Episode 321: Weathering It All
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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...
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Episode 320: Channelling Wild Gods
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Instagram Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's...
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Episode 319: New Build Gardens
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Andrew...
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Episode 318: Care Not Capital
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with John Little you might also enjoy this one from the archives: - This week I’m speaking to John Little. John founded the Grass Roof Company in 1998 and for the past 20...
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Episode 317: The Lawnmower
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 . The museum is located at the South Downs Heritage Centre in Hassocks, West Sussex, and explores the...
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Episode 316: The Dry Exotic Garden
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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...
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Episode 315: Interview with Mark Gregory
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Mark Gregory you might also enjoy this one from the archives: - My guest this week...
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Episode 314: Nurturing Growth, Inside and Out
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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...
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Episode 313: Plants for Shade
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 trustee. Links Susanna Grant...
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Gardening for Amphibians
Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Will Johansen you might also enjoy this one from the archives: - This week, my guest is Meg Skinner. Meg works as an invertebrate ecologist, surveying...
info_outlineSue 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 research and engagement manager at SongBird Survival for
over two years, and her passion is in bringing science to the public. By overseeing
the research programme at SBS, she hopes to create the greatest impact on UK
songbirds possible. Prior to her role at SBS, she worked as a scientific researcher
and wanted to do more to connect scientific research and conservation.
Links
SongBird Survival
Advice on the optimum methods for protecting birds in your garden
Downloads of plant lists and hints and tips to support birds through gardening
Whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener, see our tips for some ideas to
get gardening with wildlife in mind.
Other episodes if you liked this one:
Britain’s Birds with Benedict Macdonald - This episode, I’m talking BioChar with Craig Sams, the co-founder of Carbon Gold, a company that produces a range of BioChar products for the garden but also for agricultural use. I interviewed Craig in his beautiful garden in Hastings, so please excuse the cries of the seagulls who tried to get in on the act around halfway through the interview.…
Garden Birdwatch - 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.