Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Joshua Sparkes you might also enjoy this one from the archives: Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition Guest: Sam Hamrebtan Link: Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking...
info_outline
Episode 322: Garden Wildlife Ponds
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Pete Case you might also enjoy this one from the archives: Will Johansen is from Froglife, a conservation group devoted to protecting amphibians and reptiles. Will’s here...
info_outline
Episode 333: Designing for Habitat and Biodiversity
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Emmaline Bowman you might also enjoy this one from the archives: This week’s guest is eco gardener, landscape...
info_outline
Episode 331: Doug Tallamy Revisited
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Kelly...
info_outline
Episode 330: Ecological Art for the People
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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...
info_outline
Episode 329: Wildlife Garden, Australia Style
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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...
info_outline
Episode 328: Soil, Health and Nutrition
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Sam Hamrebtan you might also enjoy this one from the archives: This episode, my guest is qualified herbalist Meghan...
info_outline
Episode 327: Following in the Footsteps
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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/ Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Kerri Andrews you...
info_outline
Episode 326: Glyphosate
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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: At Her books:
info_outline
Episode 325: Growing in the Garden
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Ramona Jones on Instagram - Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Ramona Jones you might also enjoy this one from the archives: This week...
info_outlineHello and welcome to this week’s episode, where in recognition of World Autism Acceptance Week, I’m speaking about Sensory Gardens, with a focus on design for people with autism. I have three guests; Camellia Taylor who’s designed The Natural Affinity Garden, which will be at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, after which time it will be relocated to Kent, to the charity Aspens where it will be used by residents of and visitors to the site. Next, I speak with Meraud Davis who’s overseeing the project at Aspens and finally, to Alexis Selby a foraging obsessed, nature-loving, all-round amazing person who’s giving us her take on using outdoor spaces with her son, Jared.
Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: Narcissus Root Fly
What We Talk About
Why do we need to distinguish between men and women when it comes to environmentalism?
Isn’t it fair to say some women are interested in improving and caring for their environment and some aren’t, and this is the case too with men?
The feminisation of responsibility as it relates to climate change
Why women are more affected by climate change than men
Women and the control of the means of polluting production
Why women lack the opportunity to generate a larger climate footprint
Women who are making a difference
About The Natural Affinity Garden
Aspens will partner with garden designer Camellia Taylor to create a show garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (23 – 27 May 2023), supported by Project Giving Back. Aspens is a social care charity that provides high quality care and support topeople on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities, and their families in the South-East.
The Natural Affinity Garden for Aspens, is one of six All About Plants gardens being supported by Project Giving Back in 2023. It will encourage a connection with nature and maximise the benefits to a visitor’s wellbeing by engaging with the seven senses (touch, taste, scent, sight, sound, movement and temperature).
Each planting zone of the design targets specific senses and every aspect of the planting has been included for sensory stimulation. The dominant use of green in the garden provides an overall feeling of calm for those with hyper-sensitivity (sensory avoidant) and subtle additions of purple and yellow provide stimulation and interaction for those with hypo-sensitivity (sensory seeking).
After the show, the garden will be relocated to the heart of Aspens’ Kent site, where it will provide a rich, therapeutic haven for the charity’s community. The Natural Affinity Garden for Aspens’ designer Camellia Taylor has a background in psychology and health care and has worked on previous projects with Aspens. She has a strong connection with the charity’s core values of empowerment, inclusivity and integrity and is passionate about supporting their vision for an inclusive society where people with disabilities can thrive.
Links
World Autism Awareness Week - The National Autistic Society
Other episodes if you liked this one: