Show Notes
Should gardens always be neat and tidy? In this episode, Monty Don makes the case for embracing a little unruliness in the garden. He explains how balancing structured planting with wilder spaces can create healthier habitats for wildlife, improve biodiversity and make gardens more resilient. From lawns and long grass to weeds, mulching and healthy soil, Monty shares practical advice on gardening with nature rather than against. Along the way, he explores why gardens are works of craft rather than wilderness, and how adapting our expectations can help us create beautiful, thriving spaces for both people and wildlife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast
Join singer-songwriter Will Young in his two-acre garden as he explores creativity, nature and the patience required to let a landscape reveal itself. In this conversation Will shares how historic walls and unexpected discoveries have shaped his approach. He discusses designing with structure, reusing materials, welcoming wildlife and finding calm through connection with nature. This warm conversation celebrates gardens as places of reflection, reinvention and everyday magic for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lift gladioli, outsmart weeds and turn autumn leaves into garden gold with Claire Vennis from BBC Gardeners’ World magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
World-renowned clematis breeder Raymond Evison CBE shares six decades of experience growing, breeding and championing these spectacular climbers. He explains why clematis are best thought of as climbing perennials, how to prune the three main groups, and why planting deeply can help plants recover from wilt or damage. Raymond also offers practical advice on growing clematis in pots, taking cuttings, layering, watering, choosing scented and wildlife-friendly varieties, and combining clematis with roses, shrubs and trees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Grab your secateurs and your cosiest jumper: Claire's jobs this week will bring autumn wins for your garden, wildlife and weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We spend so much time admiring what grows above ground, but beneath our feet lies one of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth. Soil ecologist Dr Frank Ashwood reveals the remarkable hidden world within our gardens, from earthworms and fungi to springtails, mites, nematodes and tardigrades. Frank explains why healthy soil matters for plants, wildlife, carbon storage, flood resilience and climate change, and shares simple ways gardeners can protect it. Expect fascinating discoveries, practical advice and one memorable takeaway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices