Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

Writer and naturalist Julian Hoffman joins me for a dive into his latest book Lifelines, exploring the fragile beauty of threatened landscapes, the deep connections between wildlife and culture, and what it means to belong—to a place, to a species, to a song. From regent honeyeaters losing their voices to the shifting borders that divide both people and animals, Julian shares stories that remind us of what’s at stake, and what still remains. Links www.julianhoffman.com Julian on Instagram Other episodes if you liked this one: 🎧 Episode 53: “Irreplaceable” with Julian Hoffman In this earlier visit, Julian explores the imperative of protecting wild landscapes and the deep human-place connections that motivate conservation efforts. We dive into the loss of habitats and the meaning of biodiversity for future generations 🔗 Listen here: https://rootsandall.co.uk/podcast/episode-53-irreplaceable-with-julian-hoffman/ 🎧 Episode 197: “Britain’s Birds” with Benedict Macdonald  Naturalist, conservationist and writer Benedict Macdonald. Benedict has recently released a new book ‘Cornerstones’, which talks about how by restoring cornerstone species we can help turn around the current impoverished state of nature in the UK. His previous book ‘Rebirding’ was how I first came to know of his work and I’ve been a great admirer of his work ever since. We talk about the numbers of UK birds, how land management needs to change in order to stop the loss of species in this country and what we can do at a garden level to make changes. 🔗 Listen here: https://rootsandall.co.uk/podcast/episode-168-britains-birds-with-benedict-macdonald/ Please support the podcast on Patreon

Episode 342: Healsville Sanctuary: Creating Habitats Luke Boyle is the Horticulture Manager at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, Australia—a leading conservation zoo nestled in native bushland, dedicated to protecting and showcasing Australia’s unique wildlife. We chat about the incredible work Luke and his team are doing to ensure the sanctuary is not just a safe and enriching haven for animals, but also an inspiring and welcoming place for human visitors. Links Healesville Sanctuary – Official site (Zoos Victoria) Discover updates on their conservation projects, visitor information, and how to support their wildlife work: https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/ Zoos Victoria “Fighting Extinction” Program Learn how Healesville Sanctuary is part of statewide efforts to protect and recover threatened species through breeding, habitat restoration, and research: https://www.zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction/ Helmeted Honeyeater Release (May 2025) Read about the recent release of critically endangered helmeted honeyeaters from Healesville into the wild—an inspiring milestone in their breeding program: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/09/helmeted-honeyeater-release-healesville-sanctuary-cardinia-south-east-victoria-breed-wild-population About Luke Boyle After completing a gardening apprenticeship at Swinburne University, Luke worked with various landscapers and gardeners and also at a local council managing reserves and remnant vegetation. Studying landscape design and construction at night school as well as a short course run by the national Trust called Save the Bush, inspired him to look at the protection and restoration of bushland as a career. Luke started at Healesville sanctuary in 1993 where he is the Curator of Horticulture presently Other episodes if you liked this one: 🍃 Episode 329: Wildlife Gardening, Australia Style Summary: Sarah Wilson speaks with AB Bishop, an expert in Australian native plants and wildlife-friendly gardens. They explore how thoughtful garden design—using local species, layered planting, and wildlife features—can create rich habitats that echo the mission of Healesville Sanctuary. 🔗 Listen here 🍃 Episode 332: Garden Wildlife Ponds Summary: Sarah chats with Pete Case from the Freshwater Habitats Trust about establishing garden ponds that serve as crucial wildlife refuges. They cover design tips, ecological benefits, and how even small water features can support biodiversity—paralleling the conservation focus at Healesville. 🔗 Listen here Please support the podcast on Patreon

I’m joined by Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, and horticulturists Rachel Reynolds, Paul Kimberley and Jenny Warner, who share their personal experiences with skin cancer. With temperatures on the rise, we explore why sun safety is essential for anyone working outdoors, how to protect yourself effectively, and the serious risks of not taking the sun seriously. Links Melanoma Focus is a national charity dedicated to providing help and support to melanoma patients and healthcare professionals as well as raising awareness of melanoma, the 5th most common cancer in the UK.  As nearly 9 in 10 melanomas are preventable, awareness and advocacy work is key element of the work.  Melanoma awareness posters and a comms toolkit (including a specific farming and horticultural comms toolkit) is available via our melanoma awareness page. Some other useful pages: What is melanoma  Sun safety Signs and symptoms of melanoma  How to check your skin and nails How a melanoma is diagnosed The Melanoma Helpline – expert skin cancer nurses are available for anyone with a worry about melanoma from diagnosis to treatment and beyond Melanoma Stages and Treatment – Patient Guide    Please support the podcast on Patreon

