The Gardening with the RHS podcast

Each week we talk to RHS experts, along with garden designers, scientists, growers, and the movers and shakers of the horticultural world

Our award-winning Gardening with the RHS podcast offers seasonal advice, inspiration and practical solutions to gardening questions.

Trusted gardening professionals give you the latest horticultural advice, scientific research and tried-and-tested techniques to bring out the best in your garden.

Listen to the lastest episodes or subscribe for all episodes.

Festive foliage and natural decorations

In this episode, we’re decking the halls with seasonal foliage, as RHS Hyde Hall’s Sarah Wilson-Frost shares her ideas for natural decorations foraged from your own garden. Gareth Richards is here to inspire you to try a different type of Christmas tree and consider bringing a potted plant indoors for the festive season. And we’ve got the perfect gift idea to brighten up a dreary January day, as Chris Lane of Witch Hazel Nursery explains why he fell in love with these winter gems.

Useful links: Deck the Halls at Christmas | Grow your own Christmas | Witch hazels | Christmas with the RHS

Great garden reads and botanical books

With the festive gift giving season just around the corner, this week we turn our attention to the botanical wonders awaiting us on the bookshelf. We invited journalist, author, and gardening enthusiast Ann Treneman and horticultural hero and authority on all things plants, Guy Barter to join host Fiona Davison, Head of Libraries and Exhibitions at the RHS, to chat about some of their favourite garden reads from the past 12 months.

Useful links: Visit the RHS Bookshelf | Top 10 gardening books to gift | Christmas with the RHS

Indoor passionflowers, begonias, and miniature Christmas cactus

In this episode, we team up with The Plant Review magazine for a houseplant special. Jenny Laville talks to Rebecca Hilgenhof of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to learn about the exciting prospect of growing passionflowers on the windowsill. James Armitage is in conversation with former RHS Director of Horticulture Jim Gardiner to chat all about his favourite houseplant, Begonia masoniana, and the famous plantsman who it is named for. Plus, Kevin Mann shares his love of the miniature Christmas cactus.

Useful links: The Plant Review | Growing passion flowers | Begonia masoniana | Houseplants

National Tree Week

In this episode, we’re marking National Tree Week, an annual celebration at the start of the tree planting season. We hear some fascinating stories about the art of tree collecting and the human connection to our woodlands from author and artist Amy Stewart. We catch up on the latest news from RHS Rosemoor, Devon, as they set out on a conservation project to protect one of our most rare but little known native trees. And if you’re feeling inspired to get outside and start digging, Bob Askew brings us his thoughts on the best trees for small spaces.

Useful links: National Tree Week | |How to plant a tree | Trees for small gardens | Amy Stewart | Visit RHS Gardens

Medlars, ornamental grasses, and Elizabeth Blackwell

In this episode, Fiona Davison, Head of RHS Libraries & Exhibitions, shares insights into plantswoman Elizabeth Blackwell’s life and her groundbreaking work, which was created at a time of rapid botanical discovery in Europe. We also hear from passionate plantswoman Jane Steward, a dedicated advocate for the medlar, a rare fruit that was once beloved across the UK – even by King Henry VIII. And finally horticulturist Sarah Wilson-Frost from RHS Hyde Hall shares some excellent advice on growing ornamental grasses to add year-round interest to your garden.

Useful links: A Curious Herbal | How to grow medlars | Grasses | AGM grasses for autumn

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Our podcast is here to help you get the very best out of your garden. For more information, contact the Podcast team by email [email protected].

Winner of ‘Best Branded Podcast’ category at the 2021 British Podcast awards
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.