Talking Heads - a Gardening Podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast

Ep. 129 - Saul and Lucy are in Essex visiting Audley End Gardens - so when the pair are together the Horticultural waffle is off the scale - expect trained fruit, biofumigants and we announce the winner of our Supporter's competition.

Spring 2022 has arrived and a new chapter in our gardening lives has started as bulbs, early blossom and the early tufts of seedlings and herbaceous perennials speak of the year ahead. As days in spring seem to tumble one after another in an ever-accelerating list of garden jobs, plantings and hum of mowers - it's a great time to shake off the winter slumber and start to engage with the natural world around us, enjoying the spectacles of spring that lie within. As ever, Saul and Lucy will bring ...

Mar 27, 2022•33 min•Ep. 129

Ep. 128 - Machinery, hand tools and compost are in every gardener's essential kit, so Lucy and Saul reveal some must-haves for their respective potting sheds. Plus, we have Niwaki to thank for our first ever exciting prize draw.

Spring 2022 has arrived and a new chapter in our gardening lives has started as bulbs, early blossom and the early tufts of seedlings and herbaceous perennials speak of the year ahead. As days in spring seem to tumble one after another in an ever-accelerating list of garden jobs, plantings and hum of mowers - it's a great time to shake off the winter slumber and start to engage with the natural world around us, enjoying the spectacles of spring that lie within. As ever, Saul and Lucy will bring ...

Mar 17, 2022•35 min

Ep. 127 - Seed packets are being torn open up and down the country, as we germinate both Veg and Flower plants for the year ahead. Prompted by one of our listeners Saul and Lucy talk about storage and some sowing tips.

Spring 2022 has just arrived and a new chapter in our gardening lives has started as bulbs, early blossom and the beginning tufts of seedlings a herbaceous perennials speak of the year ahead. As days in spring seem to tumble one after another in an ever accelerating list of garden jobs, plantings and hum of mowers - its a great time to shake off the winter slumber and start to engage with the natural world around us, enjoying the spectacles of spring that lie within. As ever Saul and Lucy will b...

Mar 13, 2022•33 min•Ep. 127

Ep. 126 - Time for some horticultural spring chatter - Lucy and Saul are buoyant that Magnolia is flowering, Garden musings are filling the airwaves and many of those Spring plant fairs and shows are about to occur.

Spring 2022 has just arrived and a new chapter in our gardening lives has started as bulbs, early blossom and the beginning tufts of seedlings a herbaceous perennials speak of the year ahead. As days in spring seem to tumble one after another in an ever accelerating list of garden jobs, plantings and hum of mowers - its a great time to shake off the winter slumber and start to engage with the natural world around us, enjoying the spectacles of spring that lie within. As ever Saul and Lucy will b...

Mar 05, 2022•32 min•Ep. 126

Ep. 125 - Weathering the storm - in the aftermath of Dudley, Eunice, Franklin and Gladys how did Saul and Lucy's respective estates fare? And what on earth are weather bombs and sting jets? Listen in to find out.

We are now firmly in winter, and you might be thinking that Head Gardeners Saul Walker and Lucy Chamberlain are taking things easy on their respective estates. But as these latest episodes will show, the two are fervently working away as busily as ever. With jobs such as planting, pruning, clearing and renovating on the cards, Lucy and Saul are at no risk of getting cold during this chillier season. The gardening friends are also busy thinking of the year ahead, so expect plenty of discussions a...

Feb 25, 2022•35 min•Ep. 125

Bonus Episode #15 - Lucy and Saul are joined in conversation by David Turner, Marketing Services Manager at Mr Fothergills Seeds, where we talk about retailing flower and vegetable seeds and how they coped during the pandemic.

From time to time Lucy and Saul decided they wanted to record conversations with other Head Gardeners, Curators, Garden Owners and fellow horticulturists across the UK, these will be published as Bonus Episodes alongside their usual format of chatting about their gardening lives. We hope you enjoy. For the Bonus Episode #15 we are joined by David Turner, Marketing Services Manager at Mr Fothergills Seeds. David has spent many years around the retailing and marketing of many horticultural amenity...

