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. 1d ago

    Episode 398: Rewilding Childhood

    Blending storytelling with facts can encourage children to see the wildlife on their doorstep in a completely different way. In this episode, I'm talking to children's author and wildlife expert Sonia Copeland Bloom about storytelling, wildlife and getting children curious about the natural world. Benny's Insect of the Week: Rock Rose Prickly Leaf Beetle Links Amazing Tales & Truths about Garden Minibeasts by Sonia Copeland Bloom, with illustrations by Nick Page First edition ISBN  978-917673-54-9. Available on Amazon, to order from all good bookshops, including Amazon Kindle and on www.amentsoc.com along with Sonia's six smaller books. For more info visit www.bugglebury.com and www.amentsoc.com   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 Sonia, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 76: School Gardening with the MiniHorts A look at the benefits of getting children gardening and connecting with nature from an early age. It's a great companion to Sonia's work bringing wildlife and the natural world to life for young readers. Episode 343: Lines Across the Wild Writer and naturalist Julian Hoffman explores threatened landscapes, wildlife and our deep connections to the natural world. It complements Sonia's passion for encouraging curiosity about the creatures and wild places around us.

    Episode 398: Rewilding Childhood

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

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  3. Aug 10

    Episode 397: Britain's Gardening Questions

    Have you ever wondered who answers all those gardening questions that stump the rest of us? This week I'm chatting to Leigh Hunt, Principal Horticultural Advisor at the RHS, about what really goes on behind the scenes of the Society's advice service, the questions gardeners ask most often, and what those thousands of enquiries reveal about the way we're gardening in a changing climate. Benny's Insect of the Week: Mexican Grass-Carrying Wasp Links RHS Gardening Advice 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 Leigh, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 210: Gardening in a Changing World Darryl Moore discusses how gardeners can respond to the climate crisis by rethinking the way we design and manage our gardens. His ideas about working with plants, rather than against them, make this an excellent companion to Leigh's observations on the changing questions the RHS is receiving as gardeners adapt to new weather patterns and growing conditions. Episode 321: Weathering It All Sarah talks to writer and naturalist Matt Gaw about our relationship with weather, exploring how storms, drought and seasonal change shape both landscapes and our experience of nature. It complements Leigh's insights into how increasingly unpredictable weather is influencing the advice sought by gardeners across the UK.

    Episode 397: Britain's Gardening Questions

  4. Aug 3

    Episode 396: Fermenting the Seasons

    Could the secret to better health be sitting in a simple jar on your kitchen counter? Today I'm joined by food writer and fermentation expert Rachel de Thample to explore how fermentation can rewild the gut microbiome, preserve the seasons, and prove that making your own fermented foods is much easier than most of us think. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Bee Wolf Links The Fermentation Year: Everyday techniques and recipes to rewild your microbiome by Rachel de Thample Rachel on Instagram - @dethample 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 Rachel, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 371: Wild Edibles Wendy Russell and Freda Farquharson explore the potential of wild edible plants, from citizen science and biodiversity to health and climate-friendly farming. Their conversation about making better use of overlooked plants is a great companion to Rachel's discussion of fermentation, seasonal eating and increasing the diversity of the foods we eat. Episode 306: The Soil Habitat Sarah talks to geologist and soil food web specialist Eddie Bailey about the living world beneath our feet, why healthy soils are essential for healthy plants, and how soil health ultimately affects our own wellbeing. It pairs perfectly with Rachel's explanation of the links between soil microbes, fermentation and the gut microbiome.

    Episode 396: Fermenting the Seasons

  5. Jul 27

    Episode 395: Small Actions, Big Change

    The biggest changes in how we care for nature might start just outside our front door. This episode, I'm joined by adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys to discuss his latest book, Unwilding, and explore why reconnecting with the natural world is less about escaping to the wilderness and more about noticing what's already around us—from litter picking to climate handprints, and the power of small, everyday actions. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Weld Bee Links Alastair Humphreys – Official Website Unwilded – Book Page 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 Alastair, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature Brigit Anna McNeill joins Sarah to explore what it means to truly reconnect with the natural world. Together they discuss healing through plants, reclaiming our relationship with nature, and how slowing down and paying attention can help us rediscover our place within it. It's a thoughtful companion to Alastair's reflections on finding wonder close to home and building a deeper connection with the landscapes around us. Episode 373: V-Wilding Sarah talks to Randal Plunkett about his ambitious rewilding project at Dunsany Nature Reserve, where farming has given way to a hands-off approach that allows nature to recover on its own terms. From biodiversity and conservation to rethinking our role in the landscape, this episode complements Alastair's conversation about repairing the places we already inhabit rather than searching for wilderness elsewhere.

    Episode 395: Small Actions, Big Change

  6. Jul 20

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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