The Underground

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...

Scott Smith is a trained horticulturist and has been consistently recognised by HortWeek as one of the nation's Top Head Gardeners since 2022. Until recently Scott was the Head Gardener and presenter on Beechgrove Garden for the BBC. He's also an advocate for mental health awareness within the industry. Discover more about our hosts: Kate Turner:  www.gardenerguru.co.uk Phil Wright:  www.w...

Elaine Gotts has been researching alternative growing-media ingredients for over 20 years. To say that she's an expert in the subject would be an understatement. That's why we were intrigued to discover more about the science behind the latest generation of peat-free composts. Levington Research Station:  https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/article/evergreen-research-station-where-miracles...

Boyd Douglas-Davies needs little introduction, previously the CEO of Hillview Garden Centres, a Director at British Garden Centres and a past President of the HTA, he now runs his own consulting business The Boyd Partnership, while also being an Ambassador for the YPHA and Greenfingers Charity. We caught up with Boyd to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Garden Centres and so much more!...

On this week's episode we sit down with Fran Barnes, the CEO of the HTA to discuss the role and importance of the association. We discuss challenges, opportunities and the government's attitude towards the horticultural industry. HTA:  https://hta.org.uk Discover more about our hosts: Kate Turner:  www.gardenerguru.co.uk Phil Wright:  www.wrightobara.com

Alan Roper is a renowned charismatic leader within the garden centre sector. This week he joins us to share his thoughts on building a successful business, the challenges faced and opportunities available. He tells us about the factors that he believes are destroying viable garden centre businesses and his vision for the future of the industry. Blue Diamond:  https://www.bluediamond.gg Discover mo...

Megan is the social media manager for the YPHA (Young People in Horticulture Association), she's a digital marketing assistant for a commercial grower as well as running her own business Forest Interior as a freelance-content producer. In short she's a person in demand. And having spoken with her, it's easy to see why. Megan's innate passion and inquisitiveness for plants (especial...

Glee is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and we get a glimpse behind the scenes to understand what goes into putting on the exhibition with event director Matthew Mein. We gain an insight into the innovations coming in 2024 and the importance Glee has within the garden sector calendar as well as understanding the show's decision to move the event back to September. Glee:  https://www...

Kate Ebbens is the UK representative for Capi Europe, a manufacturer of garden products that has gone to great lengths to ensure they are as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. Kate is also the Vice President of GIMA and an ambassador for the Greenfingers Charity. We caught up with Kate to discuss her thoughts on the sector and discover more about the incredible challenge she&#39...

For over 450 million years mycorrhizal fungi have lived in a symbiotic relationship with plants developing a lifelong bond of mutual benefit. Science is only now identifying the secrets of these relationships and discovering how they can be harnessed to naturally improve plant health, encouraging them to thrive. On this week's show we chat with Simon Taylor, the business development director a...

We're delighted this week to have caught up with Jane Hartley, Brand Portfolio Manager, Growing Categories at Evergreen Garden Care. She shares her insights into the sustainability journey that Evergreen Garden Care has been on, as well as her passion and enthusiasm for the industry. Evergreen Garden Care:  www.lovethegarden.com Discover more about our hosts: Kate Turner:  www.gardenerguru.co....

Toby Thomas, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of RocketGro joins us this week to share the origins story of the RocketGro brand. We get a glimpse behind the scenes of the company and hear of the industry challenges faced by new entrants and established businesses alike. We also learn what on earth digestate is, how it's produced and how it's being used as a peat alternative. RocketGro:...

This week we caught up with possibly the busiest man in horticulture, Michael Perry AKA Mr Plant Geek to get his thoughts on a range of subjects.  With years of experience and a perspective that spans across the industry we quiz Michael over gardening tips for renters, how to help new homeowners get started in the garden and what can be done to attract new gardeners into the sector. Michael Perry:...

The Greenfingers Charity does amazing work emotionally supporting life-limited children, their families and carers through beautiful outdoor spaces within children's hospices. We caught up with the lovely Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications at Greenfingers, to hear more about the incredible work the charity does. We also discover how businesses and in particular the garde...

Join us for a special episode live from The Garden Press Event 2024. In a change to our usual episodes, Phil and Kate paid a visit to The Garden Press Event and caught up with industry professionals - some of whom you may just recognise! Take a listen now and join us over on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to share your highlights from The Garden Press Event. instagram.com/underground.pod faceboo...

Gareth Dinnage is the owner and MD of Seacourt printers, a revolutionary printing business, transforming one of the most environmentally damaging industries into one that makes a positive impact on the planet. Our insightful discussion will leave you questioning how you approach your own printing needs and sets out the steps you can take in this area to help reach your environmental impact and sus...