In the second part of her latest appearance on Talking Dirty, award-winning garden writer Val Bourne has some fab Fern advice, including choice plants to grow. Plus an array of things on the wishlist for 2023. *FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out PLANT LIST Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten' Achillea 'Moonshine' Polypodium cambricum 'Richard Kayse' Asplenium scolopendrium syn Phyllitis scolopendrium Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosodensum' Adiantum raddianum 'Ultragracillium' Adiantum pedat...
Feb 01, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 102
One of our Talking Dirty favourites is back! This week award-winning Garden Writer Val Bourne rejoins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to talk about Rose varieties and pruning, the Apples she's picked for her garden in the Cotswolds and - of course - a few choice Snowdrops! Next week even more wonderful plants and FLOMO* *FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out PLANT LIST Galanthus 'Wasp' Galanthus plicatus 'Diggory'Prunus armeniaca Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara' Galanthus pesh...
Jan 25, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 102
Time for part two of our chat with award-winning garden writer Barbara Segall. After focussing on her new book 'The Secret Gardens of the South East: A Private Tour' last week, this time we've got Show and Tell from Barbara's garden in Suffolk. And - as a Herb expert - you'll be unsurprised to hear she's got some choice Herbs to share! PLANT LIST Sarcococca Salvia rosmarinus Albiflora Group Salvia rosmarinus 'Sudbury Blue' Salvia rosmarinus Prostratus Group Salvia rosmarinus 'Foxtail' Humulus lu...
Jan 18, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 101
Our first guest of 2023 is award-winning garden writer Barbara Segall. Her new book 'The Secret Gardens of the South East: A Private Tour' is out now and packed with inspiring plots. Alongside telling the story behind the book, Barbara shares Show and Tell from her own garden. More of that next week, plus FLOMO. PLANT LIST Ilex aquifolium Ilex latifolia Ilex × koehneana 'Chestnut Leaf' Ilex aquifolium 'East Ruston Gold' Miscanthus nepalensis Malus transitoria...
Jan 11, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 101
It's a new year and before we get back to our regular podcasts, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis thought they'd share some of their thoughts as we start a new gardening year, including what excites them about 2023. PLANT LIST Arum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Miss Janay Hall' Rosmarinus officinalis 'Severn Seas' Rhaphiolepis Dicksonia antarctica Fuchsia procumbens Euphorbia mellifera Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star' Coniogramme emeiensis Eragrostis curvula 'Totnes Burgundy' Agave mont...
Jan 04, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 100
It's our 100th episode and to mark it we're celebrating the return of an RHS Chelsea Flower Show 'Great'. In 2023 Cleve West returns to Main Avenue with The Centrepoint Garden. In this instalment of Talking Dirty - our final one of the year - we hear about the garden and meticulous process involved in creating it, plus feature some of Cleve's favourite plants of the moment. And of course have a real laugh along the way! The podcast will return in 2023, but - in the meantime - thank you for all y...
Dec 14, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 100
After an inspiring first instalment, packed not only with plants but Christmas gift ideas, Dan Cooper returns with some inspiring plants to light the garden up at this time of year. There are even species Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) hasn't heard of! And some fabulous FLOMO* *FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out PLANT LIST Entelea arborescens Ochroma pyramidale Sparrmannia africana 'Flore Pleno' Anisodontea 'El Rayo' Pilea 'Tasmanian Silver' Tagetes lemmonii Tagetes minuta Plec...
Dec 07, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 99
Stumped for what to buy the horticulturalist in your life this Christmas, or perhaps what to put on your own list? Well, look no further! @The Frustrated Gardener: Dan Cooper has lined up a bevvy of treats to tempt you. And, talking of temptation, he's got planty inspiration aplenty from his own courtyard garden to inspire late season interest in your plot. Next week, lots more lovely plants, covering flowers and foliage. PLANT LIST Setaria palmifolia Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cosmop...
Nov 30, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 99
If you're on the lookout for autumnal stars for your garden, then look no further. Last week, in part one of the podcast, Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery wowed Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with Chrysanthemums and Snowdrops galore. And this week he returns with a host of seasonal plants from Cyclamen to Crocus, via Alliums and Asters. PLANT LIST Rabdosia effusa Allium thunbergii 'Ozawa' Oxalis europaea 'Plum Crazy' Oxalis corniculata Cyclamen cilicium Cyclamen purpurascens C...
Nov 23, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 98
The nights may be drawing in and the temperatures dropping, but our gardens can still be full of treasures as Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery proves in this week's episode. In Part One, Joe wows Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with Chrysanthemums galore, plus the lesser-spotted Autumn-flowering Snowdrop. Next week, even more delights for the Autumn garden. PLANT LIST Galanthus 'Autumn Beauty' Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Cambridge' Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Rachelae' Galanthus regi...
