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.
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
In this episode, we explore how to give nature a helping hand when the seasons fall out of step. In this installment of our wildlife ponds mini-series, Helen Bensted-Smith walks us through her top planting recommendations for different aquatic habitats. RHS Wisley Garden Manager Mark Tuson also reveals how his team turns fallen leaves, cuttings, and woody material into valuable resources that enrich the soil, strengthen plant health, and boost biodiversity. Finally, we head to East Sussex for a tour of the iconic Arts and Crafts gardens at Great Dixter – home of the late garden writer Christopher Lloyd – guided by Head Gardener Fergus Garrett.
Useful links: Choosing pond plants | Chop and drop | What is biodiversity? | Explore Great Dixter
All life begins with water – and in gardens across the UK, ponds are becoming vital sanctuaries for wildlife. Now is an excellent time of year to create one and RHS expert Helen Bensted-Smith walks us through everything you need to know in the first of a four-part mini-series on making your own wildlife haven this autumn. Plus, Emma McFarline returns to share the fascinating histories and healing traditions of two timeless plants – the apothecary rose and chamomile – and Duncan McLean offers expert advice on finding the perfect indoor plant to brighten up your home through the November chill.
Useful links: How to build a wildlife pond | Apothecary’s rose | How to grow chamomile | Winter interest houseplants
In this episode, Carol Barrie from the RHS Science and Collections Department talks about Plants for Purpose, an ambitious new project she’s leading in collaboration with the University of Nottingham. It’s using the power of AI, alongside the vast RHS Herbarium, to build a living knowledge bank of plants that benefit the environment. Looking ahead to spring, now’s the perfect time to get tulips in the ground before the ground gets too wet or freezes. We also revisit Arundel Castle, where back in 2022, 80,000 tulip bulbs arrived for a spectacular spring display. Finally, Emma McFarline from RHS Rosemoor, explores the practical, and sometimes surprising uses of familiar garden plants, from their roles in history to their value today.
Useful links: Plants for Purpose project |Tulips for seasonal colour | RHS Trial results | Gardening for health and wellbeing
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
