Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

What happens to all the cows if everyone turns vegan? In Part 2 of Iain's talk, recorded at VegFest 2019, Iain addresses issues surrounding current farming practices. He describes how he believes stock-free is better in terms of carbon emissions and soil health and answers that common question; "what happens to all the cows if we all go vegan?" If you're interested in gardening, many of Iain's practices are also applicable to small-scale and ornamental sites, as well as farms. Plus, if you're concerned about the impact of your food shopping habits, he presents some fascinating facts and figures. With thanks to the Vegan Organic Network for inviting me along to record the session. http://veganorganic.net/ Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Mary Reynolds has a long and successful career in horticulture, which is underpinned by design, but has evolved along the way as she has striven to align her personal beliefs with her work. Starting out in landscape design, Mary went on to become the youngest gold medal winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2002 where she took the show by storm with her naturalistic Celtic Sanctuary Garden. The incredible story of her journey to Chelsea and the creation of the garden was told in the 2016 film 'Dare to be Wild'. Mary continues to design gardens, seeking to create spaces "that are healing, truthful and magical". Her design ethos is set out in her 2016 book 'The Garden Awakening – Designs to Nurture Our Land and Ourselves' which she describes as "a practical treasure map that leads gardeners into a gentle and healing relationship with the land. This book is a step by step instruction manual drawing on ancient methods of working with the land and using them to invite the power and energy of nature back into your life". In 2019, Mary launched an initiative called We Are The Ark, which invites gardeners, land owners and stewards to re-wild areas in their care. It's this project that we focus on mainly in this episode and Mary explains the idea behind the project and how we can all get on board. What We Cover: - Mary's career evolution - We Are The Ark - What stops people rewinding their land and how can we overcome these problems? - Growing food yourself - How this can work in urban areas or for those with small/no gardens - What to watch out for when buying plants - Establishing and managing your own Ark - The future of garden design and gardening Links: www.wearetheark.org www.marymary.ie Mary on Instagram: wildmarymary Claire & Joe on Instagram: irishforestgarden Dr Masaru Emoto - The Hidden Messages in Water Get in touch: Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link: Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Sarah is interviewed by podcast listener Joanne Richardson After a few prompts from listeners, Sarah takes the plunge and decides to be interviewed for an episode of the Budcast. Listener Jo does a fantastic job of asking the questions that were posed by listeners, so a huge thank you to her for taking over the reins of the show. This is the longest ever episode of the podcast but it's a not to be repeated event, so sit down with a cup of tea or glass of wine and enjoy! Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

As the RHS Chelsea Flower Show opens its doors to the public today, it's interesting to see many of the gardens focus on the wellbeing and therapeutic benefits of spending time outdoors. Social Therapeutic Horticulture is a horticulture-based therapy that's growing in popularity in the UK as more people become convinced of the mental and physical health benefits of spending time outdoors and with plants. In this episode, I speak to Damien Newman of Thrive, a charity responsible for promoting and providing Social Therapeutic Horticulture throughout the UK. Thrive is also the leading provider of training for those entering the profession. The Thrive website states; "Social and therapeutic horticulture is the process of using plants and gardens to improve physical and mental health, as well as communication and thinking skills. It also uses the garden as a safe and secure place to develop someone's ability to mix socially, make friends and learn practical skills that will help them to be more independent." - www.thrive.org.uk Damien is hugely knowledgable and a great ambassador for the discipline of STH and this is a fascinating insight for anyone considering it as a career or a therapy. We cover; What is Social Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) The origins of STH Whether STH works for everyone and who benefits from it the most Details of where to find evidence-based research supporting the benefits of being outdoors How can somebody be referred into STH How is STH applied at a practical level What makes a therapy garden How to embark upon a career in STH Some info about the charity Thrive About Damien Newman "I have been working in health and social care for 20 years beginning in mental health care where I first noticed the impact of gardens and gardening for health and began to be involved in utilising gardens and nature within care approach. Teaching in the field across my career I had the privilege of moving to Thrive 10 years ago and now manage our training, education and consultancy services. I aspire to support gardens and gardening to be appropriately utilised across society for the value and benefits it can bring." Links Thrive Charity www.thrive.org.uk Carry On Gardening www.carryongardening.org.uk King's Fund Gardens and health Report - 2016 https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/gardens-and-health Report Author David Buck's Blog https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/about-us/whos-who/david-buck Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Sarah attended a fantastic 2 day weekend course at Homeacres and posed these questions to Charles after the first day of the course was completed, based on what she had learnt up to that point. They talk about what No Dig means, if it works and how to apply the technique in your own garden or allotment. To find out more, check out Charles's informative website www.charlesdowding.co.uk where you can find links to his books, YouTube channel and also find out how you can attend one of his courses. Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

This week, I'm speaking to Giles Heap, Managing Director of CED Stone. CED has a long history of supplying natural stone paving and facilitating the use of stone throughout the landscape and construction industries. Giles took over as the Managing Director of CED in 2013. We discuss: - Sourcing stone ethically, including mention of the Ethical Trading Initiative - Using materials appropriate to the job and the location - Options for those looking to source local stone in the UK - The production process and the environmental impacts of this - Issues with permeability and drainage surrounding hard surfaces and how to overcome these - The future of stone products About Giles "I have been working for CED for over twenty years, on and off in many different roles. My specialities lean towards design specification and consultation using natural stone in both the Urban Realm and Landscaping arenas. With hands on experience in quarrying, production and remedial masonry work I tend to have a slightly more practical and straightforward view on stone, its capabilities and uses. I regularly lecture (preach) on the use of natural stone, both in Urban Design and Garden Design to Landscape, Urban and garden designers, students and contractors and I am more than happy to write and present bespoke lectures on the subject. Before working full time for CED, I have previously been a Publican, Bodyguard, Chauffeur, Night-club manager, doorman, and a whole host of other unusual careers! With a slight addiction to Scuba diving, martial arts (although not so much now I'm a Dad!) and extreme sports, especially climbing, I am quite happy to "say it as I see it" and I am always willing to face a challenge! As a member of the family that owns CED and the current Managing Director, my professional goal is to make us the best supplier of natural stone and hard landscaping products in the UK, by ensuring that the right advice and materials are used in our cities, parks and gardens, indeed wherever and whenever it is right and correct to do so." Links CED Stone - www.cedstone.co.uk 728 London Road, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM20 3LU Tel: 01708 867237 Blog by Giles on Using British Stone https://www.cedstone.co.uk/news/using-british-stone-by-ced-stone-group-managing-director-giles-heap CED and the Ethical Trading Initiative https://www.cedstone.co.uk/about#3 More info: www.ethicaltrade.org Ethical Stone Register - www.ethicalstoneregister.co.uk Steintec - StoneBed Permeable Bedding Mortar https://www.cedstone.co.uk/products/stonebed-permeable-bedding-mortar-pbm Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

Sarah chats to organic kitchen gardener James Mellors. They discuss organic, no-kill pest control, companion planting, interesting varieties and bees in your veg plot. Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

This episode is produced in association with the Vegan Organic Network. It was recorded at VegFestUK on the 23rd March 2019. Iain Tolhurst is a pioneer of what he terms Stock-free Farming; that is farming which uses no animal inputs. Based in South Oxfordshire, Iain talks about the history of his growing operation plus shares some unique practices he employs to maximise crops whilst making the farm a haven for biodiversity. He also gives figures about produce yields and carbon output of his farm, which are fascinating (and encouraging, for anyone considering this method of farming). With thanks to Iain Tolhurst and The Vegan organic Network for allowing me to part of such a great day. To find out more about Iain, including his courses, veg box scheme and consultancy work, please check out http://www.tolhurstorganic.co.uk The Vegan Organic Network is the only organisation in the UK solely working for food to be grown the veganic way. Please check out their website to find out more about the important work they are involved in: http://veganorganic.net

