In this episode I chat with garden designer, broadcaster, TV presenter and author, Mark Lane . Mark’s brilliant new book, The Future of Gardens , published by Melrose House looks at the future of gardening, including themes of technology, climate change and gardening on another planet. We talk about: Mark's book The Future of Gardening Mark’s career, to date Climate change Mark’s plans for the future, and lots more You can learn more about Mark by following him on his Instagram account ( click h...
Jun 03, 2025•52 min•Season 9Ep. 8
Hello! In this episode of the Mike the Gardener – Gardening Podcast , I chat to award-winning garden designer, writer and author, Juliet Sergeant. Juliet's new book, ‘The importance of soil’ is published by Frances Lincoln in association with Kew Botanic Gardens. In this episode we chat about: The book and how it came about. When did Juliet's interest in soil first come about? Why Juliet’s walked away from a successful career as a Hospital Doctor Her award-winning Gardens at Chelsea and Hampton ...
May 08, 2025•40 min•Season 9Ep. 5
In this episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast I chat with writer, author and the inspiration behind the Middlesized Garden Youtube Channel and Blog, Alexandra Campbell. Alexandra’s YouTube channel and blog has attracted a phenomenal 212K subscribers and it’s packed with timely, helpful and interesting plant, garden and design content. We chat about: - Alexandra’s fascinating career to date - How the Middlesized Garden YouTube Channel and blog came about - The intricacies of record...
Apr 30, 2025•50 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Hello, and welcome back to the Mike the Gardener – Gardening Podcast. In this episode, I chat with multi award-winning garden, photographer, Jason Ingram. Jason has been behind the photography of at least 100 books, but, now he has his own book ‘How to Photograph Gardens', published by Ilex books. The book is packed with helpful and informative garden photography hints and tips, including lighting, composition, and much more. In this episode we chat about: - How the book came about - What makes ...
Apr 15, 2025•49 min•Season 9Ep. 3
In this week’s episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast I chat with garden writer, author, garden designer and broadcaster Naomi Slade about her new book, Daffodils - Beautiful varieties for home and garden’, published by Pavilion on 11th March 2025. We chat about: Her new book The writing process Her career And, of course, much more You can get a copy of Naomi’s new book, and indeed all of her book from her website www.naomislade.com . Follow Naomi on her Instagram account by clicki...
Mar 27, 2025•49 min•Season 9Ep. 2
In this week's episode of the Mike the Gardner - Gardening Podcast I chat with garden writer, podcaster, gardener and author, Lucy Chamberlain. Lucy's new book, 'Grow Food Anywhere' - published by DK Books and the RHS is out now. We chat about: Her new book & how it came about How Lucy writes Her career in gardening and garden media Her own garden, and, of course lots more You can follow Lucy on her instagram account by clicking here. Listen to Lucy & Saul on their Talking Heads podcast ...
Feb 11, 2025•49 min•Season 9Ep. 1
In this episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat with Josie Lewis, the Head Gardener at Sarah Raven’s garden, Perch Hill in East Sussex. We chat about: Josie’s career to date How she became Head Gardener at Perch Hill Her role and responsibilities The split between admin and gardening Dahlias, of course, including selection and trialling And much more To learn more about Sarah Raven, click this link To follow Josie Lewis on Instagram, click this link To follow me on Instagram...
Nov 01, 2024•40 min
In this weeks, episode of the Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat to Lucy Butler (@mindful.gardener) from Instagram. Lucy lives with depression, anxiety and low self esteem, but gardening has been her saviour since her late teens. We chat about: Lucy's journey and how living with depression impacts her life How gardening has helped Lucy Smiling depression Lucy's plans for the future You can follow Lucy on her Instagram account by clicking here. Thank you for listening and don't forget ...
Oct 10, 2024•46 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Hello, and welcome to the Mike the Gardener – Gardening Podcast. This week, join us as we journey to Burford Garden Company in the stunning Cotswolds, to look at, and buy spring bulbs, and lots, lots more. We have a good look around, enjoying the houseplants, the outdoor garden centre, and the spring bulbs. My thanks to Jess and all at Burford Garden Company for allowing us to record this episode. And I'll be back next week. Thanks for listening. Mike...
Oct 04, 2024•24 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Hello and welcome back to the Mike, the Gardener – Gardening Podcast. This time, in a spring bulbs special episode, I chat with Otis the Gardener about: Our favourite spring bulbs What we've ordered Where we're going to plant them What compost to use, Lasagna planting Snowdrops & scillas, and everything you could possibly imagine you need to know about spring bulbs It's a fascinating and informative episode, so pop the kettle on, pull up a chair, and treat yourself to half an hour of great g...
