Gardeners' Question Time St Mary's Walthamstow
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Nov 14, 2025 
Join ethnobotanist James Wong, plant expert Matthew Biggs, and horticulturist Frances Tophill as they tackle pressing gardening queries. They explore how to revive tired raspberry canes and suggest durable plants suitable for families and pets. The trio discusses balancing bee-friendly pavements with public perception and highlights resilient London street trees. Additionally, they delve into the pros and cons of growing Agapanthus from seed versus vegetative care. Tune in for invaluable tips and a sprinkle of green inspiration!
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Zoo Horticulture Inspires Tough Planting
- James Wong compares zoo horticulture challenges to public beds and recommends fast-regrowing plants tested by zoos.
- He suggests combining tall miscanthus with low hakonechloa and bulbs for resilience and seasonal interest.
Pick Pollinator-Friendly Pavement Plants
- Sow attractive, pollinator-friendly garden species (california poppy, nigella, calendula, chamomile) in pavement gaps and base-of-building strips.
- Place these where they look intentional (along building bases) to avoid perceptions of untidiness.
Caterpillars Converted A Critic
- Frances Tophill recounts convincing an allotment neighbour by showing cinnabar moth caterpillars on ragwort.
- That demonstration turned scepticism into enthusiasm and active interest in wildlife gardening.