Bracknell Forest: Garden Gnomes, Carrots and Tools

Jul 25, 2025

Explore the whimsical world of garden gnomes, with humorous anecdotes from gardening experts on their charm and significance. Learn practical tips for growing carrots in sandy soil and the importance of using natural mulch. Dive into the vital role of plant health inspectors at airports, safeguarding against invasive pests. Uncover insights into gardening in shaded areas with hardy perennials and the challenges of maintaining monkey puzzle trees amid slug infestations. Enjoy heartfelt stories that connect memories with beloved plants, fostering a sense of community among garden lovers.

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ANECDOTE

Garden Gnome Anecdotes

Christine Walkden treasures a concrete worm given by garden visitors as a sentimental keepsake.
Pippa Greenwood cherishes a chipped but valued china garden gnome kept indoors for its uniqueness.

ADVICE

Carrot Growing Tips for Sandy Soil

To grow carrots in sandy soil, improve moisture retention by adding plenty of organic matter like well-rotted compost.
Avoid fresh manure and ensure good watering during germination for straight, healthy carrots.

ADVICE

Wood Chip Mulch Recommendations

Use natural, undyed wood chips as mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds in borders.
Avoid brightly dyed wood chips which clash with garden aesthetics and prefer aged wood chip for better blending.

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If you could have a garden gnome what would it be doing? What tools should I have on my first allotment? Any tips on growing carrots on a sandy soil?

Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered gurus head to the lush landscapes of Bracknell Forest, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to their most pressing plant problems.

Joining Peter are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the ever-enthusiastic plantswoman Christine Walkden.

Later in the show, Pippa Greenwood takes us behind the scenes at Heathrow Airport, where she meets Kelvin Hughes from the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Together, they uncover the fascinating work being done to safeguard the UK’s biodiversity from invasive pests and diseases hidden in overseas plants and produce.

Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.

Q – If you were forced to have one garden gnome, what would that garden gnome be doing? (01’38”)

Q – Do the panel have any advice on growing carrots in sandy soil? (05’47”)

Q – Are the panel opposed to the use of decorative wood chips in borders? (07’56”)

Q – Can they explain how buddleia can grow in church roofs and railway sidings and not come to much in my garden? (11’36”)

Matthew Pottage – Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight', butterfly bush 'Black Knight'

Feature – Pippa Greenwood meets with Kelvin Hughes with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to discover how Heathrow Airport protect the UK's biodiversity from overseas produce and plants. (18’31”)

Q – What could we grow in our south-west facing garden that will provide vibrant colours during the summer? (24’06”)

Matthew Pottage – Aesculus Aesculus parviflora, bottlebrush buckeye Eucryphia Eucryphia lucida, leatherwood Eucryphia lucida 'Pink Cloud', leatherwood ‘Pink Cloud’ Hydrangea quercifolia, oak-leaved hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake ('Brido') (d), oak-leaved hydrangea [Snowflake] Hydrangea quercifolia Ice Crystal ('Hqopr010'PBR), oak-leaved hydrangea [Ice Crystal] Hydrangea quercifolia 'Harmony', oak-leaved hydrangea 'Harmony'

Christine Walkden – Desfontainia Osmanthus

Q – I’ve just taken on an allotment in the last year, and I'd like to know what are the top five low-cost items you'd recommend? (28’20”)

Q – Is there an aesthetically please alternative to steaks and pea netting that I could use whilst my plants establish? (31’14”)

Q – What plant would you like to be remembered by? (36’03”)

Christine Walkden – Soldanella hungarica

Matthew Pottage – Araucaria Araucana, monkey puzzle tree

Pippa Greenwood – Magnolia stellata, star magnolia