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. 241 - It's anticyclonic out there, but the gardening continues with Lucy returning from Scotland, fully snacked up and Saul, finally staying dry, while getting ready to plant garlic and give the lawns a "final" mow!

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racke...

Nov 09, 202431 minEp. 241

Ep. 240 - Autumn is in full swing, but can you enjoy it while it continually rains - well Saul maybe moving East to where Lucy has remained dry - chased by the Wasps...it's always fun in the garden...

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racke...

Oct 27, 202433 minEp. 240

Ep. 239 - The Talking Heads pair return, with Horti-waffle to boot - preapring our greenhouses, eating Chocolate Cake at Great Dixter, and discussing AGMs (Awards of Garden Merit) with our RHS colleagues.

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racke...

Oct 19, 202440 minEp. 239

Ep. 237 - It's a question time special! Sian's bindweed, Andrew's wildflower meadow, Ben's raspberries and Matt's tomatoes all get the Talking Heads treatment - plus, we report back on Lucy's recent garden tour of the SouthWest

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racke...

Sep 28, 202444 minEp. 237

Ep. 236 - For the past few weeks Lucy and Saul have been all round the UK visiting gardens, trialling vegetables and enjoying UK horticulture at it's finest, so here are some of the highlights.

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racke...

Sep 14, 202434 minEp. 236

Ep. 235 - As summer slides into Autumn, Lucy and Saul can be found at BBC Gardeners World Autumn Fair at the beautiful Audley End leading tours of the Walled Garden with the English Heritage team, here are some highlights.

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of w...

Sep 07, 202440 minEp. 235

Ep. 234 - It's Lucy's birthday! Very self-indulgently, she celebrates her milestone with a solo episode that describes 50 jobs that you can complete in your garden right NOW. Resting on your laurels in the summer sun? Not on our watch...

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of w...

Aug 24, 202451 minEp. 234

Ep. 233 - It's time for the great East/West divide! While Saul is wrapped up in his Devonshire dungarees and long sleeves, Lucy is sweltering in Essex in anything but - as the UK conforms to its traditional weather patterns, for now...

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of w...

Aug 17, 202432 minEp. 233

Ep. 232 - Is August the least favourite month for gardening, controversial but Lucy and Saul have a chat about it, plus trimming your dangling beans and how to break into some Garden writing.

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of w...

Aug 10, 202436 minEp. 232

Ep. 231 - It's been hot! The professional gardening duo discuss how best to tackle watering in these high temperatures, and with school summer holidays in full swing we also showcase some family-friendly projects courtesy of the RHS

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of w...

Aug 03, 202433 minEp. 231

Ep. 230 - The weather may dampen a few spirits, but gardening continues as Lucy visits RHS Wisley to trial some Tomatoes, Saul's first Ginger has flowered and listeners share some of their self-employed gardening experiences.

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of ...

Jul 27, 202434 minEp. 230

Ep. 229 - Summer is here! The weather is warming, and growth is abundant. Garlic, broad beans and Florence fennel get discussed, plus Saul and Lucy are concerned by the apparent lack of birds and bees

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of ...

Jul 20, 202437 minEp. 229

Bonus Episode #20 - Saul and Lucy are joined in conversation by Scottish self-employed gardener Susan Stephen - who won our 200th anniversary quiz - and found the career of gardening to be both healing and immensely rewarding

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 #20 we are joined by Scottish Self-employed gardener Susan Stephen, who as well as being a Talking Heads 'superfan' won out Episode 200 quiz. Susan's life as a career-change gard...

Jul 13, 202447 min

Ep. 228 - Join Saul in his back garden where the tasks are never ending - so he spends a day looking after his collection of Jungle plants, focusing on how he feeds and setting up the start of his potential micro-nursery.

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of ...

Jul 07, 202431 minEp. 228

Ep. 227 - Returning to our gardens after BBCGWL, it's a wall of heat and humidity, but that doesn't stop Lucy and Saul with questions from listeners on Agretti and (weirdly) Waterproof coats, failing Sweet Peas and the need for ice cream!

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of ...

