Talking Heads - a Gardening Podcast - podcast cover

Talking Heads - a Gardening Podcast

Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walkerwww.talkingheadspodcast.co.uk

Follow professional gardeners Saul Walker and Lucy Chamberlain as they reveal exactly what it’s like to be horticulturists in the diverse and exciting world of gardening . Lucy and Saul have 40 years of gardening experience between them and it soon became clear to them both that this fulfilling vocation can be incredibly diverse, occasionally challenging and hugely rewarding. On the podcast they regularly discuss horticultural topics close to their hearts and give you an insight into their lives as gardeners. If you wish to support the podcast you can via our BuyMeACoffee page - just click the link at the end of the podcast description or the donate button found at the bottom of this page. 

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Episodes

Ep. 156 - Is temperature the most important factor when overwintering exotics either outdoors or undercover - or are moisture levels just as critical - Lucy and Saul discuss this and other topics.

Autumn has arrived on the shores of the UK - a slight freshness to the mornings and a waning of the light signal that subtle change to the season. In the garden the peak colour and growth is starting to give way to the texture and autumnal colours that signal the slow, but beautiful descent, into a period of more dormant reflection. Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year and also a celebration of what has gone before, the present harvest of abundance but also the future excitement...

Nov 12, 202233 minEp. 156

Ep. 155 - You can't beat a good ramble. And this week, we wander through the pages of the RHS Garden magazine for our topics of conversation. Lucy strikes gold as it's a Grow Your Own special issue!

Autumn has arrived on the shores of the UK - a slight freshness to the mornings and a waning of the light signal that subtle change to the season. In the garden the peak colour and growth is starting to give way to the texture and autumnal colours that signal the slow, but beautiful descent, into a period of more dormant reflection. Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year and also a celebration of what has gone before, the present harvest of abundance but also the future excitement...

Nov 05, 202235 minEp. 155

Ep. 154 - The end of October is peak Autumn in the garden - it's also half-term, this means Lucy is enjoying some time off with her family, but gives Saul a chance to bring you all to Stonelands to enjoy the sights of this wonderous season.

Autumn has arrived on the shores of the UK - a slight freshness to the mornings and a waning of the light signal that subtle change to the season. In the garden the peak colour and growth is starting to give way to the texture and autumnal colours that signal the slow, but beautiful descent, into a period of more dormant reflection. Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year and also a celebration of what has gone before, the present harvest of abundance but also the future excitement...

Oct 29, 202235 minEp. 154

Ep. 153 - Autumn is a wonderful time, especially when its mild and moist, as gardeners like Lucy and Saul are using the conditions to their fullest, getting a few tasks done before next year's gardening season.

Autumn has arrived on the shores of the UK - a slight freshness to the mornings and a waning of the light signal that subtle change to the season. In the garden the peak colour and growth is starting to give way to the texture and autumnal colours that signal the slow, but beautiful descent, into a period of more dormant reflection. Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year and also a celebration of what has gone before, the present harvest of abundance but also the future excitement...

Oct 22, 202236 minEp. 153

Ep. 152 - It's time to think thrifty. With purse strings tightened, Lucy and Saul discuss the many ways in which you can save money in horticulture. Collectively, the tips in this episode could save you thousands!

Autumn has arrived on the shores of the UK - a slight freshness to the mornings and a waning of the light signal that subtle change to the season. In the garden the peak colour and growth is starting to give way to the texture and autumnal colours that signal the slow, but beautiful descent, into a period of more dormant reflection. Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year and also a celebration of what has gone before, the present harvest of abundance but also the future excitement...

Oct 15, 202238 minEp. 152

Ep. 151 - Autumn is a time for reflecting on the months that have passed, and observing what these periods have taught us. So, let Lucy and Saul share their thoughts on new plants, rediscovered joys and much more.

Autumn has arrived on the shores of the UK - a slight freshness to the mornings and a waning of the light signal that subtle change to the season. In the garden the peak colour and growth is starting to give way to the texture and autumnal colours that signal the slow, but beautiful descent, into a period of more dormant reflection. Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year and also a celebration of what has gone before, the present harvest of abundance but also the future excitement...