Sep 26, 2024•35 min•Season 8Ep. 4
In this episode, we go back to Otis and Ben's allotment to talk about: How the weather has impacted growing this year What crops they've grown, what has done well, and not, and why Things they've learnt after three years of growing on the allotment Some useful and helpful hints, tips and hacks You can follow me and Otis on Instagram by clicking the following links: Mike Otis We will be back again soon to discuss spring flowering bulbs, so do stay tuned. Don't forget to follow and subscribe t...
Sep 19, 2024•24 min
Join me in the second episode of Series 8, when I share what I'm doing here in my own garden on the south coast of the UK. I talk about: What plants I'm growing including tithonia, and ornamental grasses How to care for hostas Overwintering hardy and Abyssinian bananas How to plant a garden effectively Lots of gardening hints, tips and hacks If you have any gardening related questions, do contact me via my Instagram account - click here Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow and subscri...
Sep 12, 2024•33 min•Season 8Ep. 2
In this episode I head to the nursery of Sienna Hosta to chat about: How to get the very best from your hostas How to win the war with slugs & snails Sienna Hosta's incredible success at nationwide flower shows and their exciting plans for Chelsea 2025, and of course lots more. To find out more and see the incredible range of hostas available to buy, head to the Sienna Hosta website www.siennahosta.co.uk. Don't forget to followed subscribe, and, if you're able please do leave a review. See y...
Sep 05, 2024•58 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Welcome to this Chelsea Flower Show special addition with fantastic contributions from: TV presenters Gaby Roslin & Ben Thompson Garden designer Jo Thompson Garden writer Arthur Parkinson Michael Marriott & Rosie Irving Naomi Slade and daughter Holly She Grows Veg Kim Stoddart & Ruth Hayes Sienna Hosta Harespring Cottage Flowers Adam Kirtland Kelly Stone Tom Coleman Alice Hare, and Susie White It's a fascinating episode, as always, which sees me snooping around the Chelsea Flower Sho...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 7Ep. 1
In this week's episode I chat with writer, author and owner of Bressingham Gardens, Adrian Bloom. We talk about: The beautiful gardens at Bressingham. Adrian's career, to date The creation of Foggy Bottom His new book, Foggy Bottom - A Garden to Share Photography, plants, and lots, lots more To order Adrian's new book, Foggy Bottom - A Garden to Share, click here. To learn more about Bressingham, click here. To learn more about Foggy Botton garden, click here. To follow me on my Instagram accoun...
Apr 30, 2024•42 min
In this week's episode, I chat with garden writer and author, climate change expert and editor of Amateur Gardening magazine , Kim Stoddart. We chat about: Kim's excellent new book, ' The Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden' , published by Cool Springs Press. Resilience The importance of connecting with nature Wellbeing Emotional regulation Nutrient density, and, of course, lots more To learn more about Kim head to her website by clicking here , or to her Instagram account by clicking here...
Apr 19, 2024•46 min•Season 7Ep. 1
In this week's, episode, I head back to the Cotswolds for what is fast, becoming my annual get together with garden writer, Val Bourne . The weather, not on our side, this time, meant we had to record this episode in the lounge of Val's beautiful cottage. We chat about: Writing for a living Val's pretty cottage garden Erythroniums Dahlias Ed Sheeran (!), and, Lots more as always Please don't forget to follow/subscribe as there are more episodes to come. And please do leave a review if you are ab...
Apr 11, 2024•55 min•Season 7Ep. 11
In this week's, episode of the Mike The Gardener – Gardening Podcast , I chat to my friend and one time tutor, garden writer, broadcaster, and author, David Hurrion . Twenty years ago, I was lucky enough to have had David as the tutor of my RHS level 1 course. As you will hear in today’s episode, David’s vocation has been to share his vast knowledge of all things, plants, gardening and horticulture with others. He’s also been a journalist, writer and editor, working for publications, including A...
Apr 04, 2024•54 min•Season 7Ep. 10
In this week’s episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast , I chat with garden writer, veg grower and author, Rob Smith . Rob’s new book ‘Grow to Eat: Growing Colourful & Tasty Vegetables From Seed’ is published by Quadrille Publishing on 28th March, 2024 and in this episode we chat about: How Rob’s passion for growing veg started His career to date How the book came about The BBC TV programme, The Great Allotment Challenge, which Rob won in 2015 Rob’s plans for the future, and of ...
Mar 28, 2024•51 min•Season 7Ep. 9
In this week's episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast , I chat with award-winning garden designer, Manoj Malde . We chat about his new book 'Your Outdoor Room' published by Frances Lincoln on 21 March 2024. We chat about: His childhood His career in the fashion industry The book and how it came about Manoj's Chelsea Flower Show Gardens His TV work, and lots more You can find out more about Manoj by clicking here and follow him on Instagram by clicking here You can follow me on my I...
