Gardening with the RHS

Pollinators at RHS Badminton, Elms at RHS Sandringham, and Edimentals 16.07.2026 29мин

It’s time to recuperate and relish one of the best times in the gardening calendar. Taking inspiration from some of the Pocket Planting gardens at RHS Badminton Flower Show, we’re celebrating plants for pollinators as part of Bees’ Needs Week. Ahead of an elm-themed exhibit at the Sandringham Flower Show next week Jenny Laville meets David Shreeve MBE, who in the late 1970s arranged for the first disease resistant elm cultivars to be brought to the UK. And RHS Wisley’s Liz Mooney spills the beans on edimentals - what are they and how do they benefit us? Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Liz Mooney, Jenny Laville, David Shreeve MBE, Alison Johnston, Darren Gillingham, Natalya Scott, Lucie Dannemann-Scott, Michael Leech, Gavin Moth Links: RHS Sandringham Flower Show Explore the RHS Badminton pocket planting gardens If you have a question you’d like answered on the podcast, write in to us at podcasts@rhs.org.uk

RHS Badminton Flower Show 09.07.2026 33мин

Join us at the inaugural RHS Flower Show at Badminton in Gloucestershire! It’s a brand-new addition to the gardening calendar, the next in a massive year of RHS events that celebrate the greatest shows in earth, and Gardening with the RHS is here to take listeners on a journey through some of the show’s highlights. Size matters, and we speak with renowned designer Tom Stuart-Smith about one of his most ambitious undertakings ever: designing and building the biggest show garden in the history of the RHS. We learn about another RHS first, the introduction of the Young Designer Gardens, giving early-career designers a major national platform. Plus, we meet the world’s leading growers and nursery experts exhibiting at Badminton, for some take-home tips and vegetal inspiration. Host: Gareth Richards & Melissa Mabbitt Contributors: Tom Stuart-Smith, RHS Young Designers Abigail Stoyle, Sophie Sturgeon, Sophie Leo, And from the Floral Marquee: Rachel from The Tetbury Flower Company, Lee from sedum specialist Plants Let's Grow, Colin from Roualeyn Fuchsias, Luke from D'Arcy & Everest

After the heat, multifunctional fennel, and roses 101 02.07.2026 37мин

This week we’re recovering from extreme heat to get back to what we love best: celebrating the joy of plants, how to grow them, and some tips for doing more in our gardens. Guy Barter emerges from the heat dome with some lessons learned from inside the furnace, and our science editor Olivia Drake shares an RHS Wildlife Wonder Plant for July that’s a hit with pollinators and people - bronze fennel. Horticulturist Oliver Ongley looks after the rose garden at RHS Garden Wisley, and he offers on successfully growing roses at home, with a nod to RHS Garden Rosemoor’s current Festival of Roses. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Guy Barter, Olivia Drake, Oliver Ongley

Insect week: Beetling about, solitary bees, and summer strawbs 25.06.2026 31мин

Insects are vital ecosystem engineers in our gardens. Small but mighty, they help create healthy, balanced environments where plants can thrive. Of course, not all insects are flying or scuttling above ground all the time, so to mark Insect Week, we’re going underground with RHS Principal Entomologist Dr Hayley Jones to explore the beetle larvae living in our soils. We’ll learn how to identify the species that benefit our gardens, and what to do about those that can cause problems. Bee expert Rachel Richards from conservation charity Buglife joins us to reveal the remarkable diversity of solitary bees that may be nesting right outside your door, and share simple ways to support these important pollinators. And finally, as the heatwave continues, we turn our attention to a seasonal favourite: strawberries. RHS Horticultural Advisor Chris Taylor shares his top tips for growing healthy, productive plants and getting the very best harvest. Plus a roundup of top tips based on the latest enquiries on rhs.org.uk Email your questions to podcasts@rhs.org.uk Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Hayley Jones, Rachel Richards, Chris Taylor Links: How to help hoverflies Vine weevil Chafers in garden borders Ground beetle larvae and other predatory gardener allies More in depth ID features for chafers and stag beetles Previous episode on Hoverfly Heroes with Josie Stuart How to help hoverflies Strawberries

A celebration of British blooms 18.06.2026 30мин

Insects are drawn to them, poets and artists are inspired by them, and without them, much of our agriculture simply wouldn’t exist. Flowers are one of nature’s most remarkable inventions, and in honour of British Flowers Week, we’ve got three fantastic floral stories. Georgie Newbery, artisan flower farmer and passionate advocate for the British cut flower industry, joins us to share how years of campaigning is giving flower growers a stronger voice and greater visibility at a national level. We explore the sweet pea extravaganza at RHS Garden Wisley this week with National Sweet Pea Society President Roger Parsons. And finally we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing gardens: aphids. Josie Stuart from the RHS Plant Health Team explains how to keep these sap-sucking squatters under control using flowers, while maintaining the natural balance of the garden. Host: Nick Turrell Contributors: Georgie Newbery, Roger Parsons, Josie Stuart Links: National Sweet Pea Society Aphids advice