Nov 16, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 98
Last week Helen and Ross from The Picton Garden dazzled us with daisies, as they shared their favourite varieties of Aster and Symphyotrichum. This week they're wow Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with a supporting cast of Autumn treasures, from Ferns and Colchicum to Cyclamen and Succulents. PLANT LIST Polygonum scoparium Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' Kniphofia rooperi Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Dahlia 'Pooh - Swan Island' Helen...
Nov 09, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 97
This week on Talking Dirty, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are dazzled by Daisies as Helen Picton and Ross Barbour join them with a host of their favourite varieties. And if you're going to delve into the world of Michaelmas Daisies, who better to introduce you to them than The Picton Garden and Old Court Nurseries, who've specialised in this plant since 1906 and hold the National Collection. No matter the height or shade you're after, this week's Show and Tell is sure to have ...
Nov 02, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 97
This week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are joined by wildlife author Kate Bradbury to talk about her new book 'The Tree in My Garden', plus share great planting choices for our plots. From the effects of climate change, to whether to choose a native species, Kate's bound to have you thinking differently about how and what you plant. PLANT LIST Paulownia tomentosa Fagus sylvatica Crataegus monogyna Acer campestre Ilex aquifolium Hedera helix Lonicera periclymenum Quercus ilex ...
Oct 26, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 96
Time for Part Two of our Alpine Extravaganza with Paul Spriggs and Kenton J Seth. The pair have decades of Crevice Garden experience between them, captured in their book 'The Crevice Garden' from Filbert Press. Last week we took a look at their plots at home; this week we hear about more of their favourite Crevice Garden plants and their FLOMO* *FLOMO = the FLower or plant that gives you a fear Of Missing Out PLANT LIST Eriogonum ovalifolium Delosperma Mesembryanthemum Echinocereus triglochidiat...
Oct 19, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Crevice Gardens are on the rise and whether you're creating a small version in a trough or Crevice Gardening on a giant scale, they provide excellent opportunities to grow some amazing plants. This week's guests joining Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis certainly know their Crevice Gardens and their Alpine Plants. Paul Spriggs and Kenton J Seth are the brains behind 'The Crevice Garden' book from Filbert Press. Join us as we not only chat about the book, but take a look at both of...
Oct 12, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 95
With the publication of his much-anticipated new book 'No Dig', Charles Dowding joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to share amazing insight into the soil we grow our precious plants in, and also Show and Tell some of his favourite varieties from his plot this year. PLANT LIST Brussel Sprout 'Evesham Special' Celery 'Victoria' F1 Beetroot 'Boltardy' Tomato 'Sun Heart' Aubergine 'De Barbentane' Snack Pepper 'Flynn' Apple 'Ribston Pippin' Plum 'Coe's Golden Drop' Tomato 'Brandyw...
Oct 05, 2022•56 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Mike Clifford returns with a bumper crop of unusual plants. We've got leaves as big as dinner plates and flowers like ducks wearing bonnets! Plus a FLOMO* inspired by a trip to RHS Wisley. *FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out PLANT LIST Pterospermum acerifolium Aristolochia fimbriata Ricinus communis Hoffmannia ghiesbreghtii Coniogramme emeiensis Brillantaisia ulugurica Lindau Lobelia giberroa Dendroseris litoralis Begonia luxurians Phytolacca americana 'Variegata' Solenostemon 'Redhe...
Sep 28, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Mike Clifford is back on Talking Dirty. The master grower of unusual and rare plants has some fabulous things to show and tell, from rare Strobilanthes to a bleeding flower. And great propagation and plant care tips as well. Part two follows next week with more fabulous plants and FLOMO*! *FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out PLANT LIST Nesocodon mauritianus Lobelia laxiflora var. angustifolia Begonia luxurians Brillantaisia Strobilanthes gossypinus Strobilanthes lactea Colocasia escul...
Sep 21, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Something a bit different this week on The Talking Dirty Podcast. You may have heard a couple of weeks ago Jimi Blake popped to East Ruston Old Vicarage to take a look around with Alan Gray. Afterwards, before Jimi shot off to Beth Chatto's garden in Essex for a Symposium on Rewilding, the pair sat down to share some of their thoughts from the day. PLANT LIST Lophosoria quadripinnata Dicksonia antarctica Pteris wallichiana Ricinus communis 'Blue Buddha' Lobelia tupa Romneya coulteri Brassaiopsis...
Sep 14, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Time for Part Two of our fun-filled, plant-tastic trip around Derry Watkins' Gravel Garden at Special Plants. Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are particularly inspired, considering the drought they've both experienced in East Anglia this summer! Look out for some of these plants at East Ruston in coming years... PLANT LIST Potentilla × hopwoodiana Allium senescens ssp. montanum Geranium incanum Limonium latifolium Limonium sinuatum 'Apricot Beauty' Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigres...
