M.T. O'Donnell is joined by gardener and Scotland Grows writer Andy Peasgood to discuss the journey of transforming a typical new-build garden into a thriving green space. Andy shares his experience of creating a garden from scratch, tackling compacted clay soil, drainage challenges, and maximising every inch of his 8x6 metre plot. Key Topics Covered: Starting from Scratch: Andy recalls the early days of moving into his new-build home and the realities of dealing with a barren, waterlogged plot. Designing for Small Spaces: How thoughtful planning, curving paths, most of vertical space, and filling borders can make even the smallest garden feel spacious, dynamic, and inviting. Low Maintenance, High Reward: Andy’s practical tips for keeping gardening manageable, to plant choices that don’t require constant attention. Wildlife-Friendly Projects: Inspiring ideas for habitats in any garden, like bug hotels, wildlife walls, gabion benches, and wildlife ponds. The Importance of Soil and Drainage: Why good soil and proper drainage are fundamental (and often overlooked) in new-build gardens. Lobbying for Better Garden Standards: Andy’s thoughts on what should be standard for gardens in new home developments, and the potential for policy improvements. Creativity in the Garden: How Andy’s background as a ballet dancer inspired his approach to garden design, using the garden as a stage for creativity. And of course, Andy's top plant picks to make your own small space a flourishing haven! Connect with Andy: Follow Andy on Instagram Read his articles on the Scotland Grows Magazine website -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows Magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a brilliant subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

As the Estate Factor at Teasses Estate, Craig Cameron is dedicated to cultivating beautiful, sustainable landscapes while celebrating the traditions and heritage of this stunning historic estate.  The gardens at Teasses have been created and developed on the Estate since the present owners came to the Estate in the mid-1990s.  The sixty-acre gardens comprise of formal gardens, decorative woodlands, and a very unique restored Victorian walled garden full of perennial colour, wall fruits and organically-grown produce.Throughout the year you can visit the gardens to see early snowdrops in the woodland by candlelight, a spectacular rhododendron collection in May, billowing herbaceous borders and the new lavender garden in full bloom in July, and a swathe of colour in late Summer and early Autumn. The Gardens are open from April to October on a Thursday and Friday. Managing such a huge and diverse garden area is not overtaken by a large team, and Craig shares the secrets to cutting down the workload in the gardens and lots of other wonderful advice which you can apply in your own garden. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a brilliant subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.  

There is something special about Branklyn Garden - a 2-acre garden, set on the side of Kinnoull Hill, overlooking Perth, created from 1922 onwards by beginner gardeners John and Dorothy Renton, using amongst other things seeds and plants collected by plant hunters. The garden was left to the National Trust for Scotland in the late 1960s by the couple, and today attracts 18,000 visitors a year to its enchanting space, and infamous tea room. So what makes Branklyn Garden so special?  Back in series 7 of the Scotland Grows Show, we chatted with Jim Jermyn, former head gardener at Branklyn, on his memories of the garden, and in this episode, M.T. O'Donnell catches up with Kate White, the current Head Gardener at Branklyn Garden for her inside take on the enduring popularity of this very special garden. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a brilliant subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

For the first time in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s history, seagrass the ocean’s only flowering plant, will take centre stage in a garden designed by Ryan McMahon of Falkirk based MUSA Landscape Architecture, for marine restoration charity Seawilding, supported by Project Giving Back.   The Seawilding Garden’s design is inspired by the landscape found at Loch Craignish on the west coast of Scotland and home of Seawilding, a marine restoration charity active in restoring lost biodiversity to our marine environment.  Seagrass meadows are a rich habitat for biodiversity, providing an important habitat for commercial fish species as well as many other marine animals, they protect our coasts from erosion, and they lock away carbon in the sediment preventing it from being released into the atmosphere, often referred to as ‘blue carbon’. Although covering just 1% of the sea bed, seagrass accounts for 15% of carbon storage in the ocean. This is a fascinating episode exploring seagrass, and seawilding! -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a brilliant subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