Author Nic Wilson speaks about her memoir, Land Beneath the Waves. We delve into how her relationship with the natural world has provided insight and resilience in the face of chronic illness, and how our surroundings can shape and reflect our inner landscapes. Links Official Website nicwilson.co.uk – The central hub for Nic’s writing, including her memoir Land Beneath the Waves, Guardian Country Diary contributions, newsletter subscription (“Only Connect!”), book tour dates, and the Peat‑Free Nurseries list.  Linktree A central portal with quick links to her website, book launch, newsletter, and social profiles. Instagram @dogwooddaysgardener – Nic’s nature-and-garden-focused Instagram, where she shares updates on her memoir, writing, and everyday natural world reflections. Bluesky (Alternative Social Platform) nicwilson.bsky.social – Her profile on Bluesky, with nature musings and updates.  Newsletter Only Connect! – Nic’s periodic newsletter focusing on nature writing, wild-life interviews, book news, and Peat‑Free gardening resources. Available via her website and Linktree. 🔗 Subscribe here: https://nicwilson.co.uk/ Other episodes if you liked this one: 🍃 Episode 336: Creating an Ark with Mary Reynolds Summary: Sarah Wilson speaks with Mary Reynolds, the visionary behind the We Are The Ark movement. They explore how rewilding—even in small spaces like gardens or balconies—can foster biodiversity and emotional reconnection with the natural world. Mary's journey from Chelsea Flower Show gold medalist to ecological activist is both inspiring and practical. 🔗 Listen here 🚶‍♀️ Episode 327: Following in the Footsteps with Kerri Andrews Summary: In this insightful episode, Sarah chats with author and academic Kerri Andrews about Pathfinding: On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom. They discuss walking as a form of healing, reflection, and resistance—how movement through landscape can mirror and nurture our emotional journeys. It's a natural companion to Nic Wilson’s themes of inner and outer terrains. 🔗 Listen here Please support the podcast on Patreon

Lockie Scicluna is part of the crew living and working at Australia’s remote Mawson Station in Antarctica. Lockie is closely involved in the station’s hydroponic growing setup — an ingenious system that allows the team to produce fresh vegetables in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. We talk about the challenges of growing food without soil or sunlight, and why having a growing operation might matter more than you might think. Links Australian Antarctic Division Mawson station Lockie on Instagram @scic.travels Other episodes if you liked this one: 🌱 Episode 226: Soil Bacteria & Rhizophagy Summary: In this episode, I delve into the fascinating world of soil bacteria and their interactions with plants, including discussions on bacteria in monocrops, their presence in seeds, and notably, their role in hydroponic systems. This exploration provides insights into how microbial life adapts and functions in both traditional soil-based and soilless growing environments, offering a deeper understanding relevant to controlled environment agriculture. 🔗 Listen here 🌿 Episode 289: Animal Friendly Fertiliser Summary: I chat with Los Angeles-based landscaper and fertiliser expert Erin Riley about her pioneering work in creating vegan, organic fertilisers. We discuss the environmental and ethical implications of traditional animal-based fertilisers and explore plant-based alternatives that are beneficial for plants, people, animals, and the planet. This conversation is particularly pertinent to sustainable practices in controlled environment agriculture, such as hydroponic systems. 🔗 Listen here Please support the podcast on Patreon  

I’m joined by Dave Chapman, host of the US chart-topping Real Organic Podcast. We dive into the rise of “regenerative” as the latest industry buzzword, the troubling reality of corporate consolidation in agriculture, and how antitrust issues are threatening the future of truly organic food. We also explore the key differences between organic food markets in the U.S. and the EU—and what they might mean for growers and consumers alike. Links www.realorganicproject.org On Facebook On Instagram Other episodes if you liked this one: 🌱 Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary with Joshua Sparkes Summary: In this episode, I speak with Joshua Sparkes, a grower whose innovative, soil-centered approach blends regenerative principles with a deep reverence for the natural world. We explore his unique style of farming, shaped by observation and experimentation, and discuss why it offers a glimpse into what must be the future of sustainable food production. 🔗 Listen here 🌿 Episode 296: Regenerative Design with Erik Ohlsen Summary: I chat with Erik Ohlsen, a US-based regenerative designer, permaculturist, and author, about his holistic approach to landscape design. Erik shares insights from decades of practical experience, emphasizing the importance of listening to the land and integrating ecological principles into our gardens and communities. 🔗 Listen here Please support the podcast on Patreon

I’m joined by author Sarah Bilston to explore the strange allure of orchids and the daring—and often destructive—pursuits of the plant hunters who sought them. We delve into the economic and ecological entanglements of botany, the lasting impacts of orchid mania on countries like Brazil, and what we risk losing when we oversimplify the tangled roots of horticultural history. Links The Lost Orchid: A Story of Victorian Plunder and Obsession by Sarah Bilston Other episodes if you liked this one: 🌱 1. Episode 154: Modern Plant Hunters with Dr. Sandy Primrose In this episode, Dr. Sandy Primrose discusses the legacy of Victorian-era plant hunters and how their adventurous—and often exploitative—quests for botanical treasures continue to influence modern horticulture. The conversation touches on the ethical complexities of plant collection and the enduring allure of rare species. 🔗 Listen here 🌿 Episode 54: Growing Orchids in Your Garden with Dr. Wilson Wall In this episode, Dr. Wilson Wall, director of Bewdley Orchids and co-author of How to Grow Native Orchids in Gardens Large and Small, shares his expertise on cultivating native British orchids. He discusses the symbiotic relationship between orchids and fungi, suitable species for various garden settings, and the importance of conserving these plants as their wild populations decline. This conversation offers a practical perspective on orchid cultivation, complementing the historical and cultural exploration in the interview with Sarah Bilston. 🔗 Listen here  Please support the podcast on Patreon

