Pioneering Women Gardeners, Daffodils and Climate Lessons
This week we’re exploring 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 will be sharing how he was inspired by the book ‘An Almost Impossible Thing’ by Fiona Davison to create what he calls a 'horti-musical'. Now's the perfect time to think ahead to spring, and daffodil devotee Camilla Bassett-Smith will be joining us to share some of her favourite cultivars, and top tips on getting the most out of your bulbs. And finally we’re taking stock after a hot, dry summer. We visit Alex Paines at RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon to explore how the gardeners there are adapting what, where, and how they plant.
Host: Guy Barter
Contributors: Omri Kochavi, Camilla Bassett-Smith, Alex Paines
Links:
An Almost Impossible Thing: The radical lives of Britain's pioneering women gardeners
Omri Kochavi’s website
Ladies in Bloomers
RHS Daffodils
Daffodil Diaries project
RHS Garden Rosemoor
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Autumn Abundance: How to Harvest All Year Round
Autumn may be here, but your garden’s productivity doesn’t have to slow down! This week, join us as Liz Mooney from RHS Wisley’s World Food Garden reveals how she keeps her allotment bursting with fruit and veg all year round. We’ll also hear from entomologist Dr Hayley Jones, who’s back to shed new light on wasps — the much-maligned but fascinating insects who’ve had a buzzing bumper year in 2025. And for those thinking beyond the traditional lawn, RHS advisor Nick Turrell offers fresh ideas to transform your garden into something truly inspiring.
Host: Jenny Laville
Contributors: Liz Mooney, Dr Hayley Jones, Nick Turrell
Links:
Social Wasps
RHS Plants For Pollinators
Plants for Pollinators Special Podcast Episode
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Wading into wisteria, managing mildew and an existential conundrum
Many of us have experienced the surge in powdery mildew, ushered in by the hot, dry summer we’ve had. To find out more about this unwanted fungal force and how to manage it, we’re speaking to RHS Senior Plant Pathologist Dr Jassy Drakulic. Late summer is also the perfect time to prune your wisteria to ensure the best blooms next spring. We’re speaking to this custodian of Wisley’s Wisteria Walk, Liam Anderson to pick up his top tips for success at home. And Nick Turrell returns with a curious question. He’s shining a spotlight on one familiar feature found in almost every garden in the country, asking us to think about why it’s really there.
Host: Guy Barter
Contributors: Jassy Drakulic, Liam Anderson, Nick Turrell
Links:
Powdery mildews
Pruning Wisteria
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Gardening Through Extremes: Survival, Heatwaves & Budget Hacks
This week we are diving into extremes. Tom Hart Dyke shares his amazing story of misadventure in the Panamanian jungle that led him to the brink of death… and to the founding of a ‘World Garden’ deep in Kent. Guy Barter shares some top tips on how to keep your garden looking luscious in the extreme heat and drought we’ve experienced across the UK this summer. And are you gardening on an extreme budget? Nick Turrell from the RHS advisory team has some top tips just for you!
Host: Gareth Richards
Contributors: Tom Hart Dyke, Guy Barter, Nick Turrell
Links:
Lullingstone World Garden
Managing water in your garden
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Allotments: Spaces that Grow Us
Allotments are powerful spaces of regeneration, nourishment, and community, and this National Allotment Week we’re celebrating these impactful sanctuaries. Mike Farrell, Chair of the National Allotment Society talks us through how they have evolved and why in a fractured world, the diverse communities they serve are more vital than ever. Garden designer and allotmenteer Zoe Claymore explores the versatility of container gardening, and RHS Horticultural Advisor Lenka Cooke shares her hacks for dealing with any invading weeds AND how to feed your allotment at the same time.
Host: Nick Turrell
Contributors: Mike Farrell, Zoe Claymore, Lenka Cooke
Links:
National Allotment Society
Zoe Claymore website
More on homemade fertilisers
'Gardening with the RHS' offers seasonal advice, inspiration and practical solutions to gardening problems. Trusted gardening professionals give you the latest horticultural advice, scientific research and tried and tested techniques to bring out the best in your garden.
Topics covered include: growing your own vegetables, flowers, garden design, lawn care and gardening with children. Plus expert masterclasses in topics ranging from cottage garden plants, growing orchids, to pest control and eco-friendly gardening.
Plus we’ll have behind the scenes reports from the country’s most prestigious flower shows. There’s something in these podcasts to interest every gardener, whatever your level of expertise.
For more info see www.rhs.org.uk/podcast
A Pixiu production.
Ireland