Perennials are probably the most popular type of plant in the UK, but that wasn’t always the case. In this episode, we talk with Rosy Hardy, the Chelsea Flower Show’s most decorated female exhibitor. She has won 24 gold medals and helped many garden designers and colleagues win awards with her plants. Rosy explains how she helped make perennials popular over the past forty years and shares advice on choosing varieties that can handle our unpredictable summer weather. Later, Dan introduces an innovative plastic-free insect net made from plant fibres, and Julia recommends an unusual fruit that grows well in hot, dry summers.

Website links:

• Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants website offering over 1200 perennials grown peat-free.
• A selection of Rosy's most resilient perennials
• Rosy Hardy Gardening on YouTube
• Dan Cooper Garden
• Insectonet Plastic-Free Net
• Parker's Patch

Expertly produced by Scott Kennett at Red Lighthouse Local.

This episode was sponsored by the Plant Fairs Roadshow, which brings beautiful British-grown plants to stunning venues across the South East of England.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tucked away on the embankment, the Inner Temple Garden has a long and impressive history, including a time when it hosted what is now called the Chelsea Flower Show. In this episode, Dan and Julia chat with Sean Harkin, the Head Gardener, about how he and his team have made the garden a wildlife-friendly, award-winning space while honouring its horticultural roots. In a full-circle moment, we hear that the Inner Temple will host a brand-new plant fair on Sunday, 31st May, 2026. Dan also introduces new plant-based gardening gloves for summer, and Julia shares tips on how to do the Chelsea Chop.

Website links:

• The Inner Temple Garden website
• Advance tickets for the Plant Fairs Roadshow at the Inner Temple on 31st May 2026
• Dan Cooper Garden
• Donkey Gloves Bamboo Gardening Gloves
• Parker's Patch
• How to do the Chelsea Chop

Expertly produced by Scott Kennett at Red Lighthouse Local.

This episode was sponsored by the Plant Fairs Roadshow, which brings beautiful British-grown plants to stunning venues across the South East of England.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's country estates must honour their history while looking ahead. In this episode, we talk with Jay Goddard and Mark Bobin from Borde Hill in Sussex to learn how their historic garden became home to nearly 100 champion trees and a national collection of rhododendrons. We also hear about their exciting plans for a new 'garden to plate' restaurant, which will use produce from an edimental garden designed by Anne-Marie Powell. Plus, Dan explains why copper keeps slugs and snails away, and Julia gives an update on her efforts to grow a healthier lawn as she waits for a hollow-tine aerator to arrive.

Website links:

• Dan Cooper Garden
• Copper Slug Rings
• Parker's Patch
• Borde Hill's website
• Restaurant Isca website
• More Information about the Plant Fairs Roadshow at Borde Hill

Expertly produced by Scott Kennett at Red Lighthouse Local.

This episode was sponsored by the Plant Fairs Roadshow, which brings beautiful British-grown plants to stunning venues across the South East of England.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.