Oct 08, 202235 minEp. 151

Ep. 150 - They're back. After a small break to recharge their batteries Lucy and Saul return with more horticultural waffle and high-jinks including todays subject - Hardiness - which plants need protection and which are tough as old boots!

Autumn has arrived on the shores of the UK - a slight freshness to the mornings and a waning of the light signal that subtle change to the season. In the garden the peak colour and growth is starting to give way to the texture and autumnal colours that signal the slow, but beautiful descent, into a period of more dormant reflection. Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year and also a celebration of what has gone before, the present harvest of abundance but also the future excitement...

Oct 01, 202235 minEp. 150

Ep. 149 - THE EXOTIC EPISODE (Part 2): Saul is back, machete in hand, to take you on another tour of his jungle-like back garden - foliage has made way for floral delights as his garden reaches its autumnal peak.

Autumn has arrived on the shores of the UK - a slight freshness to the mornings and a waning of the light signal that subtle change to the season. In the garden the peak colour and growth is starting to give way to the texture and autumnal colours that signal the slow, but beautiful descent, into a period of more dormant reflection. Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year and also a celebration of what has gone before, the present harvest of abundance but also the future excitement...

Sep 17, 202235 minEp. 149

Ep.148 - The Talking Heads team have been let loose on Audley End House and Gardens for #BBCGardenersWorldAutumnFair and bring you some of the sights and sounds from a wonderful weekend

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hall marks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autum...

Sep 05, 202239 minEp. 148

Bonus Episode #17 - Lucy and Saul are joined in conversation by Head Gardener Louise Ellis, Kitchen Garden Supervisor Gemma Sturges and Senior Kitchen Gardener Kelly Fowler from Audley End House and Garden in Essex.

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 #17 we are joined by Head Gardener Louise Ellis, Kitchen Garden Supervisor Gemma Sturges and Senior Kitchen Gardener Kelly Fowler from Audley End House and Garden, and English He...

Aug 27, 202249 min

Ep. 147 - Come on, rain! Whatever falls from our skies over the next few weeks and months will be sorely needed by the plants under Lucy and Saul's management. So, how best to conserve and harvest our water? Let the two head gardeners share their thoughts

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hall marks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autum...

Aug 19, 202234 minEp. 147

Ep. 146 - Lights, camera, action! Garden media is extensive from mainstream TV, local radio and online influencers - both Lucy and Saul dabble from time to time and thoroughly enjoy using their voices to promote the gardening world.

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hall marks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autum...

Aug 13, 202237 minEp. 146

Ep. 145 - LET'S EAT! Kitchen gardens are a grow your owner's dream during August, so what are Head Gardeners, Lucy and Saul, harvesting? And what can you sow now to ensure crops roll in year round? Take a 30-minute break this weekend to find out.

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hall marks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autum...

Aug 06, 202238 minEp. 145

Ep. 144 - It's the lawns episode! They should be green, but most are brown - what are the consequences of this present prolonged dry spell, and do we need to re-think the quintessential UK lawn? Head Gardeners, Saul and Lucy put their thinking caps on...

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hall marks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autum...

Jul 30, 202233 minEp. 144

Ep. 143 - 'Scorchio'! Well you couldn't avoid the heat this week, but one of the Talking Heads pair had adapted herself by taking a Mediterranean holiday the week before, so Saul and Lucy take a look at how we can adapt our gardens to a warming world.

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hallmarks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autumn...

Jul 23, 202234 minEp. 143

Bonus Episode #16 - Lucy and Saul are joined in conversation by Deborah Lambkin, Botanical Artist, and get talking about orchids, the artistic process and why Botanical Art is so important.

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 #16 we are joined by Deborah Lambkin, Botanical Artist. Deborah is an award winning artist who has worked for many botanical institutions around the UK and Ireland including prim...

Jul 16, 202242 min

Ep. 142 - July might be here, but Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul haven't really talked about how June has been in their gardens; Bindweed, Bio-fumigants and Meadows all feature in some gardening chit-chat.

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hallmarks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autumn...

