Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
Do you want to know how to grow plants and get the best out of your outdoor space? Do you find traditional gardening media baffling and/or boring? Then you’re in the right place, because the Roots and All podcast is here to dig deep into how to create a successful garden. If you want honest information and insider knowledge about how to get results, join irreverent horticulturist Sarah Wilson as she chats to the best people from the world of plants and gardens. Sarah is on a mission to help you create your own beautiful green environment, with a focus on saving resources and working with nature. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure you don’t miss an episode.
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Episode 383: Roots in Orkney
05/04/2026
Episode 383: Roots in Orkney
What happens when you follow a decades-long love affair with a place all the way to its shores? Victoria Bennett did exactly that, uprooting her life in Cumbria to start afresh on the windswept islands of Orkney — new garden, new climate, and an inspiring vision for a community apothecary space rooted in creativity, care, and the land itself. Benny’s Insect of the Week: Orange-tip Butterly With thanks to our sponsor - . get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links Author Website Books All My Wild Mothers — Instagram — Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you enjoyed this week's episode with Victoria, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Brigit Anna McNeill explores healing through plants, herbalism, folklore and ancestral connection — a beautiful companion to today's conversation about finding yourself through the natural world and the restorative power of putting down new roots. Robin Singh's journey from corporate life to growing his own food and living more intentionally echoes Victoria's themes of caregiving, community and choosing a life shaped by purpose rather than habit.
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Episode 382: When Gardening Doesn’t Make You Happy
04/27/2026
Episode 382: When Gardening Doesn’t Make You Happy
What if gardening doesn’t make you happy? Gardening isn’t always the simple “cure-all” it’s often made out to be. We get into the realities behind the wellbeing narrative — from overwhelm and pressure to the deeper emotional connections we form with our outdoor spaces. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation about what gardens really give us… and what they sometimes don’t. Benny’s Insect of the Week: Gooden’s Nomad Bee With thanks to our sponsor - . get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. 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 Harriet, you might also like these conversations from the archives: In this episode, Sarah looks at the emotional side of gardening and how our outdoor spaces can shape identity, wellbeing, and resilience — a thoughtful companion to today’s discussion about the psychological weight and reward of tending a garden. This episode explores the relationship between nature and wellbeing, questioning what we really mean when we say gardens make us “happy,” and how that experience varies from person to person — closely linked to today’s reflections on the limits of gardening as a cure-all.
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Episode 381: Ecology, Art and Memory
04/20/2026
Episode 381: Ecology, Art and Memory
Rebecca Wynn Kelly works at the intersection of sculpture, ecology, and myth as a “species architect” exploring how we might reimagine our relationship with the land. Rooted in West Wales, her work blends habitat creation with storytelling and folklore to ask who—and what—we build the landscape for. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Batman Overfly Please support our sponsors - . get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links Instagram – Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with Rebecca Wynn Kelly, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: In this episode, John Little explores how gardens can be designed with wildlife at the centre, creating layered habitats that support a wide range of species. It’s a natural companion to today’s conversation about building for more than just human needs and thinking like a “species architect.” In this episode, Rebecca Beattie discusses seasonal cycles, folklore and ritual, and how reconnecting with the rhythms of the year can deepen our relationship with the land. It offers a thoughtful extension of today’s themes around story, place and ecological connection.
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Episode 380: Following a Drop of Water
04/13/2026
Episode 380: Following a Drop of Water
This week, we dive into the hidden world of water with author Stephen Rutt, exploring the landscapes we so often overlook. From chalk streams to peat bogs, we trace water’s strange and vital journey through our environment—and why it deserves far more of our attention. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Yellow-Legged Mining Bee Please support our sponsors - . get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with Stephen, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: In this episode, Sarah explores the importance of peatlands, from their role in carbon storage to their impact on water systems, making it a natural companion to today’s conversation about wetlands and the movement of water through the landscape. This episode looks at how introducing water into the garden can support biodiversity, offering practical insights into creating and maintaining ponds — an ideal follow-on from today’s discussion on the value of water in both wild and cultivated spaces.
