Roots and All - Gardening Podcast
Episode 331: Doug Tallamy Revisited
Today’s episode is a bit different because I’m not well at the moment and the podcast has taken a back seat to hospital visits and sleeping lots I’m afraid. But, out of something negative comes a positive because I decided to re-master and re-release an episode from the back catalogue, and this week we’re dipping back into Episode 97 with Doug Tallamy. But we’re not just hitting replay. We’re bringing new light to it, inspired by last week’s conversation with the incredible Kelly Morse… Links Bringing Nature Home: How you can sustain wildlife with native plants by Prof Doug Tallamy Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Kelly Morse you might also enjoy this one from the archives: Episode 58: A New Garden Ethic Sarah talks to garden designer and author Benjamin Vogt about his book A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant Compassion for an Uncertain Future. Benjamin writes in his book how it’s imperative that we take up a new style of gardening, a new garden ethic, and that we do so fast. Benjamin explains what it means for him to garden with every species in mind and what happens when we separate ourselves from the rest of our garden’s community. Benjamin Vogt runs Monarch Gardens, a prairie garden design practice. His own garden was named a top outdoor space of 2012 by Apartment Therapy and has been featured in Fine Gardening, Garden Design, Nebraska Life, the Omaha World Herald, the Lincoln Journal Star and on KOLN. Episode 218: Creating Wildlife Habitats This episode, my guest is Catherine Heatherington. Catherine is a garden designer and consultant and she’s the author of several books about landscape. Along with Alex Johnson, Catherine is a co-founder of Design Wild Associates, a design practice that encourages wildlife into even the smallest of urban spaces and Catherine and Alex have co-authored the recently released book ‘Habitat Creation in Garden Design’. Please support the podcast on Patreon
14 apr 2025 - 30 min 54 s
Episode 330: Ecological Art for the People
Kelly Morse is co-founder of 70|30 Studio—a design practice with a mission to rewild spaces and reconnect people with nature. Kelly’s work blends ecology, sustainability, and creative design to transform how we experience the natural world. We’ll be discussing the philosophy behind 70|30 Studio, the challenges and rewards of integrating wild landscapes into urban environments, and how we can all bring a little more nature into our everyday lives. About Kelly Morse is an ecological landscape designer, writer, and environmental artist. She is an award-winning author and founder of 70|30 Design Studio . As co-founder of Symbiocene Project she collaborates with artist Brendan Baylor and others to create environmental, community-centred art installations, including Hothouse and Soundings: Soundmap for a Changing Landscape . Links 70|30 Design Studio Brendan Baylor Art Hothouse Project Soundings: Soundmap for a Changing Landscape 70|30 Design Studio on Instagram Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Kelly Morse you might also enjoy this one from the archives: Episode 209: Soundscapes and Landscapes This week I’m speaking to Dr Mike Edwards, Chief Listening Officer at Sound Matters, a company focussed on using sound and listening to create more sustainable and resilient futures. Sound Matters provided the soundtrack to the Rewilding Britain garden that one best in show at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Mike recently spoke passionately about climate change, soundscapes and landscapes at the Beth Chatto Symposium and wowed a lecture theatre full of rapt listeners with his prowess on the didgeridoo. Episode 138: The Botanical Mind In this episode, I talk with gardener, TV presenter, and wildlife advocate Chris Baines about the evolution of wildlife gardening since the 1980s. Chris shares his experiences designing the first wildlife garden at the Chelsea Flower Show and offers practical advice on mimicking natural habitats, such as woodland edges, to support biodiversity. We also discuss the importance of documenting garden wildlife and how individual efforts contribute to broader conservation goals. Please support the podcast on Patreon
7 apr 2025 - 26 min 26 s
Episode 329: Wildlife Garden, Australia Style
I’m joined by the brilliant AB Bishop, a passionate advocate for wildlife-friendly gardening and author and journalist. We dive into the incredible ways AB has transformed her outdoor space into a thriving habitat for native birds, insects, and other creatures. If you’re keen to make your patch more biodiverse and buzzing with life, plus find out about Australia’s incredible flora and fauna, this one’s for you! Links AB Bishop is a renowned horticulturist, conservationist, and writer specialising in Australian native plants and wildlife-friendly gardening. Here are some of her notable works: Habitat: A Practical Guide to Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Australian Garden This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on designing, planting, and maintaining gardens that support local wildlife. It emphasizes understanding the interconnectedness of backyard ecosystems to create authentic habitats. Naturescapes: How to Create a Natural Australian Garden (co-authored with Phillip Withers) This book provides inspiration and guidance on transforming outdoor spaces into naturalistic Australian gardens. It focuses on plant selection, materials, wildlife habitats, soil information, and design principles to establish thriving environments. Articles in ABC Gardening Australia Magazine As the horticultural editor, AB Bishop has contributed numerous articles covering topics such as composting, pruning native plants, and garden design. Her writings offer valuable insights and practical tips for gardeners. Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with AB Bishop you might also enjoy this one from the archives: Episode 38: Wildlife Gardening with Kate Bradbury In this episode, I speak with wildlife gardening expert Kate Bradbury about creating gardens that support and attract wildlife. We discuss the best practices for designing wildlife-friendly spaces, including plant choices and features to include, as well as common mistakes to avoid. Kate shares insights from her book Wildlife Gardening for Everyone and Everything , offering valuable advice for gardeners looking to make their outdoor spaces more hospitable to various species. Listen to the episode Episode 160: Making a Wildlife Garden with Chris Baines In this episode, I talk with gardener, TV presenter, and wildlife advocate Chris Baines about the evolution of wildlife gardening since the 1980s. Chris shares his experiences designing the first wildlife garden at the Chelsea Flower Show and offers practical advice on mimicking natural habitats, such as woodland edges, to support biodiversity. We also discuss the importance of documenting garden wildlife and how individual efforts contribute to broader conservation goals. Listen to the episode Please support the podcast on Patreon
31 mar 2025 - 23 min 58 s
Episode 328: Soil, Health and Nutrition
Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital connection between soil and the nutrients in our food. As the founder of the Life Larder newsletter and Course Director at CNM’s Natural Chef School, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge on how growing practices impact the quality of what we eat. Sam talks about nourishing both the land and ourselves. Links The Life Larder On Instagram Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Sam Hamrebtan you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 257: Taste Your Garden This episode, my guest is qualified herbalist Meghan Rhodes. Meghan discusses how we can tap into our gardens for better health, why herbs are good for dealing with conditions that are manifestations of multiple problems, such as stomach issues, the 7 keys tastes you find in herbs and how you can get started on your own journey using herbs for wellbeing. 246: Urban Smallholding My guest this episode is urban smallholder Sara Ward. Sara runs Hen Corner, a backyard smallholding in London. Her website Hen Corner has a wealth of information on growing and making food, she runs courses, sells products from her bakery and has just published a book ‘Living the Good Life in the City’. I began by asking Sara what prompted her to follow in the wellie-prints of Barbara Good. Please support the podcast on Patreon
24 mar 2025 - 22 min 17 s
Episode 327: Following in the Footsteps
Explore the deep connection between movement, landscape, and wellbeing In this episode featuring author and academic Kerri Andrews. We talk about her book Pathfinding and the profound impact of walking in nature. Discover how walking can be an act of reflection, discovery, and even resistance. Kerri shares insights from history and her own experiences, reminding us why putting one foot in front of the other is more powerful than we might think. Links www.kerriandrews.co.uk https://kerriandrews.co.uk/ Pathfinding: On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom by Kerri Andrews Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Kerri Andrews you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 321: Weathering It All Join me for a timely exploration of how weather shapes our landscapes, ecosystems, and personal experiences of the natural world. Writer and naturalist Matt Gaw discusses his latest book, In All Weathers. As we face an increasing onslaught of extreme and unpredictable weather patterns across the globe, Matt’s reflections on walking through the elements—be it storm, drought, or downpour—offer both a poetic and urgent perspective on our relationship with the forces that govern life on Earth. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on resilience, adaptation, and the beauty found in even the most inhospitable conditions. 276: Unearthing This week, my guest is Kyo Maclear. Kyo is an author and her latest book is centred around family secrets, her mother and how gardening shaped their relationship and helped her frame their mutual experiences. Please support the podcast on Patreon
17 mar 2025 - 27 min 42 s
Episode 326: Glyphosate
Investigative journalist Carey Gillam talks about glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Carey has spent years researching its impacts on health and the environment, as well as the discussions surrounding its regulation and use. She talks about her research, the science behind this particular herbicide, and the effects of the chemical on soils and our health. Links Learn more about Carey: www.careygillam.com The New Lede At The Guardian Her books: Whitewash - The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer and the Corruption of Science The Monsanto Papers - Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man's Search for Justice Please support the podcast on Patreon
10 mar 2025 - 23 min 01 s
Episode 325: Growing in the Garden
Content creator, writer and gardener Ramona Jones talks about her garden and her beautiful book Growing . We discuss her experiences as a neurodivergent gardener, how she uses social media to document her journey, and the joys of creating a space that nurtures both plants and wildlife. She shares her deep connection with nature and the ways gardening has helped her grow in more ways than one. Links Growing: A year of living and nurturing with the seasons by Ramona Jones Ramona Jones on Instagram - @monalogue Ramona on YouTube Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Ramona Jones you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 203: Gardening for Your Senses This week I’m chatting with writer Kendra Wilson. Kendra has written a vast amount about gardening but I was particularly interested in speaking to her about her book Garden for the Senses. Engaging all your senses can lead to a deeper connection with the landscape and it can be an unusual and transformative experience. I wanted to find out how we can all learn to better use our senses and firstly, what prompted Kendra to write the book. 230: Sensory Gardens and Autism I’m speaking about Sensory Gardens, with a focus on design for people with autism. I have three guests; Camellia Taylor who’s designed The Natural Affinity Garden, which will be at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, after which time it will be relocated to Kent, to the charity Aspens where it will be used by residents of and visitors to the site. Next, I speak with Meraud Davis who’s overseeing the project at Aspens and finally, to Alexis Selby a foraging obsessed, nature-loving, all-round amazing person who’s giving us her take on using outdoor spaces with her son, Jared. Please support the podcast on Patreon
3 mar 2025 - 21 min 55 s
Episode 324: Kitchen Garden Living
Bailey Van Tassel talks about the art of kitchen gardening. We explore Bailey’s seasonal, intuitive approach to growing food at home and discuss insights from her book, Kitchen Garden Living . With a focus on simplicity and sustainability, Bailey shares her thoughts on cultivating a thriving kitchen garden. Links www.baileyvantassel.com Kitchen Garden Living: Seasonal Growing and Eating from a Beautiful, Bountiful Food Garden by Bailey Van Tassel Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Bailey van Tassel you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 188: Huw Richards on Veg Growing This week’s guest is veg growing expert Huw Richards. Huw grows a vast range of plants in his garden in mid-West Wales and is always trialling and experimenting with new ways of growing. He has an enormously popular YouTube channel and has authored a number of books, the latest of which is ‘The Vegetable Grower’s Handbook’ which draws on his experience as very much a thoughtful and philosophical gardener. 171: Grow Easy with Anna Greenland This year’s first guest is organic vegetable grower Anna Greenland. Anna has supplied produce to some of the UK’s top chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Jamie Oliver, has created gardens at Soho Farmhouse, Kew Gardens and the Huntington Botanical Gardens in LA. She is currently establishing a market garden and gardening school in Suffolk and has just released a book called ‘Grow Easy’. Anna talks about working with the best chefs in the best kitchens and catering to their clientele, about producing pristine veg organically, about growing food in different climates and the fundamentals of veg garden success. Please support the podcast on Patreon
24 feb 2025 - 22 min 47 s
Episode 323: Wildflowers, Community and Urban Nature
I’m joined by Richard Scott and Polly Moseley from the Scouse Flowerhouse to explore the transformative power of community gardens. They share insights on using wildflowers to create vibrant, biodiverse spaces that benefit both people and wildlife, as well as the challenges and rewards of managing community green spaces. Listen on to discover how their work is weaving nature into urban communities. Links www.scouseflowerhouse.com Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Richard Scott & Polly Moseley you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 1. Episode 275: Community Gardening Synopsis: This episode delves into the world of community gardening, exploring how shared green spaces can foster community spirit, provide fresh produce, and promote environmental stewardship. The discussion highlights the benefits and challenges of managing communal gardens and offers insights into starting and sustaining such projects. 2. Episode 173: Sharing and Borrowing Gardens Synopsis: In this episode, host Sarah Wilson speaks with Joyce Veheary, founder of Lend and Tend, an initiative that connects garden owners with individuals who lack their own gardening space. They discuss how this platform facilitates the sharing and borrowing of gardens, promoting community engagement and making gardening more accessible to everyone. Please support the podcast on Patreon
17 feb 2025 - 18 min 31 s
Episode 322: Trees and Crops Better Together
Trees and crops—better together! This week on Roots and All , I’m joined by Andy Dibben, co-author of Silvohorticulture , to explore how agroforestry can revolutionise our growing spaces for a more resilient and productive future. Links Silvohorticulture: A grower's guide to integrating trees into crops by Andy Dibben & Ben Raskin Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's episode with Andy Dibben you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 235: Woodchip - My guest this week is Ben Raskin, the Soil Association’s Head of Horticulture and Agroforestry. Ben is the author of several books on gardening, including Zero-Waste Garden and The Community Gardening Handbook. His latest book is ‘The Woodchip Handbook’, which I was very excited to read and even more excited to speak with Ben about, because I’ve long been a fan of using wood chip in the garden. In the interview, we cover the many uses for woodchip in the garden, how it can help with plant and soil health, what sort of wood makes good chip and the do’s and don’ts of using it. 137: Dr Glynn Percival of Bartlett Tree Experts - This episode is brought to you by the team at The Real Soil Company. Launched to the market in 2020 The Real Soil Company proudly offers new organic, peat-free SuperSoil . Packed full of organic nutrients for optimal plant health, SuperSoil’s natural ‘boosters’ will stimulate quicker plant establishment and better resilience against pests and disease, whilst also enabling edible crops to benefit from nutritional enhancement and a higher crop yield. The enhanced soil also offers better water retention and release for optimum plant growth, whilst providing a more balanced and workable material for gardeners. Please support the podcast on Patreon
10 feb 2025 - 26 min 23 s