Jul 09, 202234 minEp. 142

Ep. 141 - The garden is open! Well, Lucy's is, anyway. Listen as she takes you on a journey via village halls, church wardens and - finally - into her Essex garden. The big question is, will she be tempted to do it again...?

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hallmarks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autumn...

Jul 02, 202230 min

Ep. 140 - THE EXOTIC EPISODE: Saul takes you on a small tour of his own back garden looking at some of his plant passions and giving you a little glimpse into a the tender end of the UK plant world.

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hall marks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autum...

Jun 26, 202233 minEp. 140

BBC GWLive 2022 Bonus Episode: Saul and Lucy are released from being Head Gardeners for the week and have camped at The NEC in Birmingham for BBC Gardeners World Live - so join them as they take a look around the show.

Saul and Lucy are at BBC Gardener's World Live 2022 as the Plant Experts. The show spans the 16th-19th June and is back to its usual sprawling best after the pandemic years - a smorgasbord of plants, gardens and the latest horticultural products (as well as the BBC Good Food Show) bringing some beautiful gardens and wonderful plants to see and buy. Saul and Lucy take a good wander around the show both inside the Floral Marquee and out in the Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders taking a look at a ...

Jun 19, 202239 min

Ep. 139 - With the start of June, Kitchen Gardens set themselves to turbo as Fruit and Veg really start to grow and most of our precious plants can be planted outside, so Saul and Lucy take a look at how they cope with so much going on!

Long summer days, high temperatures and maximum sunlight are the hall marks of a good summer (lets hope for a little rain though!). The Summer of 2022 is eagerly awaited by all the keen gardens up and down the UK as herbaceous borders, roses, veg gardens and meadows are awash with new plantings, flower and a general sense of abundance that only Summer can bring. Whereas Spring is a steady ramping of growth the Summer is a time for 'peak plant' followed by the mellow and relaxed waning into Autum...

Jun 12, 202236 minEp. 139

Ep. 138 - It's the perfect excuse to buy plants! Saul tells Lucy how he's been splashing the cash at a recent plant fair, and the duo shed light on what it's like to be a nursery owner on the 2022 garden shows circuit

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 ...

Jun 04, 202233 minEp. 138

Ep. 137 - Lucy and Saul were both privileged to attend press day at the most famous flower show of them all, RHS Chelsea, so here's a few highlights and thoughts from the first May show in 3 years!

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 ...

May 28, 202242 minEp. 137

Ep. 136 - Learning on the job is so rewarding, and that's exactly what Lucy's done this week as she tells Saul how she's had help to solved three mysteries in the Hall's gardens

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 ...

May 21, 202231 minEp. 136

Ep. 135 - Join Saul for five days at Stonelands, as he leads you through a typical week of gardening at Stonelands House, expect highs and lows as he manages flowers, vegetables, garden tours and a rather annoying tyre!

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 ...

May 14, 202235 minEp. 135

Ep. 134 - Saul and Lucy have been let loose in Beaulieu, Hampshire at BBC Gardeners World Spring Fair - leading tours of the Victorian Flower Gardens and the Vegetable Gardens.

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 ...

Apr 30, 202231 minEp. 134

Ep. 133 - The Highs vs. The Lows of Gardening - Saul and Lucy talk the wonderful Easter Break and Adoring Garden Owners vs. Box Moth and falling Hanging Baskets - there's always an emotional rollercoaster in the garden!

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 ...

Apr 23, 202232 minEp. 133

Ep. 132 - Get yourselves outside! With this Easter weekend's glorious weather, Lucy and Saul discuss the technicalities of sowing directly into the earth. Plus, there's exciting flame gun news!

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 ...

Apr 16, 202238 minEp. 132

Ep. 131 - Saul's back has healed, which, along with Lucy, makes them appreciate how important their bodies are to their careers. The pair also take a look at the recent frosty weather and bring some of the delights from their meadows.

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 ...

Apr 09, 202232 minEp. 131

Ep. 130 - With Saul out of action due to a bad back, Lucy gives you a guided tour of her home kitchen garden. Expect ambient gravel sounds, discussions about the cold snap, a sneak inside her beloved greenhouse - and a grand rhubarb reveal.

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 ...

Apr 02, 202230 minEp. 130
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