Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

This episode, Nicolas Salazar of Guardians Worldwide explores the often-overlooked role of rocks in our designed environments. We discuss their carbon storage potential, their deep relationship with plants, and why removing rocks from landscapes may have more impact than we think. It's a conversation that challenges us to see rocks not as static objects, but as vital, living parts of ecological systems. Links www.guardiansworldwide.org Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 41: Natural Stone with Giles Heap In this episode, host Sarah Wilson speaks to Giles Heap of CED Stone about sourcing natural stone ethically, using materials appropriate to location and job, UK local‑stone options, production/process environmental impacts, permeability and drainage issues with hard surfaces and the future of stone products. Episode 222: Nature from the Rubble In this episode, landscape architect Sally Bower discusses her RHS‑bursary‑winning report exploring gravel and recycled aggregate gardens in Essex and London (including Hilldrop, Hyde Hall, Beth Chatto's gravel garden, Langdon Nature Discovery Car Park and the Horniman Museum Grasslands garden) and shares surprising insights for designing with or growing in these media. Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Gardens Illustrated editor Stephanie Mahon has curated the magazine's first ever book, The New Beautiful — a celebration of gardens that reflect today's shifting ideas of beauty, sustainability, and design. We discuss what defines a 'Gardens Illustrated' garden, how the featured spaces in the book were chosen, about the evolving role of perennials to the challenges of capturing a garden's true character in a photograph, Stephanie shares insights from her years at the forefront of garden publishing — and offers a glimpse into where garden design might be heading next. Links www.gardensillustrated.com The New Beautiful: Inspiring Gardens for a Resilient Future Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 295: Picture Perfect Gardens with Mark Bolton In this episode, freelance photographer Mark Bolton discusses his approach to capturing gardens and interiors for editorial and commercial clients. He shares insights into creating visually appealing garden spaces and offers tips for gardeners looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their own gardens. Episode 354: Modern Planting Design with Andrew Fisher Tomlin Garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin explores contemporary planting design, focusing on how modern approaches are shaping the aesthetics and functionality of gardens. He discusses trends, challenges, and the evolving role of planting design in creating beautiful and sustainable garden spaces. Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Luke Coleman is the founder of Luke Coleman Gardens, an Edinburgh-based studio known for bold, climate-resilient gardens rooted in story, ecology, and craft. Luke was named RHS Young Designer of the Year 2025, winning Gold, Best Construction, and People's Choice at the Wentworth show. His work draws on landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to the Cape Floral Kingdom, exploring how gardens can tell stories of resilience and culture. We talk about his design principles, what resilience means in a garden, and how gardens might bring cultures together. Links Website: lukecoleman.co.uk Instagram: @lukecolemangardens Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 305: Building on Nature In this one, Sarah speaks with Nick Townsend of NatureScaping about how to integrate wildlife‑friendly features into garden construction and landscape design. They explore how hardscape and structural elements can support or harm biodiversity. Episode 222: Nature from the Rubble Sarah talks with landscape architect Sally Bower, whose work studies gardens using gravel, recycled aggregate, and other resilient growing media. They delve into designing with "non‑traditional" soils and how these gardens can help wildlife. Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Environmental scientist and author Shannon Jade talks about her work and her book A Song for the Earth — a poetic, hopeful take on the climate crisis. We talk about the themes in the book, our connection to nature, and the importance of finding your voice, whatever form that takes. Links A Song for the Earth on Amazon UK A Song for the Earth on Goodreads A Song for the Earth on Bookshop Shannon Jade online Shannon Jade on Instagram Shannon Jade on TikTok Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 336: Creating an Ark In this episode, Sarah talks with landscape designer and rewilding pioneer Mary Reynolds about her mission to turn gardens into wild sanctuaries. They explore how even small patches of land can play a part in restoring biodiversity. Episode 340: The Nature of Resilience Author Nic Wilson joins Sarah to share how her relationship with the natural world supports her through chronic illness. They discuss the ways nature mirrors our inner worlds and offers space for healing. Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Dr Linda Birkin is the dynamic entomologist and wildlife gardener who stole the show at the recent Talking Plants event with her energetic and informative talk on creating living gardens that welcome all creatures great and small. Find out how she came to champion bugs, and how you can join in with her mission to make gardens a haven for wildlife. Links www.ljbees.uk Instagram @drljbees Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 244: The Biodiversity Gardener Paul Sterry, ecologist, author and photographer, joins the podcast to discuss how even small gardens can play a huge role in reversing biodiversity loss. He shares insights into practical wildlife gardening, the importance of scrub and edge habitats, and how gardeners can maximise their patch's ecological value using native planting, structural diversity, and a bit of wildness. Link Episode 322: Garden Wildlife Ponds Pete Case from the Freshwater Habitats Trust explores the vital role ponds play in supporting biodiversity. In this episode, he explains how to create and maintain garden ponds for wildlife, the importance of clean water, how pond size and shape affect its ecology, and how even the smallest container of water can benefit invertebrates, amphibians, and more. Link Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Acclaimed garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin discusses the craft of planting design, the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the profession, and the evolving role of planting designers today. He also shares insights from his new book, The Modern Professional Planting Designer, which is a novel and