Following on from my episodes on native vs. non-native plants and gardening for wildlife, who better for me to interview than wildlife gardening guru Kate Bradbury? We talk about the best ways to garden for wildlife, including what to put in to your wildlife garden and what to leave out. Kate champions some unusual species and our conversation touches upon aspects that may surprise even the most seasoned wildlife gardener. The timing was perfect too, as Kate's new book Wildlife Gardening for Everyone and Everything hit the shelves 5 days ago. Once she's tempted you with snippets of wildlife gardening gold, you can go buy the book and find out everything you need to know about turning your own garden, whatever its size, into a haven for all creatures great and small. Providing shelter in the garden Kate's top features to include in a wildlife garden Kate's top plants for wildlife Common mistakes we make when trying to help wildlife The decline of certain species Gardening for flies! Resources for wildlife gardeners About Kate Bradbury Kate Bradbury is an award-winning author and journalist, specialising in wildlife gardening. She edits the wildlife pages of BBC Gardeners World Magazine and regularly writes articles for the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, The Guardian, RHS magazine The Garden and BBC Wildlife and BBC Countryfile magazines. In 2015 she became the first Butterfly Ambassador for conservation charity Butterfly Conservation, and she writes a quarterly column for its members magazine, Butterfly. Kate regularly talks at events and festivals, and appears on radio including BBC Gardeners Question Time and the popular RHS gardening podcast. She also makes wildlife gardening videos for gardenersworld.com. She lives and breathes wildlife gardening, and is currently transforming a tired north-facing patio garden into a wildlife oasis, where she hopes to attract a wealth of creatures including frogs, toads, newts, birds, beetles, hedgehogs, butterflies, not to mention her very favourite, and first love: bees. Links: Buy a copy of Kate's new book Wildlife Gardening for Everyone and Everything here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wildlife-Gardening-Everyone-Everything-Trusts/dp/1472956052/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Kate+bradbury&qid=1554217200&s=books&sr=1-3 Kate on Twitter @Kate_Bradbury https://twitter.com/Kate_Bradbury?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor On Instagram kategbradbury https://www.instagram.com/kategbradbury/ The Bumblebee Flies Anyway by Kate Bradbury - Buy Here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bumblebee-Flies-Anyway-year-gardening/dp/1472943104/ref=la_B00O0X7MLI_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1554215473&sr=1-2 The Wildlife Gardener by Kate Bradbury - Buy Here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wildlife-Gardener-Kate-Bradbury/dp/152671289X Butterfly Conservation www.butterfly-conservation.org https://butterfly-conservation.org Big Butterfly Count www.bigbutterflycount.org https://www.bigbutterflycount.org Moths Count www.mothscount.org http://www.mothscount.org Froglife www.froglife.org https://www.froglife.org Bumblebee Conservation Trust www.bumblebeeconservation.org https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) www.bto.org https://www.bto.org Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall

This week, I'm honoured to be joined by the Queen of Containers, Harriet Rycroft. Harriet worked for many years at Whichford Pottery in Warwickshire, where she became renowned for producing season after season of the most spectacular planting and colour combinations. Oh, and Harriet had the door open to her garden, so enjoy the birdsong! We talk about: The ideal container Layer planting Planting media Feeding your pots Well and badly behaved container plants Pests in/on pots Tricks for discouraging mice and squirrels Planting combinations for the wow factor About Harriet Rycroft Harriet Rycroft switched careers to horticulture while her children were small and spent 14 years working for Whichford Pottery. As Head Gardener she was responsible for planning, planting and maintaining large displays of planted flowerpots of every conceivable shape and size and was careful always to provide plenty of planting inspiration for visitors all year round. With up to 500 plantings on display at any time the garden attracted many visitors and much praise from some of the UK's leading horticulturists. While at Whichford Harriet also planned and planted container displays for events and shows, including Chelsea Flower Show, and gave lectures and demonstrations both in the UK and abroad. She now divides her time between writing about gardening and container planting, giving talks and demonstrations, and teaching container gardening online at LearningWith Experts.com. She still gardens at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and at home, where she usually has at least 200 planted containers on display. She's a keen photographer, using her camera to record her own workbut also as a way to celebrate gardens and the natural world generally and to share inspiration for the creative use of plants. When she has a bit of spare time she writes a blog called "A Parrot's Nest' at https://harrietrycroft.com/ and can also be found chatting about plants and gardening and sharing photos on Twitter and Instagram @HarrietRycroft Harriet gives talks and planting demonstrations to garden clubs and groups, so if you would like a talk about container gardening for your society please contact her at harrietrycroft@btinternet.com for more details. She recently wrote (and took most of the photographs for) a book about the amazing gardens at the Cotswold Wildlife Park with their Head Gardener, Tim Miles. A Celebration of The Gardens is available from the Park's website. Links: Cotswold Wildlife Park Website https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Buy a copy of The Cotswold Wildlife Park - A Celebration of the Gardens https://shop.myonlinebooking.co.uk/cotswoldwildlifepark/shop/product-list.aspx?catid=8 Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall