Gardening with the RHS

This week, we honour the stillness of winter and the returning promise of light as we mark the winter solstice. At this turning of the year, we reflect on the people, plants and initiatives that this new light brings into focus. We begin by stepping into the richly curious world of Christopher Lloyd, the influential gardener and visionary behind Great Dixter House and Gardens. His legacy is recalled by his former student and now Head Gardener at Great Dixter, Fergus Garrett. Nick Turrell then returns with his top 10 countdown of plants that changed human history. This time, Nick delves into one species that helped ignite a vast global industry, asking whether its influence has ultimately made our lives better or worse. Finally, a look to the future with Sara Redstone who shines a light on a pioneering initiative taken up by theRHS, focused on strengthening plant biosecurity, highlighting the vital work being done to protect our plants and ecosystems for generations to come. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Fergus Garrett, Nick Turrell, Sara Redstone Links:  Great Dixter  Protect your garden health  Biosecurity at the RHS  Defra list of authorised distance plant sellers

This week, RHS Head of Libraries Fiona Davison, garden designer Zoe Claymore and RHS Gardening Advisor Nick Turrell gather to share their must-read gardening books of 2025. Along the way, they explore what really makes a garden waterwise, dive into the astonishing world of fungi, demystify regenerative gardening, and get to the root of soil science. They also journey through the makings of a temperate rainforest, spotlight remarkable horticultural heroes from history — and yes, they even tackle the topic every gardener loves to hate: slugs. Host: Fiona Davison with Nick Turrell and Zoe Claymore Books mentioned: Garden People: The Photographs of Valerie Finnis - Ursula Buchan  Botanical Illustration: The Gold Medal Winners - Charlotte Brooks RHS Waterwise Garden - Tom Massey RHS Fungi for Gardeners - Dr Jassy Drakulic RHS Slugs: Friend or Foe - Dr Hayley Jones The Kindest Garden: A Practical Guide to Regenerative Gardening - Marian Boswell  Illustrated History of Landscape Design - Elizabeth Boults  One Garden Against the World - Kate Bradbury  The Lost Rainforests of Great Britain - Guy Shrubsole

December is the perfect time to take stock of the garden and dream of the seasons ahead. With this in mind, this week we’re bringing you some extraordinary stories from horticulturists past and present. Fiona Davison kicks things off with the astonishing tale of Muriel Howarth, who passionately advocated for the potential of atomic energy in gardening. Nick Turrell then joins us to unveil the first two entries in his top ten most influential plants: species that have shaped history through their extraordinary abilities and dramatic backstories. And finally, Helen Bensted-Smith returns with the concluding chapter of the wildlife ponds mini-series, guiding you through how to keep your pond healthy and thriving for years to come. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Fiona Davison, Nick Turrell, and Helen Bensted-Smith Links: RHS How to Create a Wildlife Pond Pumpkins and Prizes exhibition Write in with your gardening questions to: [email protected]

It’s National Tree Week, and we’re heading into the woods to celebrate the trees that shape our landscapes, enrich our lives, and quietly support the world around us. We’re joined by Sally Bavin from the Woodland Trust, who explains why woodlands are so powerful for both our physical and mental wellbeing. She also shares her fascinating research into mapping the UK’s richest areas of “wellbeing woodland.” We’ll also dive into the RHS’s new Strong Roots report, which uncovers the challenges preventing Great Britain from growing the trees it needs for the future. Plant scientist Louise Jones takes us behind the scenes at the RHS to explore her investigation into a mysterious fungal pathogen that’s attacking lime trees. And finally, we continue our pond series with Helen Bensted-Smith, who reveals the wildlife you can spot around your pond this week. Host: Gareth Richards and Guy Barter Contributors: Sally Bavin, Lousie Jones, Helen Bensted-Smith Links: BIO-well research Ancient forgotten forests need our help Native trees to plant in small gardens State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 Submit to the natures calendar project Strong Roots report Lime Tilia Leaf Blotch Report Form Write in with your gardening questions to: [email protected]

As frosts arrive across the UK – later than usual this year – we’re exploring how to give nature a helping hand when the seasons fall out of step. In this installment of our wildlife ponds mini-series, Helen Bensted-Smith walks us through her top planting recommendations for different aquatic habitats. Wisley Garden Manager Mark Tuson also reveals how his team turns fallen leaves, cuttings, and woody material into valuable resources that enrich the soil, strengthen plant health, and boost biodiversity. Finally, we head to East Sussex for a tour of the iconic Arts and Crafts gardens at Great Dixter – home of the late garden writer Christopher Lloyd – guided by Head Gardener Fergus Garrett. Host: Gareth Richards Contributors: Fergus Garrett, Helen Bensted-Smith, Mark Tuson Links: Choosing pond plants Invasive non-native plants Aquatic weeds Chop and drop Mullet gardening Write in with your gardening questions to: [email protected]