The Down's Syndrome Scotland Show Garden, inspired by a young Scottish boy called Liam, has been designed by Chelsea newcomers, Duncan Hall and Nick Burton  of Burton Hall Garden Design, who wanted to design a Show Garden for Down’s Syndrome Scotland to help break some of the barriers and stigmas faced by people who have Down’s syndrome, whilst celebrating their many positive qualities.  In this episode, we chat with the garden designers about the garden ahead of this year's RHS Chelsea Show, and with Eddie McConnell, CEO of Down's Syndrome Scotland on the difference this garden will make to the conversations around Down's syndrome, and on the benefits it will bring in its relocation back to Scotland after the show. We featured the garden in Issue 27 of Scotland Grows Magazine and if you re not a subscriber to the magazine, you can find details here. We also promised to link in the show notes to Eddie's son Findlay's Instagram page, where he would welcome more followers so go make Findlay's day! -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a brilliant subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

We’re celebrating the start of our ninth series with a guest whose passion for growing to show is truly infectious. Calum Clunie takes us behind the scenes of competitive gardening, offering a treasure trove of insider tips on what to grow, which varieties excel on the showbench, and how to boost your chances for that coveted rosette. From his first big wins with stump-rooted carrots at age 15 to his favourite gardening jobs and bold orange blooms, Calum reveals the camaraderie, fun, and learning that come from getting involved with your local horticultural shows. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or just curious to give showing a try, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and encouragement so grab a notepad - there’s plenty to inspire you to enter your own veggies or blooms into a horticultural show this year, and do let us know by leaving a comment if you’ve been inspired to pop an entry into your local flower show. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a brilliant subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

Brian Cunningham makes a welcome return to the Scotland Grows Show, two years since he appeared as the very first guest on the show.  In this episode, we talk about the ways in which Scone Palace Garden Fair has evolved over the last few years including the introduction of a speakers’ tent, the launch of the small space and showcase garden in the Scottish Garden Design Competition, a new demonstration area for this year, and the very unique experience offered at Scone Palace. Brian’s passion for Scottish horticulture as always shines through and he updates us not just on what to look forward to at this year's Scone Palace Garden Fair, but on his top plant choices and his love for gardening in all seasons. Further information and tickets for Scone Palace Garden Fair on 30th & 31st May 2025 can be found HERE. Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

Kate McClorey made the bold transition from a career in IT to becoming Assistant Head Gardener at Floors Castle in the Scottish Borders, and she is back on the podcast to share her experiences over the past few years, including studying a diploma course in garden history at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.  Kate discusses her motivation for understanding garden history, particularly in the context of her work at Floors Castle, and how this knowledge has deepened her appreciation for garden design. Kate reflects on her favourite historical gardening periods and the fascinating plant hunters of the Victorian era.  Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply curious about the rich tapestry of garden history, this episode promises a wealth of inspiration and knowledge. Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

Have you found it a little confusing growing in different peat-free composts?   With the impending ban on peat-based composts on the horizon, we welcome Scott Smith, of Husky Horticultural, and former head gardener at ‘Beechgrove’ garden, back to the Scotland Grows Show to talk about his research trial for the RHS Master of Horticulture.   Through his trial with sun gold tomatoes, Scott will explore the varying requirements of growing in different peat-free media, offering practical guidance for amateur gardeners navigating this crucial shift.   Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities presented by peat-free gardening and the broader implications for the horticultural industry.   You can contact Scott for further information on his trial on LinkedIn or by email.   Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

In this episode, we welcome back Simon Jones, a Gardens and Designed Landscape Manager with the National Trust for Scotland in a timely conversation about the devastating impact of Storm Eowyn on National Trust Gardens across Scotland.  Storm Eowyn saw windspeed of over 100mph hits parts of the west coast of Scotland and Simon shares insights on the extensive damage caused by this recent storm, the emotional toll it takes on those who care for these cherished landscapes, and the resilience required to restore them, as well as explaining how the National Trust for Scotland is handling the aftermath, and the importance of planning for future extreme weather events. The NTS Storm Éowyn appeal can be found HERE. Simon also offers valuable advice for those looking to replant trees lost to storms, highlighting the significance of preserving native species. Tune in for an episode that not only raises awareness about the challenges faced by the National Trust for Scotland but also celebrates the enduring beauty and resilience of Scotland's landscapes. Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

