Gardening with the RHS

This week we’re diving head-first into the long grass, under the flowerpots, and behind the compost bin to celebrate National Insect Week! The Wildlife Trusts’ collaborator and garden designer Zoe Claymore shares her top tips on wildlife friendly gardening. RHS Principal Entomologist Dr Hayley Jones will be busting some myths around one critter which has been dominating our gardens this year – aphids! And another RHS entomologist – Josie Stuart – explains why earwigs are excellent insect predators to encourage into your plot.   Host: Gareth Richards   Contributors: Zoe Claymore, Dr Hayley Jones, Josie Stuart   Links: Buddleja aphids Buddleja aphid survey Aphids Earwigs 

As the UK bursts into bloom, we celebrate British Flowers Week with flower farmer Georgie Newbery, who shares how to create stunning, sustainable bouquets from your own garden. At RHS Garden Wisley, Liz Mooney guides us through successional sowing for a summer full of salad crops, and at RHS Bridgewater, Carolyne Jones reveals how to turn your garden into a haven for nesting birds. From vibrant wildflowers to fledgling robins, it’s a glorious season of growth – and there’s still time to get involved. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Georgie Newbery, Liz Mooney, Carolyne Jones Links: Common Farm Flowers The carbon footprint of flowers Say it with British flowers study

This week, we journey into one of Britain’s rarest and most magical landscapes — the temperate rainforest. Designer Zoe Claymore joins us to reveal how she captured the enchanted atmosphere of these ancient woodlands at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and how you can recreate that wild, mossy magic at home. Then, we turn our attention to a true British garden staple: the hedge. Photographer Gareth Gardner shares what he discovered after receiving over 500 submissions from around the world for his new exhibition On The Hedge, now opening at RHS Garden Wisley. Plus, Gareth Richards is here with practical advice on planning ahead with tips on sowing biennials, and Guy Barter shares what he’s been up to in his own garden. A lush, leafy episode not to be missed. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Zoe Claymore, Gareth Gardner, Gareth Richards Links: British Temperate Rainforest - British Wildlife Trusts British Rainforest - How to Guide Lindley Late - Urban Gardening Club: Balconies, Pots and Patios On The Hedge exhibition at RHS Wisley

This week, we’re stepping off the garden path and into the wild. James Armitage, editor of The Plant Review, joins Gareth Richards to reflect on how a little wilderness can bring balance, biodiversity, and unexpected beauty, to even the most cultivated spaces. We begin with a tribute to the intrepid botanist John Watson, whose plant-hunting adventures in South America unearthed a treasure trove of wild flora. Plantsman Robert Rolfe shares stories of Watson’s passion and the remarkable plants he helped bring into cultivation. Then, it’s over to the Garry oak meadows of Vancouver Island, where nurserywoman Amy Sanderson and writer Eric Hsu are rethinking everything we thought we knew about camassias – revealing their surprising resilience in dry climates. Finally, we ascend to the Himalayas with botanist Richard Moore to meet the hardy Roscoea – a plant both wild and wonderful, whose taxonomic tale is as twisty as its mountain roots. All this, plus a call to action: find out how you can help protect community growing spaces by supporting the RHS-backed Space to Grow amendment in Parliament. Hosts: Gareth Richards & James Armitage Contributors: Robert Rolfe, Amy Sanderson, Eric Hsu, Richard Moore Links: RHS Horticultural bursaries Subscribe to The Plant Review Space to Grow amendment for the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill Use this template to send to your MP find your MP’s email address here Saving allotments and community gardens

Late May bursts with life – and this week’s episode celebrates the full force of the season. We revisit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to explore the mystique of Meconopsis, the Himalayan “Big Blue Poppies” that have captivated British gardeners for over a century. Then, Horticultural Advisor Nick Turrell shares clever shortcuts for growing your own edibles – even if you’re short on time and space. And Edward Cooper from RHS Garden Wisley unpacks the Award of Garden Merit: what it takes to earn this mark of excellence, and how it can help you choose top-performing plants for your own patch. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Helen Knowles, Nick Turrell, Edward Cooper Links: The Meconopsis group How to grow Meconopsis  RHS Plant Trials and Awards

Step into the bloom of RHS Chelsea 2025! In this special episode, we delve into the standout themes, emerging trends, and — of course — the spectacular plants that define this year’s show. Journey with us from Scotland’s wild coastal landscapes to the dappled canopies of urban forests, as we meet the visionary designers behind 2025’s most breathtaking gardens. We’ll also shine a spotlight on the real stars of the show: the plants themselves — and the groundbreaking breeders competing for the prestigious RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year award.   Hosts: Jenny Laville, Gareth Richards, Tom Howard, James Armitage   Links: Chelsea Flower Show tickets Chelsea Flower Show gardens Chelsea Plant of the Year RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse

Join Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, as he reveals the alarming decline of moths and butterflies, urging gardeners to take action. Ed Cooper, Trials Team Leader at RHS Garden Wisley, shares expert advice on sowing wildflower meadows that attract a variety of wildlife. Finally, Dawn Grehan, Lead Horticulturist at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, discusses how to create dog-friendly gardens that also support pollinators, ensuring both our furry friends and local ecosystems thrive.

Nick Turrell, a member of the RHS Garden Advisory Team, champions the often-misunderstood world of weeds, advocating for their surprising culinary uses. Joining him is James Lawrence, who dives into key tips for maintaining robust plant health during Plant Health Week. They share creative ideas for embracing weeds, highlight essential summer gardening techniques, and tackle listener questions about common challenges. From quirky gardening mishaps to innovative practices, the discussion is a treasure trove for green thumbs and budding gardeners.

Joining the discussion are Alessandra Sana, a horticulturist caring for the stunning water lily display at RHS Garden Wisley, and Liz Mooney from the edibles team, who brings her expertise on growing beans. They delve into the unexpected benefits of dandelions as a nutritional powerhouse for salads. Liz shares essential tips for cultivating various bean types, while Alessandra highlights the charm of water lilies and the best practices for their care. Listeners will leave inspired to embrace the beauty and utility of their gardens this May!

Liz Mooney, a horticulturist from RHS Garden Wisley's Edibles team, shares expert tips on growing vegetables like beetroot, turnips, and parsnips. She emphasizes effective planting techniques and pest protection for a thriving garden. Clare Hermans, an authority on Madagascan orchids and recipient of the RHS Elizabeth Medal of Honour, shares her fascinating journey with these rare plants and discusses their cultural significance and conservation efforts. Together, they highlight the joy and challenges of spring gardening.