Episodes

  • A Celebration of Autumn Colour

    A Celebration of Autumn Colour
    Oct 24 2024
    This week, Gareth Richards and Guy Barter discuss the science behind autumn colour, why some years are more dazzling than others, and what we can expect to see across the UK this year. RHS Horticultural Advisor Jenny Bowden will share a Love Letter to her favourite tree that promises to shine bright at this time of year and has a distinctive smell that would tempt anyone. We head to northeast Scotland, to explore an RHS Partner Garden - Gordon Castle Walled Garden - to find out what visitors can expect to see at this time of year, and to find out more about the history of one of the UK’s largest kitchen gardens. And we hear from the RHS Garden Wisley trials team about the results of this year's lily-flowered and fringed tulip trial and ask what we should be planting this autumn for a great display next spring. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Guy Barter, Jenny Bowden, Zara Gordon Lennox, and Roz Marshall. Other Links: Cercidiphyllum japonicum (katsura tree) Gordon Castle Walled Garden Sheffield Park and Garden Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery RHS Partner Gardens RHS Lily and Fringed Tulip Trial Results Become a member of the RHS
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    34 mins
  • Chrysanthemums, storing produce, and dividing perennials

    Chrysanthemums, storing produce, and dividing perennials
    Oct 17 2024
    This week, Gareth Richards talks to writer and designer Naomi Slade about the allure of chrysanthemums and their long history of symbolism. We head to RHS Garden Rosemoor for the second part of our series on storing produce over winter, focusing on onions, potatoes and root vegetables. And RHS Garden Wisley’s Ian Trought brings us a masterclass on dividing perennials to create more plants for our gardens next year. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Gareth Richards, Naomi Slade, Catherine Mawdsley, Ian Trought Other Links: How to grow chrysanthemums Naomi Slade Dividing perennials Become a member of the RHS
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    30 mins
  • Compost, fungi, and giant vegetables

    Compost, fungi, and giant vegetables
    Oct 11 2024
    This week, RHS Garden Wisley’s Sheila Das talks to ‘no dig’ champion Charles Dowding all about his new book on composting, and how you can go about starting the perfect sized heap to suit your own garden. We explore the wonders of mycorrhizae and learn about the beneficial relationship between fungi and the roots in our soil. And we take a trip to the Malvern Autumn Show to marvel at the display of record-breaking giant vegetables and to talk to some of the hardworking growers. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Charles Dowding, Sheila Das, Jassy Drakulic, Jenny Laville, Sebastian Suski, Peter Glazebrook, Graham Barrett Other Links: RHS Grow Your Own Veg Throughout the Year RHS Horti Curious Charles Dowding Results from Malvern Autumn Show Become a member of the RHS
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    38 mins
  • Gardening for a greener future

    Gardening for a greener future
    Oct 3 2024
    This week Gareth Richards and James Armitage journey to RHS Garden Wisley’s Hilltop Science Centre to hear how cutting edge research on the changing climate is shaping the way we think about our gardens. From coping with drought conditions and mitigating the flooding potential of our front gardens to helping pollinators in our urban environments, this week we hear from the world's leading thinkers, and unpack what it means for gardeners. Links: Sustainable planting combinations Hear more about Leon Davis’ UnPave the Way garden at Tatton RHS climate change survey
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    38 mins
  • Muscari, storing produce, and fungi

    Muscari, storing produce, and fungi
    Sep 26 2024
    As the cooler weather of autumn settles in, there's still plenty to do when it comes to keeping your garden in top shape. We’ll be hearing from RHS Garden Rosemoor’s Catherine Mawdsley about how to store your homegrown apples, pears, squashes, and pumpkins through the winter months. We’ll also be finding out the results of the recent Muscari (grape hyacinth) trial with horticulturist Roz Marshall, who shares some of the standout varieties ready to get in the ground now. And finally RHS senior plant pathologist Dr. Jassy Drakulic shares her love of fungi with us, ahead of National Fungus Day. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Roz Marshall, Catherine Mawdsley, Jassy Drakulic Other Links: Bumbles on Blooms (a citizen science project) Finding Fungi at the RHS Muscari trial results
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    33 mins
  • Holehird Gardens, Echeverias, and dividing perennials

    Holehird Gardens, Echeverias, and dividing perennials
    Sep 19 2024
    On this week's show we take a trip to Holehird Gardens nestled in the beautiful Cumbrian landscape, with chair of the Lakeland Horticultural Society, Maggie Mees. Next, host Jenny plunges into the mysterious world of plant biosecurity with the RHS’s self-proclaimed plant policeman Dario Spagnoli, to find out why plants need passports, and what to do if you suspect an invasive pest has hijacked your new shrub. Finally, we cast our eyes to houseplants, specifically the rosette-shaped succulents, the echeverias, with passionate plantswoman Tracey Coogan. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Maggie Mees, Tracey Coogan, Dario Spagnoli Other Links: National Plant collections episode of Gardening with the RHS Holehird Gardens RHS Plant Finder
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    36 mins
  • Balcony gardens, peat-free, and gardening for bats

    Balcony gardens, peat-free, and gardening for bats
    Sep 12 2024
    As September rolls in, there's a crispness in the air and the first signs of autumn are upon us. In this episode we demystify the peat-free with Jenny Laville and the RHS’s Peat-Free Transition Coordinator, Nikki Barker – including what the definition means for exhibitors at RHS Flower Shows who will be affected by changes to the rules. Author and vertical veg grower Mark Ridsdill-Smith reveals his top tips for turning even the tiniest balcony into a thriving, productive garden. Plus, he shares which winter greens you can start sowing now for a delicious cold-weather harvest. And as the nights draw in, it’s also mating season for bats! We chat with Jo Fergusson from the Bat Conservation Trust about how you can make your garden a haven for these fascinating nocturnal creatures. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Jenny Laville, Nikki Barker, Mark Ridsdill-Smith, Jo Fergusson Other Links: RHS Peat-Free Gardening hub The RHS Transition to Peat-Free Fellowship Research areas at RHS Science Vertical Veg Bats in your garden Bat Conservation Trust - Sunset Survey
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    41 mins
  • Bearded irises, asters, and bitterns

    Bearded irises, asters, and bitterns
    Sep 5 2024
    This week, renowned nurserywoman Claire Austin shares her top picks of stunning bearded irises – the perfect blooms to plant now for a burst of beauty next spring. Plus, join us as we explore the vibrant world of asters with Helen Picton, discovering how these late-flowering gems can add a splash of colour to your garden just when it needs it most. And finally, we'll take a look at the remarkable conservation success story of the bittern, a bird that owes its booming comeback to the vital wetland habitats many of us can help protect. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Claire Austin, Helen Picton, Jarrod Sneyd, Kate Bradbury, Helen Bostock Other Links: How to grow irises Claire Austin Plants Old Court Nurseries Malvern Autumn Show Leighton Moss Nature Reserve
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    34 mins