Gardening with the RHS

Latest Episodes:

How can I keep my garden green over winter? Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

Putting the garden to bed over winter is a thing of the past. Today we’ll be speaking to an expert horticulturist on how he created a 400m walk of winter interest planting and we’ll be chatting with Big Plant Nursery about spicing up your evergreen reserves with lush exotics. Plus we catch up with our RHS experts to learn the essential gardening jobs you ought to be doing now.

Useful links

Trees! What are they good for? Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

Absolutely everything. Today’s episode is in honour of National Tree Week, the largest annual tree celebration in the UK. We’re chatting with a whole host of experts including wildlife gardening presenter and author Kate Bradbury, science educator Jonathan Newell, and RHS Edibles team leader Paul Kettell. From managing apple orchards to the science and history of trees, you won't want to miss this special!

Useful links:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/articles/glow-illuminations
https://www.waterstones.com/book/rhs-the-tree-in-my-garden/kate-bradbury/lucille-clerc/9780241459751
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXykC-7kmZkydawYL7yVJoA
https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-inspiration/grow-your-own/choosing-apple-trees-and-planting

How to cure the winter blues Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

It’s time to stock up on some Vitamin G to get through these colder, darker days. Join us as we chat with RHS Wellbeing Fellow, Dr Lauriane Chalmin-Pui about how scent impacts our emotions, completely subconsciously! Plus we head to RHS Wisley’s Wellbeing Garden to learn how to design with wellness in mind, and visit a community gardening project in London’s Gladstone Park to hear what keeps the volunteers going in even the wettest winters.

Useful links:

Forest gardening Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

Today we’re plunging into the depths of the woods! We’re chatting with permaculturist and garden designer Pippa Chapman on how to make your own backyard forest garden. And wildlife expert James Lowen transports us to some stunning British woodlands to learn about the rare creatures lurking within. Plus we meet the RHS gardening advisors to get some crucial tree-related FAQs answered.

Useful links:

Treat your garden like a heritage estate Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

From medieval ruins to country estates, the UK is filled with old and significant spaces that continue to inspire. So today we’re talking to the head gardener at Arundel Castle about how to plant 80,000 tulip bulbs. Plus we hear the epic historic tale of the Bicycle Boys who toured the length of the country visiting all manner of estates and gardens. Finally, we get expert advice from organic gardener Ellie Mitchell on how to plant wildflowers right now, to please the bees and get a touch of that traditional cottage whimsy.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/tulip

https://www.arundelcastle.org/

https://www.rhs.org.uk/digital-collections/the-bicycle-boys

https://ellieswellies.com/podcast/

Winter is coming Oct 26, 2022

Show notes

It’s the last week of October and though the deciduous leaves have yet to all fall, we need to start preparing for the upcoming season. So today we’re talking you through the essential jobs to do in your green space with RHS horticultural advisor Jenny Bowden. We’ll also be hearing from wildlife author James Lowen on the humble moth and how to encourage its numbers in your garden. Plus we visit Gladstone Park in North London, to celebrate Black History Month as we explore a gardening initiative which encourages new ways of looking at British history.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/NOVEMBER

https://www.rhs.org.uk/wildlife/moths-in-your-garden

https://www.waterstones.com/book/much-ado-about-mothing/james-lowen/9781472966971

http://harunmorrison.net/

Turf Wars Oct 19, 2022

Show notes

A new frontier of debate has arrived in the garden… artificial grass. Does this plastic green sward have any place in our homes? That’s the question we’ll be answering today.

Featuring interviews with Dr Mark Gush, Head of Environmental Horticulture at the RHS, Organic Gardener, Ellie Mitchell and the owner of Dunsborough Park, Caroline Sweerts.

Autumn care for lawns: https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/autumn-care

Wildflower meadow establishment: https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/wildflower-meadow-establishment

Bulbs: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/bulbs

Ellie’s Wellies Organic Gardening: https://ellieswellies.com/

The Wildlife Garden Podcast: https://thewildlifegardenpodcast.podbean.com/

Dunsborough Park: https://dunsboroughpark.com/

What is soil? (and how to improve it) Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

It’s time for a love-in and a few lessons about the stuff we shove our precious plants into… soil! This episode we’re speaking to not one, but two expert scientists on what’s going on in the ground. Dr Magdalena Boshoff clues us into the world of nematodes and Dr Jassy Drakulic fills us in on fungi. Plus we chat with horticulturist Joe Lofthouse about how to choose the best compost bin to improve the soil in your garden.

Send soil samples to the RHS: https://www.rhs.org.uk/membership/rhs-gardening-advice/sending-in-samples

Honey fungus: https://www.rhs.org.uk/disease/honey-fungus

Stem and bulb nematode: https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/stem-and-bulb-nematode

Growing sky high Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

Dust off your gardening gloves and don your sunglasses, as we look to the skies on today’s show. We’ll be exploring the dizzying heights of a famously tall plant, the gunnera, with expert botanist James Armitage. We’ll also be taking on a high flying adventure with garden author Ben Dark into the world of trees. Plus, if you need a reminder on what to do in your garden or allotment this week, fan favourite Matthew Oliver is here to jog your memory.

How to grow (and eat) your own through the colder months Sep 29, 2022

Show notes

If you're curious about extending the growing season and continuing to enjoy home-grown food through the colder months, this episode is for you. Matthew Oliver joins us with tips from RHS Hyde Hall's famous glasshouse – with a focus on overwintering chillies for an abundance of spice next year. Emmy nominated TV chef, Ching He Huang, shares the flavours she’s been playing with at Wisley’s World Food Garden – ahead of her involvement in the RHS’s Festival Of Flavours. And The Garden magazine's Gareth Richards helps us get to grips with winter salads. Presented by Guy Barter.

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