Perton Staffs: Used Compost, Angry Peonies and Ant-tics

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Jun 13, 2025

Guest

Christine Walkden

Joining the discussion are Matthew Biggs, a passionate plantsman; Marcus Chilton-Jones, head gardener and plant expert; and Christine Walkden, a renowned plantswoman. They tackle intriguing questions about reviving a struggling bonsai and dispel myths about relocating peonies. Tips on choosing fence colors to complement plants are shared, alongside eco-friendly gardening advice. The panel also delves into urban greening initiatives and the art of rose breeding, highlighted by a special chat with David Austen Jr.

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ADVICE

Fence Colors To Highlight Plants

Choose neutral colors for garden fences to let plant colors stand out naturally.
Avoid white paint outside as it attracts algae and requires frequent maintenance.

ADVICE

Helping Peonies Bloom Again

Peonies dislike being moved and may sulk or stop blooming temporarily.
Water thoroughly and mulch crowns after moving to help them recover and bloom next year.

ADVICE

Plants For Shallow Green Roof

For a shallow green roof, choose sun-loving low-growing plants like creeping thyme, wall bellflower, and small bulbs.
Water well during establishment, then let plants self-sustain in dry conditions.

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What's the best way to revive a dying bonsai tree? Do Peonies hate being moved? I am inundated with ants – how do I get rid of them?

Kathy Clugston hosts BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time, joined by a panel of esteemed plant and gardening experts in Perton, Staffordshire. Sharing their horticultural wisdom are the passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs, head gardener Marcus Chilton-Jones, and renowned plantswoman Christine Walkden.

Later in the programme, Matthew Biggs has a chat with David Austen Jr to explore his father’s remarkable legacy in rose breeding at their prestigious nursery. He also gets an exclusive glimpse at some of their latest, most exquisite varieties.

Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile

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

Q – What colour would you paint a garden fence to best show off and compliment the plants in it? (01’32”)

Q – Why have my Peonies stopped blooming? Is it because I’ve moved them? (05’03”)

Q – Which plants would the panel recommend covering a roof of five feet by 10 feet with a depth of two and a half inches? (08’07”)

Matthew Biggs – Thymus vulgaris, common thyme Thymus serpyllum 'Russetings', creeping thyme 'Russetings' Campanula, bellflower Campanula portenschlagiana, wall bellflower

Christine Walkden Sempervivum, houseleek Hylotelephium, sedum Mentha requienii, corsican mint

Marcus Chilton Jones – Puschkinia Allium schoenoprasum, chives Ajuga repens, bugle

Q – What are the panel's thoughts on reusing compost that's been used in pots for summer annuals? (10’53”)

Feature – Matt Biggs speaks with David Austen Jr about his father’s legacy in breeding unique roses (15’01)

Q – I wondered what was the best way to revive a dying bonsai tree? (19’26”)

Q – How hard should I cut back our Ceanothus? (23’59”)

Q – What can the panel recommend that's low maintenance and won't prickle anyone that I could plant in a two foot wide plot? (28’10”)

Christine Walkden – Cyclamen hederifolium, ivy-leaved cyclamen Ajugas Lamiums Heucheras Thalamus Aquilegia Veronica, gentian speedwell

Matthew Biggs – Hedera (ivy)

Marcus Chilton-Jones – Lonicera, honeysuckle Dryopteris, wood fern Nettles

Q – I am inundated with ants – how do I get rid of them? (33’49”)

Q – How do I stop bugs from getting into my plums? (37’25”)