Feb 20, 2022•44 min

Ep. 124 - Prepare yourself for discussions on spring colour, new trailers and garden visits. Also brace your brain for a full-blown explanation on potato chitting, as Saul and Lucy get their teeth into another episode of the Talking Heads Podcast.

We are now firmly in winter, and you might be thinking that Head Gardeners Saul Walker and Lucy Chamberlain are taking things easy on their respective estates. But as these latest episodes will show, the two are fervently working away as busily as ever. With jobs such as planting, pruning, clearing and renovating on the cards, Lucy and Saul are at no risk of getting cold during this chillier season. The gardening friends are also busy thinking of the year ahead, so expect plenty of discussions a...

Feb 10, 2022•31 min•Ep. 124

Ep. 123 - The excitement builds at Stonelands and East Donyland, as Saul and Lucy are beginning to see the signs of the garden stirring for the new season ahead - but there is still the potential for some cold, so stay wrapped up warm.

We are now firmly in winter, and you might be thinking that Head Gardeners Saul Walker and Lucy Chamberlain are taking things easy on their respective estates. But as these latest episodes will show, the two are fervently working away as busily as ever. With jobs such as planting, pruning, clearing and renovating on the cards, Lucy and Saul are at no risk of getting cold during this chillier season. The gardening friends are also busy thinking of the year ahead, so expect plenty of discussions a...

Feb 05, 2022•32 min•Ep. 123

Ep. 122 - It's snowdrop time! Saul and Lucy discuss their favourites, and we also chat about box moth controls, hedge laying and using plant-based biofumigants in the garden.

We are now firmly in winter, and you might be thinking that Head Gardeners Saul Walker and Lucy Chamberlain are taking things easy on their respective estates. But as these latest episodes will show, the two are fervently working away as busily as ever. With jobs such as planting, pruning, clearing and renovating on the cards, Lucy and Saul are at no risk of getting cold during this chillier season. The gardening friends are also busy thinking of the year ahead, so expect plenty of discussions a...

Jan 29, 2022•38 min•Ep. 122

Special Tribute Episode: Peter Seabrook - a titan and ever present champion of the horticulture industry sadly passed away a week ago - here we pay tribute and replay our precious interview with him from January 2021

Last week, Friday 14th January we lost one of the Horticultural world's icons in Peter Seabrook - for six decades he relentlessly championed the sector, gardens and those gardeners he worked with. His sudden death has saddened many people including Saul and Lucy who had the honour to get to know him in their gardening lives. On this special tribute episode we pay tribute to him and replay our interview with him from the beginning of last year. RIP Peter. Support the show...

Jan 22, 2022•1 hr 1 min

Ep. 121 - The seed sowing season is almost here - have you made your seed orders yet? In this episode, Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul discuss what prestigious varieties are lucky enough to make it onto their respective order lists.

We are now firmly in winter, and you might be thinking that Head Gardeners Saul Walker and Lucy Chamberlain are taking things easy on their respective estates. But as these latest episodes will show, the two are fervently working away as busily as ever. With jobs such as planting, pruning, clearing and renovating on the cards, Lucy and Saul are at no risk of getting cold during this chillier season. The gardening friends are also busy thinking of the year ahead, so expect plenty of discussions a...

Jan 15, 2022•36 min•Ep. 121

Ep. 120 - It's the start of a new year, so the two Head Gardener hosts, Lucy and Saul, catch up after the festive break and discuss what's been happening in their horticultural lives

We are now firmly in winter, and you might be thinking that Head Gardeners Saul Walker and Lucy Chamberlain are taking things easy on their respective estates. But as these latest episodes will show, the two are fervently working away as busily as ever. With jobs such as planting, pruning, clearing and renovating on the cards, Lucy and Saul are at no risk of getting cold during this chillier season. The gardening friends are also busy thinking of the year ahead, so expect plenty of discussions a...