Plants for sunny spots: the familiar and the unexpected 11.06.2026 27мин

In this summer edition of the Plant Review podcast special, we get stuck into the plants which love to bask in the sun. Journalist Phil Clayton shares his tips for success with bearded irises, and tackles one of the conundrums associated with this antisocial plant – what to grow them with! Taxonomist Julian Shaw introduces us to a striking new Arum hybrid that's been causing quite a stir among plant enthusiasts. And we dissect what lessons we can learn from mediterranean gardens. Hosts: Gareth Richards and James Armitage Contributors: Phil Clayton, Julian Shaw

June in the kitchen garden 04.06.2026 27мин

June is when many kitchen gardens begin to hit their stride. Horticulturist, author, and YouTuber Huw Richards joins us to explore the joys of growing your own food, the benefits of self-sufficiency, and why gardens of every size can have a big impact on people, communities and wildlife. Huw also shares details of the Top of the Plots competition, celebrating inspiring growers across the UK. RHS Wisley's Liz Mooney reveals what you can still sow this June, from reliable favourites to more unusual edible crops. And as gardens buzz into early summer, RHS Science and Horticulture Editor Olivia Drake investigates lavender, our Wildlife Wonder Plant for June, and reveals which varieties prove most irresistible to bumblebees. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Huw Richards, Liz Mooney, Olivia Drake Links: Top of the Plots competition Lavender Wildlife Wonder plant of the month

Heatwaves, houseplant hacks, hot new hostas, and more! 28.05.2026 31мин

As the UK experiences some of the hottest May weather on record, we share practical tips for helping your garden cope during heatwaves. And if the soaring temperatures have you seeking shade indoors, we’ll hear from houseplant experts about their favourite indoor plants and their advice for tackling common houseplant problems. We also catch up with Chris Potts from Sienna Hostas to discover a breakthrough in hosta breeding that has produced the first truly red-leaved cultivar Hosta RED NINJA in the genus. And with the warm weather set to continue, why not visit an RHS Garden this weekend? We head to RHS Garden Bridgewater, where curator Tracy Snell tells us more about the transformation of this remarkable historic garden as it celebrates its fifth birthday this month. Plus a tribute to horticultural legend Matt Biggs, who sadly died last week. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Natalia (Conservatory Archives), John (Hugo & Green), Alice (Botanica Studios), Chris Potts (Sienna Hosta), Tracy Snell, Tim Upson

The best of RHS Chelsea Flower Show 20.05.2026 29мин

The highlight of the horticultural calendar is back. This week, we’re bringing you the very best of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. We speak to designer Darren Hawkes about The Lady Garden Foundation’s 'Silent No More' garden, and how outdoor spaces can be designed to encourage conversation and connection. Growers and exhibitors from the Great Pavilion share their favourite plants, must-see showstoppers, and expert tips on everything from getting the most out of your hostas to creating natural dyes at home. We also meet Joe and Laura Carey, designers of Addleshaw Goddard: Flourish in the City, to explore London’s rich botanical history and discover how even the smallest urban gardens can become truly striking spaces. Plus, we take a look at the cutting-edge horticultural science showcased at the GreenSTEM exhibit. Whether you’re heading to Chelsea this year or simply looking for expert growing advice and fresh inspiration from some of the world’s leading designers and growers, there’s something here for everyone. Hosts: Jenny Laville, Tom Howard, Gareth Richards Links: RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Chelsea’s gnome battle, marvellous mulleins and free plants with hidden costs 14.05.2026 31мин

Love them or loathe them, garden gnomes are back… and this time, they’ve even got royal approval as they’ll be appearing in the Kings Foundation garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which returns next week. Fiona Davison, head of Libraries and Exhibitions at the RHS talks us through the history of the show’s infamous gnome ban. Science and Horticulture Editor Olivia Drake joins us to marvel at the beauty of verbascums, which are this month’s wildlife wonder plant thanks to their multifaceted appeal to all kinds of garden insects, including birds, bees and mullein moth caterpillars. And if you’ve ever been inspired by a TikTok or Instagram video to try growing your own fruit and veg from supermarket leftovers, Dr Helen Latham from the Plant Health team joins us with words of wisdom about how plants for free can sometimes come with hidden dangers. Host: Nick Turrell Contributors: Fiona Davison, Olivia Drake, Helen Latham Links: May Wildlife Wonder plant - verbascums Gnome ban lifted Chelsea Flower Show Plant Health

Moths, hydrangeas and a royal flourish at Chelsea 07.05.2026 28мин

We’re diving into the fascinating lives of moths with RHS Principal Entomologist Dr Hayley Jones. She tells us what sets them apart from butterflies, and how to set up nighttime nectar bars to give them a helping hand. We’re also turning our attention to a firm favorite in the garden: Hydrangeas. RHS horticulturist Jack Aldridge is a woody plant expert, and he joins us to share some of his favorite cultivars and everything you need to know about caring for your hydrangeas at home - from pruning tips to the secrets behind the brightest blue blooms. And finally, with RHS Chelsea Flower Show just around the corner, RHS Head of Libraries and Exhibitions Fiona Davison joins us to reveal more about the unveiling of a striking new botanical painting, known as a ‘Royal Signature’. It marks the occasion of His Majesty King Charles III becoming the charity’s Royal Patron, and celebrates his long-standing commitment to inspiring more people to experience the joy of gardening. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Dr Hayley Jones, Jack Aldridge, Fiona Davison Links: Wild about gardens: magical moths RHS plant guide - hydrangeas RHS Chelsea flower show

Wild about gardens: from birds to blossom 30.04.2026 34мин

Today we’re getting wild in the garden and taking a look at some of the abundance that's on display as spring hits its peak. The RSPB’s Emma Marsh joins us to unpack the results of this year's Big Garden Birdwatch, offering a revealing snapshot of the health of some of our most cherished garden visitors. Emma also shares how new research is informing New RSPB advice on feeding birds seasonally and safely. One key food source for young chicks at this time of year is juicy caterpillars; RHS Principal Entomologist Dr Hayley Jones shares her advice on how to live with these misunderstood critters, and why moths in general deserve some more credit in the garden. And finally, we turn to a seasonal highlight: crab apples. Nurseryman Nick Dunn of Frank P Matthews nursery joins us to celebrate these remarkable trees as they burst into bloom, offering beauty, abundance and a vital source of food for birds, insects - and even us. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Emma Marsh, Dr Hayley Jones, Nick Dunn Extra links: Wild About Gardens: magical moths RHS Wildlife gardening advice Remembering Nigel Dunnett

Alternatives to wildflower meadows, supercharge your garden with leftovers, cultivating unusual crops 23.04.2026 32мин

To celebrate Earth Day, we’re looking at how we as gardeners can make small changes to benefit the world around us. Nick Turrell and Jenny Laville will be digging into the topic of food waste, exploring how composting and changing our habits can make a big difference to our ecological footprints. RHS horticultural advisor Jenny Bowden offers an alternative, biodiversity-friendly approach if you find a traditional wildflower meadow just doesn’t work for you. And RHS Garden Wisley’s Liz Mooney and Pavlina Kapsalis share some inspiration for the veg patch, with some unusual crop suggestions you definitely won’t find on the supermarket shelves. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Liz Mooney, Pavlina Kapsalis, Jenny Bowden, Jenny Laville, Nick Turrell Links: RHS Grow Your Own Veg Through the Year RHS advice on fruit and veg growing Gardening for the environment

Helping hedgehogs, DIY potting mix, and crispy cabbages 16.04.2026 32мин

This week Grace Johnson from the Hedgehog Street Campaign joins us once again to tell us more about what we can all do to support the recovery of hedgehog populations, right where they need it most: in our gardens. RHS horticultural advisor Jenny Bowden joins us with a clever money-saving tip, showing how you can make your own potting mix from scratch at home. And to round things off, Liz Mooney heads down to the veg patch with everything you need to know about growing cabbages. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Jenny Bowden, Grace Johnson, Liz Mooney Links: How to make a footprint tunnel Get involved in some Hedgehog citizen science

Spring’s hidden heroes: comfrey, carrots, and hedgehogs 09.04.2026 31мин

This week, we’re shining a light on some of the plants and creatures that play a vital role at this time of year: the ones that truly make spring what it is… starting with an often overlooked but invaluable contributor to the spring display - comfrey. Olivia Drake will be telling us more about this powerhouse for pollinators that deserves a place in any garden. Next, we turn to the veg patch and one of the most satisfying crops you can start sowing right now. RHS Wisley’s Liz Mooney joins us to share some practical tips on growing carrots successfully. And finally, we’ll be taking a closer look at one of the UK’s most beloved native mammals, now beginning to emerge from winter hibernation: the hedgehog. Hedgehog officer Grace Johnson from the Hedgehog Street campaign talks us through the challenges these charming creatures face, and how our gardens (however big or small) could hold the key to helping reverse their decline. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Olivia Drake, Liz Mooney, Grace Johnson Links: Comfrey BIG Hedgehog map

Climate resilient gardens, lettuces, and gladioli 02.04.2026 31мин

This week we head to RHS Wisley's Hilltop where the science and advisory teams are working tirelessly to come up with solutions to some of the biggest pressures facing horticulture and gardeners today, and few are bigger or more pressing than climate change. RHS advisor Jenny Bowden talks us through an experiment she's working on to find out which plants are best suited to the extremes in summer drought and winter flooding UK gardens are increasingly experiencing. Horticulturist Liz Mooney runs us through the Lettuce extravaganza she is sowing at Wisley's world food garden. And bulb expert Muhammad Hafiz Ullah, gives us a masterclass in growing gladioli Host: Nick Turrell Contributors: Jenny Bowden, Liz Mooney, Muhammad Hafiz Ullah Links: Choosing plants for seasonally wet and dry soils How to grow lettuces Gladioli Gladiolus trial

Resilient gardens, blossoming trees & growing cucumbers 26.03.2026 29мин

This week we’re embracing the arrival of spring in the garden. RHS horticultural advisor Jenny Bowden applies a right plant, right place approach in her sandy, drought-prone garden in southeast England. Embracing experimentation, she’s creating a resilient, low-maintenance space that shows even challenging conditions can thrive. We’ll also be celebrating the breathtaking displays of blossom unfolding across the UK right now, as RHS expert Jonathan Newell joins us to explore the rich variety of flowering trees and shrubs in bloom, and what makes this time of year so special for gardeners and nature lovers alike.And to round things off, our resident veg growing affionado Liz Mooney returns with another allotment favourite: this time turning her attention to cucumbers. Host: Jenny Laville Contributors: Jenny Bowden, Jonathan Newell, Liz Mooney Links: Drought-resistant plants Drought-resistant gardening Guide to growing cucumbers Liz Mooney’s top tomato cultivars Liz Mooney’s guide to aubergines, sweet peppers, and chillis Liz Mooney’s guide to peas Liz Mooney’s guide to potatoes

An ode to home grown 19.03.2026 33мин

This week, we’re focusing on the edible garden, and the simple yet radical act of growing your own food in an age of convenience. Food writer Nancy Matsumoto explores how our globalised food system is impacting both people and planet, and why women-led initiatives could help shape a more sustainable future. RHS Garden Wisley’s Liz Mooney joins us from the World Food Garden to answer everything you ever wanted to know about growing potatoes. And finally, Nick Turrell and Jenny Laville sit down to look at how you can get started growing your own – without ending up with a mountain of plastic along the way. Host: Nick Turrell Contributors: Nancy Matsumoto, Liz Mooney, Jenny Laville Links: Reaping What She Sows book Nancy Matsumoto’s substack ‘Reaping’ Liz Mooney’s top tomato cultivars Liz Mooney’s guide to aubergines, sweet peppers, and chillis Liz Mooney’s guide to peas How to go plastic-free in your garden

Spring into wellbeing: primroses, pollinators, and peas 12.03.2026 34мин

With the first glimmers of spring starting to show through, this week we’re diving into the theme of wellbeing – both for us and our garden wildlife. RHS Science & Horticulture Editor Olivia Drake joins us to explain why the common primrose is an essential early source of nectar for pollinators. We’ll also be exploring the powerful role gardens can play in our own health and wellbeing. The RHS has just launched a new science-backed Wellbeing Blueprint, designed to help anyone create a garden that actively supports wellbeing. Ashby Sachs and Vicky Shearing, who worked on the project, join us to talk about what the research reveals, and how we can all put those insights into practice. And finally we’ll also be dropping by the World Food Garden at RHS Garden Wisley, where edibles expert Liz Mooney will be showing us how, where and when to sow peas for a great harvest later in the year. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Olivia Drake, Liz Mooney, Ross Cameron, Ashby Sachs, Victoria Links: RHS Daffodil Diaries Primroses RHS Wellbeing Garden Blueprint What to plant in a wellbeing garden The science behind the RHS Wellbeing Garden Blueprint How to grow peas

Learning From The Wild 05.03.2026 37мин

This week, we’re leafing through the pages of The Plant Review to explore a simple question: what can we learn from the wild? American plantsman Daniel J. Hinkley reflects on a lifetime of exploration that has taken him to some of the wildest places on Earth in search of plants. Yet in his article he turns his attention to a small, unassuming genus growing close to home in Washington State: Coptis. Next, David Pearce, curator of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, transports us to the cloud-shrouded mountains of Madeira to meet a striking architectural plant found nowhere else in the wild, and one that he’s been successfully cultivating on the Dorset coast. And finally, Sacchi Parasrampuria and James Miller take us to Poon Hill in Nepal, reflecting on a recent plant observation trip and the lessons they brought back from the Himalayas. Hosts: James Armitage and Gareth Richards Contributors: Daniel J Hinkley, David Pearce, Saachi Parasrampuria, James Miller Links: The Plant Review Heronswood Gardens Abbotsbury subtropical gardens Musschia wollastonii