Welcome back Fiona Thackery to our revisited series of the Scotland Grows Show where Fiona explains the concept of therapeutic horticulture: using gardening, nature connection, and plants to improve health and well-being, under the guidance of a trained practitioner. Fiona and M.T. explore the role of Trellis in nurturing this emerging practice across Scotland, supporting over 520 projects that bring therapeutic gardening to individuals with various health conditions, and the incredible benefits that gardening offers for mental and physical health, drawing from Fiona's extensive experience as CEO of Trellis, a Scottish charity dedicated to supporting therapeutic horticulture. Be inspired by the shared passion of the benefits of therapeutic horticulture, and learn how you can support the life-changing work of Trellis, including attending their annual Conference on 14th March 2025. Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

In this first revisited episode of the Scotland Grows Show, we're thrilled to welcome back Lizzie Schofield, who, since her last appearance, has become a regular on the gardening series 'Beechgrove'. Lizzie reflects on her flourishing transition from primary school teaching to full-time gardening and presenting, offering inspiring insights and advice for those considering a similar path. She also provides an update on their ambitious landscaping projects at home and reveals her favourite plants of the moment, which have evolved since her last appearance. Join us for a conversation filled with the joy of pursuing one's passion, and keep up with Lizzie on Instagram. Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows25 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack.

Our guest today talks about the weather all day long, probably even more than us gardeners do, so it’s very fitting that we talk to none other than Scotland’s own weatherman Sean Batty about this changing climate of ours for our special Christmas episode. Sean is a meteorologist and weather presenter for STV, having worked for the channel since 2007, but he has been interested in the weather from as young as aged 7. We discuss the weather extremes he sees and how that affects gardeners and growers, Sean’s new book ‘The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!’ as he introduces younger audiences to the realities of climate change, and we discuss whether we’ll be getting a white Christmas this year, or any year from now on. Welcome to a very special Christmas episode of the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast partner of Scotland Grows magazine, which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening as we join gardeners around the country picking up tips, plant recommendations, and their stories along the way. We'd be really grateful if you have been enjoying the Scotland Grows Show all year, or even if this is your first episode, if you would take a minute please to leave a review or rating on your podcast listening platform to help spread the joy of Scottish gardening, it honestly would be so appreciated. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.

Scotland Grows writer Karen Stewart-Russell chats in this episode about so many things: her love of roses, the many things she does with the herbs she grows, and her love of gardening gadgets like an automated greenhouse system, her Bokashi bin, and her hydroponics growing experiment. Karen’s passion for community also shines through as she discusses her local initiatives: a seed library and plant exchange that fosters community interaction and brightens spirits, and her secret guerrilla gardening efforts to plant bulbs around her neighbourhood. What is apparent is Karen’s quiet joy for gardening, for her own personal satisfaction rather than for comparison to others, and you can explore Karen’s insightful columns in Scotland Grows magazine.  Be inspired in this episode with Karen, to find joy in every corner of your green space. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows24 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack. Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Fergus Cumming is the current Vice-President of Busby and Clarkston Horticultural Society, a society which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2022, with roots going back to 1947.   As well as having an excellent monthly winter talks series, an annual members’ outing, and an annual flower show, the Society has hosted the Beechgrove Potting Shed twice and Radio 4’s Gardeners Question Time.   In this episode, Fergus sheds light on the pivotal role local horticultural clubs play in community engagement and the ongoing challenge of attracting younger members. We delve into leadership transition, community outreach, and the significance of their much-anticipated annual flower show. Fergus shares his insights on simplifying competitions, maintaining a friendly environment, leveraging social media to reach a broader audience, and how to keep things relevant and engaging for a local audience.   Fergus also shares his top gardening tips, the importance of learning from experienced growers, and his favourite plants to grow and show.   Busby & Clarkston Horticultural Society have the pleasure of hosting the Scottish Gardeners' Forum Annual Winter Gathering on 9th November in Clarkston Halls and more information can be found on the event HERE.   -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows24 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack. Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