Jun 29, 202437 minEp. 227

BBC GWLive 2024 Bonus Episode: Saul and Lucy are at the BBC Gardeners World Live show at the NEC for another year as the Plant Experts, giving tours of the Floral Marquee, answering garden queries and running brand new Workshops on Houseplants and GYO.

Saul and Lucy are at BBC Gardener's World Live 2024 as the Plant Experts. The show spans the 13th-16th 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 and for the first time this year giving workshops on growing the best Veg and Fruit in your garden and...

Jun 17, 202432 min

Ep. 226 - What's better than looking after all your favourite plants, well buying new ones of course. And that's what Saul is up to as he takes you along on his visit to the Tregrehan Rare Plant Fair.

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of ...

Jun 08, 202435 minEp. 226

Ep. 225 - It's the Grow Your Own episode! Lucy takes you on a tour of her home plot, where she's been applying all she's learnt about growing delicious fruits, vegetables and herbs

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

Jun 01, 202436 minEp. 225

Ep. 224 - The RHS Chelsea Flower show happens with a floral big bang every year, and Lucy and Saul bring you some of their highlights as they get a privileged Monday preview.

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

May 26, 202440 minEp. 224

Ep. 223 - Our gardens are ramping up! Whether it's edibles on their plots or ornamentals at Stonelands and Beth Chattos, Saul and Lucy can see that the rate of growth has hit warp speed - and talking of things speeding along, it's almost Chelsea o'clock

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

May 17, 202435 minEp. 223

Ep. 222 - It's been a whole year, but Talking Heads is back at Beaulieu for their annual outing at BBC Gardeners World Spring Fair - leading tours and running workshops - its one of the most enjoyable parts of the year!

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

May 06, 202432 minEp. 222

Ep. 221 - Blossom season is upon us, and what a season we're having. Orchards are heaving with flower, so Lucy and Saul discuss the impacts of having an Orchard and visiting the National Fruit collection at Brogdale.

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

Apr 27, 202433 minEp. 221

Ep. 220 - It's the greenhouse special! Lucy gives you a guided tour of her beloved greenhouse, explaining how she manages light, temperature, location, space and cropping cycles to gain optimum performance from this precious under cover area

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

Apr 17, 202431 minEp. 220

Ep. 219 - This week, we discuss the 3 Ps: Precipitation, Propagation and Pests - all three of them are in full swing in Devon and Essex! Pls accept our apologies for expletives...

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

Apr 13, 202435 minEp. 219

Ep. 218 - With more rain scheduled in Devon, most of Saul's gardening at the moment is under cover, and that's when his Houseplant collection keeps his plant addiction thriving, so join him for some Houseplant chat.

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

Apr 07, 202431 minEp. 218

Ep. 217 - When will the rain stop? Who knows, but until then the Talking Heads pair bring you more Horticultural waffle looking at grow lights, where to get a good Garden job and Alpine plants.

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

Mar 30, 202435 minEp. 217

Ep. 216 - Join Lucy and Saul in their Essex and Devon gardens as Spring unfolds, the gardening pair bring you along as they bask in the glory of the season's blossom and check their precious vegetable seedlings.

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

Mar 23, 202435 minEp. 216

Ep. 215 - Is it Spring, is it not spring - that's the question as Lucy and Saul continue to wrestle their wet gardens into fit shape, and one of the projects you can do is creating Raised Beds, the subject of this weeks guest David Hurrion's new book.

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture. A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and ...

Mar 16, 202431 minEp. 215

Ep. 214 - Lack of gardening, the Eden Project and perennial vegetables - thats the kind of Horticultural waffle the Talking Heads pair like as they finally return to their usual format (oh and don't forget the weather!)

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as these months are some of the busiest in all of the 12. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home gardens. ...

Mar 10, 202446 minEp. 214

Ep. 213 - Join Lucy at the Garden Press Event - the starting herald to the gardening season where the horticultural media meet exhibitors with new products and new media campaigns, plus a small cameo from Saul!

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as these months are some of the busiest in all of the 12. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home gardens. ...

Mar 02, 202439 minEp. 213
Hosted on Buzzsprout
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android