Each week we talk to 911±¬ÁÏ experts, along with garden designers, scientists, growers, and the movers and shakers of the horticultural world
Our award-winning Gardening with the 911±¬ÁÏ podcast offers seasonal advice, inspiration and practical solutions to gardening questions.Trusted gardening professionals give you the latest horticultural advice, scientific research and tried-and-tested techniques to bring out the best in your garden.Listen to the lastest episodes or subscribe for all episodes.
In this episode, 911±¬ÁÏ Senior Plant Pathologist Dr Jassy Drakulic shares her passion for the mysterious world of fungi, revealing the hidden lives of their fruiting bodies and the ingenious ways they spread their spores. At 911±¬ÁÏ Rosemoor, horticulturist Alex Paines takes us behind the scenes to explore the art of shaping formal hedges and offers expert tips for keeping them looking their best. And finally, Fiona Davison, 911±¬ÁÏ Head of Libraries and Exhibitions, delves into the gardens and landscapes that inspired the pages of Jane Austen’s beloved novels.
Useful links: 10 fun facts about fungi | Buy Fungi for Gardeners book | Pruning hedges | 911±¬ÁÏ Partner Garden: Chawton House
In this episode, we leaf through the September issue of The Plant Review to uncover what history can teach us about the gardens of today. 911±¬ÁÏ horticulturist Jack Aldridge recalls the rare purple-leaved Stachyurus – first spotted in a Devon garden in the 1970s, lost for decades, then rediscovered at a Cornish plant fair. Judith Taylor, a 91-year-old retired neurologist and garden historian, explores the legacy of Roy Genders, one of the most prolific gardening voices of the 20th century. And plant taxonomist and collector Jamie Compton joins James to untangle the thorny mysteries of the Banksia roses.
Useful links: Subscribe to The Plant Review |Stachyurus praecox ‘Devon Purple’ | Banksia roses
In this episode, horticulturist Tim Smith shows us how to support our hibernating garden visitors by creating your very own hibernaculum at home. Camilla Bassett-Smith shares her expert tips on planting snowdrops now for a stunning early spring display. And Fiona Davison from the 911±¬ÁÏ takes us into the archives to uncover the surprising connections between Jane Austen and the 911±¬ÁÏ.
Useful links: How to grow snowdrops |10 award-winning (AGM) snowdrops |
In this episode, we head down to the world famous, double Michelin star Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in deepest Oxfordshire, to speak to chef Raymond Blanc about his ethos towards growing delicious produce, appreciating the soil, and letting veg take centre stage on the plate. From tasty veg to truly enormous ones, Fiona Davison tells us about the quirky tradition of giant vegetable growing competitions. And Jenny Laville joins us to give us the scoop on what's new for 911±¬ÁÏ Shows in 2026.
Useful links: Grow Your Own | Soils, compost and mulches | 911±¬ÁÏ Horticultural Competitions | 911±¬ÁÏ Shows and events
In this episode, we explore the lives of the pioneering women gardeners of the 20th century who paved the way for women in horticulture today… through music. Composer Omri Kochavi shares how he was inspired by the book An Almost Impossible Thing by Fiona Davison to create what he calls a ‘horti-musical’. Now is the perfect time to think ahead to spring, and daffodil devotee Camilla Bassett-Smith joins us to share some of her favourite cultivars, and top tips on getting the most out of your bulbs. Finally we’re taking stock after a hot, dry summer with a visit to Alex Paine at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Rosemoor in Devon, to explore how the gardeners there are adapting what, where, and how they plant.
Useful links: | Daffodils | 911±¬ÁÏ Daffodil Diaries | Sustainable planting combinations
911±¬ÁÏ is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
