BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast Gorgeous containers throughout the year, with Arthur Parkinson
Mar 31, 2026
Arthur Parkinson, gardener and bestselling author trained at Kew, shares his love of container gardening. He talks plant selection for year-round interest, styling and pot choices, soil and drainage tips, and ways to attract pollinators. Practical advice on watering, propagation, and using pots to transform poor soil rounds out the chat.
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Refresh Top Layer Of Potting Mix Annually Not All Soil
- Do refresh only the top quarter of pot compost annually rather than replacing all soil; reuse spent soil for mulch or give to chickens.
- Arthur digs out the top layer, replaces with farmyard manure and mulch to rejuvenate shrubs and perennials.
Match Drainage Techniques To The Plant Not One-Size-Fits-All
- Do ensure pots drain and balance drainage materials with plant needs rather than universally smashing in rubble or inner pots.
- Arthur still uses broken terracotta/crock at the bottom and tailors extra drainage for species like agapanthus.
Pick Pot Plants Based On Time And Microclimate
- Do choose plants for pots based on how much time you'll spend tending them and local microclimate.
- For low-maintenance, Arthur recommends perennial scabious, dwarf buddleias and warflowers that tolerate poor soil and heat.