Sep 07, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 92
The Wonder Woman returns! Derry Watkins of Special Plants is always inspiring and this week, returning to chat with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis, is no different. Last time she appeared we took a tour of some of her garden, but we were left wanting more...we only just glimpsed the gravel garden before phone battery forced us to head inside. So this time round we're dedicating the podcast to her drought-tolerant plants...and what a list of plants it is! Part two arrives next w...
Aug 31, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Last week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis heard about Jack Wallington's new garden near Hebden Bridge. This week we're taking a trip through some of his favourite plants of the moment, from those he's grown from seed to new planty purchases. PLANT LIST Monarda didyma 'Panama' Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' Astrantia Pittosporum Agapanthus Eucalyptus Foeniculum vulgare Trachycarpus fortunei Verbena bonariensis Ricinus communis Jacobaea vulgaris Leucanthemum vulgare Heracleum sphondy...
Aug 24, 2022•40 min•Season 1Ep. 91
A brand new guest this week for The Talking Dirty Podcast. Jack Wallington is a horticultural powerhouse - Landscape Designer, Author and Wildflower lover - he's got heaps of enthusiasm and knowledge to share. This week we get to hear about his new adventures near Hebden Bridge, the challenges of his new garden and how he incorporates Wildflowers into the mix. Next week more wonders from Monardas to Dieramas and extra Wildflowers! PLANT LIST Allium porrum 'Musselburgh' Allium porrum 'Saint Victo...
Aug 17, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 91
Following on from last week's exciting news about Cliff Bank Nursery, Ben Preston returns with part two of his podcast, packed with interesting plants and propagation tips! PS: To read our Newsletter, head here: https://www.getgardeningnow.co.uk/newsletter PLANT LIST Hebe hulkeana Hebe x fairfieldensis syn fairfieldii Bergenia ciliata Cyperus involucratus Azolla Salvia patens 'Cambridge Blue' Salvia patens Giant Form Salvia patens 'Guanajuato' Salvia oxyphora Salvia atrocyanea Monarda 'Jacob Cli...
Aug 10, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 90
He's back! York Gate Head Gardener Ben Preston returns to wow Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with inspirational plants, plus some very exciting news! Next week more wonders from New Zealand, Salvias and Monardas! PLANT LIST Lathyrus odoratus 'Betty Maiden' Salvia atrocyanea Dianthus 'Elizabethan Pink' Geranium 'Rozanne' Geranium wlassovianum 'Lakwijk Star' Geranium 'Tiny Monster' Geranium 'Dilys' Dahlia 'Hadrian's Summerwine' Dahlia 'Hadrian's Bubblegum' Dahlia 'Magenta Star' D...
Aug 03, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 90
He's back! Author of The Jungle Garden and Head Gardener at Walmer Castle, Philip Oostenbrink, is an authority on fabulous foliage. In this appearance on Talking Dirty he wows Alan Gray (East Ruston Old VIcarage) and Thordis with zany Zantedeschias and beguiling Boehmerias. Your FLOMO* list is sure to increase! *FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out PLANT LIST Hakonechloa macra Ophiopogon japonicus Aspidistra elatior Aspidistra sichuanensis Convallaria majalis 'Ewa Witkowska' Convallaria majali...
Jul 27, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 89
Before we return to a string of wonderful guests from the horticultural world, we must take a moment to savour the treasures currently on show at East Ruston Old Vicarage, a thirty-two acre wonderland on the Norfolk coast. From the big, bold and brilliant Brumansias to the tumble of climbers filling up the walls on the house and a look at some of the stars in the Desert Wash, owner Alan Gray is joined by Thordis for a meander through some of the best bits in the garden this summer. PLANT LIST Sa...
Jul 20, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 88
Award-winning garden writer and organic gardener Val Bourne returns with part two of her Talking Dirty Podcast appearance. After a tour of the Hoverfly-friendly plants in her garden and her shoehorn method of gardening, this week we chat through some of her favourite Roses, Clematis and an array of Self-Seeders which make themselves at home in her plot. PLANT LIST Erigeron annuus Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum Linaria triornithophora Centranthus lecoqii Catananche caerulea Lysimachia punctata ...
Jul 06, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 88
We always love welcoming award-winning garden writer Val Bourne back onto the Talking Dirty Podcast. This week she shares some of her organic methods with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis, as she takes us on a tour through her Hoverfly friendly plants, and explains why these particular pollinators are essential in the garden. PLANT LIST Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' Dactylorhiza Orlaya grandiflora Seseli hippomarathrum Torilis arvensis Eryngium giganteum Eryngium 'Blue Waves' Eryngium...
Jun 29, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 88
If you love to sit down with articles about gardening, then you've undoubtedly read something beautiful penned by this week's guest on The Talking Dirty Podcast. Matt Collins writes for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Hortus, Toast...the list goes on and on. Somehow he also devotes his time to being Head Gardener for The Garden Museum in London and this week he's sharing his story, planting schemes from the Museum and inspiration for his own new garden, with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and...
Jun 22, 2022•57 min•Season 1Ep. 87