The wonderful Richard Baines, Curator of Logan Botanic Garden in southwest Scotland, widely known as Scotland’s most exotic garden, and one of the four gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, uncovers the unique charm of Logan Botanic Garden in this episode. From its vibrant seasonal displays to its impressive collection of exotic plants nurtured by the Gulf Stream-influenced climate, Richard offers fascinating insights into the garden's ongoing conservation efforts, including international collaborations to preserve endangered plant species, and more importantly why we try to conserve endangered plant species.  We also dive into the personal side of gardening with a magnolia which Richard has named after his mother, and his slight obsession for the monkey puzzle tree. Enjoy Richard’s passion for Logan Botanic Garden, his thoughts on adapting to climate change, and his practical gardening advice relevant for us all. Find out more about Logan Botanic Garden on the Discover Scottish Gardens website. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows24 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack. Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Talented garden designer Katie Reynolds demystifies the process of garden planning and design in this episode. From creating a functional wish list to measuring and sketching out potential layouts, Katie shares her top tips on turning your garden dreams into reality - and you should definitely have a pen and paper to hand as this is one episode from which you will want to take notes or replay again. We delve into practical considerations such as soil assessment, sunlight, and seasonal analysis, and Katie's insights are invaluable for any garden enthusiast. She emphasises taking your time, learning from local gardens, and making your garden space suit your lifestyle.  As a regular Scotland Grows columnist, it is just wonderful to hear more from Katie in this episode. So whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, get ready to be inspired in this episode by Katie Reynolds’ expert insights. Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows24 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack. Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

The legendary Jim Jermyn, a horticulturist with a wealth of knowledge and a zest for gardening, especially for alpine plants, shares his passion in this episode. Whether you're an alpine enthusiast or just curious about alpine plants, Jim shares inspiration and plant recommendations for growing alpines in Scotland. Jim also recounts the joys and challenges of maintaining the National Trust for Scotland’s Branklyn Garden, his affinity for scented plants, and he shares practical advice for every gardener. A published author of 'Mountain Flower Walks – The Eastern Alps' and 'The Himalayan Garden – Growing Plants from the Roof of the World', Jim gives us an insight in this episode into the book on which he's currently working. Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows24 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack. Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Colin Wren, a Gardens and Designed Landscape Manager with National Trust for Scotland, dives deep into the fascinating world of apple growing in Scotland. Colin uncovers the rich history of apple cultivation, touching on everything from historical varieties to the modern benefits of community orchards, and looks at apple identification, record keeping, and DNA testing of apple varieties. Colin’s enthusiasm and practical apple growing tips will inspire you to plant an apple tree in your garden if you haven’t already got one, and to get yourself along to a National Trust for Scotland Apple Day in October to see apple harvest in all their glory. Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £7 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £7 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows24 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack. Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Colin Crosbie, who amongst many other things is currently President of the Scottish Rock Garden Club takes us through the fascinating world of rock gardening in Scotland, from its roots in plant introductions from China to the modern club which host seeds exchanges and plant shows. Colin shares some of his personal gardening and exhibiting stories, his top plant picks, and advocates for the importance of learning and sharing within the gardening community.  After a career which culminated in being Curator of RHS Wisely, Colin now leads garden and botanical tours in the United Kingdom and throughout the world, and as well as being President of the Scottish Rock Garden Club, Colin is also a trustee for The Caledonian Horticultural Society, and for Scotland’s Garden Scheme for whom he opens his garden annually.  More information about Scottish Rock Garden Club and its upcoming shows can be found HERE. Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. -------------------------------------------- Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive. For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team. Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. Sign up today at nts.org.uk/roots and use the code Grows24 to receive an extra packet of seeds in your first pack. Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots