Gardeners' Question Time

In this episode, garden designer Bunny Guinness, house plant expert Anne Swithinbank, and expert plantsman Matthew Biggs tackle blueberry dieback and eco-friendly pest solutions. They discuss the joys of creating pollinator gardens and the importance of gardening with kids. A unique segment covers a sensory garden tailored for those with anosmia, highlighting inclusivity in horticulture. Plus, amusing tales of plant theft provide a lighthearted touch, blending humor with the challenges and ethics of gardening.

In this lively discussion, Peter Gibbs, an insightful meteorologist, shares his expertise on how extreme weather influences gardening practices. He dives into the increasing popularity of sponge cities in the UK, highlighting their innovative designs for managing rainwater. Additionally, the panel tackles challenges like maintaining gladioli and managing black spots on hellebores, offering practical tips for thriving gardens. Their engaging banter and expert advice ensure that gardeners leave with fresh ideas to tackle climate change's effects on their blooms.

Join garden designer Marcus Chilton-Jones, Head of Royal Parks Matthew Pottage, and RHS Curator Juliet Sargeant as they tackle gardening questions from the vibrant city of Bradford. Discover the secrets behind nurturing a Buddha's Hand citrus plant and managing pesky coddling moths with nematodes. Hear inspiring stories of community-driven gardening, including the transformation of a neglected ginnel into a lively oasis. Plus, get expert tips for growing potatoes and insights on carving your unique gardening identity through social media.

Join ethnobotanist James Wong, renowned for his work on plants and culture, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Kirsty Wilson, the Head of Gardens at Balmoral, as they tackle intriguing gardening questions at Clandeboye Estate. Discover the best soil for terrariums, learn about cultivating shamrocks and their storied history, and explore clever solutions for managing damp patches in gardens. The conversation also touches on innovative gardening techniques and the importance of often overlooked plants, making for a rich horticultural journey.

Join Bunny Guinness, a seasoned garden designer, Matthew Wilson, an expert in landscaping, and Marcus Chilton-Jones, curator of RHS Garden Bridgewater, as they dive into sustainable gardening practices. They tackle pressing questions on keeping bonsai trees thriving and moving mature shrub roses. Marcus shares fascinating insights into the history and resilience of Walsall Arboretum's oldest hawthorn tree. The hosts also discuss their favorite plants, revealing personal stories and the deep connections we share with nature.

Dive into the world of gardening with expert tips on propagating Heuchera and managing Wisteria for optimal blooms. Discover creative enhancements for herbaceous borders, like the exotic Cunculus vulgaris. Learn practical methods for hardwood cuttings and gain insights into gardening in flood-prone areas, where plants like tulips and echinacea flourish. Enjoy light-hearted conversations about simple gardening tasks for beginners, making the journey enjoyable and accessible for everyone!

Bunny Guinness, a garden designer and regular contributor, joins Marcus Chilton Jones, curator at RHS Garden Bridgewater, and Matthew Wilson, an experienced garden designer. They tackle how to manage pesky red ants with creative solutions like using coffee residue. The discussion shifts to the benefits of rainwater over tap water for gardening and the emotional connection gardeners have with rare daffodils, highlighted by the Daffodil Diaries initiative. They also share tips for staying motivated during inclement weather and practical advice on nurturing various plants.

Snowdrops - do you mulch, feed, or leave them alone? What's the difference between anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion? How do I get rid of apple maggots? Peter Gibbs and the GQT team of experts return to Shepton Mallet to solve various gardening conundrums. On the panel this week are house plant guru Anne Swithinbank, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and garden designer Matthew Wilson.Later in the programme, Anne Swithinbank and Dominic Weston discuss all things snowdrops ahead of Shepton Mallet's upcoming snowdrop festival. Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Peter Gibbs guides us through the GQT archive, which includes some much needed advice on how to make your garden more wildlife friendly. The GQT team have pruned through 77 years of questions and answers to reveal useful advice provided by our various horticultural experts. This includes tips on how to attract bats to the garden, advice on rabbit proof plants and the benefits of snakes in the gardenLater, we listen back to when Kirsty Wilson visited Glenarm Castle and discussed how we make our gardens to safe for hedgehogs.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Is gardening a solitary or a social activity? What could I grow up a garage wall? What do the panel expect to see in open gardens?Kathy and a team of experts visit The Hanneys to solve gardeners' problems. Joining Kathy to answer the questions are fanatical plantswoman Christine Walkden, dedicated botanist Dr Chris Thorogood, and passionate plant expert Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, Matthew Pottage and GQT producer Dominic Tyerman visit the Sydney Botanic Gardens in Australia to understand the wide appeal of living wall gardens, as well as provide tips for making your own.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4