interesting look at the processes behind successful planting design. Links www.andrewfishertomlin.com The Modern Professional Planting Designer: Creating Beautiful, Sustainable, Resilient Gardens for the Twenty-First Century Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 94: James Basson of Scape Design James Basson of Scape Design, working from southern France, talks naturalistic planting, use of native species, matrix/grid planting in large landscapes, and how to design resilient planting schemes. Link Episode 205: Gardening on a Gradient Carol Smith, garden designer and lecturer, discusses designing and establishing gardens on sloping sites — site assessment, design, planting, and the challenges and opportunities slopes bring. Link Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Paulette Whitney of Provenance Growers in Tasmania is a grower, cook, and the author of Broccoli and Other Love Stories. We explore the world of seeds, soil, and flavour—from the challenges of gardening in Tasmania's unique climate, to Paulette's favourite herbs, root veg, and go-to meals after a long day in the garden. Along the way, Paulette shares how chefs inspire her to try new varieties and how her twin loves of growing and cooking continue to nourish her life. Links Provenance Growers - A thriving market garden and edible plant nursery in Lutruwita, Tasmania, run by Paulette Whitney. They grow produce, plants, and preserves with organic and regenerative methods. Also featured on Salamanca Market's site: Provenance Growers at Salamanca Market Broccoli & Other Love Stories – Murdoch Books https://www.murdochbooks.com/browse/book/Paulette-Whitney,-Provenance-Growers-Broccoli-&-Other-Love-Stories-9781922616876 Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary Joshua Sparkes, a regenerative grower, discusses his experimental, soil-centred practices and deeply respectful approach to the land. It's a meaningful exploration of how observation, experimentation, and a love of soil can shape future-focused, sustainable food systems. Link Episode 328: Soil, Health and Nutrition This episode features Sam Hamrebtan, a nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert. She delves into how growing practices directly influence food quality and nutrition—demonstrating the intimate connection between soil care and what ends up on our plate. Link Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Ali Morse is the Water Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts and together we talk the truth about peat: how much is still being extracted, why government promises have fallen short, and the role horticulture plays in the story. We also look ahead to the solutions—both practical and political—that could finally protect these precious habitats. Links The Wildlife Trusts – Main Website Nic Wilson's Peat Free Nurseries List Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 47: Going Peat Free with John WalkerIn this episode, I speak with John Walker, the "Earth Friendly Gardener," about the use of peat in gardening, why it's so harmful, and what's being done to end its use. He reflects on whether we can realistically eradicate peat from horticultural products. Roots and All Episode 144: The State of Horticulture with Matthew ApplebyI chat with Matthew Appleby, Editor of Horticulture Week, about broader industry dynamics—such as Brexit, supply chain changes, and how the push to go peat-free is impacting both gardeners and the horticultural trade. Roots and All Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Liz Morley is the force behind @you_dig_gardens and Nottingham College's inspiring Wilder Campuses project, where she's transforming educational spaces into thriving, biodiverse landscapes. We explore her accessible, low-budget approach to rewilding and how it's reconnecting people with nature right where they study and work. Links The project on instagram: @you_dig_gardens Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 336: Creating an Ark with Mary Reynolds Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the We Are The Ark rewilding movement—joins Sarah Wilson to explore how even small spaces can be transformed into biodiverse sanctuaries. Her insights into rewilding, from her award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden to grassroots ecological design, resonate beautifully with the ethos of campus rewilding. Listen here Episode 106: More Than Weeds with Sophie Leguil Ecologist and biologist Sophie Leguil brings a passionate perspective on public spaces, meadows, wildflower planting, and the value of brownfield sites for urban nature. She challenges conventional horticulture and champions the ecological potential of overlooked weeds—an enriching counterpart to the themes of accessible biodiversity and rewilded campuses. Listen here Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

In this episode I have a captivating conversation with writer and artist James Roberts. We explore the profound themes of his book "Two Lights," delving into the beauty and tragedy of the natural world. James shares his journey from city life to the rural landscapes of the Welsh borders, where he finds inspiration in the twilight hours and the delicate balance of nature. We also discuss the intersection of science and creativity, the importance of attention, and the emotional resonance of beauty. Links James Roberts' Substack - Into the Deep Woods Night River Wood - James Roberts' Official Website "Two Lights" Book Purchase Link Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 320: Channeling Wild Gods with Tom Hirons - Tom Hirons is a poet whose work resonates deeply with the primal and ungovernable forces of nature, the human condition, and the intersections where they meet. His writing, including the much-lauded poem Sometimes a Wild God, stirs something ancient within, reminding readers of the chaos and beauty that lie at the heart of existence. In this conversation, we delve into the inspirations and philosophies behind his work, exploring the wild, untamed forces that shape his poetry and his perspective on creativity. Listen here Episode 82: Irreplaceable with Julian Hoffman - This week's guest is writer Julian Hoffman and we're talking about his book Irreplaceable. I read the book a few months back and as you might expect from reading the blurb, it's about those irreplaceable wild environments and the species we're in danger of losing. But it's also about the people who are so deeply connected to the landscapes and the animals they're battling to save. Julian speaks about why it's imperative that we stop the destruction of precious landscapes, how we can help at the individual level and why it's vital to maintain the connection between people and place. Listen here Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall