth.

What we talk about

Why portrait to landscape?

The biosphere

An overview of Alexandra's ideas for better landscape design and management?

Urban vs rural landscaping

Can we rely on change that comes from the top down?

How...

Perrine Bulgheroni is a renowned farmer who, along with Charles Herve-Gruyer, co-authored the Living with the Earth series of books and co-founded the famous Bec Hellouin, an ecoculture farm in Northern France. We talk about growing produce, closed loop farming, how food growing helps capture carbon and how to manage your natural environment for maximum benefits for people, wildlife and ecosystems.

What we talk about

What ecoculture is

Does it take up less space than traditional agriculture?

The ecoculture approach to rainfall and soil

Volumes two and three of...

Miles Hayward is a dendrophile and keen plantsman, who discovered a passion for Japanese Maples and soon began to accumulate a wide variety of different cultivars. He started Miles Japanese Maples in 2016 specialising in Japanese Maples, after becoming frustrated by the lack of good quality trees in garden centres and local nurseries. He now grows high-quality trees in relatively small numbers, focussing on quality over quantity.

What we talk about

What is a Japanese Maple?

The different species

Preferred growing conditions

Should you feed your Japanese maple?

...

My guest this week is Catherine Conway-Payne. Catherine is the course director of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's diploma in Herbology and an expert on the history of natural remedies. Catherine recently authored possibly the most beautiful book ever, a book called 'Herbology – A Physic Garden Pharmacy' where she looks at the origins of the physic garden at RBGE in the mid-17th Century. She recreates and reimagines original recipes from that time, mentioning in the book the historical uses of such ingredients as powdered toads and spiders' web, but thankfully providing alternatives to those who want to look at...

This episode features horticulturist, garden designer, RHS Show Judge and plant guru Nina Baxter. We talk about what garden designers do, why they differ from landscapers, how you can find one and what they might charge for their work. Whether you're thinking of hiring a garden designer, thinking about becoming one or are just curious about the profession, this is worth a listen. Nina begins by describing her journey into garden design…

What we talk about

What is a garden designer?

Where can you find one?

What might the process look li...

My guest this week is writer, broadcaster, nature observer, citizen scientist and champion of the outdoors, Kelly Brenner. This episode came about off the back of a listener suggestion and begins with a look at Lycoris radiata aka the Death Flower, and its place in nature and culture. This may seem an odd choice of subject for this festive time, but this is the last episode of 2023 and the nearest to the winter solstice, which heralds the death of the sun, so it somehow seemed fitting. 
 
Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Overwintering fruit and veg pe...

My guest this week is Belgian nurseryman Karel Goossens. Karel runs an internationally renowned nursery supplying box plants and is the Chariman of the Belgian arm of the European Boxwood & Topiary Society. With decades of experience growing box and an irreverent approach to tackling the problems that go along with it, when he was recommended to me, I thought he was my ideal sort of guest! He does recommend intensive cultivation methods which include spraying chemical fungicides and insecticides, so this epsiode is not for everyone. However, I do acknowledge that many historic gardens are built around a backbone...