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Episode 379: Pam Lewis: Ahead of the Curve
04/06/2026
Episode 379: Pam Lewis: Ahead of the Curve
Horticultural legend Pam Lewis began her garden at Sticky Wicket in Dorset decades ago, and revisiting her early writing shows just how ahead of the curve—and fearless—she was in championing wildlife-friendly, sustainable gardening. We sat down to reflect on her years in the garden and how the horticultural world has changed along the way. Benny’s Insect of the Week: Asiraca clavicornis Please support our sponsors - . get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Books Sticky Wicket: Gardening in Tune With Nature - Pam Lewis, 2007 Making a Wildflower Meadow - Pam Lewis, 2015 Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with Pam, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: In this episode, Sarah explores how gardeners can better support biodiversity, sharing practical ways to create spaces that welcome and sustain wildlife — making it a natural companion to today’s conversation about gardening in harmony with nature. This episode looks at the impact of letting lawns grow wild through May, highlighting how small changes in garden management can have big benefits for pollinators and biodiversity — an ideal follow-on from today’s discussion on working with, rather than against, the natural world.
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Episode 378: Growing a Sustainable Nursery
03/30/2026
Episode 378: Growing a Sustainable Nursery
What does it really take to run a small, sustainable nursery? This week on Roots and All, I’m joined by nurseryman and designer Ben Preston of Cliff Bank Nursery for an honest conversation about the realities of the job—from growing in sand and selling bare root plants to why local nurseries matter more than ever, and why it’s truly a labour of love. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Orange Ladybird Please support our sponsors - . get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links Instagram: Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with Ben, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: In this episode, Sarah speaks with Sam Frings about building and running an organic nursery, exploring the challenges of growing plants sustainably, maintaining ethical practices, and creating a resilient small business — making it a perfect companion to today’s discussion on the realities of nursery life. Nick Macer of Pan Global Plants joins Sarah to share his passion for unusual and hard-to-find plants, discussing plant sourcing, selection, and what it takes to run a specialist nursery — an ideal follow-on from today’s conversation about plant choice, diversity, and the role of small growers.
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Episode 377: Britain’s Hidden Psychedelic History
03/23/2026
Episode 377: Britain’s Hidden Psychedelic History
What if Britain’s fields were hiding a secret psychedelic past in plain sight? In this episode of Roots and All, I’m joined by historian and publisher Robert Dickins to explore the surprising story of our native mushrooms—from how they grow to the cultural and legal forces that have shaped our relationship with them. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a little-known side of Britain’s natural and social history. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Orange Ladybird Please support our sponsors - and get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links About: Robert Dickins, PhD, is a historian and publisher, whose works examines the social and literary history of psychoactive substances and altered states of experience. He is the author of Cobweb of Trips: A Literary History of Psychedelics (2024) and Psilocybe Pickers: A Short History of Bemushroomed Britons (2025), and is currently researching the connection between tripping and gardens for a forthcoming project. He is on the steering committee for Breaking Convention, Europe's largest psychedelic conference, and has been publishing in the psychedelic space for almost 20 years. He lives in the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire. Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with Robert, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: In this episode, Sarah explores the world of foraging and our relationship with wild food — from what’s safe and sustainable to pick, to the deeper cultural connections we have with the plants and fungi around us, making it a perfect companion to today’s discussion of Britain’s overlooked natural history. Doug Bierend joins Sarah to delve into the rich cultural and historical world of fungi, exploring how mushrooms have shaped human societies and imaginations — an ideal follow-on from today’s episode on the hidden stories and significance of psychedelic species.
