Gardening with the RHS

• Plants for Pollinators

  A third of British pollinator species are now in decline — but there’s still hope, and gardeners can be part of the solution. This week, the RHS launched its updated Plants for Pollinators list: over 10,000 plants scientifically shown to support pollinating insects throughout the year. Dr Andy Salisbury, head of plant health at the RHS, will take us behind the science — revealing how smart planting choices can help reverse pollinator decline. Gill Perkins, CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, will bring us into the world of the charismatic bumblebee, shedding light on the growing pressures they face, from shrinking habitats to shifting seasons. And finally, horticulturist Rosie Yeomans will spotlight a pollinator favourite: salvias. After leading a three-year hardy salvia trial at RHS Garden Wisley, she’s here to reveal which varieties truly stole the show. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Dr Andy Salisbury, Rosie Yeomans, Gill Perkins Links: Plants for Pollinators hub About Plants for Pollinators Plants for bees Bumblebee Conservation Trust Hardy Salvia Trial Results

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• Dead Hedges, Magical Mints and a Mycelial Menace

  This week Sam Southgate from RHS Garden Rosemoor is teaching us how to rethink garden waste by transforming it into amazing structures for both you and your garden wildlife to enjoy. Mary Coates who’s doing her summer studentship with the plant health team at the RHS tells us about her research into the dreaded honey fungus, and how you can help her out. And finally we share some love for the mint family, as we dive into this expansive genus with some of the designers of the lamiaceae borders at RHS Hampton Court this summer.    Host: Guy Barter   Contributors: Sam Southgate, Mary Coates, Gareth Richards, Tom Howard, Marlene Lento, Yvonne Price and Victoria Stanton   Links: Privet species and honey fungus Survey Help our research at the RHS More about Honey Fungus The Nest at Wisley Lamiaceae borders at RHS Hampton Court

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• RHS Wentworth: A celebration of great northern gardens and growers

  This week, we’re coming to you live from the very first RHS Flower Show at the magnificent Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire. We’ll be chatting with the rising stars of garden design – young talents competing for the coveted RHS Young Designer of the Year award. We’re also shining a light on some of the North’s finest growers, showcasing their extraordinary plants inside the vibrant floral marquee. And of course, we’ll be exploring the fresh ideas and inspiring themes blooming across the show’s breathtaking gardens.   Hosts: Gareth Richards, Jenny Laville, Mallissa Mabbitt   Contributors: Paul Hervey-Brookes, Luke Coleman, Colin Hickman, Dean Charlton, Mairi Longdon   Links:  RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse

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• The Story of Strawberries

  Nothing captures the spirit of a British summer quite like Wimbledon and the iconic pairing of strawberries and cream. This week we’re diving into the fascinating history of strawberry cultivation with the RHS Head of Libraries and Exhibitions Fiona Davison, who uncovered a hidden story of pioneering strawberry-focused citizen science. Wisley’s Liz Mooney returns to run us through exactly how to keep on top of the vegetable patch during one of the busiest times in the growing season. And finally, we journey to Somerset to meet Georgie Newbury of Common Farm Flowers. Her cut flower farm is a haven for bees, butterflies, and all things that flutter and buzz. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Fiona Davison, Liz Mooney, Georgie Newbury Links: How the RHS transformed British strawberry growing RHS Digital Collections RHS Plant Trials and Awards Common Farm Flowers

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• Growing Ideas: Highlights from RHS Hampton Court

  This week, we're coming to you from the stunning RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2025; the UK’s most spectacular summer celebration of all things green, growing, and gloriously garden-inspired! Join us as we dive into the cutting-edge sustainability solutions, and thought-provoking exhibits that reveal how gardening connects us to nature, to each other, and to ourselves. We explore the Healer’s Hollow, where ancient plant-based healing traditions are brought back to life, and visit Surrey County Council’s visionary garden, which imagines a greener, more sustainable urban future. Along the way, we hear from passionate exhibitors and garden designers about how we can support endangered garden wildlife—and they share their top tips for keeping your garden thriving, even in this summer’s scorching heat.   Hosts: Guy Barter, Mellissa Mabbitt, Tom Howard   Contributors: Jude Yeo, Emily Grayshaw, Lilly Gomm, Coralie Thomas, Adrian Thomas, Alan Partridge, Helen Currie, Tom Pilgrim, Laura Strand, Sam Stark-Kemp, Henry T Pope   Links: Visit RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival  RHS Healers Hollow Garden RSPB and RHS Swift Garden Surrey County Council: Reclaiming spaces, creating healthy streets garden Hot Pocket, City Pocket Planting Garden Teucer Wilson: Green the Gap Garden, City Pocket Planting Welcoming Wildlife, City Pocket Planting Garden

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