Mar 21, 2024•57 min•Season 7Ep. 7
In this week’s episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat with Lucy Hutchings (@shegrowsveg) about her career to date. In 2018, Lucy took to Instagram to chart her progress growing her own fruit & vegetables. She now has a following of over 180,000. In this episode, I chat to Lucy about her career to date, including her work as a writer, author, garden designer, and now, entrepreneur as she and business partner, Kate Cotterell have set up the UK Heirloom Seed Company. Lucy ...
Mar 14, 2024•49 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Hello and welcome back to this week's episode of the Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast . This week, I speak to garden, owner and author, TJ Maher . TJ is an artist who has an incredible eye for using colour, forms and texture in his beautiful Patthana Garden in Wicklow, Ireland. His new book, published by Pimpernel Press on 7th March 2024 is ‘ Grounded in the garden - an artist's guide to creating a beautiful garden in harmony with nature ’ and looks closely at the creation of the Patthana G...
Mar 07, 2024•59 min
In this week's episode of the Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat once again to Jekka McVicar whose new book '100 Herbs to Grow' is published 7 March 2024 by Quadrille Publishing. In this fascinating and in-depth chat, we talk about: Jekka's new book, '100 Herbs to Grow'. How to inspire people to grow The future of small and independent specialist nurseries How Jekka spends her ‘me-time’ Her plans for the future, and much more. This is truly another great chat with Jekka, and I am re-r...
Feb 29, 2024•46 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this week's episode of the Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast , I chat with Scotland Grows Editor and Podcaster and freelance writer M.T. O’Donnell. Amongst many topics, we discuss: MTs, role as Editor and Podcaster for Scotland Grows. The Scotland Grows magazine. The challenges of gardening in Scotland. The TRELLIS charity - Gardening for Well-Being, and lots more. You can find out more about Scotland Grows by clicking here. My thanks to MT for taking time out of her schedule to come and ...
Feb 22, 2024•53 min•Season 7Ep. 3
In this week's episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast , I return to Kingston Maurward, horticultural college, where I learnt my trade many, many years ago. Nigel Hewish , the Head Gardener there, is responsible for the national collection of salvias held within the grounds of the college. What Nigel doesn't know about salvias frankly, isn't worth knowing. In this informative episode, we chat about: Where salvias originate from How to grow them How to propagate them How to get the v...
Feb 15, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Hello and welcome to the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast . In this first episode of Series 7, I'm delighted to be joined by the rather lovely Anya Lautenbach, a.k.a. Anya, The Garden Fairy (Instagram) . Anya's brand new book, her first, The Money Saving Gardener is published on 8 February by DK books . We chat about: How the book came about The writing process Anya's first gardening memories How a personal tragedy led to her building a beautiful garden of her own How she got into propagati...
Feb 08, 2024•47 min•Season 7Ep. 1
In this weeks episode, I chat to another Head Gardener, Nigel Hewish of Kingston Maurward college in Dorchester. I completed my horticultural training at Kingston Morwood many years ago, and it was a delight to catch up with Nigel to talk about the gardens and his career. In this chat, we cover: Nigel's career to date His love of trees and shrubs The plant collections at Kingston Maurward The impacts of climate change, and lots more. There's also some very handy gardening advice and tips about c...
Jan 03, 2024•45 min
In this fascinating episode, I chat to Charles Carr , who is the Head of Wholesale Nurseries at Hillier Nurseries Limited. Charles took me on a tour of the site and it's just incredible to see this massive operation, and the technology thats in use, the skills of the staff all around the site and most importantly, the quality of the plants that are produced. I chat to Charles about his role and, as with so many conversations I've had in this series, we talk about the impact of climate change and...
Dec 19, 2023•52 min
In this episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I go back to a garden, that's not too far from me, the Harold Hillier Gardens in Ampfield near Romsey to chat to Head Gardener, Fran Clifton. I last visited Fran a couple of years ago, when we talked about the stunning winter garden, but today, we talk about: Fran's role as head gardener What the role entails How much time does she actually get to spend in the garden as opposed to looking after the paperwork in the office How has her ...
Dec 05, 2023•50 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Hello, and welcome to this weeks episode of them Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast. This week I chat with Harry Baldwin, the Head of Horticulture at the beautiful Borde Hill Gardens near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, UK. In this current series of the podcast, I've been chatting to a number of Head Gardeners & Heads of Horticulture about their roles, their careers and the gardens they work in. I met with Harry in late September to talk about his career, his job at Borde Hill, the gardens, ...
Nov 22, 2023•49 min•Season 6Ep. 4
