Show Notes
In a special Gardeners’ Question Time episode to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the programme is at the Serge Hill Project, an inspirational garden that promotes working with nature to radically transform people's health and well-being.
Renowned landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, and Tom’s partner, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist Sue Stuart-Smith, join regular panellists Pippa Greenwood, Christine Walkden, and Anne Swithinbank to answer listener questions. The programme also features a generous and brave final appearance from GQT panellist Matt Biggs.
Matt has been a GQT panellist since 1994, and has been battling cancer for six years. Tragically, Matt’s cancer has now entered its end-stage. Matt wanted to record this programme, knowing it would be his last appearance on Gardeners’ Question Time, surrounded by his longtime friends and GQT colleagues.
Listeners will hear questions answered by the GQT panel of gardening experts, but they will also hear about Matt’s journey from initial diagnosis to his current mental and physical condition. At times Matt’s words are upsetting, raw, and honest, however it is Matt’s wish that his story is told partly as advice for other sufferers and also to serve as inspiration to all listeners.
Producers: Dan Cocker, Matt Smith and Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: William Norton
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
More from Gardeners' Question Time
Which plants can I plant now that will survive the winter? Can you recommend a low-maintenance shrub for the garden? What should I grow to get my gardening mojo back? Kathy Clugston and the GQT team are in the New Forest sharing their tips and tricks for the garden. Joining Kathy are head gardener at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Bethan Collerton, pest and disease expert, Pippa Greenwood, and garden writer and designer, Matthew Wilson. Later on, GQT regular Matthew Pottage visits Russell Stevens, head gardener Kensington Gardens to see the relocated Chelsea Flower Show garden. A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Kathy Clugston presents a special Potting Shed edition of Gardeners’ Question Time, recorded at the Summer Garden Party at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey. Away from the main stage, visitors drop into the famous GQT potting shed for one-to-one advice from the panel. Dr Chris Thorogood, Marcus Chilton-Jones, Frances Tophill, Matthew Wilson, Matthew Pottage and James Wong help tackle a wide range of gardening dilemmas, from rescuing sun-scorched rhododendrons and reinvigorating star jasmine to choosing climate-resilient hedging and trees for a changing climate. Also, James Wong explores the growing scientific evidence behind gardening’s benefits for our health and wellbeing. Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: William Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 * If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
Peter Gibbs hosts Gardeners’ Question Time from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Joining Peter are Ashley Edwards, James Wong and Christine Walkden - a panel with strong Kew connections. They answer questions on when is the latest time you to take cuttings, how to identify male and female ginkgo trees, and how to make the most of winter containers. The panellists also explore the growing appeal of perennial vegetables, discuss indicator plants as guides to soil conditions, and share some of their favourite plant stories - from giant corpse flowers and monkey puzzle trees to the first spring buds of hawthorn. And James Wong goes behind the scenes at Kew’s iconic Palm House to discover how one of the world’s most important glasshouses is being prepared for its next chapter. **NOTE** Comfrey was mentioned during this programme in a discussion about edible plants. Comfrey contains naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful to the liver if consumed. Although comfrey has a history of traditional culinary and medicinal use in various parts of the world, consumption is generally not recommended in the UK due to potential health risks, regardless of flower colour or variety Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: William Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 * If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
Is there a place for sawdust in the veg patch? How best should I trim a mimosa? Can you share a remedy for my husband’s plant obsession? Peter Gibbs and the GQT team are in Sidmouth answering questions from an audience of keen gardeners. Joining Peter to share their tips, tricks and tales are plantswoman Anne Swithinbank, pest and disease expert, Pippa Greenwood, and Head of Horticulture at the Royal Parks, Matthew Pottage. The experts discuss wedding cake trees, whether to keep or cull a rhododendron, and the reasons why houseplants may struggle to flower. Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: Will Norton
As a new series of DIY SOS begins this September, the show joins forces with Gardeners’ Question Time for a collaboration that has more in common than you might think. From Bristol’s Redcatch Community Garden, Kathy Clugston and Nick Knowles are joined by Ashley Edwards, Bethan Collerton and Bunny Guinness. Among the hubbub of the thriving community garden, the panel tackles questions on growing vegetables in a changing climate, reviving underperforming roses and creating accessible gardens for all. The team also explores how community gardening can improve wellbeing, support local wildlife and transform neglected spaces Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: William Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 * If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.