Each week we talk to RHS experts, along with garden designers, scientists, growers, and the movers and shakers of the horticultural world
Our award-winning Gardening with the RHS podcast offers seasonal advice, inspiration and practical solutions to gardening questions.Trusted gardening professionals give you the latest horticultural advice, scientific research and tried-and-tested techniques to bring out the best in your garden.Listen to the lastest episodes or subscribe for all episodes.
In this episode, James Armitage, editor of The Plant Review, joins Gareth Richards to reflect on the quiet beauty of resilient plants that sustain us through winter and on the pleasure of seeing familiar plants afresh. Writer and plantsman Phil Clayton recounts the extraordinary story of the Wollemi pine, tracing its journey from near extinction to gardens around the world. James then talks with Tom Christian about the remarkable diversity of the ivy family, plants rich in resilience, beauty and often underestimated horticultural value. Finally, we meet South Korean artist Seong Weon Ahn, whose delicate paintings capture plants with both botanical precision and a profound sense of presence and mood.
Useful links: Subscribe to The Plant Review | Wollemi pine | Hedera (ivy) | Artist in Residence: Seong Weon Ahn
In this episode, we begin by stepping into the richly curious world of Christopher Lloyd, the influential gardener and visionary behind Great Dixter House and Gardens. Nick Turrell returns with his top 10 countdown of plants that changed human history. Finally, a look to the future with Sara Redstone who shines a light on a pioneering initiative taken up by the RHS, focused on strengthening plant biosecurity.
Useful links: Great Dixter | Biosecurity at the RHS | Protecting biodiversity | A history of medicinal plants
In this episode, RHS Head of Libraries Fiona Davison, garden designer Zoe Claymore and RHS Gardening Advisor Nick Turrell gather to share their must-read gardening books of 2025. Along the way, they explore what really makes a garden waterwise, dive into the astonishing world of fungi, demystify regenerative gardening, and get to the root of soil science. They also journey through the makings of a temperate rainforest, spotlight remarkable horticultural heroes from history – and yes, they even tackle the topic every gardener loves to hate: slugs.
Useful links: RHS Bookshelf |RHS Waterwise Garden | RHS Fungi for Gardeners | RHS Slugs: Friend or Foe?
December is the perfect time to take stock of the garden and dream of the seasons ahead. With this in mind, this week we bring you some extraordinary stories from horticulturists past and present. Fiona Davison kicks things off with the astonishing tale of Muriel Howarth, who passionately advocated for the potential of atomic energy in gardening. Nick Turrell then joins us to unveil the first two entries in his top 10 most influential plants: species that have shaped history through their extraordinary abilities and dramatic backstories. Finally, Helen Bensted-Smith returns with the concluding chapter of the wildlife ponds mini-series, guiding you through how to keep your pond healthy and thriving for years to come.
Useful links: RHS Digital Collections | What’s on at RHS Libraries | Creating a wildlife pond
In this episode, we’re joined by Sally Bavin from the Woodland Trust, who explains why woodlands are so powerful for both our physical and mental wellbeing. She also shares her fascinating research into mapping the UK’s richest areas of “wellbeing woodland.” We also dive into the new Strong Roots report, which uncovers the challenges preventing Great Britain from growing the trees it needs for the future. Plant scientist Louise Jones takes us behind the scenes at the RHS to explore her investigation into a mysterious fungal pathogen that’s attacking lime trees. Finally, we continue our pond series with Helen Bensted-Smith, who reveals the wildlife you can spot around your pond this week.
Useful links: Gardening for health and wellbeing | Trees for smaller gardens | Strong Roots report | Amphibians in your garden
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The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.