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Episode 376: From Rewilding to Renaturing
03/16/2026
Episode 376: From Rewilding to Renaturing
Small spaces, big wildlife. Writer James Canton joins me to discuss his book Renaturing and his two-acre North Essex project, showing how subtle, thoughtful interventions can revive biodiversity — a great companion episode to Randal Plunkett’s conversation about large-scale “V-wilding.” Benny’s Insect of the Week: European Orchard Bee Links Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with James, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Randal Plunkett joins Sarah to explore his large‑scale “V‑wilding” project at Dunsany Nature Reserve, where a hands‑off approach lets ecosystems recover and challenges mainstream ideas about restoration — a great complement to today’s discussion on working with nature at different scales. Freshwater Habitats Trust expert Pete Case dives into the world of garden ponds — why they matter for wildlife, how to create and maintain them, and how even modest water features can support biodiversity, making this a practical and inspiring complement to today’s episode about working with the land you have.
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Episode 375: Growing with Cloches
03/09/2026
Episode 375: Growing with Cloches
In this episode, I’m joined by Beth Gregg, founder of Claverton Cloches, who’s on a mission to revive the beauty and practicality of Victorian cloche gardening. We talk about cloches of all shapes, sizes, and materials, how they can extend the growing season and protect crops, and explore the history, design, and sustainability behind them — and why sometimes the smallest structures can make the biggest difference in the garden. Benny’s Insect of the Week: Daffodil Dung Fly About Beth Gregg is a passionate advocate of cloche gardening and the founder of Claverton Cloches. Her love affair with the romance of the English garden, particularly the ingenuity of historic kitchen gardens, led her to explore the power of the humble cloche as both a practical and beautiful growing tool. In her own garden, Beth uses cloches extensively to extend the seasons and create microclimates. She ripens chillies and tender crops outdoors in lieu of a greenhouse, overwinters flowers for early cutting in late spring, and protects delicate young plants from frost, wind and hungry garden visitors. For her, cloches are not ornamental extras, but transformative tools - simple structures that can dramatically improve yield, resilience and timing in the garden. Inspired by antique Victorian designs, she went on to found Claverton Cloches in 2020, reviving traditional cast-iron and glass forms for modern gardeners who value both beauty and productivity. Her work celebrates the quiet practicality of historic garden craft, and the idea that functional objects in the garden can, and should, be deeply beautiful. You can explore Claverton Cloches at Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with Beth you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Canadian gardener and author Niki Jabbour joins Sarah to share her deep‑dive wisdom on using crop covers, season‑extending techniques and protected structures to grow productive, weather‑resilient vegetable gardens — even in challenging climates. From practical crop‑cover strategies to prolonging your growing year, this episode is full of hands‑on insight for gardeners looking to get more from their space. Episode 193: Growing Under Protection Horticultural expert Guy Deakins joins Sarah to explore what “protected growing” really means — how to create successful micro‑climates in the garden, the benefits and pitfalls of sheltered environments, and how protection can boost plant health and productivity. It’s a thoughtful complement to our discussion about cloches and ways of supporting plants through design and environment.
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Episode 374: Smarter Tomato Growing
03/02/2026
Episode 374: Smarter Tomato Growing
Tomatoes might be the gateway drug to vegetable gardening — but are we making life harder than it needs to be? In this episode of Roots and All, I’m joined by Frank Hyman to talk about the origins of the tomato, why it struggles in our wet climates, and how small shifts in the way we grow can make a huge difference. From myth-busting pruning advice to clever ways of keeping plants dry and productive, this is a practical, good-humoured deep dive into growing better tomatoes. Benny’s Insect of the Week: Hairy-footed Flower Bee Links Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with Frank you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Canadian gardener and author Niki Jabbour joins Sarah to share her deep‑dive wisdom on using crop covers, season‑extending techniques and protected structures to grow productive, weather‑resilient vegetable gardens — even in challenging climates. From practical crop‑cover strategies to prolonging your growing year, this episode is full of hands‑on insight for gardeners looking to get more from their space. Bailey Van Tassel joins Sarah to discuss cultivating a thriving kitchen garden, exploring seasonal growing practices, companion planting and strategies for turning a small space into a productive, food-focused garden. This conversation complements Frank’s tomato insights, offering practical tips and inspiration for anyone looking to grow vegetables beautifully and successfully.
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Episode 373: V-Wilding
02/23/2026
Episode 373: V-Wilding
What happens when a thousand-year-old estate stops farming and lets nature take the lead? I’m joined by Randal Plunkett, who transformed his ancestral home at Dunsany Nature Reserve into a bold rewilding experiment — removing livestock and embracing a hands-off, vegan approach to restoration. We explore how his model challenges mainstream ideas about deer, biodiversity, woodland succession and the economics of conservation in a time of climate crisis. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Spotted Thintail Links Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Grower Joshua Sparkes joins Sarah to discuss regenerative, soil-centred farming and how rethinking our approach to food production can restore ecosystems rather than deplete them. From building soil health to designing resilient growing systems, this episode explores practical ways to work with natural processes instead of against them. A companion to Randal’s conversation about stepping back, restoring balance, and redefining our role within the landscape. Dr Linda Birkin joins Sarah to champion wildlife-friendly gardening and the science behind creating spaces that genuinely support insects, birds and wider biodiversity. Sharing research-led insights and practical action, this episode focuses on building ecological richness from the ground up. It complements the Dunsany discussion, reinforcing the idea that restoring balance — whether in gardens or entire estates — begins with allowing nature’s systems to function fully.
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Episode 372: Modular Greening in Cities
02/16/2026
Episode 372: Modular Greening in Cities
Can modular planting reshape our cities? In this episode, the Upper Bloom team explores how modular, plant-filled containers are bringing greenery to dense urban streets, terraces, and retail frontages. A natural follow-up to our Sloane Street episode, we discuss whether these systems enhance biodiversity, serve aesthetic goals, or simply make challenging urban spaces greener, while also diving into sustainability, plant choices, and the practical realities of keeping cities green. Benny’s Bug of the Week: Green fanged tube web spider - sponsored by Cerddwr’s Herbs go to and use the code BUGPODS for a listener’s discount. Links Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: I explore the story behind New York’s iconic elevated park, examining how an abandoned rail line was transformed into a richly planted public space that balances design, biodiversity and heavy footfall. A compelling companion to this modular greening conversation, it highlights what’s possible when ambitious planting schemes reshape dense urban environments. This episode looks at the greening of London’s Sloane Street, exploring how large-scale streetscape redesign can integrate trees, planting and infrastructure to soften the urban realm. It pairs perfectly with today’s discussion, offering a broader civic-scale perspective on how cities can weave nature back into commercial spaces.
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Episode 371: Wild Edibles
02/09/2026
Episode 371: Wild Edibles
What if the future of our food system is already growing wild beneath our feet? Wendy Russell and Freda Farquharson explore the power of wild edibles — from sorrel seeds and citizen science to health, biodiversity, and climate-friendly farming — and how these overlooked plants could help shape a more resilient future for people, nature, and the land. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Australian Orange Tip Moth - sponsored by Cerddwr’s Herbs go to and use the code BUGPODS for a listener’s discount. Links The for becoming participants of the project The Wild Edibles logo was designed by Gabrielle Reith Milestones since the project’s launch on 1st May 2025: 1st seeds sent out on 7th May 2025 Over 300 packets of seeds sent or delivered by hand so that’s over 15 000 seeds sent out so far! Furthest south sent - Kent Furthest North sent - Shetland Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with Brigit you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Foraging expert Marlow Renton joins Sarah to explore the delights and responsibilities of harvesting wild food, from deepening our relationship with the land to understanding seasonal abundance and ethical foraging. A perfect companion to Wendy and Freda’s conversation about wild edibles, knowledge-sharing, and reconnecting with overlooked plants in our landscapes. Chef and forager Flavour Fred shares his passion for turning wild ingredients into vibrant, accessible food, celebrating flavour, creativity, and sustainability. This episode beautifully complements the Wild Edibles project, bringing the journey full circle from growing and foraging to cooking, eating, and valuing wild food as part of everyday life.
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Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature
02/02/2026
Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature
There are no human atoms—only nature’s. In this episode, Brigit Anna McNeill joins me to explore what it means to truly come home to the natural world. Drawing on her book and her journey, Brigit reflects on healing through plants, herbalism, folklore, and ancestral connection. We talk about losing and reclaiming connection, the slow unfolding of change, and why nature simply waits for us to listen. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Australian Orange Tip Moth - sponsored by Cerddwr’s Herbs go to and use the code BUGPODS for a listener’s discount. Links Author — Brigit Anna McNeill (writer, naturalist, teacher, and author of The Wild Within) Author Substack Book — The Wild Within: What Plants Taught Me about Life, Recovery and Renewal https://septemberpublishing.org/product/the-wild-within-what-plants-taught-me-about-life-recovery-and-renewal-pb/ Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week’s episode with Brigit you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Olga Evans, co-founder of the Forest Bathing Institute, delves into what forest bathing really means, why nature immersion can be restorative even if you’re not in an actual forest, and how simple, mindful practices can help you reconnect with the land—echoing Brigit’s reflections on nature, wellbeing and presence. Author Nic Wilson discusses how her relationship with the natural world helped her navigate chronic illness, and how nature shapes our inner landscapes as much as our outer ones—a beautiful complement to Brigit’s themes of slow transformation, embodied connection and the wisdom of listening to nature.
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Episode 369: Retail Meets Urban Nature
01/26/2026
Episode 369: Retail Meets Urban Nature
I’m joined by landscape architects Andy Harris and Andy Sturgeon to explore the thinking behind the transformation of London’s Sloane Street. Together, they tell the story of a project that set out to reimagine this 1km stretch as a green boulevard inspired by the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden — shifting it from a traffic-dominated thoroughfare into a calmer, more human-centred place. We talk about how landscape can knit together retail and residential life, improve wellbeing, and encourage people not just to pass through, but to linger — using planting as environmental infrastructure. From underground constraints and traffic reduction to biodiversity uplift and long-term stewardship, this conversation reveals how thoughtful urban greening can reshape experience, behaviour and connection in the heart of the city and it provides a great companion episode to last year’s one on New York’s High Line. Benny’s Insect of the Week: The Seven-Spot Ladybird - sponsored by Cerddwr’s Herbs go to and use the code BUGPODS for a listener’s discount. – official project page outlining the landscape and public realm transformation of this 1 km London boulevard with widened pavements, planting and green infrastructure as part of a masterplan for Cadogan Estates. – leading the Landscape and Urban Design Studio and responsible for the Sloane Street masterplan and other major public realm projects. – the official site for Andy Sturgeon’s landscape architecture and garden design practice, responsible for the planting and horticultural design on the Sloane Street project. Please support the podcast on
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Episode 368: Rooted In Purpose
01/19/2026
Episode 368: Rooted In Purpose
I’m joined by Robin Singh, a former tech entrepreneur turned animal rescuer and author, to explore what it really means to live a purposeful life. Our conversation weaves through gardening, homesteading and sustainability, but quickly digs deeper into ideas of happiness, existential crisis and the search for meaning. Drawing on Robin’s journey from corporate success to running an animal rescue and growing his own food, the episode reflects on reducing suffering, finding purpose over pleasure, and how small, thoughtful choices can help us live more intentionally—especially at the start of a new year. — official site for the animal rescue and farm founded by Robin Singh Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week's episode with Robin Singh you might also enjoy these ones from the archives: In this episode Sarah is joined by permaculture designer and author Pippa Chapman as they explore how beauty, productivity and wildlife-friendly principles can all thrive together in the garden. They talk about designing resilient, edible ecosystems and how small, thoughtful changes to our spaces can transform the way we live with nature—echoing Robin’s ideas about living intentionally and purposefully with the land. Author Nic Wilson discusses how her deep relationship with the natural world has helped her navigate chronic illness, and how our surroundings shape and reflect our inner resilience. This conversation complements Robin’s reflection on suffering, meaning and transformation by highlighting how nature supports us through life’s challenges.