Jan 08, 2022•32 min•Ep. 120

Ep. 119 - As the end of 2021 beckons, Saul and Lucy become reflective and begin to think about the gardening resolutions they wish to make for the coming year.

The mellow fruitfulness of Autumn has been heralded by the subtle change in temperature and darker mornings and evenings in the garden. For Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker this starts one of their favourite times of year as Lucy's vegetable patch is at maximum yield producing food for East Donyland Hall and Saul revels in the changing colours in the canopies of his precious treescape at Stonelands. So join us throughout the season as we bring tales of crispy leaves, hibernating plants and plent...

Dec 19, 2021•35 min•Ep. 119

Ep. 118 - With no particular subject for this episode Lucy and Saul chat, debate and discuss their way through all sorts of gardening topics with storms, decimated carrots, nuisance bamboo and spineless holly all on the menu.

The mellow fruitfulness of Autumn has been heralded by the subtle change in temperature and darker mornings and evenings in the garden. For Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker this starts one of their favourite times of year as Lucy's vegetable patch is at maximum yield producing food for East Donyland Hall and Saul revels in the changing colours in the canopies of his precious treescape at Stonelands. So join us throughout the season as we bring tales of crispy leaves, hibernating plants and plent...

Dec 11, 2021•32 min•Ep. 118

Ep. 117 - Dust off your finest (virtual) togs - it's the 2021 Garden Media Guild Awards! Saul and Lucy sing the praises of some of the finest horticultural communicators our industry has to offer.

The mellow fruitfulness of Autumn has been heralded by the subtle change in temperature and darker mornings and evenings in the garden. For Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker this starts one of their favourite times of year as Lucy's vegetable patch is at maximum yield producing food for East Donyland Hall and Saul revels in the changing colours in the canopies of his precious treescape at Stonelands. So join us throughout the season as we bring tales of crispy leaves, hibernating plants and plent...

Dec 02, 2021•32 min•Ep. 117

Ep. 116 - Hedges are important! When it comes to choosing, planting and pruning Lucy and Saul know that planning and preparation is key. In this episode, they discuss their respective hedging masterplans.

The mellow fruitfulness of Autumn has been heralded by the subtle change in temperature and darker mornings and evenings in the garden. For Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker this starts one of their favourite times of year as Lucy's vegetable patch is at maximum yield producing food for East Donyland Hall and Saul revels in the changing colours in the canopies of his precious treescape at Stonelands. So join us throughout the season as we bring tales of crispy leaves, hibernating plants and plent...

Nov 27, 2021•35 min•Ep. 116

Bonus Episode #14 - Lucy and Saul are joined in conversation by Brendan Arundel - the new Head Gardener at Helmingham Hall in Suffolk - and he reveals his thoughts on taking up his first head gardening role.

From time to time Lucy and Saul decided they wanted to record conversations with other Head Gardeners, Curators, Garden Owners and fellow horticulturists across the UK, these will be published as Bonus Episodes alongside their usual format of chatting about their gardening lives. We hope you enjoy. For the Bonus Episode #14 we are joined by the brand new Head Gardener at Helmingham Hall , Brendan Arundel. Having made the jump from Cambridge Botanic Garden and Wisley Apprentice, via RHS Hyde Hall...

Nov 21, 2021•43 min

Ep. 115 - Summer and Autumn in the Vegetable Garden may have passed, but how much should we focus on Winter as well - Lucy lets Saul know there's lots more going on than we think!

The mellow fruitfulness of Autumn has been heralded by the subtle change in temperature and darker mornings and evenings in the garden. For Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker this starts one of their favourite times of year as Lucy's vegetable patch is at maximum yield producing food for East Donyland Hall and Saul revels in the changing colours in the canopies of his precious treescape at Stonelands. So join us throughout the season as we bring tales of crispy leaves, hibernating plants and plent...

