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. 

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Ep. 184 - It's busy, busy! The edible crops are cranking up, the show garden plans are in top gear, the roses have been spectacular - what's not to love?! Tune in, as Saul and Lucy report back on their respective horticultural weeks

Summer days are here again - sipping G&T on the terrace, lounging in our pools and holidays in the Algarve!? You must be kidding, for Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul it's full-on gardening, as our plots and patches reach the zenith of there horticultural output. This is the season when we really see the results of all those labours over the previous 6 months - colour, texture, scent and flavour all reach their crescendo as the garden provides us with the visual and edible treats that we work so...

Jun 30, 202335 minEp. 184

Ep. 183 - Opening your garden is a great joy and as Saul gave four tours this week for the National Garden Scheme he delves a bit into the scheme and looks at what opening your own garden entails.

Summer days are here again - sipping G&T on the terrace, lounging in our pools and holidays in the Algarve!? You must be kidding, for Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul it's full-on gardening, as our plots and patches reach the zenith of there horticultural output. This is the season when we really see the results of all those labours over the previous 6 months - colour, texture, scent and flavour all reach their crescendo as the garden provides us with the visual and edible treats that we work so...

Jun 24, 202324 minEp. 183

BBC GWLive 2023 Bonus Episode: Saul and Lucy are out and about at this year's BBC Gardeners World Live show - meeting loyal listeners, answering burning gardening questions and having a good mooch around all the wonderful plants and gardens.

Saul and Lucy are at BBC Gardener's World Live 2023 as the Plant Experts. The show spans the 15th-18th June and is a sprawling show of the finest gardens and plants to grace mid-June (as well as the BBC Good Food Show). As well as early morning tours for the very keenest of gardens, the pair have been on their usual Advice Desk answering the broadest of questions that the public bring with them. Saul and Lucy take a good wander around the show both inside the Floral Marquee and out in the Show G...

Jun 19, 202335 min

Ep. 182 - Summer is here - gardening is full throttle in all its forms - and Saul and Lucy's task lists are fuller than ever, so we give you an insight at what both Head Gardeners are trying to squeeze into their long, hazy days.

Summer days are here again - sipping G&T on the terrace, lounging in our pools and holidays in the Algarve!? You must be kidding, for Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul it's full-on gardening, as our plots and patches reach the zenith of there horticultural output. This is the season when we really see the results of all those labours over the previous 6 months - colour, texture, scent and flavour all reach their crescendo as the garden provides us with the visual and edible treats that we work so...

Jun 10, 202333 minEp. 182

Ep. 181 - Talking Heads, the big build! Lucy and her family have been busy erecting a sizeable summerhouse in their garden this week, so she and Saul discuss the benefits that are sheds, greenhouses, fruit stores, bothies and other key structures.

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

Jun 03, 202334 minEp. 181

Ep. 180 - RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW SPECIAL - Lucy and Saul head to the capital to experience the pinnacle of Flower shows - expect weeds, burgers, a hobbit hole and lots of gorgeous gardens and plants!

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

May 27, 202345 minEp. 180

Ep. 179 - Don't panic!! This time of year can leave gardeners feeling frazzled and torn between jobs, so how do Saul and Lucy survive this "May madness"? Plus, the Chelsea Flower Show is on the horizon - Lucy and Saul both have plans to be there.

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

May 18, 202333 minEp. 179

Ep. 178 - When things go wrong in your garden, reach for the silver-linings! Lucy and Saul may suffer some set backs in their horti-work but as its May just being in the garden makes it all worth it!

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

May 13, 202334 minEp. 178

Ep. 177 - Lucy goes back to her roots. In this episode, Saul takes a break so Lucy chats to her parents - retired smallholders - to explain her chosen career path, and introduce you to a little-known horticultural Government scheme

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

May 06, 202336 minEp. 177

Ep. 176 - We've been let out! Saul and Lucy have donned their showtime hats for the BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair at Beaulieu. Here, they've been helping on stage, and giving tours of the beautiful gardens with Head Gardener Kelvin Yapp and his team

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

May 02, 202327 min

Ep. 175 - Lucy is back from her holiday! But how do you look after your garden, large or small, when you're away on a break? She and Saul have some tried and tested ideas to share...

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

Apr 22, 202334 minEp. 175

Ep. 174 - THE EXOTIC EPISODE (Part 3) - Saul takes us on a look at his home garden, to see how his collection of tender(ish) plants have fared during the winter.

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

Apr 15, 202335 minEp. 174

Ep. 173 - THE SHOW GARDEN SPECIAL: Lucy, along with Gemma and Kelly are masterminding a Grow Your Own Show Garden at BBC Gardeners World Autumn Fair at Audley End, Essex, so Saul gets to the bottom of how the early preparations and designs are going.

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

Apr 08, 202343 minEp. 173

Ep. 172 - We have the answers! Looking after strawberries, lemongrass, magnolias, fritillaries, cut flowers, and much more - Lucy and Saul reply to our listeners' questions this week, as the duo don their Gardeners' Question Time hats for a Q&A special

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

Apr 01, 202342 minEp. 172

Ep. 171 - The big story recently is the loss of many trees in Saul's home city of Plymouth, so along with Lucy, the pair chat about the state of our urban green infrastructure and why its so important.

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

Mar 25, 202336 minEp. 171

Ep. 170 - To evolve or to conserve - what kind of garden designer are you? Lucy and Saul flex their creative green muscles this week, as they discuss what role we should play

What is that on the horizon - well, it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year, bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, ...

Mar 17, 202336 minEp. 170

Ep. 169 - 'To-do Lists' - isn't that at the beating heart of all gardeners daily work? Well for Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy it certainly is, so they go through some of what is being ticked off on theirs.

What is that on the horizon - well it's Spring of course. The klaxon for warmer, longer days is finally sounding and Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy are looking forward to it immensely. Spring is a wonderful time of year but also incredibly busy for all professional gardeners up and down the country as the gardens come alive with colour, texture and the occasional weed! Join them both as they navigate this beautiful time of year bringing you the sights and sounds of Stonelands and East Donyland, as...

Mar 11, 202339 minEp. 169

Ep. 168 - Head Gardening duo Saul and Lucy discuss mowing in unexpected places, what garden centre shelves will be stocking in 2023, and their respective jobs lists for spring

We are in the depths of winter, and whatever the weather may - or may not - have in store for us in this traditionally chilly month, Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Often mistaken for a quieter season, there are plenty of winter tasks to complete and projects to initiate. Winter pruning, leaf clearing, renovations and new plantings will all be discussed (we can't promise that conversations about biscuits and lists won't also appear...). Whatever the topic, the...

Mar 03, 202335 minEp. 168

Ep. 167 - With Lucy away, Saul takes you on a journey down to the river at Stonelands, where he talks about his love for the wildlife in the garden, and his thoughts on how his gardening can encourage and compliment it.

We are in the depths of winter, and whatever the weather may - or may not - have in store for us in this traditionally chilly month, Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Often mistaken for a quieter season, there are plenty of winter tasks to complete and projects to initiate. Winter pruning, leaf clearing, renovations and new plantings will all be discussed (we can't promise that conversations about biscuits and lists won't also appear...). Whatever the topic, the...

Feb 25, 202335 minEp. 167

Ep. 166 - It's time to start growing your own food! Lucy takes you on a tour of her kitchen garden this week, while Saul rests his voice after a spate of gardening talks.

We are in the depths of winter, and whatever the weather may - or may not - have in store for us in this traditionally chilly month, Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Often mistaken for a quieter season, there are plenty of winter tasks to complete and projects to initiate. Winter pruning, leaf clearing, renovations and new plantings will all be discussed (we can't promise that conversations about biscuits and lists won't also appear...). Whatever the topic, the...

Feb 17, 202328 minEp. 166

Ep. 165 - Do trends in gardening help or hinder our enjoyment of the huge world that is plants and their cultivation, Lucy and Saul take a look at those plants and sections of the hobby that are booming.

We are in the depths of winter, and whatever the weather may - or may not - have in store for us in this traditionally chilly month, Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Often mistaken for a quieter season, there are plenty of winter tasks to complete and projects to initiate. Winter pruning, leaf clearing, renovations and new plantings will all be discussed (we can't promise that conversations about biscuits and lists won't also appear...). Whatever the topic, the...

Feb 11, 202337 minEp. 165

Ep. 164 - Visit amazing gardens, eat cake - and raise money for worthy causes. What's not to love?! Saul and Lucy discuss the merits of opening your garden for the National Garden Scheme

We are in the depths of winter, and whatever the weather may - or may not - have in store for us in this traditionally chilly month, Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Often mistaken for a quieter season, there are plenty of winter tasks to complete and projects to initiate. Winter pruning, leaf clearing, renovations and new plantings will all be discussed (we can't promise that conversations about biscuits and lists won't also appear...). Whatever the topic, the...

Feb 03, 202337 minEp. 164

Ep. 163 - The garden maybe either too wet or frozen to get outside, but it gives most gardeners the chance to plan, and that is exactly what Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul are doing, so listen in to see how they are preparing from the year ahead.

We are in the depths of winter, and whatever the weather may - or may not - have in store for us in this traditionally chilly month, Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Often mistaken for a quieter season, there are plenty of winter tasks to complete and projects to initiate. Winter pruning, leaf clearing, renovations and new plantings will all be discussed (we can't promise that conversations about biscuits and lists won't also appear...). Whatever the topic, the...

Jan 28, 202336 minEp. 163

Ep. 162 - Where do you gain your garden inspiration? That was the question put to Saul and Lucy by a green-fingered listener, so the duo discuss what gets their horticultural juice flowing

We are in the depths of winter, and whatever the weather may - or may not - have in store for us in this traditionally chilly month, Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Often mistaken for a quieter season, there are plenty of winter tasks to complete and projects to initiate. Winter pruning, leaf clearing, renovations and new plantings will all be discussed (we can't promise that conversations about biscuits and lists won't also appear...). Whatever the topic, the...

Jan 21, 202335 minEp. 162

Ep. 161 - Saul and Lucy are failures! But things going wrong in the garden is one of the most important parts of the horticultural process. So we both take a look at how we should all be more open about when we fail to make us better gardeners.

We are in the depths of winter, and whatever the weather may - or may not - have in store for us in this traditionally chilly month, Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Often mistaken for a quieter season, there are plenty of winter tasks to complete and projects to initiate. Winter pruning, leaf clearing, renovations and new plantings will all be discussed (we can't promise that conversations about biscuits and lists won't also appear...). Whatever the topic, the...

Jan 14, 202333 minEp. 160

Ep. 160 - We're back! And with the New Year Lucy and Saul go back to their roots, discussing what a Head Gardener should consider when first appointed to the role

We are in the depths of winter, and whatever the weather may - or may not - have in store for us in this traditionally chilly month, Head Gardeners Saul and Lucy turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Often mistaken for a quieter season, there are plenty of winter tasks to complete and projects to initiate. Winter pruning, leaf clearing, renovations and new plantings will all be discussed (we can't promise that conversations about biscuits and lists won't also appear...). Whatever the topic, the...

Jan 07, 202338 minEp. 159

Ep. 159 - Soil is important! Last week we celebrated World Soil Day, so Lucy and Saul discuss the crucial role a healthy soil plays in nurturing your precious plants

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...

Dec 10, 202234 minEp. 158

Bonus Episode #18 - Lucy and Saul are joined in conversation by Head Gardener Åsa Gregers-Warg of the Beth Chatto Gardens - we talk about Beth, Åsa's life in Sweden before coming to the UK and her favourite parts of one of the UK's most loved gardens.

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 #18 we are joined by Head Gardener Åsa Gregers-Warg of the Beth Chatto Gardens - one of the UK's finest gardens in Essex. Åsa came over from her homeland of Sweden in 2001 to sta...

Dec 03, 202248 minEp. 18

Ep. 158 - The Autumn #GardenersQuestionTime special. The podcast listeners have sent Lucy and Saul a number of questions from Step-Over Apples to favourite waterproofs, and the Talking Heads pair give you their answers!

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 25, 202244 minEp. 158

Ep. 157 - With winter approaching is there enough to keep these two enthusiastic Head Gardeners busy in the garden? You Bet! This week, Saul and Lucy discuss the array of winter jobs you can complete on your plot.

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 18, 202243 minEp. 157
Hosted on Buzzsprout
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android