Talk turns to the popularity of Hellebores and the creation of a Tea Garden in this episode of BigGardenLittleGarden.

Geraldine and Claire also ponder the unpredictability of flowering times for forced bulbs and realise, just in time, that succulents still need to be watered in winter.

Geraldine and Claire are back after the Christmas break and celebrate the new year with a focus on upcoming plans for BigGardenLittleGarden in 2026.

Claire also gives an update on her beloved trees while Geraldine talks Galanthophiles and reveals interesting facts about the humble snowdrop. She also shares some helpful tips on how to successfully grow these dainty beauties.

Episode 11 is the final instalment of BigGardenLittleGarden for 2025 and it's a very festive one.

Geraldine and Claire. share lots of Inspiration for beautiful Wreath-Making, as well as practical advice and know-how to help you create the perfect Christmas Tablescape.

They also delve into Irish Christmas Traditions and the symbolism behind them.

Where to source Irish Foliage

The Irish Green Guys

Gra Cut Flowers

Wicklow Foliage Farm

BigGardenLittleGarden will return in January 2026 with a Snowdrop Special.

Thank You to all of our listeners and we wish you a very Happy Christmas.

Geraldine and Claire

Episode 10 heralds the first ever BigGardenLittleGarden Christmas Gifting Guide.

Lots of gift ideas for the gardener in your life, or even more importantly, some advice on what NOT to buy them this festive season.

Mentions:

Martha Swales

Simon Barnes

T.F. Maher -Pathana Garden

Jimi Blake - Hunting brook Garden

Naturally at the Wren's Nest

Sobal Soap

Bread & Weather

Jennifer Slattery Textiles

Throwing Shapes Ceramic Studio

Flower Pop

Hopeless Botanics

Lilliput Stores

Bunched

Sweetpea & Willow

Botanic Garden

Geraldine and Claire welcome their first guest on Episode 09 of Big Garden Little Garden,

They are joined by Danielle Doody of Naturally at the Wren's Nest who shares her passion for Irish native plants and her journey in creating natural products.

The conversation explores the importance of native plants, sustainable gardening practices, and the benefit of using natural remedies. Danielle also discusses her personal projects, including her garden and making herbal tinctures.

In Episode 08 of Big Garden Little Garden, it's time to start readying the garden for winter. Although, as ever, there are still some jobs, like weeding, to get done.

Geraldine talks mulch and explains how to make Leaf Mould "nature's gift" and it's finally time to plant those Tulip Bulbs.

Claire rediscovers her love for a yellow David Austin rose called "Bring me Sunshine" and gets over her aversion to eating pumpkins.

Tune in for more.

In Episode 07 of Big Garden Little Garden, Geraldine reveals why she is wearing an eye-patch. Hint - it involves a Yucca plant.

She also explains her new approach to dividing Dahlias.

Claire plans to move some Bush Grasses - Calamagrostis and asks Geraldine for tips on growing Snowdrops.

`Also, plenty of chat on Autumnal colour and jobs to do in the garden at the moment,.

Autumn has well and truly arrived in Episode 06 of Big Garden Little Garden .

Expect plenty of chat about Spring Bulbs and the top "Do's and Don't" for successful planting of Narcissi, Hyacinths and Allium.

Claire explains how to get going on forced bulbs that will provide much-anticipated flowers for Christmas, while Geraldine gives her Top Three Shrubs for Winter Scent.

Plants Mentioned in Episode 06

1. Kirengoshima Palmaka
2. Hosta
3. Malus (Crab Apples)
4. Thunbergia

Shrubs for Winter Scent

1. Sarcococca
2. Viburnum Bodnantense
3. Daphne (Mezereum, Odora, Bholma)

@mickkellygrows