Episode 223: Hedges and Living Boundaries
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
Release Date: 02/07/2023
Episode 397: Britain's Gardening Questions
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
Have you ever wondered who answers all those gardening questions that stump the rest of us? This week I'm chatting to Leigh Hunt, Principal Horticultural Advisor at the RHS, about what really goes on behind the scenes of the Society's advice service, the questions gardeners ask most often, and what those thousands of enquiries reveal about the way we're gardening in a changing climate. Benny’s Insect of the Week: Mexican Grass-Carrying Wasp Links Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you enjoyed this week’s episode with Leigh,...
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Episode 396: Fermenting the Seasons
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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Episode 395: Small Actions, Big Change
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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Episode 394: Keeping Plant Stories Alive
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
What if the plants around us are carrying stories we've forgotten? This week, I'm joined once again by Amanda Edmiston of Botanica Fabula to explore her latest book, a rich blend of folklore, social history and the enduring stories of plants. We talk about how this knowledge is passed down through generations, and why now is the perfect time to start asking the people around us about the plants and traditions they remember. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Sieve-winged Snailkiller Links Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you...
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Episode 393: My Body is a Meadow
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
What if the biggest barriers to experiencing nature aren't natural at all? Today, I'm joined by author, poet and disability activist Bethany Handley to explore accessibility, belonging, and how redesigning our landscapes could create richer places for both people and wildlife. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Cinnabar Moth Links The Book Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you enjoyed this week’s episode with Bethany, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: In this episode, Sarah talks to Sandra Schwarz about...
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Episode 392: Knepp's Rewilded Garden
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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Episode 391: Letting the Wild In
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
What if the secret to a better garden is letting go of control? This week I’m joined by gardener and conservationist Sue Mabberley from Nant-y-Bedd in the Black Mountains, where four decades of working with nature have created a thriving wildlife haven. We discuss the value of so-called weeds, gardening for biodiversity, and why even the smallest garden can make a difference. Benny’s Insect of the Week: Yellow Loosestrife Bee Links Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you enjoyed this week’s episode with Sue, you might...
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Episode 390: Gardens with a Cause
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
Can a show garden change minds as well as win medals? This week, I’m joined by Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, whose Chelsea gardens championed peatland restoration and dementia research. We discuss whether the impact of a show garden can justify its environmental cost, and explore the power of gardens with a purpose. Benny’s Insect of the Week: Jewel Wasp Links - manufacturers of amber structures in Tina’s garden Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you enjoyed this week’s episode with Martha Krempel and Tina...
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Episode 389: Down to Earth
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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Episode 388: Connecting Through Plant Stories
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
What if the secret to connecting more deeply with nature lies in the stories we tell about plants? This week, I’m joined by landscape architect and Plant Connection podcast host Lisa Cutshaw to explore how folklore, history, and careful observation can transform the way we see the natural world. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Harlequin Ladybird Links Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you enjoyed this week’s episode with Lisa Cutshaw, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: In this episode, John...
info_outlineThis week’s guest is Roger Hirons, a horticultural expert and speaker, who’s been in the industry for over 35 years. Roger has just released a really excellent book called the Gardener’s Guide to Hedges and Living Boundaries, which covers preparation and design advice for establishing a new living boundary; advice on dealing with existing boundaries in need of restoration or extension; planting for both your human and wildlife neighbours and also a directory of some really interesting hedging plants, climbers and trees.
Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: The Swallowtail
What We Talk About
Why plant a hedge or living boundary instead of installing a fence?
What is a living boundary?
Which plants are well suited to creating a fedge?
What plants are good for wildlife?
Boundaries that are low maintenance
Boundaries that are good for security
Mounds aka bunds
Wall shrubs
Tips for staking newly planted plants
Hedges that are good for wildlife
When to cut a hedge if being considerate of bird nesting and feeding behaviours
About Roger Hirons
Roger Hirons has been a horticultural speaker for over thirty years, presenting to garden clubs and societies as well as the University of the Third Age and the Women's Institute. Since studying horticulture at Pershore College, he has also run and co-run plant centres and worked in the landscaping industry for nearly twenty years.
Links
Gardener’s Guide to Hedges and Living Boundaries by Roger Hirons - The Crowood Press Ltd, October 2022
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