Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

Nancy Matsumoto discusses her new book Reaping What She Sows, an exploration of the women transforming our broken food system from the ground up. We talk about what an alternative food system really looks like, why women are at the forefront of this movement, and how they're reimagining the way we grow, distribute, and consume food could offer a more just, sustainable, and human-centric future.

Links

Reaping What She Sows by Nancy Matsumoto 

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Episode 263: Ooooby – Out of Our Own Back Yard
In this epi...

This episode, Nicolas Salazar of Guardians Worldwide explores the often-overlooked role of rocks in our designed environments. We discuss their carbon storage potential, their deep relationship with plants, and why removing rocks from landscapes may have more impact than we think. It's a conversation that challenges us to see rocks not as static objects, but as vital, living parts of ecological systems.

Links

www.guardiansworldwide.org

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Episode 41: Natural Stone with Giles Heap
In this episode, host Sarah Wilson speaks to Giles Heap of CED Stone ab...

Gardens Illustrated editor Stephanie Mahon has curated the magazine's first ever book, The New Beautiful — a celebration of gardens that reflect today's shifting ideas of beauty, sustainability, and design. We discuss what defines a 'Gardens Illustrated' garden, how the featured spaces in the book were chosen, about the evolving role of perennials to the challenges of capturing a garden's true character in a photograph, Stephanie shares insights from her years at the forefront of garden publishing — and offers a glimpse into where garden design might be heading next.

Links

www.gardensillustrated.com

The New...

Luke Coleman is the founder of Luke Coleman Gardens, an Edinburgh-based studio known for bold, climate-resilient gardens rooted in story, ecology, and craft.

Luke was named RHS Young Designer of the Year 2025, winning Gold, Best Construction, and People's Choice at the Wentworth show. His work draws on landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to the Cape Floral Kingdom, exploring how gardens can tell stories of resilience and culture.

We talk about his design principles, what resilience means in a garden, and how gardens might bring cultures together.

Links

Website: lukecoleman.co.uk<...

Environmental scientist and author Shannon Jade talks about her work and her book A Song for the Earth — a poetic, hopeful take on the climate crisis. We talk about the themes in the book, our connection to nature, and the importance of finding your voice, whatever form that takes.

Links

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Episode 336: Creating an Ar...

Dr Linda Birkin is the dynamic entomologist and wildlife gardener who stole the show at the recent Talking Plants event with her energetic and informative talk on creating living gardens that welcome all creatures great and small. Find out how she came to champion bugs, and how you can join in with her mission to make gardens a haven for wildlife. 

Links

www.ljbees.uk

Instagram @drljbees

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Episode 244: The Biodiversity Gardener
Paul Sterry, ecologist, author and photographer, joins the podcast to d...

Acclaimed garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin discusses the craft of planting design, the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the profession, and the evolving role of planting designers today. He also shares insights from his new book, The Modern Professional Planting Designer, which is a novel and interesting look at the processes behind successful planting design.

Links

www.andrewfishertomlin.com

The Modern Professional Planting Designer: Creating Beautiful, Sustainable, Resilient Gardens for the Twenty-First Century

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Episode 94: James Basson of Scape Design
...

Paulette Whitney of Provenance Growers in Tasmania is a grower, cook, and the author of Broccoli and Other Love Stories. We explore the world of seeds, soil, and flavour—from the challenges of gardening in Tasmania's unique climate, to Paulette's favourite herbs, root veg, and go-to meals after a long day in the garden. Along the way, Paulette shares how chefs inspire her to try new varieties and how her twin loves of growing and cooking continue to nourish her life.

Links

Provenance Growers - A thriving market garden and edible plant nursery in Lutruwita, Ta...

Ali Morse is the Water Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts and together we talk the truth about peat: how much is still being extracted, why government promises have fallen short, and the role horticulture plays in the story. We also look ahead to the solutions—both practical and political—that could finally protect these precious habitats.

Links

The Wildlife Trusts – Main Website

Nic Wilson's Peat Free Nurseries List

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Episode 47: Going Peat Free with John Walker
In this episode, I speak with J...

Liz Morley is the force behind @you_dig_gardens and Nottingham College's inspiring Wilder Campuses project, where she's transforming educational spaces into thriving, biodiverse landscapes. We explore her accessible, low-budget approach to rewilding and how it's reconnecting people with nature right where they study and work.

Links

The project on instagram: @you_dig_gardens

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Episode 336: Creating an Ark with Mary Reynolds
Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the We Are The Ark rewilding movement—joins Sarah Wilson to explore how even...