Nov 14, 2021•31 min•Ep. 115

Ep. 114 - Autumn leaves are showing their colours, but what exactly is happening for the tones of yellow, orange, red and purple to be at their glorious best? In this episode, Saul and Lucy delve in to the science of autumn colour.

The mellow fruitfulness of Autumn has been heralded by the subtle change in temperature and darker mornings and evenings in the garden. For Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker this starts one of their favourite times of year as Lucy's vegetable patch is at maximum yield producing food for East Donyland Hall and Saul revels in the changing colours in the canopies of his precious treescape at Stonelands. So join us throughout the season as we bring tales of crispy leaves, hibernating plants and plent...

Nov 06, 2021•35 min•Ep. 114

Ep. 113 - At this time in Autumn there is an abundance of produce coming out of our Kitchen Gardens - but does anything beat the taste of a home-grown Apple or a swig of freshly pressed Apple juice - Saul and Lucy don't think so!

The mellow fruitfulness of Autumn has been heralded by the subtle change in temperature and darker mornings and evenings in the garden. For Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker this starts one of their favourite times of year as Lucy's vegetable patch is at maximum yield producing food for East Donyland Hall and Saul revels in the changing colours in the canopies of his precious treescape at Stonelands. So join us throughout the season as we bring tales of crispy leaves, hibernating plants and plent...

Oct 30, 2021•36 min•Ep. 113

Ep. 112 - There's been a disaster! (Well, actually, there have been a few in the garden this year). But these give us opportunities to learn, so Lucy and Saul reveal what 2021 has taught them.

The mellow fruitfulness of Autumn has been heralded by the subtle change in temperature and darker mornings and evenings in the garden. For Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker this starts one of their favourite times of year as Lucy's vegetable patch is at maximum yield producing food for East Donyland Hall and Saul revels in the changing colours in the canopies of his precious treescape at Stonelands. So join us throughout the season as we bring tales of crispy leaves, hibernating plants and plent...

Oct 24, 2021•39 min•Ep. 112

Bonus Episode #13 - Lucy and Saul are joined in conversation by Steven Edney - Head Gardener and Plantsman with an unrivalled passion for plant life, as he talks about his career and his latest ventures on 'The Land'

From time to time Lucy and Saul decided they wanted to record conversations with other Head Gardeners, Curators, Garden Owners and fellow horticulturists across the UK, these will be published as Bonus Episodes alongside their usual format of chatting about their gardening lives. We hope you enjoy. For the Bonus Episode #13 we are joined by the wonderfully energetic Plantsman and Head Gardener Steven Edney - who in his gardening career has built a lasting legacy of clever and spectacular plantin...

Oct 11, 2021•52 min

Ep. 111 - For an instant splash of colour in Spring planting bulbs now throughout the Autumn is the single most effective way of welcoming in the new gardening season, so Lucy and Saul take a look at their recent bulb orders.

The mellow fruitfulness of Autumn has been heralded by the subtle change in temperature and darker mornings and evenings in the garden. For Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker this starts one of their favourite times of year as Lucy's vegetable patch is at maximum yield producing food for East Donyland Hall and Saul revels in the changing colours in the canopies of his precious treescape at Stonelands. So join us throughout the season as we bring tales of crispy leaves, hibernating plants and plent...

Oct 02, 2021•32 min•Ep. 111

Ep. 110 - At the start of a week off from Stonelands, Saul visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the first time in 7 years and gives you his take on the first ever Autumnal Chelsea!

Summer is upon us at last! The warmer weather seems much overdue this year, so Lucy and Saul are relieved to at last see the abundance of growth that this season can bring. This explosion requires selective intervention and management, so get ready for lively conversations about how these two experienced Head Gardeners keep calm - and cool - during the garden's peak period. At the start of Saul's week break from his usual working life at Stonelands he travelled up to his old stomping ground in L...

Sep 26, 2021•30 min•Ep. 110

Ep. 109 - The flowers in Lucy and Saul's meadows are now over and shedding their precious seed for next years display - this is a very important time in the year for cutting, sowing seed and winter maintenance in preparation for next year.

