Geeta Mehta, author of Japanese Gardens, talks about the beauty, philosophy, and deep cultural roots of Japan's garden traditions. We delve into how these serene landscapes reflect harmony, mindfulness, and a unique dialogue between nature and design.

Links

Japanese Gardens: Tranquility, Simplicity, Harmony by Geeta Mehta & Kimie Tada

Geeta Mehta on Wikipedia

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If you liked this week's episode with Geeta Mehta you might also enjoy this one from the archives:

Episode 271: Japanese Maples with Miles Hayward

Summary:
In this episode, Sarah Wilson speaks with Miles Hayward, an expert in Japanese Maples and founder of Miles Japanese Maples nursery. They delve into the different types of maples, how to grow and care for them, and what makes these trees so iconic in Japanese garden design. Miles also shares insights into how he built his nursery around quality, sustainability, and deep botanical knowledge.

Web Link

Episode 118: Tokachi Millennium Forest with Dan Pearson & Midori Shintani

Summary:
Sarah interviews renowned garden designer Dan Pearson and head gardener Midori Shintani about the Tokachi Millennium Forest project in Hokkaido, Japan. The episode explores the forest’s design philosophy, the fusion of traditional Japanese landscape principles with ecological awareness, and the challenges of working on a project with a 1,000-year vision. It’s a profound conversation about stewardship, beauty, and long-term thinking in garden design.

Web Link

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Joshua Sparkes is a grower whose innovative, soil-centered approach blends regenerative principles with a deep reverence for the natural world. We dig into his unique style of farming, how it’s shaped by observation and experimentation, and why it offers a glimpse into what must be the future of sustainable food production.

Links

The Collective at Woolsery

Joshua Sparkes on Instagram

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If you liked this week's episode with Joshua Sparkes you might also enjoy this one from the archives:

Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition

Guest: Sam Hamrebtan

Link: Roots and All
Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital connection between soil and the nutrients in our food. As the founder of the Life Larder newsletter and Course Director at CNM’s Natural Chef School, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge on how growing practices impact the quality of what we eat.

Episode 306: The Soil Habitat

Guest: Eddie Bailey

Link: Roots and All
Eddie Bailey, a geologist, organic no-dig gardener, and soil food web specialist who runs Rhizophyllia, discusses the soil food web, what inhabits the soil habitat, why soil health impacts plant health and ultimately our health, and what you can do to get the best out of your garden.

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I’m joined by Pete Case from the Freshwater Habitats Trust to dive into the world of garden ponds—why they can be crucial for wildlife, how to create one, and what makes them such a powerful tool for conservation right in your own back, or front, garden. Whether you've got a bucket or a full-blown pond, this one’s for you.

Links

www.freshwaterhabitats.org.uk

The Pond Book

Other episodes if you liked this one:

If you liked this week's episode with Pete Case you might also enjoy this one from the archives:

Episode 312: Gardening for Amphibians

Will Johansen is from Froglife, a conservation group devoted to protecting amphibians and reptiles. Will’s here to discuss practical ways we can support amphibians in our gardens, from building simple ponds to creating safe spaces where they can thrive. Will gives tips and advice to help you make a real difference for these often-overlooked creatures.

Episode 274: Natural Swimming Ponds

Caroline & Jon have created the most amazing swimming pond in their back garden and have documented their journey on social media, posting videos of year-round swimming adventures and pond-life. If you need inspiration to tackle a garden project you’ve always thought was just a pipe-dream, listen in as Caroline & Jon offer their refreshingly optimistic and can-do approach.

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