Talking Heads - a Gardening Podcast

Talking Heads - a Gardening Podcast

By: Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker

Language: en-gb

Categories: Leisure, Home, Garden

Follow professional gardeners Saul Walker and Lucy Chamberlain as they reveal exactly what it’s like to be horticulturists in the diverse and exciting world of gardening . Lucy and Saul have 40 years of gardening experience between them and it soon became clear to them both that this fulfilling vocation can be incredibly diverse, occasionally challenging and hugely rewarding. On the podcast they regularly discuss horticultural topics close to their hearts and give you an insight into their lives as gardeners. If you wish to support the podcast you can via our BuyMeACoffee page - just click the link at the en...

Episodes

Ep. 293 - We hope you've enjoyed the first 10 days of January - Lucy, frustratingly, has had a false start. Her gardening has been sandwiched between snow and storms, so what do gardeners do when the winter weather plays havoc with their plans?
Jan 10, 2026

Winter is here in the UK, so while Saul and Lucy hunker down, don layers and fire up the kettle more frequently than usual, what do their minds turn to in the garden? This is the perfect season for clearance of 2025 growth, for establishing new designs and for de-cluttering stores and greenhouses. Any hours that you can put into the garden now, will reward you hugely come spring and summer, when the jobs mount up. Quick - more tea and biscuits!

And they're off! While Saul enjoys his new life in a warm, dry office, Lucy is...

Duration: 00:39:08
Ep. 292 - It's the final episode! (of 2025, that is :-) This week, Saul prepares himself for life after Stonelands whilst Lucy performs some serious surgery on a mower. And what do the professional duo make of the RHS predictions for 2026? Tune in...
Dec 20, 2025

Winter is arriving in the UK, so while Saul and Lucy hunker down, don layers and fire up the kettle more frequently than usual, what do their minds turn to in the garden? This is the perfect season for clearance of 2025 growth, for establishing new designs and for de-cluttering stores and greenhouses. Any hours that you can put into the garden now, will reward you hugely come spring and summer, when the jobs mount up. Quick - more tea and biscuits!

Will it snow this Christmas? Will Saul ever manage to finally retrieve all his plants from...

Duration: 00:40:34
Ep. 291 - This week we're joined by northern gardener and star of the Pots and Trowels podcast - Martin Fish - as we talk about the gardening year gone by, the one coming up and his garden at home.
Dec 13, 2025

Winter is arriving in the UK, so while Saul and Lucy hunker down, don layers and fire up the kettle more frequently than usual, what do their minds turn to in the garden? This is the perfect season for clearance of 2025 growth, for establishing new designs and for de-cluttering stores and greenhouses. Any hours that you can put into the garden now, will reward you hugely come spring and summer, when the jobs mount up. Quick - more tea and biscuits!

Many of our listeners will know Martin Fish from his wonderful podcast Pots and Trowels...

Duration: 00:42:08
Ep. 290 - It's the custard cream episode! Lucy sandwiches some genuinely exciting gardening conversation in between two beautifully decorated vanilla biscuits this week - while Saul does his best to clear Stonelands of the Walker legacy...
Dec 06, 2025

Winter is arriving in the UK, so while Saul and Lucy hunker down, don layers and fire up the kettle more frequently than usual, what do their minds turn to in the garden? This is the perfect season for clearance of 2025 growth, for establishing new designs and for de-cluttering stores and greenhouses. Any hours that you can put into the garden now, will reward you hugely come spring and summer, when the jobs mount up. Quick - more tea and biscuits!

Podcast listeners have turned Lucy's head from the garden this week, as talk of her favourite...

Duration: 00:33:49
Ep. 289 - Not much gardening going on - but that doesn't mean the #TalkingHeads pair don't have some big news about their lives in Horticulture...has Lucy finally tracked down those custard creams....
Nov 29, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

Leaves, frost and rain...that's been this Autumn summed up...so not much gardening...

Duration: 00:32:46
Ep. 288 - The teabreak episode! What does the working week of a modern professional gardener involve? As we delve inside Lucy's schedule, we discover what forms the backbone upon which winter physical work rests - a lot of tea and biscuits...
Nov 22, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

Balancing clients, weather, school runs and shifting workloads is all part and parcel of...

Duration: 00:37:09
Ep. 287 - Half a million downloads!!!! Thank you to all who listen to the professional horticultural duo that make up the Talking Heads podcast. Lucy and Saul celebrate this milestone with - you've guessed it - some top-quality hortiwaffle!
Nov 08, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

Wow - who on earth would have thought that from that first episode six...

