The Gardener's Lodge

Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, Designer of the world's most Iconic and Important landscapes, from royal palaces to evolving historic estates, uncovering how history, design, and ecology shape Britain’s most significant gardens. Todd shares insights on restoring heritage sites, balancing conservation with the need for progress, and designing landscapes that stand the test of time. Discover the philosophy behind historic garden design, the importance of long-term planning, and how cultural landscapes continue to evolve. A must-listen for garden lovers, landscape designers, and anyone passionate about history, nature, and the future of gardening.

DESIGN STUDIO
GARDEN COACHING

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
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Episode Links:
Todds Website
Todds Instagram

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Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk
Instagram
Tik Tok
The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

I’m joined by lichenologist April Windle from The British Lichen Society to uncover the hidden world of lichens. What they are, how they grow, and why they’re vital for biodiversity, air quality, and ecosystem health. We explore lichen identification, their role as bioindicators, and how they can even signal ancient woodlands and environmental change. We also touch on their cultural history, uses in natural dyes and medicine, and why gardeners should embrace lichens in their outdoor spaces. Plus, in Ask Mykal, I answer a common question about moss lawns and how to work with, rather than against, your garden conditions.

DESIGN STUDIO
GARDEN COACHING

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
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Episode Links:
April Instagram
British Lichen Society Website

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Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk
Instagram
Tik Tok
The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

In this episode, we sit down with Eddie Mordue a farmer, market gardener, and founder of Traditional Garden Growers to explore the foundations of truly healthy gardens: the soil.
We dive into the reality of modern gardening, from synthetic fertilisers and depleted soils to what’s really going on beneath our feet. Eddie shares his perspective from years of growing, and why working with natural systems is the key to long-term success.
We also talk about forgotten, traditional inputs including wool! and how materials that have been used for generations are finding their place again in modern gardens through innovations like Wooltiliser!

DESIGN STUDIO
GARDEN COACHING

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
________
Episode Links:
Traditional Garden Growers Website
Traditional Garden Growers Instagram

________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk
Instagram
Tik Tok
The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

The weeds in your local park? Some of them are dinner. This episode, I sit down with Leo Utton — the Barefoot Forager — a UK wild food expert and foraging workshop host working across Brighton and London. We dig into early spring edible plants, safe foraging practices, and the surprisingly rich history behind the wild foods growing all around us. Leo has a brilliant knack for bringing together old herbal texts and cutting-edge plant science, whether he's posting on social media or leading a group through the hedgerows. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned forager, this one's packed with seasonal inspiration.

DESIGN STUDIO
GARDEN COACHING

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
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Episode Links:
Leo's Instagram
Leo's Website
________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk
Instagram
Tik Tok
The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Jessica Zander of You Can Do It Gardening is known for common sense no-frills garden advice inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the globe that they can do it themselves, and that gardening doesn’t have to be so complicated. Jessica Zander has built a booming garden coaching business from scratch after a career in finance. We chat about starting her business to Spring Garden Tips.

DESIGN STUDIO
GARDEN COACHING

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD
________
Episode Links:
Jessica Zander Instagram
Jessica Zaner Website
________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk
Instagram
Tik Tok
The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026