In this episode I have a captivating conversation with writer and artist James Roberts. We explore the profound themes of his book "Two Lights," delving into the beauty and tragedy of the natural world. James shares his journey from city life to the rural landscapes of the Welsh borders, where he finds inspiration in the twilight hours and the delicate balance of nature. We also discuss the intersection of science and creativity, the importance of attention, and the emotional resonance of beauty. 

Links

James Roberts' Substack - Into the Deep Woods

Night Ri...

George Fredenham—aka Flavour Fred—chef, forager, fermenter, and former co-owner of The Foragers at The Verulam Arms in St Albans is this episode's guest. Known for turning hedgerow finds into award-winning dishes and wild cocktails, George now runs foraging walks, woodland feasts, and fermentation workshops, blending deep ecological knowledge with a flair for flavour.

We talk about his journey with wild food and how he's teaching others to find, cook, and preserve the edible abundance all around them.

Links

www.flavourfred.com

Instagram @flavourfred

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I'm speaking with Olga Evans, co-founder of the Forest Bathing Institute and author of a new book exploring the science behind nature's healing power. We'll discover what forest bathing really means, whether you need an actual forest to benefit, and learn practical techniques you can use wherever you are.

Links

The Forest Bathing Institute

The Healing Power of Trees by Olga Terebenina and Gary Evans

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Episode 48: Forest Bathing with Stefan Batorijs— Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is the practice of immersing yourself in n...

I'm speaking with Christina Oakley Harrington, founder of the legendary Treadwell's Bookshop in London and author of The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic. We dive into her lifelong work in magic and folklore, explore the rich, earthy history of plant magic, and uncover the stories and secrets behind the herbs and flowers that have enchanted humans for centuries.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just plant-curious, listen on to find out what plants can do if you just ask.

Links

Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic

Treadwells' Online

Other episodes...

I'm joined by designer Will Tomson, whose work blends creativity with a deep commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. We chat about some of his exciting projects involving recycled aggregates, who inspires him, his Talking Plants events which he runs with Amy Langron and Katy Merrington, plus we lift the lid on a new and exciting event happening this September for anyone interested in practical, hands-on gardening tips from the best in the game. 

Links

Talking Plants website www.talkingplantssheffield.co.uk

Talking plants instagram @talking_plants_sheffield

Symposium tickets

C...

Pat Thomas is Director of Beyond GM, and we explore the hidden realities of GMOs, the implications of new "Precision Breeding" legislation, and how these changes could affect gardeners, small-scale growers, and our food future. From campaigns like Stop Hidden GMOs to looking at the global landscape regarding GMO policies, Pat offers essential insights and practical advice on where to learn more and how to take action.

Links

You can help fund the legal case by donating at CrowdJustice

Check out the Stop Hidden GMOs website for more information

Read more...

Lee Miller lived many lives—model, surrealist, war correspondent—but it was in the kitchen and garden at Farleys House that she found a kind of peace after the chaos. In this episode, Lee's granddaughter Ami Bouhassane discusses her book Lee Miller: A Life with Food, Friends and Recipes, and offers an intimate portrait of her grandmother's postwar years. We explore how cooking became a creative outlet, the mystery of the unpublished Entertaining Freezer, and the role of the garden in shaping Lee's later life.

Links

Lee Miller Archives (official site) – Explore her life as a surr...

Writer and naturalist Julian Hoffman joins me for a dive into his latest book Lifelines, exploring the fragile beauty of threatened landscapes, the deep connections between wildlife and culture, and what it means to belong—to a place, to a species, to a song. From regent honeyeaters losing their voices to the shifting borders that divide both people and animals, Julian shares stories that remind us of what's at stake, and what still remains.

Links

www.julianhoffman.com

Julian on Instagram

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🎧 Episode 53: "Irrepl...

Episode 342: Healsville Sanctuary: Creating Habitats

Luke Boyle is the Horticulture Manager at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, Australia—a leading conservation zoo nestled in native bushland, dedicated to protecting and showcasing Australia's unique wildlife. We chat about the incredible work Luke and his team are doing to ensure the sanctuary is not just a safe and enriching haven for animals, but also an inspiring and welcoming place for human visitors.

Links

Healesville Sanctuary – Official site (Zoos Victoria)
Discover updates on their conservation projects, visitor information, and how to support their wildlife work: https://www...

I'm joined by Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, and horticulturists Rachel Reynolds, Paul Kimberley and Jenny Warner, who share their personal experiences with skin cancer. With temperatures on the rise, we explore why sun safety is essential for anyone working outdoors, how to protect yourself effectively, and the serious risks of not taking the sun seriously.

