Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

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. Plea...

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 Restore...

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 The Gardens Trust Support the campaign Please support the podcast on Patreon...

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 Permaculture Planting Designs by Pippa Chapman Pippa...

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 www.thehigh...

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 Growing Fruit: A Practical Guide to Growing Top and Soft Fruit   Chris Whitelock - Learning with...

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 S...

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. L...

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 sy...

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 cha...

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 t...

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 A Song for the Earth on Amazon UK A Song for the Earth on Goodreads A Song for the Earth on Bookshop Shannon Ja...

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 www.ljbees.uk Instagram @drljbees Other ep...

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 www.andrewfisherto...

Paulette Whitney of Provenance Growers in Tasmania is a grower, cook, and the author of Broccoli and Other Love Stories . We explore the world of seeds, soil, and flavour—from the challenges of gardening in Tasmania's unique climate, to Paulette's favourite herbs, root veg, and go-to meals after a long day in the garden. Along the way, Paulette shares how chefs inspire her to try new varieties and...

Ali Morse is the Water Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts and together we talk the truth about peat: how much is still being extracted, why government promises have fallen short, and the role horticulture plays in the story. We also look ahead to the solutions—both practical and political—that could finally protect these precious habitats. Links The Wildlife Trusts – Main Website Nic Wilson's P...

Liz Morley is the force behind @you_dig_gardens and Nottingham College's inspiring Wilder Campuses project, where she's transforming educational spaces into thriving, biodiverse landscapes. We explore her accessible, low-budget approach to rewilding and how it's reconnecting people with nature right where they study and work. Links The project on instagram: @you_dig_gardens Other episodes if you l...

In this episode I have a captivating conversation with writer and artist James Roberts. We explore the profound themes of his book "Two Lights," delving into the beauty and tragedy of the natural world. James shares his journey from city life to the rural landscapes of the Welsh borders, where he finds inspiration in the twilight hours and the delicate balance of nature. We also discuss the inters...

George Fredenham—aka Flavour Fred—chef, forager, fermenter, and former co-owner of The Foragers at The Verulam Arms in St Albans is this episode's guest. Known for turning hedgerow finds into award-winning dishes and wild cocktails, George now runs foraging walks, woodland feasts, and fermentation workshops, blending deep ecological knowledge with a flair for flavour. We talk about his journey wit...

I'm speaking with Olga Evans, co-founder of the Forest Bathing Institute and author of a new book exploring the science behind nature's healing power. We'll discover what forest bathing really means, whether you need an actual forest to benefit, and learn practical techniques you can use wherever you are. Links The Forest Bathing Institute The Healing Power of Trees by Olga Terebenina and Gary Eva...

I'm speaking with Christina Oakley Harrington, founder of the legendary Treadwell's Bookshop in London and author of The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic . We dive into her lifelong work in magic and folklore, explore the rich, earthy history of plant magic, and uncover the stories and secrets behind the herbs and flowers that have enchanted humans for centuries. Whether you're a seasoned practitio...

I'm joined by designer Will Tomson, whose work blends creativity with a deep commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. We chat about some of his exciting projects involving recycled aggregates, who inspires him, his Talking Plants events which he runs with Amy Langron and Katy Merrington, plus we lift the lid on a new and exciting event happening this September for anyone interested in practi...

Pat Thomas is Director of Beyond GM, and we explore the hidden realities of GMOs, the implications of new "Precision Breeding" legislation, and how these changes could affect gardeners, small-scale growers, and our food future. From campaigns like Stop Hidden GMOs to looking at the global landscape regarding GMO policies, Pat offers essential insights and practical advice on where to learn more an...

Lee Miller lived many lives—model, surrealist, war correspondent—but it was in the kitchen and garden at Farleys House that she found a kind of peace after the chaos. In this episode, Lee's granddaughter Ami Bouhassane discusses her book Lee Miller: A Life with Food, Friends and Recipes , and offers an intimate portrait of her grandmother's postwar years. We explore how cooking became a creative o...

Writer and naturalist Julian Hoffman joins me for a dive into his latest book  Lifelines , exploring the fragile beauty of threatened landscapes, the deep connections between wildlife and culture, and what it means to belong—to a place, to a species, to a song. From regent honeyeaters losing their voices to the shifting borders that divide both people and animals, Julian shares stories that remind...