Duration: 00:33:40
Ep. 286 - While the wind whistles outside Saul and Lucy take a look at the RHS State of Gardening Report, an eye-opening look at the Horticultural world including the new RHS Hort Hub on their website
Nov 01, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

The Autumn peak has been and gone, and leaves are dominating the ground especially...

Duration: 00:38:13
Ep. 285 - Storm Benjamin has brought wind and rain this week, so how do Lucy and Saul deal with the natural deluge of leaves? Apples are also bountiful, and Saul explains how his orchard harvest goes to a very good cause
Oct 25, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

It's squally out there! With the podcast being recorded on the eve of Storm...

Duration: 00:33:11
Ep. 284 - Is Autumn colour starting in your garden - the Talking Heads pair are revelling in the buttery yellows and fiery reds as the transition from Summer really starts to kick in....
Oct 11, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

The pinnacle of the Autumn season is almost upon us as the trees up...

Duration: 00:33:51
Ep. 283 - This week, Lucy and Saul turn their attention towards key autumn tasks, like lawn care and hedge pruning. Plus, both gardeners have had machinery break down on them, which is a good excuse for a tinker - or a flex of the staff credit card!
Oct 04, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

It's the hedges and edges episode! Saul and Lucy have both been flexing their...

Duration: 00:35:08
Ep. 282 - A listener's question special - Pelargoniums need overwintering, but how and where - and when overwintering in a greenhouse what's best for frost protection - the #TalkingHeads Pair discuss.
Sep 27, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

This week Lucy has had two of of fantastic listeners write to her with...

Duration: 00:28:24
Ep. 281 - It's the management episode! A Head Gardener's role involves many tasks, and managing staff, time, budgets, client expectations and other responsibilities within this job can be a juggle. Listen as Saul and Lucy discuss their experiences
Sep 20, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

Last week, Lucy and Saul were posed an excellent listener question: Jo asks...

Duration: 00:34:54
Ep. 280 - The #Horti-waffle pair reunite after Saul has enjoyed some well deserved holiday, and Lucy, being a dutiful child, has some father-daughter time rigging up a brassica cage.
Sep 13, 2025

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.

Saul returns from his holidays (technically he is actually still on them!) and Lucy...

Duration: 00:35:02
Ep. 279 - It's the tropicals episode! But, what's this? The podcasting duo have swapped brains, it appears, as Lucy talks you through her newly developed 'tropical' border
Sep 06, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:37:20
Ep. 278 - It's Head Gardener time again! But, what exactly is the job description of a modern Head Gardener, and what kind of tasks should you expect (and not expect) to do? As ever, Saul and Lucy share their thoughts
Aug 23, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:34:04
Ep. 277 - Time to get out and about as Lucy has been visiting the Fothergills Trials Grounds and Saul is keeping Stonelands ticking over through another pronounced dry spell - more Horticulture waffle at it's finest!
Aug 16, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:34:59
Ep. 276 - There are jobs to juggle! Lucy and Saul discuss the tasks for summer, and how professional gardeners tread the fine line between tasks that achieve instant aesthetics, and those that give results in the future
Aug 09, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:35:30
Ep. 275 - It's the start of the Summer holidays, and with Lucy away, Saul takes you on a little Saturday Trip to the Beach, his Garden and The Story of Emily.....
Aug 03, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:26:11
Ep. 274 - Let's talk about tropicals and edibles! (but not in a way you would expect). The talking heads duo have a surprise for you this week.....
Jul 26, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:37:30
Ep. 273 - Prepare for abundant weather (and machinery) discussions. Lucy is feeling rattled with the wind, while Saul isn't a fan of humidity. But of course, there are still plenty of gardening tasks for the professional gardening duo
Jul 19, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:33:20
Ep. 272 - Mid-July is the mid point of the summer season where the garden is in full summer garb, long-hot days and lots of pruning, watering and dead heading occurs, but forget all that and get the BBQ out!
Jul 12, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:33:08
Ep. 271 - Humidity has been rocketing this week, so the gardening duo have been finding ways to keep cool (handily for Saul, Stonelands has a river). But even in the heat, hedges have been cut and grass - what there is of it - has been mown.
Jul 05, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:33:53
Ep. 270 - It's hot, hot, HOT! SO, how do two professional gardeners manage when daytime temperatures soar? And what key jobs are there to complete when everything in the garden is at summer's peak? Listen to Saul and Lucy as they explain all
Jun 28, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:35:27
Ep. 269 - Well haven't the Talking Heads pair been in the health wars recently, it goes to show that not everything goes smoothly - but they are back and have a long chat about BBC Gardeners World Live and some of the garden questions Saul was posed.
Jun 22, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:34:45
Ep. 268 - Saul takes you along on a 'Weekend in the Life' of a gardener - where it's a double header of Garden Society meet-ups - nattering, drinking tea and buying plants are what it's all about.
Jun 08, 2025

Summer in 2025 is here - and after one of the sunniest and driest Springs on record, we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardeners tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after the spaces...

Duration: 00:28:04
Ep. 267 - It's finally here! The latest episode of the Talking Heads podcast is, at last LIVE. We talk about our successes and fails in the garden - and beyond (for Saul, it was leaving his beloved Devon for a few days...)
Jun 01, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:36:22
Ep. 266 - It's the time in the middle of May where everyone talks about one thing in horticulture - The RHS Chelsea Flower Show - and so Lucy and Saul give you the highlights of their visit to this gardening extravaganza.
May 24, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:37:17
Ep. 265 - Whilst Lucy (and the rest of the UK) performs a rain dance, Saul is experiencing his usual Devon weather - blow some our way, Saul! But his mind is rightly so on his 10-year anniversary as Stonelands Head Gardener - congratulations, Mr W!
May 17, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:36:49
Ep. 264 - Post Gardener's World Spring Fair, the Talking Heads pair are in recovery mode, so gardening-lite is in order - but seed sowing, potting on exotic plants and working on the herbaceous borders are all in a weeks work.
May 11, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:32:25
Ep. 263 - For the fifth year running Lucy and Saul are at BBC Gardeners World Spring Fair at the beautiful Beulieu in the New Forest - the pair are giving their usual Plant Expert Tours, selling books and catching up with all things Alice in Wonderland!
May 06, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:32:27
Ep. 262 - Anyone for tennis? Saul has finally resolved his conundrum of how to clean up Stoneland's tennis court, while Lucy has been taking in the sights and sounds of a glorious Essex spring
Apr 26, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:37:56
Ep. 261 - Saul is joined on this episode by Head of Horticultural Relations at the RHS, Emma Allen, to talk about her teams role in the horticultural charity, funding through bursaries and the new role of the Expert Groups.
Apr 13, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:37:34
Ep. 260 - Magnolias are 'Go' in Essex! Of course, they've been Go in Devon for weeks, but Lucy's East Anglian location isn't as mild as Saul's in the South West. The duo also talk about peat policies, filming highlights and upcoming speaker bookings
Apr 05, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:33:29
Ep. 259 - The signs of Spring are everywhere now - so Lucy and Saul indulge in a bit of Phenology - whether plants, insects, birds or piece of machinery appears - what's your herald that Spring has truly arrived?
Mar 29, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:35:29
Ep. 258 - Spring is still springing! With yet more signs of this exciting season coming to life, Saul and Lucy explain how this week, they've both been taming flower borders in their respective clients' gardens
Mar 22, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:33:53
Ep. 257 - The buoyant feeling of the garden continues on Talking Heads - Lucy and Saul are still drunk on the glory of Spring as this episode features nursery visits, planting new hedges and the debut of 'Horticultural News'!
Mar 15, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:36:26
Ep. 256 - Spring is well and truly in the air - and Lucy and Saul are utterly smitten. The horticultural juices are once again in full flow, as the lengthening sunny days brings more time outside and the start to another wonderful garden year!
Mar 08, 2025

Spring is the season when gardeners throw off the hibernation and slumber of months of wet feet, many layers and waterproofs and are reborn anew! The stirring of life in the garden is one of the years great experiences, and makes a gardening life such a worthwhile pursuit, not only is it good for the planet to see the earth greening up, it is also good for the gardeners soul. But there is still lots of hard work to get on with - seeds have to be sown, mulch laid, supports erected and lawns mown. So join Lucy and...

Duration: 00:34:06
Ep. 255 - It's more hortiwaffle! This week, Saul and Lucy discuss the first signs of spring - are they appearing, or are you a 'fool' to think so? We think a definite YES! With talk of crocus, iris and aconite our spring gardens are (gently) waking up
Mar 01, 2025

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Saul and Lucy every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:31:17
Ep. 254 - The Talking Heads Duo are out and about, live at the Garden Press Event in London - to see new garden products, talk about new garden initiatives, but mostly to have a good chin-wag with a plethora of garden friends!
Feb 22, 2025

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:29:50
Ep. 253 - Lucy and Saul get up extra early for this episode, to record a morning of car breakdowns, salty planting and whether it's a good idea to live in the garden you work at - and all without having a coffee!
Feb 15, 2025

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:34:29
Ep. 252 - Cutting lawns, testing waterproofs, showcasing ladders, favourite gardening shows for 2025 - this week, Saul and Lucy are covering plenty of ground. Oh, and yoga whilst gardening - do you do it?
Feb 08, 2025

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:35:56
Ep. 251 - Stormy winds, some Houseplants at RHS Rosemoor and Lucy moonlighting makes for this weeks Horti-waffle™ - as the Talking Heads pair continue to bring their gardening lives to your ears.
Feb 01, 2025

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:36:02
Ep. 250 - It's another milestone for the Talking Heads Podcast! But rather than celebrate with a quiz, the duo mark the occasion with - you've guessed it - top notch horti-waffle :-)
Jan 25, 2025

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:39:00
Ep. 249 - This week, Saul and Lucy have donned their RHS hats to participate in an information sharing session regarding plans for 2025. With water conservation, plants for a purpose and website developments on the agenda, we're in for an exciting year
Jan 18, 2025

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:36:35
Ep. 248 - Happy New Year from the Talking Heads. 2025 is the 6th year of talking Horti-waffle™ on the podcast and we're both hoping for a successful and exciting gardening season ahead. So lets dive on in!
Jan 11, 2025

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:36:20
Ep. 247 - In the last Talking Heads episode of 2024, Saul and Lucy are in reflective moods as they look back on the past 12 months and decide how they want to take 2025 forward
Dec 21, 2024

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:38:25
Ep. 246 - In the wake of storm Darragh Saul and Lucy discuss tree loss, removal and renewal. A moment of sadness brings with it the silver lining of opportunity
Dec 14, 2024

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:33:00
Ep. 245 - What does a gardener do when they are not gardening - and how do you fill half an hour of podcast when you haven't been outside doing any horticulture - well tune in and find out!
Dec 07, 2024

Well winter is on our doorsteps, and for the general population any thoughts of gardening stops, as the common thought is the 'garden has gone to sleep'...Well nothing could be farther from the truth, as the season of shorter days and chilly weather could be one of the most important and busy in the yearly life of your garden. Join Lucy and Saul every week as they show you exactly how busy they are, whether getting everything festive for Xmas, clearing up after the latest storm, enjoying the emergent shoots of early flowering plants or getting ready for...

Duration: 00:33:53
Ep. 244 - Saul and Lucy have had busy weeks: sizing up storm Bert, analysing garden clothing, firing up flame guns and living it up at the Savoy. Just an ordinary week, then, for the modern professional gardener.
Nov 30, 2024

With winter on the horizon, it's time to say a fond farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy has been revelling in her Fruit and Veg with Autumn being the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul willed an Indian Summer so his last few exotics could flower before being tucked away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be raked and a lot of planning for 2025!

This week, the duo turn their heads towards...

Duration: 00:32:17
Ep. 243 - This week conditions have gone chilly - as a distinct wintery change took place in our gardens - so Saul and Lucy put on an extra layer, grab some sharp tools and discuss what they do when the temperatures start with a minus!
Nov 23, 2024

With Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy has been revelling in her Fruit and Veg with Autumn being the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul willed an Indian Summer so his last few exotics could flower before being tucked away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be raked and a lot of planning for 2025!

BRRRRRR! This week saw a northerly, artic blast...

Duration: 00:39:34
Ep. 242 - It's announcement time! Why has Lucy spent the past 20 months squirreled away at her computer, only breaking for photoshoots in her garden? (Drumroll....) - because she's written a brand new book! And of course, it's Grow Your Own related
Nov 16, 2024

With Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy has been revelling in her Fruit and Veg with Autumn being the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul willed an Indian Summer so his last few exotics could flower before being tucked away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be raked and a lot of planning for 2025!

Saul and Lucy treat you to weather chat...