Summer is upon us at last! The warmer weather seems much overdue this year, so Lucy and Saul are relieved to at last see the abundance of growth that this season can bring. This explosion requires selective intervention and management, so get ready for lively conversations about how these two experienced Head Gardeners keep calm - and cool - during the garden's peak period. If there is a subject that gets regularly looked at on the Talking Heads Podcast its Saul and Lucy's meadows which they are...

Sep 18, 2021•34 min•Ep. 109

Ep. 108 - Get ready! For an event, that is. Lucy gives you a quick tour of her kitchen garden, then explains what's happening behind the scenes in the build up to summer parties and other major events on any large estate.

Summer is upon us at last! The warmer weather seems much overdue this year, so Lucy and Saul are relieved to at last see the abundance of growth that this season can bring. This explosion requires selective intervention and management, so get ready for lively conversations about how these two experienced Head Gardeners keep calm - and cool - during the garden's peak period. This week, Lucy is on her lonesome but she keeps herself busy by giving us a tour of the autumnal highlights (and lowlights...

Sep 12, 2021•25 min•Ep. 108

Ep. 107 - Lucy and Saul have just completed an epic 4-day stint on the Plant Experts Desk at BBC Gardeners' World Live! Hear what the public had to ask - and how we answered them - in this latest episode.

Saul and Lucy are at BBC Gardener's World Live - Special Edition as the Plant Experts. The show spans the 26-29th August and consists of a Special Edition from the outside areas of the usual show ground and the Floral Marquee - bringing some beautiful gardens and wonderful plants to see and buy. Our main role at BBC GWLive is to man the Plant Experts Desk. Over the 4-day show period Lucy and Saul answered nigh on 1,000 plant-based queries, from how to control a nuisance pest to where to buy that...

Sep 04, 2021•34 min•Ep. 107

BBC GWLive Bonus Episode #4: As the show draws to a close Lucy and Saul take a look at the wonderful show gardens, exemplifying what can be done with your personal space at home.

Saul and Lucy are at BBC Gardener's World Live - Special Edition as the Plant Experts. The show spans the 26-29th August and consists of a Special Edition from the outside areas of the usual show ground and the Floral Marquee - bringing some beautiful gardens and wonderful plants to see and buy. As the show draws to a close Saul and Lucy focus on the show gardens - a blend of contemporary cottage chic, fiery urban jungles, 21st century living and an amazing garden from the Association of Profess...

Aug 30, 2021•24 min

BBC GWLive Bonus Episode #3: Lucy and Saul sat down with the face of Friday Night Gardening, Monty Don, to talk about how he manages Longmeadow, deals with it being one of the most filmed gardens in the UK and his plans for its future.

Saul and Lucy are at BBC Gardener's World Live - Special Edition as the Plant Experts. The show spans the 26-29th August and consists of a Special Edition from the outside areas of the usual show ground and the Floral Marquee - bringing some beautiful gardens and wonderful plants to see and buy. On Day 3 of the show, Saul and Lucy had the great privilege of sitting down with Monty Don, the face of Friday Night Gardening, to talk about his great love for Longmeadow (his garden in Herefordshire), ...

Aug 29, 2021•30 min

BBC GWLive Bonus Episode #2: Day 2 draws to a close as Lucy and Saul have a stroll throught the Beautiful Borders a showcase of planting talent from up and coming designers including Exotics, Meadows and Cottage Garden Chic.

Saul and Lucy are at BBC Gardener's World Live - Special Edition as the Plant Experts. The show spans the 26-29th August and consists of a Special Edition from the outside areas of the usual show ground and the Floral Marquee - bringing some beautiful gardens and wonderful plants to see and buy. As Day 2 ends Saul and Lucy spend some time in one of the inspirational ends of the show - the Beautiful Borders - a showcase of talented new designers building and plant small borders and mini-gardens t...

Aug 28, 2021•22 min