The Underground

In this episode of  The Underground Podcast , Phil and Kate sit down with internationally acclaimed garden designer, TV presenter, and horticulturalist  Peter Donegan . Known for his visionary approach to garden design, Peter shares his journey from growing plants under his bed as a child to designing breathtaking landscapes around the world. His passion for storytelling through gardens shines thr...

In this episode of The Underground, Phil & Kate continue their deep dive into the role of green spaces in our built environment. They sit down with Neil Beamsley, Group Head of Biodiversity at Bellway Homes, to uncover how one of the UK’s major housebuilders is tackling biodiversity net gain. Neil shares insights on the legal requirements for developers to improve biodiversity, the challenges...

In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate dive into the often-overlooked green spaces that weave through our urban environments—verges, car park borders, roundabouts, and other ‘in-between’ spaces. These utilitarian landscapes may seem insignificant, but as horticultural consultant and garden designer Tom Angel explains, they have an enormous role to play in biodiversity, social we...

In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate are joined by Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), to dig into the evolving landscape of garden centres. With over 40 years in the industry, Peter shares his fascinating journey from growing up on a farm to leading the GCA, offering insights into how garden centres have adapted to challenges and consumer trends. They exp...

In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate sit down with Ed Hill, founder of Horti House, a groundbreaking collective of British houseplant nurseries. From his unconventional journey—from professional sailing to working in tech start-ups—Ed shares how his diverse background equipped him to champion British growers and reshape the houseplant industry. Discover how Horti House is brid...

In this captivating episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate sit down with Samantha Cook, head gardener at the historic Bardney Manor. But there’s more to Sam than meets the eye—she’s not only the visionary behind the garden’s restoration but also the custodian of an extraordinary legacy. Sam shares her journey from a childhood immersed in horticulture to becoming a Lady of the Manor and...

In this episode of The Underground, Phil and Kate sit down with Tony Clare, the Commercial Director of Henry Bell, a premium manufacturer of wild bird food and care products. With over 200 years of history, Henry Bell is leveraging its legacy and expertise to bring innovation and sustainability to a rapidly evolving market. Tony shares the company’s journey from manufacturing for other brands to l...

In this episode, Kate and Phil chat with Dan Durston, National Sales Director of Durston Garden Products, and Simon Blackhurst, a consultant working on Durston’s groundbreaking peat-free compost range. Join the conversation as Dan delves into the rich history of this Somerset-based family business, from humble beginnings to its modern, innovative approach to sustainable horticulture. Simon shares...

In this episode of The Underground, Phil and Kate sit down with Nigel Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Sipcam, to uncover the story behind this innovative and agile challenger brand in the garden industry. From its agricultural roots to the development of standout consumer gardening products, Sipcam is proving that being smaller doesn’t mean thinking small.   Nigel shares insights into th...

In this inspiring episode of The Underground, Phil and Kate are joined by Ross Dyke from The Plant Pod and Lee Connelly, aka The Skinny Jean Gardener, to discuss the power of horticulture in early years education. Ross shares the journey behind his “Get Children Growing” initiative, a creative programme designed to introduce primary school children to gardening with sustainable sunflower grow kits...

In the first episode of Season 3 of  The Underground Podcast , hosts Kate and Phil return with a focus on the thriving Grow Your Own movement. Kicking off with Ade Sellers, known as The Good Life Gardener, the conversation explores how sustainable gardening is empowering communities, particularly in urban areas. Ade shares practical tips and insights on how garden care businesses can cater to begi...

In this final episode of The Underground at Glee 2024 interview series, we welcome Alan Down, former President of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), and Terri Jones, co-founder of Joy of Plants. Down shares stories from his long career, his commitment to peat-free growing, and his efforts to highlight horticulture’s role in environmental solutions. Jones, with a background in technology,...

In this episode Kate and Phil sit down with Steve Harper from Southern Trident and Matt Bryant from Harvest Pet Products. Harper discusses the benefits of coir, a sustainable alternative to peat, and shares updates on Southern Trident’s award-winning products. Bryant talks about Harvest’s journey from a family pet shop to a major wild bird food supplier and their focus on supporting biodiversity i...

Data analytics isn't always the first thing that springs to mind when you're considering the Garden Sector, but getting your head around the numbers can give your business a significant advantage. Continuing our special episodes recorded live at Glee, we talk with two people who are all about the numbers: Anthony Creaby, Customer Success Manager from GfK and David Denny, Director of Research &...

Continuing the conversations we recorded live at Glee 2024, this episode highlights among other things the fantastic work of the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA). Nat Boynton is one of the founders of the YPHA as well as being the Sales Director of Happy Plants, while Jess Dabell is the Brand Manager for Meadow View Stone, she's also a member of the YPHA and an ambassador for the Gr...

In this bumper episode we chat with representatives from three very different manufacturing businesses, but all of whom play a pivotal role within the garden sector. Edd Cantle is a Channel Sales Manager at Gardena, suppliers of watering equipment and other garden tools. Jenny Douthwaite is the Managing Director of Primeur, a company that uses recycled rubber to create a multitude of garden produc...

This episode features two very different companies, but both of which might not immediately come to mind when you think of the garden sector: eBay and Shark Ninja. Simon Mayhew from eBay discusses how the online platform can be a valuable channel in your sales arsenal. And Seb Bartlett from Shark Ninja discusses the meteoric rise of the brand and how they're developing outdoor and leisure products...

In this bumper edition of the podcast we talk with three female leaders who's brands have distinctive, but equally captivating stories: Rachel Eunson is the founder of the Feverfew Garden Company specialising in workwear specifically designed for women. Jennifer Susan is the founder and inventor of Halliesphere, a beautifully crafted aid for flower arranging. And Shona Young is the CEO of Nutscene...

In this episode we have two conversations, both passionate about sustainability, biodiversity and great growing results. Chris Holgreaves from Urban Wyrm has won the support of No-Dig Guru, Charles Dowding for their new range of compost enriched with worm casts. Kim O'Brien AKA Dahliafarmerama is a garden designer, but has won fame online as a specialist grower of dahlias.  Urban Wyrm:  ⁠https://w...

In the second of our special episodes recorded live at Glee 2024, we’re joined by two passionate guests: Adam Taylor from Taylors Bulbs and Jayne Hickling, The Allotment Cook. Adam shares insights into welcoming and inspiring new gardeners, while Jayne talks about her deep love for cooking with the homegrown produce from her allotment. Taylors Bulbs:  http://gleebirmingham.com Jayne Hickling:  htt...

In this first of our special episodes recorded live at Glee 2024, we spoke with three people who help mould the Glee experience: Michael Perry, AKA Mr Plant Geek, who curated the future plants stand at Glee, Matt Mein the Glee Show Director and Linda Petrons the Director of Fundraising at Greenfingers Charity, responsible for putting the fun into fundraising at Glee. Glee:  http://gleebirmingham.c...

In this episode we catch up with the Talent Store finalists: Annie Gundry, Catrin Elin Jones, Steve Chase and Lucia Hopcraft. The Glee Talent Store, run in conjunction with The Garden Centre Association, is a fantastic competition that inspires new people working in garden retail to create stunning, clever and commercial retail displays. The programme involves masterclasses and mentoring from some...

Trevor Pfeiffer is a busy man, among his roles he's the Editor and Director of Garden Trade News and works with the team at Glee to put on the New Product Awards at Glee. We caught up with Trevor to find out more about his background and learn more about what makes the New Product Awards so special. This year you will be able to watch all of the companies who are pitching their products and an...

Paul North is the Managing Director of AMES; this week, in the second of our special Glee focussed episodes, he sits down with Phil and Kate to discuss the company's plans for the show this year. AMES are an ambitious player in the garden sector, brimming with confidence in their brands and extensive product line ups. AMES:  https://ames-uk.com Want to earn a place as a guest on the show? You...

The Underground is proud to be the official podcast partner of Glee 2024. This, the first of our special Glee focussed episodes, has been many months in the making. We've been busy asking all our guests for their best Glee survival tips. You'll discover some great advice from people who really know how to make the most from a visit to the show. Want to earn a place as a guest on the show?...