Show Notes
https://www.childrensgardeningcoach.co.uk/ Lee Connelly is the UK’s leading children’s gardening educator, inspiring a new generation to get outdoors, grow their own food, and connect with nature. Seen on Blue Peter and featured across platforms including BBC Teach, Lee has become one of the most recognisable voices in children’s gardening. His work has also reached Parliament, where he has contributed to conversations around the importance of school gardening within education and its role in shaping healthier, more connected futures for young people. Over his career, Lee has come face to face with over 500,000 children through nationwide tours, live events, and school visits, delivering experiences that inspire, educate, and leave lasting impact. His large-scale school tours, including initiatives reaching 10,000 children in a single week, have become a benchmark within the horticulture and education sectors. Lee is also the creator of School Garden Success, a programme designed to make gardening simple and accessible for schools, removing barriers and giving teachers the tools they need to get growing with confidence. Beyond the UK, Lee’s work has taken him internationally, with projects across Europe and ongoing collaborations in Japan. These global projects focus on using gardening, creativity, and storytelling to connect children with nature in new and exciting ways. Alongside his educational work, Lee has brought gardening to the stage through his live theatre shows, combining entertainment, energy, and hands-on learning to engage family audiences in a completely unique way. He has also partnered with leading brands, organisations, and councils to deliver impactful campaigns that connect with families at scale, blending education, content creation, and live experiences to create meaningful change. Recognised as a Gardens Illustrated Horticultural Hero, Lee continues to lead the way in transforming how children experience gardening today.
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This episode is brought to you by ECHO Tools www.echotools.ie for more info John B. Smith (often referenced simply as John Smith) is a prominent Irish garden designer, horticulturist, and head gardener. He is widely recognized for his leadership role at one of Ireland's most prestigious public horticultural sites and his regular appearances in Irish gardening mediaSmith has over 30 years of experience in the professional gardening and landscaping sector. [1] Early Career: He began gardening at a young age with his father before completing a golf course apprenticeship. He spent 10 years working at Swords Golf Course in North County Dublin. [1] Landscaping & Consultancy: He expanded his commercial experience at SAP Landscapes managing crews, and later served as a consultant for Westmeath County Council at the historic Belvedere House and Gardens around 2009. [1] Current Position: He serves as the Head Gardener at the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens in County Kildare. In this role, he manages the historic, highly intricate living collections and frequently hosts public masterclasses on seasonal garden design, container planting, and vegetable cultivation. [1, 2] The Premier Garden Show: He is featured as a keynote guest on the October 2026 episodes of The Premier Garden Show, discussing his lifelong gardening journey and design philosophies. [1] Master My Garden Podcast: He has broken down his approach to balancing historical preservation with modern landscape techniques on popular broadcasts like the Master My Garden Podcast. [1] Media & Public AppearancesAs a respected figure in the Irish horticultural community, Smith frequently shares his journey and expert advice across various media platforms:
This episode is brought to you by ECHO Tools www.echotools.ie for more info John B. Smith (often referenced simply as John Smith) is a prominent Irish garden designer, horticulturist, and head gardener. He is widely recognized for his leadership role at one of Ireland's most prestigious public horticultural sites and his regular appearances in Irish gardening mediaSmith has over 30 years of experience in the professional gardening and landscaping sector. [1] Early Career: He began gardening at a young age with his father before completing a golf course apprenticeship. He spent 10 years working at Swords Golf Course in North County Dublin. [1] Landscaping & Consultancy: He expanded his commercial experience at SAP Landscapes managing crews, and later served as a consultant for Westmeath County Council at the historic Belvedere House and Gardens around 2009. [1] Current Position: He serves as the Head Gardener at the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens in County Kildare. In this role, he manages the historic, highly intricate living collections and frequently hosts public masterclasses on seasonal garden design, container planting, and vegetable cultivation. [1, 2] The Premier Garden Show: He is featured as a keynote guest on the October 2026 episodes of The Premier Garden Show, discussing his lifelong gardening journey and design philosophies. [1] Master My Garden Podcast: He has broken down his approach to balancing historical preservation with modern landscape techniques on popular broadcasts like the Master My Garden Podcast. [1] Media & Public AppearancesAs a respected figure in the Irish horticultural community, Smith frequently shares his journey and expert advice across various media platforms:
Next I talk with John B Smith garden designer and horticulturist as he tells us his gardening journey
This episode is brought to you by ECHO Tools go to www.echotools.ie or ww.echo-tools.co.uk for more info on all there products On tonight's podcast I am joined by LauraThe Lady Landscaping Guide (run by Laura, co-owner of Alder Garden Services Ltd) is a UK-based garden design, makeover consultation, and contractor platform centered in Warrington Laura is a garden designer, skilled contractor, and author/creator behind The Lady Landscaping Guide. She runs Alder Garden Services Ltd alongside her husband, Martin
This episode is brought to you by ECHO Tools go to www.echotools.ie or ww.echo-tools.co.uk for more info on all there products On tonight's podcast I am joined by LauraThe Lady Landscaping Guide (run by Laura, co-owner of Alder Garden Services Ltd) is a UK-based garden design, makeover consultation, and contractor platform centered in Warrington Laura is a garden designer, skilled contractor, and author/creator behind The Lady Landscaping Guide. She runs Alder Garden Services Ltd alongside her husband, Martin