Gardening with the RHS

Royal Horticultural Society

'Gardening with the RHS' offers seasonal advice, inspiration and practical solutions to gardening problems. Trusted gardening professionals give you the latest horticultural advice, scientific research and tried and tested techniques to bring out the best in your garden. Topics covered include: growing your own vegetables, flowers, garden design, lawn care and gardening with children. Plus expert masterclasses in topics ranging from cottage garden plants, growing orchids, to pest control and eco-friendly gardening. Plus we’ll have behind the scenes reports from the country’s most prestigious flower shows. There’s something in these podcasts to interest every gardener, whatever your level of expertise. For more info see www.rhs.org.uk/podcast A Pixiu production. read less

Our Editor's Take

Gardening with the RHS is the podcast of the UK's Royal Horticultural Society. The podcast answers listener's gardening questions and offers advice about garden management. The show gives practical advice for gardeners of all experience levels. This podcast may be helpful to anyone interested in garden design. Hosts have included Gareth Richards, Guy Barter, and Jenny Laville.

The RHS is a British gardening charity. The organization aims to enrich the gardens of the UK and make the British landscape greener. It offers gardening advice and hosts events, including the annual Chelsea Flower Show. This podcast continues the conversation.

The RHS gardening podcast has a variety of hosts, each with a high level of expertise in gardening. For example, Richards has more than 20 years of experience in gardening, as both a horticulturist and a writer. His gardening books include Weeds: The beauty and uses of 50 vagabond plants. Another host, Barter, is chief horticultural advisor at the RHS. He has written a variety of gardening books for the organization. These include How Do Worms Work? and The Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening. Host Laville is an RHS digital editor who has written for BBC Radio 4. She joins the show to discuss a range of topics gardening professionals might need to know.

Each episode is a detailed exploration of a gardening topic. The show has plenty of seasonal advice, such as an episode about winter gardens. The podcast gives listeners with small spaces advice on growing houseplants. Another episode discusses how to grow herbs in a kitchen garden. The hosts chat about upcoming flower shows and recommend gardening books.

The show also discusses helping the planet through eco-friendly gardening and organic gardening. Another episode goes back in time to explore the history of botanical gardens.

Vegetable growers and garden plant lovers can discover something fascinating. New episodes of the Gardening with the RHS podcast blossom every Thursday.

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Medlars, Ornamental Grasses, and Elizabeth Blackwell

Medlars, Ornamental Grasses, and Elizabeth Blackwell

This week we explore the fascinating stories and brilliant work of three exceptional plantswomen. Only recently has pioneering 18th-century herbalist Elizabeth Blackwell received proper recognition for her work A Curious Herbal – a beautifully illustrated botanical text that was, for centuries, mistakenly attributed to her scandal-prone husband! Fiona Davison, Head of RHS Libraries & Exhibitions, shares insights into Blackwell’s life and her groundbreaking work, which was created at a time of rapid botanical discovery in Europe as exotic plants flooded into the Western world. We also hear from passionate plantswoman Jane Steward, a dedicated advocate for the medlar, a rare fruit that was once beloved across the UK – even by King Henry VIII. And finally horticulturist Sarah Wilson-Frost from RHS Garden Hyde Hall will be sharing some excellent advice on growing ornamental grasses to add year-round interest to your garden. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Jane Steward, Fiona Davison, Sarah Wilson-Frost, Jenny Laville Other Links: A Curious Herbal RHS Hyde Hall How to grow medlars RHS advice on growing ornamental grasses When is a grass not a grass?

Episodes

Medlars, Ornamental Grasses, and Elizabeth Blackwell

Medlars, Ornamental Grasses, and Elizabeth Blackwell

This week we explore the fascinating stories and brilliant work of three exceptional plantswomen. Only recently has pioneering 18th-century herbalist Elizabeth Blackwell received proper recognition for her work A Curious Herbal – a beautifully illustrated botanical text that was, for centuries, mistakenly attributed to her scandal-prone husband! Fiona Davison, Head of RHS Libraries & Exhibitions, shares insights into Blackwell’s life and her groundbreaking work, which was created at a time of rapid botanical discovery in Europe as exotic plants flooded into the Western world. We also hear from passionate plantswoman Jane Steward, a dedicated advocate for the medlar, a rare fruit that was once beloved across the UK – even by King Henry VIII. And finally horticulturist Sarah Wilson-Frost from RHS Garden Hyde Hall will be sharing some excellent advice on growing ornamental grasses to add year-round interest to your garden. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Jane Steward, Fiona Davison, Sarah Wilson-Frost, Jenny Laville Other Links: A Curious Herbal RHS Hyde Hall How to grow medlars RHS advice on growing ornamental grasses When is a grass not a grass?

Hedgehogs, Houseplants and Homegrown veg

Hedgehogs, Houseplants and Homegrown veg

This week we find out how to help our beloved prickly friends, as RHS Senior Wildlife Specialist Helen Bostock explains the threats to hedgehogs, and what we can do as gardeners to support them. Next we head indoors to find out how tailoring your potting mix can give your houseplants a new lease of life, with the lovely folks at Soil Ninja. Finally, if you’re looking for an autumn project, why not build some raised beds? We glean some expert advice on how to go about this, with RHS horticulturist Peter Adams. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Helen Bostock, Amy Loosley, Levent Latif-Maeer, Peter Adams Other Links: National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy Hedgehog-friendly gardening Hedgehog street Wild about gardens - Get creative for hedgehogs Wild about gardens - Make friends with molluscs Soil Ninja Grow Your Own Veg Through The Year Become a member of the RHS

Edible forests, honey fungus, and black aeoniums

Edible forests, honey fungus, and black aeoniums

This All Hallow's Eve, we’re venturing into the woods to see what treasures we can find… First up, one of the gardeners' most feared garden inhabitants is stirring. We’ll be chatting with RHS Senior Plant Pathologist Jassy Drakulic to find out about the notorious honey fungus, and how you can protect your beloved plants against infection. Next we’re stopping off at RHS Garden Rosemoor’s edible forest garden, which is based on one of the oldest forms of land use in the world. We’ll be catching up with horticulturist Peter Adams to hear more about this ancient method of permaculture. Finally, if you’re looking for a new addition to your spooky plant collection, look no further than the Aeonium 'Zwartkop.' With its dramatic magenta-black foliage, this striking rosette-shaped succulent is just one example of the remarkable diversity in colour and form within the aeonium genus. We’ll be finding out more, with the help of National Plant Collection holder Mellie Lewis. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Jassy Drakulic, Mellie Lewis, Peter Adams Other Links: More information on honey fungus RHS Garden Rosemoor Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’

A Celebration of Autumn Colour

A Celebration of Autumn Colour

This week, Gareth Richards and Guy Barter discuss the science behind autumn colour, why some years are more dazzling than others, and what we can expect to see across the UK this year. RHS Horticultural Advisor Jenny Bowden will share a Love Letter to her favourite tree that promises to shine bright at this time of year and has a distinctive smell that would tempt anyone. We head to northeast Scotland, to explore an RHS Partner Garden - Gordon Castle Walled Garden - to find out what visitors can expect to see at this time of year, and to find out more about the history of one of the UK’s largest kitchen gardens. And we hear from the RHS Garden Wisley trials team about the results of this year's lily-flowered and fringed tulip trial and ask what we should be planting this autumn for a great display next spring. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Guy Barter, Jenny Bowden, Zara Gordon Lennox, and Roz Marshall. Other Links: Cercidiphyllum japonicum (katsura tree) Gordon Castle Walled Garden Sheffield Park and Garden Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery RHS Partner Gardens RHS Lily and Fringed Tulip Trial Results Become a member of the RHS

Chrysanthemums, storing produce, and dividing perennials

Chrysanthemums, storing produce, and dividing perennials

This week, Gareth Richards talks to writer and designer Naomi Slade about the allure of chrysanthemums and their long history of symbolism. We head to RHS Garden Rosemoor for the second part of our series on storing produce over winter, focusing on onions, potatoes and root vegetables. And RHS Garden Wisley’s Ian Trought brings us a masterclass on dividing perennials to create more plants for our gardens next year. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Gareth Richards, Naomi Slade, Catherine Mawdsley, Ian Trought Other Links: How to grow chrysanthemums Naomi Slade Dividing perennials Become a member of the RHS

Compost, fungi, and giant vegetables

Compost, fungi, and giant vegetables

This week, RHS Garden Wisley’s Sheila Das talks to ‘no dig’ champion Charles Dowding all about his new book on composting, and how you can go about starting the perfect sized heap to suit your own garden. We explore the wonders of mycorrhizae and learn about the beneficial relationship between fungi and the roots in our soil. And we take a trip to the Malvern Autumn Show to marvel at the display of record-breaking giant vegetables and to talk to some of the hardworking growers. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Charles Dowding, Sheila Das, Jassy Drakulic, Jenny Laville, Sebastian Suski, Peter Glazebrook, Graham Barrett Other Links: RHS Grow Your Own Veg Throughout the Year RHS Horti Curious Charles Dowding Results from Malvern Autumn Show Become a member of the RHS

Gardening for a greener future

Gardening for a greener future

This week Gareth Richards and James Armitage journey to RHS Garden Wisley’s Hilltop Science Centre to hear how cutting edge research on the changing climate is shaping the way we think about our gardens. From coping with drought conditions and mitigating the flooding potential of our front gardens to helping pollinators in our urban environments, this week we hear from the world's leading thinkers, and unpack what it means for gardeners. Links: Sustainable planting combinations Hear more about Leon Davis’ UnPave the Way garden at Tatton RHS climate change survey

Muscari, storing produce, and fungi

Muscari, storing produce, and fungi

As the cooler weather of autumn settles in, there's still plenty to do when it comes to keeping your garden in top shape. We’ll be hearing from RHS Garden Rosemoor’s Catherine Mawdsley about how to store your homegrown apples, pears, squashes, and pumpkins through the winter months. We’ll also be finding out the results of the recent Muscari (grape hyacinth) trial with horticulturist Roz Marshall, who shares some of the standout varieties ready to get in the ground now. And finally RHS senior plant pathologist Dr. Jassy Drakulic shares her love of fungi with us, ahead of National Fungus Day. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Roz Marshall, Catherine Mawdsley, Jassy Drakulic Other Links: Bumbles on Blooms (a citizen science project) Finding Fungi at the RHS Muscari trial results

Holehird Gardens, Echeverias, and dividing perennials

Holehird Gardens, Echeverias, and dividing perennials

On this week's show we take a trip to Holehird Gardens nestled in the beautiful Cumbrian landscape, with chair of the Lakeland Horticultural Society, Maggie Mees. Next, host Jenny plunges into the mysterious world of plant biosecurity with the RHS’s self-proclaimed plant policeman Dario Spagnoli, to find out why plants need passports, and what to do if you suspect an invasive pest has hijacked your new shrub. Finally, we cast our eyes to houseplants, specifically the rosette-shaped succulents, the echeverias, with passionate plantswoman Tracey Coogan. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Maggie Mees, Tracey Coogan, Dario Spagnoli Other Links: National Plant collections episode of Gardening with the RHS Holehird Gardens RHS Plant Finder

Balcony gardens, peat-free, and gardening for bats

Balcony gardens, peat-free, and gardening for bats

As September rolls in, there's a crispness in the air and the first signs of autumn are upon us. In this episode we demystify the peat-free with Jenny Laville and the RHS’s Peat-Free Transition Coordinator, Nikki Barker – including what the definition means for exhibitors at RHS Flower Shows who will be affected by changes to the rules. Author and vertical veg grower Mark Ridsdill-Smith reveals his top tips for turning even the tiniest balcony into a thriving, productive garden. Plus, he shares which winter greens you can start sowing now for a delicious cold-weather harvest. And as the nights draw in, it’s also mating season for bats! We chat with Jo Fergusson from the Bat Conservation Trust about how you can make your garden a haven for these fascinating nocturnal creatures. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Jenny Laville, Nikki Barker, Mark Ridsdill-Smith, Jo Fergusson Other Links: RHS Peat-Free Gardening hub The RHS Transition to Peat-Free Fellowship Research areas at RHS Science Vertical Veg Bats in your garden Bat Conservation Trust - Sunset Survey

Bearded irises, asters, and bitterns

Bearded irises, asters, and bitterns

This week, renowned nurserywoman Claire Austin shares her top picks of stunning bearded irises – the perfect blooms to plant now for a burst of beauty next spring. Plus, join us as we explore the vibrant world of asters with Helen Picton, discovering how these late-flowering gems can add a splash of colour to your garden just when it needs it most. And finally, we'll take a look at the remarkable conservation success story of the bittern, a bird that owes its booming comeback to the vital wetland habitats many of us can help protect. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Claire Austin, Helen Picton, Jarrod Sneyd, Kate Bradbury, Helen Bostock Other Links: How to grow irises Claire Austin Plants Old Court Nurseries Malvern Autumn Show Leighton Moss Nature Reserve

Unexpected Opportunities in a Changing Landscape

Unexpected Opportunities in a Changing Landscape

This week, we're teaming up with The Plant Review magazine to explore how to future-proof your garden in the face of our changing climate. We discover resilient plants that thrive in both flood and drought conditions, and take a fascinating trip to a nursery that’s successfully cultivating greenery in pure sand. Plus, we find out why the unusually named Ungnadia could soon become a common sight in urban landscapes. Host: Gareth Richards and James Armitage Contributors: Jenny Bowden, Elisabeth Karlstad Larsen, Thomas Freeth, Philip Clayton Other Links: The Plant Review How to choose plants for seasonally wet and dry soils Planting for the Future report RHS Feedback email address: podcast@rhs.org.uk Become a member of the RHS

Denmans Garden, blueberry harvest, and National Plant Collections

Denmans Garden, blueberry harvest, and National Plant Collections

This week we head to the Sussex South Downs to explore RHS Partner Garden, Denmans – and hear about its unique history intertwined with the lives of two unsung garden pioneers, Joyce Robinson and John Brookes. We also bring you top tips for the perfect blueberry harvest and we talk to Plant Heritage about the gaps in their collections and what they’re on the lookout for. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Gwendolyn van Paasschen, Pavlina Kapsalis, Gwen Hines Other Links: Denmans Gardens - RHS Partner Garden RHS Partner Gardens RHS Blueberries Plant Heritage - Missing Collections Become a member of the RHS

Flower anatomy, August allotmenting, apples and pears.

Flower anatomy, August allotmenting, apples and pears.

Do you get confused between your “sepals” and “stigmas”? This week Jenny Laville will be studying the anatomy of flowers, with the help of RHS botanist James Armitage. Guy Barter shares top tips for August allotmenting as we celebrate biodiversity in National Allotment Week. And RHS fruit specialist Jim Arbury talks apples and pears, with a guide on harvesting and pruning. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Jenny Laville, James Armitage, Guy Barter, Jim Arbury Other Links: How Plants Reproduce RHS The Plant Review The National Allotment Society Apples and pears: summer pruning Allotments – all you need to know Fruit identification

Lavender love, a dahlia extravaganza, and a wisteria masterclass.

Lavender love, a dahlia extravaganza, and a wisteria masterclass.

This week we talk about all things lavender, exploring the array of varieties and sharing top tips for growing. We hear from a group of gardeners with a passion for growing and showing dahlias. Plus, we bring you a wisteria masterclass and put your mind at ease when it comes to questions about pruning. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Tim Upson, Alessandra Sana, Vanessa Penn Other Links: RHS Wisley Garden Flower Show National Dahlia Society National Dahlia Society Facebook Page RHS-Affiliated Societies Become a member of the RHS How to grow lavender How to grow dahlias How to grow wisteria

A wild gardener, celebrating craftsmanship, and explosive seed pods

A wild gardener, celebrating craftsmanship, and explosive seed pods

This week we explore the life and work of William Robinson and look at his enduring legacy. We take a tour of an Arts and Crafts inspired show garden at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. Plus, we have the ultimate guide to collecting and storing seed from your own garden. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Emma Raymond, Heather Cooke, Callum Bain MacKay Other Links: RHS Members’ Seed Scheme William Robinson Exhibition

From towering blooms to tiny microbes

From towering blooms to tiny microbes

This week we explore the history of Kiftsgate Court Gardens and catch a glimpse of their famous, gigantic, eponymous rose. We chat to self-confessed fern fanatic Julian Reed about what makes this group of plants so fascinating. Plus, we hear why thinking more about the soil microorganisms in our garden could benefit our blooms and crops. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Anne Chambers, Julian Reed, Eddie Bailey Other Links: Kiftsgate Court Gardens British Pteridological Society Rhizophyllia Become a member of the RHS

Take-home ideas from RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

Take-home ideas from RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

Welcome to the largest flower show in the North of England; RHS Flower Show Tatton Park! This show is all about exploring the infinite possibilities of your back garden – whether you have an acre of land, or simply a patio or windowsill – Tatton really celebrates spaces of all shapes and sizes. We visit Leon Davis’ UnPave the Way garden to find out how to transform dull paved driveways into inviting spaces which are full of clever take-home ideas designed to ‘slow the flow’ of rainwater. We also hear from some of the exceptional growers who have filled the floral marquee to the rafters with botanical wonders, and finally Tom Saunders – designer of the Orchid terrace garden – highlights some of the threats facing one of the most diverse and widespread flowering plants on earth. Presenters: Jenny Laville, Gareth Richards Contributors: Leon Davis Colin Hickman (Hoyland Plant Centre) John Amand (Jacques Amand Limited) Luke Whiting (D’Arcy & Everest) Tom Saunders Other links: RHS Flower Show Tatton Park Tickets Ferns & Carnivorous Plants Show Unpave the way garden North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee: Unpave the Way project Orchid terrace garden Inside Tatton’s Floral Marquee Long Borders The Kaleidoscope Ginnel Garden The Woodland Trust: 49% Garden

Creating healthy gardens for people and planet

Creating healthy gardens for people and planet

In this episode we delve into the profound connection between nature and well-being. Landscape Architect Adam White discusses creating dementia-friendly sensory gardens, designed to evoke early memories and nostalgia. Mandy Barber from Incredible Vegetables shares the benefits of growing perennial edibles. Plus, we visit RHS Garden Wisley to get expert answers to your pressing gardening questions. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Mandy Barber, Adam White, James Lawrence, Amy Ashman, Nick Turrell Other Links: Advice on creating a dementia friendly garden Supporting people with dementia - a guide for community gardens Incredible Vegetables RHS Sustainable Planting Combinations ISHS Symposium on Greener Cities: Improving Ecosystem Services in a Climate-Changing World

Money saving tips, moss magic, and awesome Asteraceae at Hampton 2024!

Money saving tips, moss magic, and awesome Asteraceae at Hampton 2024!

Welcome to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2024! We’re exploring the site and transporting you right to the heart of this buzzing showground. Anya Lautenbach – best known as ‘Anya the Garden Fairy’ on Instagram, and RHS Ambassador and passionate plantsman Jamie Butterworth share some top tips on how to create a showstopping garden on a budget. Groundbreaking young garden designer Bea Tann illuminates the magic of moss and makes the case for what new build homes could benefit from embracing these prehistoric plants. Finally graduates of the London College of Garden Design show us just how versatile the Asteraceae (daisy) family can be in your garden. All this and more coming up on this special Hampton edition of Gardening with the RHS. Presenters: Jenny Laville, Gareth Richards & Guy Barter Contributors: Anya Lautenbach, Jamie Butterworth, Bea Tann, Brian Youngblut, Garden Girls Collective (Melissa Wilkinson, Rachel Barnard, Annie Shephard and Bev Small), Kate Campbell, Sally-Anne Rees and William Murray Other links: RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival tickets 10 thrifty tips from The Money-Saving Gardener The Magic of Moss All About Asteraceae Contact: podcasts@rhs.org.uk