Gardening with the RHS

Join Poppy Okotcha, an ecological home grower and author, as she shares insights on regenerative gardening that connect us deeply to the planet. Dr. Hayley Jones, an entomologist, reveals the surprising benefits of slugs in our gardens, discussing their complex role in ecosystems. Russell Ball, founder of a charity focused on urban trees, emphasizes the importance of caring for these green giants to combat climate change. Together, they inspire sustainable practices that can make a significant impact in our communities.

Join Ben Dark, a botanist and author researching plant history, as he shares fascinating anecdotes about ancient ferns. Horticulturist Alessandra Sana reveals her creative strategies for transforming shady garden corners into lush retreats. Meanwhile, John Sonnier, Head Gardener at the British Embassy in D.C., discusses his sustainable gardening practices that earned him the prestigious Elizabeth Medal of Honour. This insightful conversation blends plant history, hands-on gardening tips, and inspiration for creating vibrant green spaces.

Liz Mooney from the edibles team at RHS Garden Wisley shares her expertise on growing delicious homegrown potatoes. She discusses the benefits of cultivating your own spuds, covering essential planting and harvesting tips while debunking common myths. The conversation also moves to planting summer bulbs, ensuring your garden dazzles with vibrant blooms. Additionally, Martyn Rix, a Victoria Medal of Honour recipient, reflects on his lifelong dedication to horticulture, showcasing the beauty and excitement of plant exploration.

In this enlightening discussion, Josie Stuart, an RHS entomologist, emphasizes the crucial role of hoverflies in gardens and offers tips for supporting their populations. Jonathan Sheppard shares his expertise on Cosmos flowers, highlighting their beauty and how they attract pollinators. Meanwhile, Sarah Cook reveals her journey to revive the lost irises of Sir Cedric Morris, celebrating these stunning blooms that blend artistry and horticulture. Together, they inspire gardeners to cultivate a more vibrant and eco-friendly garden.

Liz Mooney from the RHS Garden Wisley shares expert tips on cultivating a bountiful tomato crop, highlighting her favorite varieties. Maurice Foster, a renowned woody plant collector, discusses stunning hydrangea options for vibrant summer gardens. Meanwhile, composting expert Heather Gorringe reveals innovative techniques like Bokashi bins and worm farming, turning food waste into gardening gold. Together, they offer sustainable solutions and practical advice, perfect for any gardening enthusiast looking to enhance their green space.

Lucy Chamberlain, a kitchen gardener and author of 'Grow Food Anywhere,' reveals how to successfully grow crops in shady spots. Nick Turrell from the RHS Advisory Team discusses the controversial Leyland Cypress tree, offering expert advice on management and neighborly relations. Ecological grower Jamie Walton shares insights on sustainable practices that enhance garden biodiversity and health. Together, they celebrate spring's arrival with tips for thriving gardens, even in challenging conditions.

Lucy Chamberlain, a kitchen gardener and author of 'Grow Food Anywhere', joins Seamus O’Brien, a magnolia expert from the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, and Alex Paines from RHS Garden Rosemore. They discuss the beauty and history of magnolias, exploring how to grow them successfully and their fascinating pollination methods. Lucy shares tips on cultivating edibles in challenging spots, while Alex introduces the chop and drop mulching technique, emphasizing its ecological benefits. It's a vibrant conversation about gardening sustainability!

With the right approach, your garden can give back just as much – sometimes even more – than you put in. This week, we’re finding out how to get the most out of our edibles plots with kitchen gardener and writer Lucy Chamberlain who will be proving you really can grow food anywhere. We’re also heading back to Roz Chandler’s Field Gate Flowers to discover the perfect mix of annuals, perennials, biennials and foliage plants for stunning arrangements year-round. And finally, how about a cup of tea? Jonathan Jones – head gardener of one of Europe’s largest and most diverse tea gardens – shares how to cultivate tea at home and take your plants from bush to brew.Host: Guy BarterContributors: Lucy Chamberlain, Roz Chandler, Jonathan Jones, Jenny LavilleLinks:Grow Food Anywhere bookHow to plan a cut flower garden episode 1Field Gate FlowersTregothnan

This week we’re exploring some of the plants which may have flown under your radar. Plantsman Chris Sanders will take us on a journey that began with a casual flick through a rare horticultural book and spiralled into a decades-long obsession with rare Japanese cherry cultivars, never seen before in the UK. Horticulturist Scott Galloway makes a compelling case why the resilient favourite of Gertrude Jekyll – the much overlooked bergenia – could be a game-changer in an era of shifting climates. And Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden curator David Pearce proposes why African boxwood makes the ideal box alternative.Hosts: Gareth Richards and James ArmitageContributors: Scott Galloway, David Pearce, Chris SandersLinks: Subscribe to the Plant Review Grow bergeniasScott Galloway’s website with more info on bergeniaFind Matsumae cherries Plant Heritage

Valentine’s Day and flowers go hand in hand, so what better way to celebrate than by dedicating this week’s programme to the stunning blooms you can grow right in your own garden? Over the past four years, the RHS has been on a mission to find the best red roses for home gardens. We’ll be revealing the top contenders with Wisley’s Roz Marshall. If roses aren’t your thing, Roz Chandler from Field Gate Flowers will be guiding us through the process of starting your own cut flower garden from bare earth to vase. And finally, nothing signals the arrival of spring quite like the golden explosion of daffodils! This year, the RHS is launching a nationwide appeal to track their varieties, flowering times, and distribution across the UK. RHS Principal Scientist and daffodil enthusiast Dr. Kálmán Könyves will share their fascinating history and his hunt for rare—and possibly lost—cultivars.Host: Gareth RichardsContributors: Roz Marshall, Roz Chandler, Kálmán KönyvesLinks:Red Roses Trial resultsField Gate FlowersSeed To Vase CourseDaffodil Diaries