In this episode, I’m speaking with Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the rewilding movement We Are The Ark. This episode originally aired in 2019 and it’s particularly pertinent as it coincides with the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where Mary, won a gold medal winner for her ground-breaking, naturalistic garden which at the time was a revelation. Mary has long championed a shift from traditional gardening to a more nature-centric approach. Her initiative, We Are The Ark, invites gardeners, landowners, and stewards to rewild areas under their care, transforming them into sanctuaries for biodiversity. This conversation delves into Mary's journey, the philosophy behind We Are The Ark, and practical steps we can all take to support nature in our own spaces. As we face increasing environmental challenges, Mary's insights offer a timely reminder of the power each of us holds to make a difference. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, this episode provides inspiration and guidance on creating your own "Ark" for nature. Links 1. Official Website – Mary Reynolds Mary Reynolds' official website offers insights into her philosophy, projects, and design approach. Website 2. We Are The Ark – Rewilding Movement Mary founded the "We Are The Ark" initiative to encourage people to transform their gardens and land into safe havens for nature. Website 3. Book: The Garden Awakening: Designs to Nurture Our Land and Ourselves In this book, Mary shares her vision of creating gardens that are in harmony with nature, blending practical advice with spiritual insights. Publisher's Page 4. Book: We Are The Ark This book expands on the principles of the "We Are The Ark" movement, providing guidance on rewilding and creating sanctuaries for biodiversity. Publisher's Page 5. Film: Dare to Be Wild A biographical drama inspired by Mary Reynolds' journey to winning a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. IMDb Page Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Mary Reynolds you might also enjoy this one from the archives:  🌿 Episode 293: The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn with Sue Reed In this episode, Sarah Wilson converses with author Sue Reed about her novel The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Northern landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, the story follows Molly McFlynn as she reconnects with nature and embraces her identity as an outsider. The discussion delves into themes of personal transformation, the healing power of wild spaces, and how fiction can inspire real-world ecological awareness. Listen Here 🦔 Episode 21: Wildlife Gardening with Kate Bradbury Summary: Sarah Wilson interviews wildlife gardening expert Kate Bradbury about creating gardens that support biodiversity. They explore essential features to include, such as shelter and specific plant choices, as well as common misconceptions about wildlife-friendly gardening. Kate shares insights from her book Wildlife Gardening for Everyone and Everything, offering practical advice for transforming any outdoor space into a haven for wildlife.Roots and AllApple Podcasts+1Roots and All+1 Listen Here Please support the podcast on Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Geeta Mehta, author of Japanese Gardens, talks about the beauty, philosophy, and deep cultural roots of Japan's garden traditions. We delve into how these serene landscapes reflect harmony, mindfulness, and a unique dialogue between nature and design. Links Japanese Gardens: Tranquility, Simplicity, Harmony by Geeta Mehta & Kimie Tada  Geeta Mehta on Wikipedia Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Geeta Mehta you might also enjoy this one from the archives:  Episode 271: Japanese Maples with Miles Hayward Summary: In this episode, Sarah Wilson speaks with Miles Hayward, an expert in Japanese Maples and founder of Miles Japanese Maples nursery. They delve into the different types of maples, how to grow and care for them, and what makes these trees so iconic in Japanese garden design. Miles also shares insights into how he built his nursery around quality, sustainability, and deep botanical knowledge. Web Link Episode 118: Tokachi Millennium Forest with Dan Pearson & Midori Shintani Summary: Sarah interviews renowned garden designer Dan Pearson and head gardener Midori Shintani about the Tokachi Millennium Forest project in Hokkaido, Japan. The episode explores the forest’s design philosophy, the fusion of traditional Japanese landscape principles with ecological awareness, and the challenges of working on a project with a 1,000-year vision. It’s a profound conversation about stewardship, beauty, and long-term thinking in garden design. Web Link Please support the podcast on Patreon

Joshua Sparkes is a grower whose innovative, soil-centered approach blends regenerative principles with a deep reverence for the natural world. We dig into his unique style of farming, how it’s shaped by observation and experimentation, and why it offers a glimpse into what must be the future of sustainable food production. Links The Collective at Woolsery Joshua Sparkes on Instagram Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Joshua Sparkes you might also enjoy this one from the archives:  Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition Guest: Sam Hamrebtan Link: Roots and All Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital connection between soil and the nutrients in our food. As the founder of the Life Larder newsletter and Course Director at CNM’s Natural Chef School, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge on how growing practices impact the quality of what we eat. Episode 306: The Soil Habitat Guest: Eddie Bailey Link: Roots and All Eddie Bailey, a geologist, organic no-dig gardener, and soil food web specialist who runs Rhizophyllia, discusses the soil food web, what inhabits the soil habitat, why soil health impacts plant health and ultimately our health, and what you can do to get the best out of your garden. Please support the podcast on Patreon