Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

Sarah Wilson
  • 4.8 (52)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Weekly

Do you want to know how to grow plants and get the best out of your outdoor space? Do you find traditional gardening media baffling and/or boring? Then you're in the right place, because the Roots and All podcast is here to dig deep into how to create a successful garden. If you want honest information and insider knowledge about how to get results, join irreverent horticulturist Sarah Wilson as she chats to the best people from the world of plants and gardens. Sarah is on a mission to help you create your own beautiful green environment, with a focus on saving resources and working with nature. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure you don't miss an episode.

  1. 14h ago

    Episode 394: Keeping Plant Stories Alive

    What if the plants around us are carrying stories we've forgotten? This week, I'm joined once again by Amanda Edmiston of Botanica Fabula to explore her latest book, a rich blend of folklore, social history and the enduring stories of plants. We talk about how this knowledge is passed down through generations, and why now is the perfect time to start asking the people around us about the plants and traditions they remember. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Sieve-winged Snailkiller Links Website Amanda on Instagram Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Amanda, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 104: Botanical Storytelling with Amanda Edmiston Amanda first joined Sarah to explore the art of botanical storytelling, her work inspired by Elizabeth Blackwell's *A Curious Herbal*, and the rich connections between plants, history and storytelling. It's the perfect companion to this conversation, offering the beginning of Amanda's journey and the ideas that have since grown into her latest books. Episode 347: Can Plants Help You Find Lost Things? In this episode, Sarah talks to Christina Oakley Harrington about the folklore, history and magic of plants. Together they explore the stories and traditions that have surrounded herbs and flowers for centuries, making it an ideal follow-on from Amanda's discussion of plant lore, memory and the enduring power of botanical storytelling.

    Episode 394: Keeping Plant Stories Alive

  2. 14h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: "I Had A Panic Attack For 3 Months" from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty In this deeply personal conversation, Jay and Millie Bobby Brown talk about the process of discovering who she is outside of finding immense fame at a young age. She opens up about the isolation of growing up in the spotlight, the impact of shaving her head as a child, and the three-month long anxiety spiral that led her to Kyoto, Japan. She also reflects on what parenthood means to her, and we learn more about the moment she found out she was becoming a mother. Jay discovers the daily techniques Millie uses to manage her anxiety, and dives into how her and her husband Jake built a strong foundation for their marriage.  In this episode you'll learn:  How to Build Confidence Outside of External Opinions How to Manage Anxiety and Panic Attacks in High Pressure Moments How to Build a Strong Foundation in Relationships  How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Social Media  How to Build and Maintain Loyal, Honest Friendships   How to Approach Adoption and Building a Family   How to Raise Children Deeply Rooted in Confidence This episode is for everyone who needs a reminder that no matter how hard the world gets, you are the creator of your own story. Protecting your peace and your time with loved ones is never selfish, it’s restorative. Knowing yourself before anyone tells you who you are will keep you rooted in the calmness of the present moment.  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe ⁠⁠https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe⁠⁠   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! ⁠⁠https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast⁠⁠  PURPOSE10 for 10% at altrarunning.com/onpurpose. Free Shipping and Free 30-Day Trial. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:49:00 What 11-Year Millie Would Think Of Her Now 00:01:39 Why She Shaved Her Head at 10 00:03:55 The Role She Most Identifies With   00:05:43 The Unbreakable Bond with Her Mom 00:06:40 Why Millie Wanted to Be a Mom 00:07:40 Sneaking Out to Get Her 11 Tattoo  00:10:57 How Motherhood Changed Her Forever 00:12:32 This Perspective Shift Changed Her Life 00:13:37 Writing Wedding Vows for a Whole Year  00:16:16 Why Adoption Was Always Part of Her Plan 00:19:08 The Moment She Became a Mom… 00:21:15 Important Lesson From Her Parents 00:23:31 Being A Big Sister 00:24:56 Addressing the “Trad Wife” Assumptions  00:26:07 Being Young In The Spotlight  00:26:16 Her Epiphany After Public Criticism  00:29:16 How to Accept Your True Self 00:32:17 Millie’s Favourite “Rappers” 00:33:13 Why She Quit Social Media Cold Turkey 00:34:52 Healing Her Worst (3 Month) Panic Attack  00:35:38 Living With Health Anxiety and Triggers 00:35:59 Finding Peace In Kyoto, Japan with Monks  00:36:46 Her Go-To Techniques for Anxiety  00:38:52 How She Discovered Her Health Anxiety 00:41:11 A Crazy Encounter Turned Nightmare  00:42:50 Mediation With A Monk 00:44:24 Being Open To Divine Intervention  00:46:15 Her Go-To Techniques for Anxiety  00:49:44 Building a Strong Foundation with Jake 00:53:08 What Jake Understands And What Others Miss 00:55:42  What Millie Values Most In Friendships 00:56:53 Watching Jake Become a Dad 00:59:41 Ignoring The Public Noise, Together  01:03:19 Scrutinizing Women In The Public Eye  01:06:44 The Advice She Gives Young Stars  01:08:54 Millie’s Mentors Growing Up 01:10:05 #1 Belief She Stands For, No Matter What 01:12:03 The Jake Game! 01:16:27 Millie On Final Five Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

  3. Jul 13

    Episode 393: My Body is a Meadow

    What if the biggest barriers to experiencing nature aren't natural at all? Today, I'm joined by author, poet and disability activist Bethany Handley to explore accessibility, belonging, and how redesigning our landscapes could create richer places for both people and wildlife. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Cinnabar Moth Links Bethany's website My Body is a Meadow The Book Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Bethany, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens In this episode, Sarah talks to Sandra Schwarz about the restorative power of green spaces and the qualities that make gardens welcoming, supportive and healing. Together they explore how thoughtful design can help people connect with nature, making it an ideal companion to Bethany's conversation about accessibility, belonging and creating landscapes that work for everyone. Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Bethany's discussion of designing landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.

    Episode 393: My Body is a Meadow

  4. Jul 6

    Episode 392: Knepp's Rewilded Garden

    What happens when you stop trying to control a garden and start working with nature instead? This week, I'm joined by Charlie Harpur, head gardener at Knepp, to explore rewilding, biodiversity, and why careful observation and systems thinking can transform the way we garden. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Pantaloon Bee Links Website A link to all the garden tours and workshops And a link to the Knepp garden blog which, written by Moy Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Charlie, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 376: From Rewilding to Renaturing In this episode, Sarah talks to writer James Canton about *Renaturing* and his two-acre biodiversity project in Essex. Together they explore the differences between rewilding and renaturing, the value of close observation, and how thoughtful, small-scale interventions can help restore nature—making it an ideal companion to Charlie's discussion of rewilding in a garden setting. Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Charlie's ideas about designing and managing gardens with biodiversity at their heart.

    Episode 392: Knepp's Rewilded Garden

  5. Jun 29

    Episode 391: Letting the Wild In

    What if the secret to a better garden is letting go of control? This week I'm joined by gardener and conservationist Sue Mabberley from Nant-y-Bedd in the Black Mountains, where four decades of working with nature have created a thriving wildlife haven. We discuss the value of so-called weeds, gardening for biodiversity, and why even the smallest garden can make a difference. Benny's Insect of the Week: Yellow Loosestrife Bee Links Website Instagram Facebook Visit the Garden / Book Visits & Tours Garden Meadows Workshop with Jo McKerr Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sue, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 194: Gardening for Wildlife In this episode, Sarah talks to Ralph Hobbs about creating gardens that actively support wildlife. From practical habitat creation to understanding the needs of different species, it's a great companion to Sue's philosophy of gardening with nature and making space for biodiversity. Episode 333: Designing for Habitat & Biodiversity In this episode, Sarah speaks with ecological landscape designer Emmaline Bowman about designing gardens and landscapes that support healthy ecosystems. The conversation explores how thoughtful planting and habitat creation can benefit wildlife, making it a natural follow-on from Sue's approach to working with, rather than against, the natural world.

