Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

This week I’m talking to Dr Lionel Smith, horticulture lecturer and author of the book Tapestry Lawns: Freed from Grass and Full of Flowers. As the title suggests, a tapestry lawn replaces grass with flowering dicots, increasing biodiversity, lowering maintenance needs and seriously upping the aesthetic value of a lawn. Living with a tapestry lawns involves a little bit of self-education around how you treat plants and I start by asking how to overcome one of my own biggest worries about having one… Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: Painted Lady Butterfly About Dr Lionel Smith: Dr Lionel Smith received his PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Reading in 2014. He is currently Lecturer in Horticulture at Myerscough College, Lancashire, and lives in St. Anne’s-on-Sea. What We Discuss: The history of lawns What is a Tapestry lawn? Tapestry lawn maintenance Height convergence and why it's relevant to Tapestry lawns Tapestry lawns and wildlife  Tapestry lawns over winter Sourcing plants for a Tapestry lawns What does the future hold for Tapestry lawns?  Links: www.grassfreelawns.co.uk   Tapestry Lawns : Freed from Grass and Full of Flowers by Lionel Smith - Taylor & Francis, 2019 Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon   Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe 

This week I’m chatting with Stephanie Hafferty. Amongst other things, Stephanie is a writer, speaker, long-time champion of No-Dig gardening, a food growing expert, a talented chef she shares some brilliant tips with us this week. The knowledge comes thick and fast in this episode, so you may want to grab a pen and paper before you begin listening! Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: Asian Hornets About Stephanie Hafferty: “I’m an organic no dig kitchen gardener, plant based cook, award winning food & gardening writer, small scale homesteader and mum of three. I live in Bruton, a small market town in rural Somerset where I grow delicious vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs in my garden and allotment using no dig methods.  I love reading (I studied  Literature and Art History at university and worked as an English teacher), crafting, visiting interesting places, exploring the countryside, trying out new recipes and food, making potions and learning new skills.” https://nodighome.com/about/ What We Discuss: Avoiding bolting crops The best way to pick leafy crops to prevent bolting When to sow to stop bolting Eat crops like rocket and mustard greens when they’ve flowered Quick fillers for gaps Gluts of crops How can we avoid gluts Preserving food Deadheading and harvesting Crops that people might think have gone past their best but are actually still usable Links: Stephanie's website nodighome.com Stephanie Hafferty on Twitter  Stephanie Hafferty on Instagram  The Creative Kitchen by Stephanie Hafferty No Dig Organic Home & Garden by Charles Dowding & Stephanie Hafferty  Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon  Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe 

This week I’m speaking to Andrew Hesser, the man behind Bryan’s Quest, a website and YouTube channel dedicated to exploring the natural world from the perspective of Bryan, a blind person. Andrew is also blind and draws on his personal experiences of gardening, volunteering for the National Trust and getting out and about in nature to produce videos and a library of resources for gardeners, in order to highlight how the natural world can be experienced without sight. Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: Grasshoppers About Andrew Hesser: “I’ve been blind for many years and I’ve enjoyed the challenge of study, work and family life. There have, of course, been difficult times when I’ve struggled to keep positive as I’ve ‘battled’ hard to get information made accessible to me. It is, for example frustrating to find shops full of cookery and gardening books totally inaccessible to me. Then there are the significant challenges of getting around using buses, trains, taxis and on foot, especially in new locations. It is only in the past five years, or so that I have started to discover new ways of engaging with and enjoying nature and this naturally leads to wanting to learn more about the wonderful wildlife we are all surrounded by. However, much of the natural world is presented in a visual way, with colourful photos in books and amazing television documentaries. In fact it’s easy for all of us to think of nature being predominantly a visual experience, with all those beautiful views across gardens, countryside landscapes and hill-top vistas. However, I continue to explore the opportunities to appreciate nature using hearing, touch, smell and taste. There is a lot of work to be done to arrange facilities and services to fully exploit the use of all five senses to appreciate the natural world. Gardening is one readily available pastime that brings me very close to nature. Without sight all of the non-visual senses can be applied to get success in the garden and a feeling of achievement.  However, this can only be obtained by developing discipline to be  methodical, patient and resourceful to get truly meaningful pleasures from sowing, growing and caring for plants.” What We Discuss: Some of the biggest challenges faced by partially sighted or blind gardeners Navigating around the garden and other outdoor spaces What we’re missing out on in gardens if we just focus on the visual Playing to the other senses - including particularly good plants or garden features Methods and processes that help when working in the garden  Gardening as an activity for those visually impaired people who may not have already tried it What do visually impaired people need more (or less of) of in public gardens? Helpful resources  Links: www.bryansquest.org  Bryan’s Quest on Twitter  Bryan’s Quest YouTube Channel  www.look-uk.org  www.sensing-nature.com  Mr Plant Geek  Carry On Gardening Candide App  Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon 

This week I’m speaking to Professor Doug Tallamy, author of amongst other things, the internationally influential wildlife gardening books Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope. Prof. Tallamy calls for an urgent rethink of gardening methods and backs up these calls with an illustrious career's worth of research, facts and figures This interview is a must-listen for wildlife gardeners everywhere! Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: Rosemary Leaf Beetle About Prof. Douglas W. Tallamy: “Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 95 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 40 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His book Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens was published by Timber Press in 2007 and was awarded the 2008 Silver Medal by the Garden Writers' Association. The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, was published in 2014. Doug's new book 'Nature's Best Hope' was published by Timber Press in February 2020. Among his awards are the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd, Jr. Award of Excellence, the 2018 AHS B.Y. Morrison Communication Award and the 2019 Cynthia Westcott Scientific Writing Award.” - http://www.bringingnaturehome.net What We Discuss: The problem with thinking that nature is somewhere else, that it’s outside our garden fences The most compelling reasons to choose natives over non-native plants in gardens Carrying capacity and why it’s important to humans The problem with losing species that have evolved as specialist feeders Are our native trees disease prone and do non-natives provide us with a healthier alternative? Key research that needs to be done and what people can do in order for us to keep moving in the right direction Links: www.bringingnaturehome.net  Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy - Timber Press, 2020 Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon  Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe 

This week, I’m speaking to Karen Lawton, co-author of the book ‘The Sensory Herbal Handbook’. The book isn’t just about herbalism, it’s about developing a connection to plants and yes, this can include talking to them! ‘The Sensory Herbal Handbook’ is a manual for learning not just to look at plants but to really see them. If you want to take your appreciation of plants to a deeper level, this episode is a good place to start. Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: Summer Snowflake About Karen Lawton & Fiona Heckels: Karen and Fiona are the Seed SistAs, authors of The Sensory Herbal Handbook and founders of herbal education group Sensory Solutions Herbal Evolution. Combining medical training and years of clinical practice with a passion for plants and creativity, their teaching gives people more autonomy in their health by connecting them with their local medicinal plants and the magical nature of the green world. What We Discuss: What is sensory herbalism? The benefits of starting a herbal journal Some good exercises to do if you would like to start one Making a connection with a plant and using intentions when making remedies An easily recognised herb that can be harvested now (July) and what could it can be used for  The importance of communities having medicinal gardens Links: www.sensorysolutions.co.uk  Facebook - Sensory Solutions Herbal Evolution   Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon  Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe   

This week, I’m speaking to esteemed entomologist Dr Ian Bedford about accepting the insects in your garden and learning to accept their vital role in the wider ecosystem. We talk about the how gardens can work alongside public spaces to provide habitats for beleaguered bugs, how we can reconcile growing food with welcoming bugs and whether reports of Insectageddon are justified. About Dr Ian Bedford: “I have been fascinated by insects and other invertebrates for most of my life. Starting out as an Amateur Entomologist, studying and conserving butterflies on the South Downs, I went on to pursue a professional career as a Research Entomologist and ran the Entomology Department at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, until my recent retirement after 42 years. I can now follow my passion for all things Entomological at a more leisurely pace.  Following retirement I am continuing to visit Garden and Horticultural Societies to give talks on various insect - related subjects. In addition, I'm attending event days for Garden Centres, giving talks and arranging a Plant Pest Clinic for visitors and customers. I'm also invited to talk at a number of Garden Shows around the country. I also speak on a number of radio shows and currently have the great honour of being the resident 'Go To' Entomologist for BBC Radio Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. I also record a bug-related story each week for Toby Buckland's Sunday morning  show on BBC Radio Devon 'An Entomologist Entertains’.  I've also featured on BBC Gardeners Question Time and appeared on TV shows such as BBC Gardeners' World, Inside Out, Tonight, Horizon, BBC Breakfast, A to Z of TV Gardening, The Great British Garden Revival and even  Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule!”.  What We Discuss: The species that most need our help at the moment Some of the best and worst habits us gardeners have that either help or hinder insects Plants that are fairly common but do little or nothing to provide a food source or habitat  Public and private landowners collaborating in order to establish a network of habitats The ecosystems of our gardens and our region-specific species Are all pesticides a no-no? How can we reconcile the need for wilder areas in our gardens and landscapes with the desire to grow food plants? Insectageddon - exaggerated or as bad as reported?  Links: Dr Ian Bedford’s Website  Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon   Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe 

This week I’m speaking to James Basson of Scape Design. James runs his design practice along with wife Helen out of the south of France and their work is synonymous with a naturalistic style, the use of native plants and often, the implementation of matrix or grid planting to populate large areas of landscape. It was this part of James’s practice that initially sparked my interest and we get round to talking about that towards the end of the interview, but first we cover the type of work undertaken by Scape Design and the gardens James designs for some of the most demanding environments. About James Basson: James specialises in dry, sustainable gardens that are inspired by his passion for the natural landscape and is known for using natural materials and local artisans. He has won numerous awards at Garden Shows throughout the world with Gold Medals at the Gardening World Cup in Japan, the Singapore Garden Festival, the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Chelsea Flower Show, where he won best in show in 2017. He has published papers on a generative approach to Garden Design, and is currently developing a database around matrix form planting design, to help designers and gardeners create ecological planting schemes. What We Discuss: The work of Scape Design The design principles that underpin James’s work and how he separates the cultivated from the uncultivated The importance of building in resilience to the gardens James designs, both in the hard landscaping and planting Problems with invasive plants in naturalistic plantings James’s matrix form of planting and this works from an ecological point of view His work to develop a database of plants that work together from an ecological point of view Links: www.scapedesign.com  Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon  Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe 

This week’s interview is with Kenya-based organic farming champion Simon Murungi. Simon is an organic farming trainer and founded the organization SOFAFRICA (Spreading Organic Farming in Africa). He is passionate about Agro Ecological Regenerative Agriculture and Rural Development and sees organic farming methods as a sustainable approach that can turn around smallholder agriculture from mere subsistence farming to a more commercial enterprise. We talk about why Simon believes organic agriculture is important for Kenya’s farmers, how it can be implemented and the challenges farmers face. About Simon Murungi: Simon is an organic farming trainer who founded the organization SOFAFRICA (Spreading Organic Farming in Africa). He is passionate about Agro Ecological Regenerative Agriculture and Rural Development as a viable and sustainable approach to turn around smallholder agriculture from mere subsistence farming to a more commercial enterprise. He is a promoter and experienced trainer of Agro-ecological techniques towards social, economic and environmental conservation in Africa. Simon is also a change maker on how food is produced and linking the plate with the farm for a more safe and nutritious food to the ever increasing population. He champions and advocates for Organic Market Enterprises and Agribusinesses through value addition, creating employment in the rural areas and reversing the rural to urban migration. SOFAfrica provides training to farmers, youths and schools on climate change mitigation strategies, indigenous seed saving, water and soil conservation, organic agriculture, natural resources conservation, rural development, nutrition, animal welfare, human rights especially for the young, elderly, those with disabilities and related issues based on public policy, the best available research science, and effective management. SOFAfrica has a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural Kenyans to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Kenyans/ Africans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve their Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands in line with the sustainable development goals SDGs. Their strategic goals serve as a roadmap towards helping to ensure they achieve their mission and implement their vision. What We Discuss: The work of SOFAfrica The popularity of organic farming in Kenya The reasons Simon believes organic farming is important and is the right way to grow food Seed sourcing and the importance of using organic seed Objections from farmers and growers to organic growing methods How Simon spreads the organic farming message How Fair Trade initiatives work alongside ecologically sustainable farming practices; Whether organic growing reduces the water requirements Whether there is a measurable impact on the 'inputs' and the yields Links: Simon Murungi on LinkedIn   SOFAfrica on Facebook  Spreading Organic Farming in Africa Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon  Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe

This week I’m speaking to expert ornithologist Ricky Whelan about a talk he gives on the Secret Life of Crows, which has surprised Ricky with its “unexpected but massive interest and attendances”. As a life long lover of crows myself, I thought it would be great to find out a bit more about these birds in general, but also in a garden context. So if you’re intrigued to find out how corvids organise their societies, how they communicate, about their love lives and about the good and not so good things they do in the garden, join us as we put an eye to the key hole and spy on the secret life of crows. About Ricky Whelan: Ricky grew up in the Irish midlands surrounded by rural landscapes and bogland and it was here he developed his love for nature. After university Ricky left Ireland and started his conservation career in the UK working for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) as part of their reserve’s teams in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. On return to Ireland Ricky began working for BirdWatch Ireland on the Dublin Bay Birds Project and now leads on Urban Bird projects with a large focus of his work being on Swifts. Outside of work Ricky volunteers with a number of wildlife and conservation projects close to home and has had unexpected but massive interest and attendances with and at his “Secret Life of Crows Talk” which he regularly gives around the country. Ricky lives close to his birthplace with his Claire and their son Art. What We Discuss: Some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding crows  Their societal structures Do crows mate for life? How clever are crows? Their repertoire of songs and sounds How crows recognise humans Their main food sources Do they cause problems for gardeners or can they be beneficial? The most amazing thing Ricky has discovered about crows during his research Links: Ricky Whelan on Twitter  On Instagram  Snowboarding Crow  Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon  Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe 

This week, I’m talking to journalist and author Val Bourne about her book The Living Jigsaw: the secret life in your garden. Val is a perfect example of a gardener who loves ornamental plants as much as she respects the wildlife in her garden. She walks the walk, produces writing based on her observations and has a palpable love for all the things that share her garden. We talk about how to achieve an outdoor space where there’s room for everything to flourish. About Val Bourne: Val Bourne is an award-winning author and journalist, photographer and lecturer. She gardens organically in the Cotswolds, growing a huge range of ornamental and edible plants. Val is a true plantaholic and her work is informed by growing often challenging plants and observing how they interact, not only with each other but with other species that share the garden.  What We Discuss: The idea behind The Living Jigsaw Slugs and snails in the garden - how bad are slug pellets? Garlic spray?  Which roses work in an organic garden Is leaving patches of garden undisturbed a necessity? Some key wildlife plants When to cut grassy areas of the garden Some of the best and worst practices for a wildlife garden Links: Val Bourne - The Natural Gardener The Living Jigsaw: the secret life in your garden by Val Bourne - Kew Publishing, 2017 SLUGS IN GARDENS: THEIR NUMBERS, ACTIVITIES AND DISTRIBUTION. PART 2 - Barnes, H. F. and Weil, J. W. 1945. Slugs in gardens: Their numbers, activities and distribution. Part 2. Journal of Animal Ecology. 14 (2), pp. 71-105.  Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall  Instagram @rootsandallpod  Help me keep the podcast free & independent! Support me on Patreon  Or donate as much or as little as you like at GoFundMe