The Garden Log

The Garden Log is an award winning podcast from Ben Dark, Head Gardener at an English country estate. Episodes begin with a review of events in the flowerbeds, meadows and woodland, before moving on to discuss horticultural matters more generally. Ben is an ever-curious host who does not take himself, his job or gardening too seriously. A half-hour spent in his company is a half-hour spent far away from the myriad concerns of modern life.

Last refreshed: August 26th, 2025 at 6:54 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

#13 Breaking new ground

In this episode we talk deadwood, Pope, bonsai and hope. With excitement and worry the ground is broken on a new area of the garden. Ben surveys the damage wrought by winter and fails to clean the greenhouse.

Jan 10, 2018•26 min

Episode 12: There’s no business like snow business

It's bare root hedges with Philip of Macedon and thick-headed gardeners with Mr Kipling in this barnstorming episode of The Garden Log

Dec 21, 2017•25 min

Episode 11: Himalayan nutmeg, protecting tree ferns and freezing half to death on a small tractor

This wintery broadcast investigates how to put the garden to bed for winter and debunks some ancient Chinese wisdom. Also, green alkanet, blackbirds, foxgloves and hylotelephium. Maybe a hot cup of tea would go well with this episode?

Dec 13, 2017•26 min

Episode 10: How to pot paperwhites, prune figs and scandalise your great great great grandmother

In this episode we take to the waves with a question from the canal-side. I’m talking the language of flowers and giving evergreen advice for early December. Join me for another muddy-kneed tour of the English garden. Thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com @bensgarden

Dec 06, 2017•27 min

Episode 9: If dandelions were hard to grow

This was a windy, thrifty, rotten sort of week. I'm talking medlars, erotic Persian gardening, phytophthora and robin training. Just November things. @Bensgarden thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

Nov 29, 2017•29 min

Episode 8: Compost leeching, Iris psuedacorus and psychological tips for leaf collection

Now back in England, hands firmly in the soil, head high in the clouds. Its time to talk compost. Also, I'll be flagging some issues with Iris pseudacorus and conducting a survey of the flowering plants still braving the November chill. As always, questions and feedback to thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com @Bensgarden Happy gardening!

Nov 22, 2017•24 min

Episode 7: Dystopian flower beds made easy!

This week’s special edition focuses on planting a spectacular, long flowering border to keep you radioactively warm all winter. Plants used for this project: Allium moly Erigeron karvinskianus x Heucherella ‘Kimono’ Hylotelephium spectabile 'Carl' Gaura lindheimeri ‘Sparkle White’ Kniphofia ‘Toffee Nosed’ Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Sweet Winter Sisyrinchium striatum...

Nov 15, 2017•19 min

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