    Episode 391: Letting the Wild In

  6. Jun 22

    Episode 390: Gardens with a Cause

    Can a show garden change minds as well as win medals? This week, I'm joined by Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, whose Chelsea gardens championed peatland restoration and dementia research. We discuss whether the impact of a show garden can justify its environmental cost, and explore the power of gardens with a purpose. Benny's Insect of the Week: Jewel Wasp Links Martha Krempel Bog in a Box St Pancras Gut-brain health research information Tina Worboys Iota - manufacturers of amber structures in Tina's garden Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 190: Show Gardens In this episode, I explore the world of show gardens, discussing their purpose, their impact, and the questions they raise about value, sustainability and public engagement. It's a perfect companion to this week's discussion about whether show gardens can justify their environmental cost through the awareness and change they inspire. Episode 230: Sensory Gardens and Autism In this episode, Sarah explores sensory gardens with a focus on design for people with autism. Featuring Camellia Taylor, Meraud Davis and Alexis Selby, it examines how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can support wellbeing, engagement and connection with nature.

    Episode 390: Gardens with a Cause

  7. Jun 15

    Episode 389: Down to Earth

    What if the key to better health, stronger communities and a more sustainable future lies beneath our feet? This week, I'm joined by author Robert Ashton to discuss his new book Down to Earth and explore our relationship with soil. From farming and education to mental health and conservation, Robert reveals why reconnecting with the land could be one of the most important challenges of our time. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Shieldbug Stalker Links Down to Earth by Robert Ashton Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Robert Ashton, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition In this episode, Sam Hamrebtan explores the links between soil health, food quality and human wellbeing. It's an excellent companion to Robert's discussion of our relationship with soil and the importance of caring for the living systems that sustain us. Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary In this episode, Joshua Sparkes discusses innovative approaches to farming and food production, challenging conventional ideas about agriculture and land use. It's a natural follow-on from Robert's reflections on regenerative farming, sustainability and how we can build a healthier relationship with the land.

    Episode 389: Down to Earth

  8. Jun 8

    Episode 388: Connecting Through Plant Stories

    What if the secret to connecting more deeply with nature lies in the stories we tell about plants? This week, I'm joined by landscape architect and Plant Connection podcast host Lisa Cutshaw to explore how folklore, history, and careful observation can transform the way we see the natural world. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Harlequin Ladybird Links Website Instagram Plant Connection Spotify Apple Podcasts Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Lisa Cutshaw, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 53: Garden Design for Every Species In this episode, John Little shares his approach to creating gardens that support wildlife at every level, encouraging us to think beyond purely human needs and consider our place within a wider ecological community. It's a great companion to Lisa's reflections on reconnecting with nature and building meaningful relationships with the living world. Episode 219: The Wheel of the Year In this episode, Rebecca Beattie explores seasonal cycles, folklore, and our relationship with the natural world through the lens of the Wheel of the Year. It's a thoughtful follow-on from Lisa's discussion of plant stories, cultural meaning, and finding deeper connections with nature.

    Episode 388: Connecting Through Plant Stories
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4.8
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

Do you want to know how to grow plants and get the best out of your outdoor space? Do you find traditional gardening media baffling and/or boring? Then you're in the right place, because the Roots and All podcast is here to dig deep into how to create a successful garden. If you want honest information and insider knowledge about how to get results, join irreverent horticulturist Sarah Wilson as she chats to the best people from the world of plants and gardens. Sarah is on a mission to help you create your own beautiful green environment, with a focus on saving resources and working with nature. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure you don't miss an episode.

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