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Episode 367: Kelly Baldry Interviews Sarah Wilson
12/22/2025
Episode 367: Kelly Baldry Interviews Sarah Wilson
This time, I’m the one in the hot seat. In this reflective end-of-year episode, Kelly Baldry takes over as host to ask searching questions about the podcast, changing minds, climate contradictions, and the limits of horticulture as a mental-health cure, alongside a deeper look at my work with Veterans’ Growth and what it really means to create safe, supportive spaces in and beyond the garden. Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens
12/15/2025
Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens
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 Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week's episode with Sandra Schwarz you might also enjoy these ones from the archives: Sarah speaks with Olga Evans, co‑founder of the Forest Bathing Institute, about what forest bathing really means, the science behind nature’s healing effects, and practical ways to bring its benefits into everyday life, even if you don’t have a forest nearby. Sarah talks to Pete Welsh, an RAF Warrant Officer whose journey from military life through mental health challenges highlights the therapeutic power of gardening and community connection, and the parallels between cultivating plants and healing ourselves.
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Episode 365: Protecting Our Parks & Gardens
12/08/2025
Episode 365: Protecting Our Parks & Gardens
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 Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week's episode with Linden Groves you might also enjoy this one from the archives: Sarah speaks with landscape designer and rewilding advocate Mary Reynolds about turning gardens and public green spaces into biodiversity-supporting “Arks,” exploring how design choices can protect nature in everyday landscapes. Sarah talks to Liz Morley about rewilding public and institutional landscapes, discussing how sensitive, ecologically informed design can support nature while still serving community needs.
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Episode 364: Permaculture Planting
12/01/2025
Episode 364: Permaculture Planting
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 Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week's episode with Richard Hayden you might also enjoy this one from the archives: Sarah speaks with Pippa Chapman about her book The Plant Lover’s Backyard Forest Garden, exploring how to design beautiful, edible, wildlife-friendly forest garden spaces even in small gardens. Sarah talks to Erik Ohlsen, a permaculturist and regenerative designer, about creating landscapes that repair the environment and follow ecological principles.
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Episode 363: The High Line
11/24/2025
Episode 363: The High Line
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 Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn If you liked this week's episode with Richard Hayden you might also enjoy this one from the archives: Episode 323: Wildflowers, Community & Urban Nature Sarah speaks with Richard Scott and Polly Moseley of the Scouse Flowerhouse about creating biodiverse, people-centred urban landscapes and how community-driven planting can transform the character and ecological value of city spaces. Link: Episode 59: Public Green Spaces with Neil Sinden I talk with Neil Sinden from CPRE about the role of public green spaces in urban life, exploring access, stewardship, and how thoughtful planning can shape meaningful, lived-in landscapes for residents and visitors alike. Link:
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Episode 362: Growing Fruit
11/17/2025
Episode 362: Growing Fruit
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 Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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Restoring Nature, Rebuilding Lives
11/10/2025
Restoring Nature, Rebuilding Lives
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: — her bio, role description and contact information. Curriculum materials she oversaw: — downloadable education-units with her listed as Program Director. Article on the prison-conservation work mentioning her: “When Gardening is a Lifeline and Game-Changer” (in Pacific Horticulture) — includes direct quotes from her about the prison-based conservation programme. A podcast featuring her and the prison conservation programme: — she appears discussing the “Sagebrush in Prisons” / conservation-in-prisons initiative. Other episodes if you liked this one: 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. I speak with Seb Stroud (Leeds University) about the state of botanical education, its implications for biodiversity & climate, and what is being done to revive it. Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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Beyond Big Food
11/03/2025
Beyond Big Food
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: In this episode, Pete Russell discusses how the platform Ooooby links customers with small‑scale local growers, promoting a shift away from the large industrial system and toward local, independent food supply chains. This episode features Dave Chapman and delves into the broader food‑system issues: corporate consolidation in agriculture, how “regenerative” is being used (or misused) as a buzzword, and how the choice of farming systems impacts equity, transparency and consumer trust. Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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Episode 359: Hard Landscapes, Living Systems
10/27/2025
Episode 359: Hard Landscapes, Living Systems
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: In this episode, host Sarah Wilson speaks to Giles Heap of CED Stone about sourcing natural stone ethically, using materials appropriate to location and job, UK local‑stone options, production/process environmental impacts, permeability and drainage issues with hard surfaces and the future of stone products. In this episode, landscape architect Sally Bower discusses her RHS‑bursary‑winning report exploring gravel and recycled aggregate gardens in Essex and London (including Hilldrop, Hyde Hall, Beth Chatto’s gravel garden, Langdon Nature Discovery Car Park and the Horniman Museum Grasslands garden) and shares surprising insights for designing with or growing in these media. Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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Episode 358: Inside The New Beautiful
10/20/2025
Episode 358: Inside The New Beautiful
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: In this episode, freelance photographer Mark Bolton discusses his approach to capturing gardens and interiors for editorial and commercial clients. He shares insights into creating visually appealing garden spaces and offers tips for gardeners looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their own gardens. Garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin explores contemporary planting design, focusing on how modern approaches are shaping the aesthetics and functionality of gardens. He discusses trends, challenges, and the evolving role of planting design in creating beautiful and sustainable garden spaces. And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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Episode 357: Designing for Wild Futures
10/13/2025
Episode 357: Designing for Wild Futures
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: Instagram: Other episodes if you liked this one: In this one, Sarah speaks with Nick Townsend of NatureScaping about how to integrate wildlife‑friendly features into garden construction and landscape design. They explore how hardscape and structural elements can support or harm biodiversity. Sarah talks with landscape architect Sally Bower, whose work studies gardens using gravel, recycled aggregate, and other resilient growing media. They delve into designing with “non‑traditional” soils and how these gardens can help wildlife. Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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Episode 356: Poetry for the Planet
10/06/2025
Episode 356: Poetry for the Planet
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: In this episode, Sarah talks with landscape designer and rewilding pioneer Mary Reynolds about her mission to turn gardens into wild sanctuaries. They explore how even small patches of land can play a part in restoring biodiversity. Author Nic Wilson joins Sarah to share how her relationship with the natural world supports her through chronic illness. They discuss the ways nature mirrors our inner worlds and offers space for healing. Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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Episode 355: Turn Up The Wild
09/29/2025
Episode 355: Turn Up The Wild
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 Instagram Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 244: The Biodiversity Gardener Paul Sterry, ecologist, author and photographer, joins the podcast to discuss how even small gardens can play a huge role in reversing biodiversity loss. He shares insights into practical wildlife gardening, the importance of scrub and edge habitats, and how gardeners can maximise their patch’s ecological value using native planting, structural diversity, and a bit of wildness. Episode 322: Garden Wildlife Ponds Pete Case from the Freshwater Habitats Trust explores the vital role ponds play in supporting biodiversity. In this episode, he explains how to create and maintain garden ponds for wildlife, the importance of clean water, how pond size and shape affect its ecology, and how even the smallest container of water can benefit invertebrates, amphibians, and more. Please support the podcast on And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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Episode 354: Modern Planting Design
09/22/2025
Episode 354: Modern Planting Design
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 Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 94: James Basson of Scape Design James Basson of Scape Design, working from southern France, talks naturalistic planting, use of native species, matrix/grid planting in large landscapes, and how to design resilient planting schemes. Episode 205: Gardening on a Gradient Carol Smith, garden designer and lecturer, discusses designing and establishing gardens on sloping sites — site assessment, design, planting, and the challenges and opportunities slopes bring. And follow Roots and All: On Instagram On Facebook On LinkedIn
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