Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

The first ever Vegan Garden Festival was held at Hortus Loci Plant Centre in Hampshire on Sept 15th 2018. Sarah reviews the event and her discovery that she may be more than just a vegan who gardens. Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Selecting and planting trees can be a minefield. Never fear though, help is on hand as 'legend in the world of trees', Kew-trained, Peter Thurman is here to provide straight-forward advice about what to do and what not to do when buying a tree and planting it out. Peter's CV is suitably impressive. He is a landscape designer and plantsman and holds chartered status in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry and the environment. He is a fellow of both the Arboricultural Association and the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and it doesn't end there. Find out more about Peter and his passion for all things tree related in this episode. Discover how to select the right tree for your garden's soil type and which species of tree will help you create the effect you are targeting. Learn how pleached trees can become an attractive alternative to fencing, just beware of the High Hedges Act! Does it pay to have patience when growing your tree, or is it easier to have instant impact? Pick up some valuable tips and tricks on the planting process. From deciding which food you should feed your prized specimen with, to mulching and watering, your questions are sure to be addressed in this informative episode. Points of interest; Soil conditions when planting a tree Choosing the right trees for your garden The process of planting a tree Round vs square hole Tree food How to deal with planting a tree in clay soil Watering your tree Staking your tree The importance of mulching Ideal trees for small or large gardens Trees for; privacy/scent/flowers/autumn colours/the ultimate seaside garden FAQs answered; When is the best time of year to plant a tree? Should I take the hessian off a field grown tree before planting? When shopping for my tree, should I buy the biggest one possible? Are soil Testing kits a good idea? What do I need to put at the base of my newly planted tree? How do I deal with leaders? Which type of stake should I use? Guest follow up; Peter Thurman Email: ThurmanConsultancy@btinternet.com www.thurmanconsultancy.co.uk - Peter Thurman Consultancy, Landscape www.lcgd.org.co.uk - London College of Garden Design Further useful research; www.kew.org - Visit The Royal Botanical Grades at Kew www.reading.ac.uk - Dr Glynn Percival www.biochar.co.uk - Tree food Rigel-G - Tree food product Trees in order of mention, Botanical name followed by UK common name; Kolreuteria paniculata fastigiata – Pride of India Quercos phellos – Willow Oak Lime trees AKA Tilia species: Tilia tomentosa – Silver Lime Tilia T. henryana – Henry's Lime Taxus baccata – Yew Ginkgo biloba – Maidenhair Tree Cordyline australis – Cabbage Palm Pterostyrax hispida – Epaulette Tree Liriodendron tulipifera – Tulip Tree Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum Parrotia persica – Persian Ironwood Tamarix species - Tamarisk Quercus ilex - Holm Oak Acer pseudoplatanus – Sycamore Cedrus libani – Cedar of Lebanon Get in touch; Email: podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website: www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter: @rootsandall Instagram: rootsandallpod Patreon Link; https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

If you want to know the answers to why your carnivorous plant may look dead but isn't and why none of them can eat greenfly, listen in... Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Sarah is surprised to find that August is not the most popular month with gardeners and explores some ways in which the month can be made a little more bearable. She also talks about thrips on houseplants. Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Houseplants have come a long way since your mum's Swiss cheese plant from the 1970s. However, successfully cultivating one of the myriad of varieties available today, is not as simple as wedging your chosen species into the barren corner of the living room in a once redundant terracotta pot. From nurturing your first cactus at university to transforming your home into an indoor sanctuary full of orchids, bringing the outside in has always had its challenges but also its benefits. Discover why, as Sarah places her partner Jason Stevens in the hot seat to grill him on his knowledge and passion for houseplants. Jason served 16 years in the Army leaving in 2016 for medical reasons, after which he undertook a period of rehabilitation. During his recovery he noticed what a positive effect gardening had and chose to follow this up by embarking on a garden design diploma. Eventually he narrowed his focus to sourcing and caring for indoor houseplants. Jason chats about numerous varieties of houseplants, from easy care perennials such as ferns and aspidistra to trickier specimens such as selaginella. He discusses the potential health benefits some may provide and offers some great tips on general plant care. Whether you know your bonsai from your begonia, there is plenty of useful information to ensure you can achieve your indoor zen. *Listen today to find out the winner of the review competition. Points of interest; Easiest and most difficult houseplants Sunny spots and shady spots Bathroom plants Bedroom plants Hanging pots Tips on the procedure of buying plants General plant maintenance Rain water Vs distilled water Top 5 common pests and diseases FAQs answered; Do I need to repot a plant once I get it home? How do I tell if my plant needs watering? How often should I water my plants? Should I give my plants food? Which plants need misting? Should I use leaf shine? Guest follow up; www.simplygarden.org Jason Stephens Instagram simply_garden Facebook @simplygardensw Further useful research; Plant names mentioned: Aspidistra elatior Sansevieria trifasciata – Mother-in-Law's Tongue Calathea Nephrolepis exaltata – Boston Fern Ficus elastica – Rubber Plant Ficus benjamina – Weeping Fig Spathiphyllum – Peace Lily Ceropegia woodii – String of Hearts Selaginella species Echinocactus grusonii – Mother-in-Law's Seat Brand names: House Plant Focus SB Plant Invigorator Pests: Aphids Fungus gnats Mealy bugs Spider mites Thrips Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Beth Otway AKA Pumpkin Beth has turned terrarium gardening into a perfectly balanced combination of science and art. Sarah reads excerpts from her interview with Beth and also talks about when to order your tulips and offers some suggestions for ones to look out for. Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Sarah starts by pondering how come the roses seem to be having 2 distinct flushes this year and gets no nearer to an answer. She also discusses when to trim your box bushes and talks about the intriguing houseplant du jour, the Crocodile Fern. The Budcast finishes with an unexpected confession... Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Lacking the space but certainly not the enthusiasm? Taking on an allotment has fast become a popular solution to keeping those green fingers satisfied and the benefits are endless. Not only is it environmentally friendly, working an allotment can be seen as therapeutic, sociable and an all round healthy discipline, which can promote a healthier lifestyle. In the first part of this episode, Sarah chats to Louise Bell, an accomplished writer and editor and co founder of Sunny Creative. Louise also happens to be a sympathetic gardener and was on the committee for the Marina Allotment and Horticulture Association in Hastings. Having worked on her own allotment for 10 years, Louise is armed with knowledge to enlighten us on how best to go about finding an allotment. Whether it's run by the local council or independently managed, she presents a number of key pointers to take into account before committing to a plot and those you will need to consider once you are the proud owner. With first hand practical advice on various topics, from restrictions on what you are allowed to grow, to how to clear a plot previously owned, there's enough to get the ball rolling if you are thinking of investing your time and energy into growing your own produce. Nevertheless don't forget to follow up soon with part 2 of this episode to discover more about allotments and how to manage expectations on what you grow. Alongside self sowing plants, difficult crops and suggestions on plot structure, you can be sure to pick up many more helpful tips to ensure you have a productive plot. Please take the time to rate this podcast and you could be in with a chance to win a copy of the Great Dixter cookbook (2017) which contains a delightful concoction of seasonal recipes and is a book Louise was involved with creating. Points of interest; Associate members. Generic allotment rules and regulations. Choosing your allotment plot. Practical issues, such as water, electricity and toilet. Visitors allowed onto the premises. Time restrictions. Recommended tools. Taking over someone else's allotment patch. FAQs answered; Are all allotments run by the local council? Do I specifically need to choose an allotment near to where I live? Do allotments have waiting lists? Will I have to pay for my allotment? How do I know if having an allotment is the right thing for me? Do I need planning permission for a shed? Will I be allowed bonfires? Who is responsible for any waste? Are there restrictions on what I can grow in an allotment? Further useful research; www.marinallotments.org.uk www.gov.uk/apply-allotment sunnycreative.co.uk www.greatdixtershop.co.uk The Great Dixter Cookbook 2017 Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

If you're flagging in the hot weather, chances are your plants are too. Listen in to find out if you should be watering your outdoor plants in a drought and if so, how often. Also, Sarah shares a nifty trick to keep your indoor plants happy if you're going away on holiday. Share your watering successes and woes; Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

You've got the space, you've got a budget, but where to begin? It can be difficult and sometimes daunting to know how to set about transforming and making the most of your outdoor space. For those of us who aren't blessed with a green-fingered talent, the best option may be to bring in the professionals and hire the services of a garden designer. Fortunately, Sarah Wilson is here with another essential episode to help guide you down the path alongside her special guest and Chartered Horticulturalist, Andrew Fisher Tomlin. Barely in need of introduction, Andrew is renowned for his incredible gardens and landscapes for which he has won many awards and is on tap in this episode as a never-ending fount of knowledge on the subject. As Director of the London College of Garden Design and Partner of Fisher Tomlin and Bowyer in London, Andrew has a stellar career. Therefore, you can expect to pick up some constructive and reliable advice and tips, from how to choose the right garden designer for you, to the perennial question of how much you should expect to pay. Find out why it's imperative that you communicate with your garden designer in order to achieve a productive relationship. As with most things in life, the more you put in, the more you get out. From consultation to final horticultural glory, let Sarah and Andrew reassure you, that you can achieve the garden of your dreams! Points of interest; What to consider when thinking about hiring a garden designer. Qualifications and experience of a garden designer. References, testimonials and insurance of a garden designer. Choosing the right garden designer for your style. The design process you can expect to go through from start to finish. How to communicate with your garden designer and get the outcome you've always dreamed of. Things to look out for during the process. Why a garden designer can help you save money. Hourly rate and fees. Working around your budget. FAQs answered; Why do I need a garden designer? What can I expect a garden designer to bring to a project? Where do I begin searching for a good garden designer? Is it beneficial to choose a local garden designer? What's the difference between a landscape architect and a garden designer? Do I need both a landscape architect and garden designer for the job? How involved should my garden designer be throughout the project? Guest follow up; www.andrewfishertomlin.com Fisher Tomlin and Bowyer garden designers and landscapers, London. Further useful research; London College of Garden Design www.lcgd.org.uk The Society of Garden Designers www.sgd.org.uk www.pinterest.co.uk Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall