The Underground

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...

Lee Connelly, the Skinny Jean Gardener, wants to get kids out in the garden and shares his passion for growing plants and nature. He is also leading the charge to get gardening included on the curriculum for primary schools. We caught up with Lee to hear what he’s been up to and discover how businesses within the sector can support the next generation to embrace a love of gardening. … Oh, and the...

On this week's episode Charlotte Howard of Capability Charlotte shares her trials and tribulations as a woman working in horticulture, from adequate facilities to comfortably fitting workwear. We also discuss Charlotte's campaign to see plastic grass banned, or plastic death carpet as she likes to call it! Subscribe now, wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com...

We’re delighted to welcome our first guest onto the Underground. Vicky Nuttall, the Director of GIMA, gives us an overview of the role of GIMA and we discover how the organisation is supporting their members. Vicky dispels some common garden sector misconceptions and shares some thoughts and insights. From current challenges such as the move to peat-free, to the need for fresh approaches in order...

Join Kate & Phil for our pilot episode of The Underground. In this episode we’re talking about one of Kate’s garden passions, mulch! Find out more about the benefits of mulch in the garden and how the industry can encourage gardeners to embrace this technique to improve soil health and reap the rewards. Subscribe now, wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/underg...

COMING JANUARY 2024! THE UNDERGROUND Exploring the future of garden care The underground podcast is a place where the disparate worlds of horticulture and marketing collide. Kate Turner, the Gardener Guru and Phil Wright, co-founder of creative agency WrightObara, team up to discover the trailblazers and innovators shaping the future of garden care in the UK. With content that’s as relevant to sta...