Links

Melanoma Focus is a national charity dedicated to providing help and support to melanoma patients and healthcare professionals as well as raising awareness of melanoma, the 5th most common cancer in the UK.  As nearly 9 in 10 melanomas ar...

Author Nic Wilson speaks about her memoir, Land Beneath the Waves. We delve into how her relationship with the natural world has provided insight and resilience in the face of chronic illness, and how our surroundings can shape and reflect our inner landscapes.

Links

Official Website

nicwilson.co.uk – The central hub for Nic's writing, including her memoir Land Beneath the Waves, Guardian Country Diary contributions, newsletter subscription ("Only Connect!"), book tour dates, and the Peat‑Free Nurseries list. 

Linktree

A central portal with quick links to her website, book la...

Lockie Scicluna is part of the crew living and working at Australia's remote Mawson Station in Antarctica. Lockie is closely involved in the station's hydroponic growing setup — an ingenious system that allows the team to produce fresh vegetables in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. We talk about the challenges of growing food without soil or sunlight, and why having a growing operation might matter more than you might think.

Links

Australian Antarctic Division Mawson station

Lockie on Instagram @scic.travels

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...

I'm joined by Dave Chapman, host of the US chart-topping Real Organic Podcast. We dive into the rise of "regenerative" as the latest industry buzzword, the troubling reality of corporate consolidation in agriculture, and how antitrust issues are threatening the future of truly organic food. We also explore the key differences between organic food markets in the U.S. and the EU—and what they might mean for growers and consumers alike.

Links

www.realorganicproject.org

On Facebook

On Instagram

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🌱 Episo...

I'm joined by author Sarah Bilston to explore the strange allure of orchids and the daring—and often destructive—pursuits of the plant hunters who sought them. We delve into the economic and ecological entanglements of botany, the lasting impacts of orchid mania on countries like Brazil, and what we risk losing when we oversimplify the tangled roots of horticultural history.

Links

The Lost Orchid: A Story of Victorian Plunder and Obsession by Sarah Bilston

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🌱 1. Episode 154: Modern Plant Hunters with Dr. Sandy Primrose

In th...

In this episode, I'm speaking with Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the rewilding movement We Are The Ark.

This episode originally aired in 2019 and it's particularly pertinent as it coincides with the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where Mary, won a gold medal winner for her ground-breaking, naturalistic garden which at the time was a revelation. Mary has long championed a shift from traditional gardening to a more nature-centric approach. Her initiative, We Are The Ark, invites gardeners, landowners, and stewards to rewild areas under their care, transforming them into sanctuaries fo...

Geeta Mehta, author of Japanese Gardens, talks about the beauty, philosophy, and deep cultural roots of Japan's garden traditions. We delve into how these serene landscapes reflect harmony, mindfulness, and a unique dialogue between nature and design.

Links

Japanese Gardens: Tranquility, Simplicity, Harmony by Geeta Mehta & Kimie Tada 

Geeta Mehta on Wikipedia

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If you liked this week's episode with Geeta Mehta you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 

Episode 271: Japanese Maples with Miles Hayward

Summary:
In...

Joshua Sparkes is a grower whose innovative, soil-centered approach blends regenerative principles with a deep reverence for the natural world. We dig into his unique style of farming, how it's shaped by observation and experimentation, and why it offers a glimpse into what must be the future of sustainable food production.

Links

The Collective at Woolsery

Joshua Sparkes on Instagram

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If you liked this week's episode with Joshua Sparkes you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 

Episode 328: Soil, H...

Ecological designer and waterway whisperer Emmaline Bowman, talks about her mission to heal landscapes through nature-led design at her practice Stem Landscape Architecture & Design. We dig into the magic of restoring ecosystems, how nature-led design is possible and feasible from a business perspective and the knock-on effects of starting the ball rolling one green space at a time.

Links

www.stemlandscape.com

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If you liked this week's episode with Emmaline Bowman you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 

Episode 208: Ecological G...

I'm joined by Pete Case from the Freshwater Habitats Trust to dive into the world of garden ponds—why they can be crucial for wildlife, how to create one, and what makes them such a powerful tool for conservation right in your own back, or front,  garden. Whether you've got a bucket or a full-blown pond, this one's for you.

Links

www.freshwaterhabitats.org.uk

The Pond Book

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Today's episode is a bit different because I'm not well at the moment and the podcast has taken a back seat to hospital visits and sleeping lots I'm afraid. But, out of something negative comes a positive because I decided to re-master and re-release an episode from the back catalogue, and this week we're dipping back into Episode 97 with Doug Tallamy. But we're not just hitting replay. We're bringing new light to it, inspired by last week's conversation with the incredible Kelly Morse…

Links

Bringing Nature Home: How you can sustain wildlife with native plants by...

Kelly Morse is co-founder of 70|30 Studio—a design practice with a mission to rewild spaces and reconnect people with nature. Kelly's work blends ecology, sustainability, and creative design to transform how we experience the natural world. We'll be discussing the philosophy behind 70|30 Studio, the challenges and rewards of integrating wild landscapes into urban environments, and how we can all bring a little more nature into our everyday lives.

About

Kelly Morse is an ecological landscape designer, writer, and environmental artist. She is an award-winning author and founder of 70|30 Design Studio. As co-founder of Symbiocene Project she...

I'm joined by the brilliant AB Bishop, a passionate advocate for wildlife-friendly gardening and author and journalist. We dive into the incredible ways AB has transformed her outdoor space into a thriving habitat for native birds, insects, and other creatures. If you're keen to make your patch more biodiverse and buzzing with life, plus find out about Australia's incredible flora and fauna, this one's for you!

Links

AB Bishop is a renowned horticulturist, conservationist, and writer specialising in Australian native plants and wildlife-friendly gardening. Here are some of her notable works: 

Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital connection between soil and the nutrients in our food. As the founder of the Life Larder newsletter and Course Director at CNM's Natural Chef School, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge on how growing practices impact the quality of what we eat. Sam talks about  nourishing both the land and ourselves.

Links

The Life Larder

On Instagram

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Explore the deep connection between movement, landscape, and wellbeing In this episode featuring author and academic Kerri Andrews. We talk about her book Pathfinding and the profound impact of walking in nature. Discover how walking can be an act of reflection, discovery, and even resistance. Kerri shares insights from history and her own experiences, reminding us why putting one foot in front of the other is more powerful than we might think.

Links

www.kerriandrews.co.uk

https://kerriandrews.co.uk/

Pathfinding: On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom by Kerri Andrews

Investigative journalist Carey Gillam talks about glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Carey has spent years researching its impacts on health and the environment, as well as the discussions surrounding its regulation and use. She talks about her research, the science behind this particular herbicide, and the effects of the chemical on soils and our health.

Links

Learn more about Carey:

www.careygillam.com

The New Lede

At The Guardian

Her books:

Whitewash - The Story of a Weed Killer...

Content creator, writer and gardener Ramona Jones talks about her garden and her beautiful book Growing. We discuss her experiences as a neurodivergent gardener, how she uses social media to document her journey, and the joys of creating a space that nurtures both plants and wildlife. She shares her deep connection with nature and the ways gardening has helped her grow in more ways than one.

Links

Growing: A year of living and nurturing with the seasons by Ramona Jones

Ramona Jones on Instagram - @monalogue 

Ramona on YouTube

Bailey Van Tassel talks about the art of kitchen gardening. We explore Bailey's seasonal, intuitive approach to growing food at home and discuss insights from her book, Kitchen Garden Living. With a focus on simplicity and sustainability, Bailey shares her thoughts on cultivating a thriving kitchen garden.

Links

www.baileyvantassel.com

Kitchen Garden Living: Seasonal Growing and Eating from a Beautiful, Bountiful Food Garden by Bailey Van Tassel

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I'm joined by Richard Scott and Polly Moseley from the Scouse Flowerhouse to explore the transformative power of community gardens. They share insights on using wildflowers to create vibrant, biodiverse spaces that benefit both people and wildlife, as well as the challenges and rewards of managing community green spaces. Listen on to discover how their work is weaving nature into urban communities.

Links

www.scouseflowerhouse.com

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Trees and crops—better together! This week on Roots and All, I'm joined by Andy Dibben, co-author of Silvohorticulture, to explore how agroforestry can revolutionise our growing spaces for a more resilient and productive future.

Links

Silvohorticulture: A grower's guide to integrating trees into crops by Andy Dibben & Ben Raskin

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If you liked this week's episode with Andy Dibben you might also enjoy this one from the archives: 

235: Woodchip - My guest this week is Ben Raskin, the Soil Association's Head of Hort...

Join me for a timely exploration of how weather shapes our landscapes, ecosystems, and personal experiences of the natural world. Writer and naturalist Matt Gaw discusses his latest book, In All Weathers. As we face an increasing onslaught of extreme and unpredictable weather patterns across the globe, Matt's reflections on walking through the elements—be it storm, drought, or downpour—offer both a poetic and urgent perspective on our relationship with the forces that govern life on Earth. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on resilience, adaptation, and the beauty found in even the most inhospitable conditions.

Link...