The Underground

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?...

Will Scott is a team leader for Heart of Eden, who produce a range of peat-free composts and barks in the Eden Valley, Cumbria. We discuss the uniqueness of the garden sector and how the industry needs to adapt to entrenched attitudes, climate change and the political landscape. We also chat about more positive things too! Heart of Eden:  https://heartofeden.co.uk AHS:  https://www.ahs-ltd.co.uk D...

From filmmaker to scuba diving instructor, graphic designer to athletics webmaster, Debi Holland has taken a unique path to where she finds herself now: a gardener, garden writer, photographer and content creator. In this episode we discuss Debi's passion for learning and desire to share her wealth of knowledge with a flourishing community of gardeners. Debi Holland:  https://www.debihollandga...

Our guest this week started her horticultural career literally as a scientist in the fields. From there she moved into the world of horticultural marketing, but never lost her scientific roots. We discuss Jane's analytical approach to marketing along with her role at the HTA as well as the numerous other industry activities she gets involved in - she's a busy lady! Lawler Associates:  www....

Kimberley Hornby-George is the founder of Hornby George PR an agency specialising in the garden, home, leisure, and lifestyle sectors. We discuss the role of PR and how it integrates into a company's marketing strategy. We talk about how to get the most from your PR efforts and also take a look at the future of PR. Hornby George PR:   https://hornbygeorgepr.com Discover more about our hosts: K...

Author, broadcaster and nature therapist, Ellen Mary joins us this week, In a wide-ranging conversation, Ellen Mary shares her thoughts on how gardening and being in touch with nature provides immense benefits for physical and mental health. We discuss forest bathing, veganic gardening and agree that she to join us as a special guest host on the podcast providing we can secure a special guest! Fin...

This week we're reflecting on what an amazing start we've had to our podcast journey. We're so grateful to all our wonderful guests, for their generosity in time, insight and good humour. Here's a selection of some of our favourite bits to give you a flavour of what The Underground is all about. Discover more about our hosts: Kate Turner:  www.gardenerguru.co.uk Phil Wright:  www.w...

This week we were fortunate enough to have been invited along to the press preview of Gardeners World Live at the NEC. We took in the show gardens and spoke to the designers as well as some journalists, horticulturalists and influencers also enjoying the show. https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com Thanks to all those who we managed to talk to including, Kevin Smith, Ade Sellers, Jayne Hickling, Jo...

Sally Nex is a horticulturalist, journalist and environmental campaigner with the Peat-free Partnership, we caught up with her to learn more about the mission of this organisation. Despite the widely recognised environmental damage caused by the use of peat in horticulture, the trade in peat is still ongoing. The Peat-Free Partnership brings together the RHS, the Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB, the Nat...

A good lawn is a staple for most gardens, but have you ever considered the R&D that goes into creating the latest generation of lawn seed? Guy Jenkins has been working with DLF seeds, the company behind Johnsons lawn seed, for 28 years, so he knows a thing or two about what goes into the perfect lawn. DLF supply grass seeds for a host of prestigious sports pitches, and it's this know-how t...

The Responsible Sourcing Scheme has been developed to assess the impact of each raw material ingredient that goes into a bag of Peat Free compost. We caught up with Steve Harper, the chairman of the RSS and also CEO of Southern Trident, to understand the scope of the RSS, how it works, and what difference it will make to retailers and consumers. We also discuss the environmental impact of one of t...