Duration: 00:28:30
Ep. 241 - It's anticyclonic out there, but the gardening continues with Lucy returning from Scotland, fully snacked up and Saul, finally staying dry, while getting ready to plant garlic and give the lawns a "final" mow!
Nov 09, 2024

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racked and a lot of planning...

Duration: 00:31:24
Ep. 240 - Autumn is in full swing, but can you enjoy it while it continually rains - well Saul maybe moving East to where Lucy has remained dry - chased by the Wasps...it's always fun in the garden...
Oct 27, 2024

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racked and a lot of planning...

Duration: 00:32:40
Ep. 239 - The Talking Heads pair return, with Horti-waffle to boot - preapring our greenhouses, eating Chocolate Cake at Great Dixter, and discussing AGMs (Awards of Garden Merit) with our RHS colleagues.
Oct 19, 2024

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racked and a lot of planning...

Duration: 00:40:25
Ep. 237 - It's a question time special! Sian's bindweed, Andrew's wildflower meadow, Ben's raspberries and Matt's tomatoes all get the Talking Heads treatment - plus, we report back on Lucy's recent garden tour of the SouthWest
Sep 28, 2024

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racked and a lot of planning...

Duration: 00:43:48
Ep. 236 - For the past few weeks Lucy and Saul have been all round the UK visiting gardens, trialling vegetables and enjoying UK horticulture at it's finest, so here are some of the highlights.
Sep 14, 2024

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racked and a lot of planning...

Duration: 00:34:16
Ep. 235 - As summer slides into Autumn, Lucy and Saul can be found at BBC Gardeners World Autumn Fair at the beautiful Audley End leading tours of the Walled Garden with the English Heritage team, here are some highlights.
Sep 07, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:39:40
Ep. 234 - It's Lucy's birthday! Very self-indulgently, she celebrates her milestone with a solo episode that describes 50 jobs that you can complete in your garden right NOW. Resting on your laurels in the summer sun? Not on our watch...
Aug 24, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:50:32
Ep. 233 - It's time for the great East/West divide! While Saul is wrapped up in his Devonshire dungarees and long sleeves, Lucy is sweltering in Essex in anything but - as the UK conforms to its traditional weather patterns, for now...
Aug 17, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:31:37
Ep. 232 - Is August the least favourite month for gardening, controversial but Lucy and Saul have a chat about it, plus trimming your dangling beans and how to break into some Garden writing.
Aug 10, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:35:33
Ep. 231 - It's been hot! The professional gardening duo discuss how best to tackle watering in these high temperatures, and with school summer holidays in full swing we also showcase some family-friendly projects courtesy of the RHS
Aug 03, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardeners are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:33:00
Ep. 230 - The weather may dampen a few spirits, but gardening continues as Lucy visits RHS Wisley to trial some Tomatoes, Saul's first Ginger has flowered and listeners share some of their self-employed gardening experiences.
Jul 27, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:34:27
Ep. 229 - Summer is here! The weather is warming, and growth is abundant. Garlic, broad beans and Florence fennel get discussed, plus Saul and Lucy are concerned by the apparent lack of birds and bees
Jul 20, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:36:54
Bonus Episode #20 - Saul and Lucy are joined in conversation by Scottish self-employed gardener Susan Stephen - who won our 200th anniversary quiz - and found the career of gardening to be both healing and immensely rewarding
Jul 13, 2024

From time to time Lucy and Saul decided they wanted to record conversations with other Head Gardeners, Curators, Garden Owners and fellow horticulturists across the UK, these will be published as Bonus Episodes alongside their usual format of chatting about their gardening lives. We hope you enjoy.

For the Bonus Episode #20 we are joined by Scottish Self-employed gardener Susan Stephen, who as well as being a Talking Heads 'superfan' won out Episode 200 quiz. Susan's life as a career-change gardener was borne out the need to heal her earlier life experiences and a fascination with the natural sciences...

Duration: 00:47:03
Ep. 228 - Join Saul in his back garden where the tasks are never ending - so he spends a day looking after his collection of Jungle plants, focusing on how he feeds and setting up the start of his potential micro-nursery.
Jul 07, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:31:23
Ep. 227 - Returning to our gardens after BBCGWL, it's a wall of heat and humidity, but that doesn't stop Lucy and Saul with questions from listeners on Agretti and (weirdly) Waterproof coats, failing Sweet Peas and the need for ice cream!
Jun 29, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:36:33
BBC GWLive 2024 Bonus Episode: Saul and Lucy are at the BBC Gardeners World Live show at the NEC for another year as the Plant Experts, giving tours of the Floral Marquee, answering garden queries and running brand new Workshops on Houseplants and GYO.
Jun 17, 2024

Saul and Lucy are at BBC Gardener's World Live 2024 as the Plant Experts. The show spans the 13th-16th June and is a sprawling show of the finest gardens and plants to grace mid-June (as well as the BBC Good Food Show). As well as early morning tours for the very keenest of gardens, the pair have been on their usual Advice Desk answering the broadest of questions that the public bring with them and for the first time this year giving workshops on growing the best Veg and Fruit in your garden and gaining success with houseplants. So...

Duration: 00:32:01
Ep. 226 - What's better than looking after all your favourite plants, well buying new ones of course. And that's what Saul is up to as he takes you along on his visit to the Tregrehan Rare Plant Fair.
Jun 08, 2024

The Summer season has come full circle again, that time of year where everyone enjoys being outside, especially in their gardens on a long, sunny day. Gardener's are still in full flow - planting out new beds, mowing their lawns and cajoling their vegetable gardens into burgeoning yields. It's a great time to be alive in horticulture as the show season reaches a crescendo, plant fairs almost every weekend threaten to empty your savings and open gardens throughout the UK inspire that next bit of work you will be doing in your own plot. As ever Lucy and Saul...

Duration: 00:35:12
Ep. 225 - It's the Grow Your Own episode! Lucy takes you on a tour of her home plot, where she's been applying all she's learnt about growing delicious fruits, vegetables and herbs
Jun 01, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:36:00
Ep. 224 - The RHS Chelsea Flower show happens with a floral big bang every year, and Lucy and Saul bring you some of their highlights as they get a privileged Monday preview.
May 26, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:39:52
Ep. 223 - Our gardens are ramping up! Whether it's edibles on their plots or ornamentals at Stonelands and Beth Chattos, Saul and Lucy can see that the rate of growth has hit warp speed - and talking of things speeding along, it's almost Chelsea o'clock
May 17, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:35:19
Ep. 222 - It's been a whole year, but Talking Heads is back at Beaulieu for their annual outing at BBC Gardeners World Spring Fair - leading tours and running workshops - its one of the most enjoyable parts of the year!
May 06, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:31:56
Ep. 221 - Blossom season is upon us, and what a season we're having. Orchards are heaving with flower, so Lucy and Saul discuss the impacts of having an Orchard and visiting the National Fruit collection at Brogdale.
Apr 27, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:32:36
Ep. 220 - It's the greenhouse special! Lucy gives you a guided tour of her beloved greenhouse, explaining how she manages light, temperature, location, space and cropping cycles to gain optimum performance from this precious under cover area
Apr 17, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:31:14
Ep. 219 - This week, we discuss the 3 Ps: Precipitation, Propagation and Pests - all three of them are in full swing in Devon and Essex! Pls accept our apologies for expletives...
Apr 13, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:35:29
Ep. 218 - With more rain scheduled in Devon, most of Saul's gardening at the moment is under cover, and that's when his Houseplant collection keeps his plant addiction thriving, so join him for some Houseplant chat.
Apr 07, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:31:13
Ep. 217 - When will the rain stop? Who knows, but until then the Talking Heads pair bring you more Horticultural waffle looking at grow lights, where to get a good Garden job and Alpine plants.
Mar 30, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:34:33
Ep. 216 - Join Lucy and Saul in their Essex and Devon gardens as Spring unfolds, the gardening pair bring you along as they bask in the glory of the season's blossom and check their precious vegetable seedlings.
Mar 23, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:35:23
Ep. 215 - Is it Spring, is it not spring - that's the question as Lucy and Saul continue to wrestle their wet gardens into fit shape, and one of the projects you can do is creating Raised Beds, the subject of this weeks guest David Hurrion's new book.
Mar 16, 2024

Spring is the time of the gardening year where all gardeners sigh with relief, it's really time to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful world of horticulture.  A garden waking up and showing its early colour and form is a wonderful space to live and work in, an it's no exception that Lucy and Saul revel in this time of year, as their gardening lives start to get busier with sowing, planting, propagation, mowing, mulching and all other gardening tasks. Sprinkle in some early flower shows and the odd plant fair and our gardening life is complete, s...

Duration: 00:31:29
Ep. 214 - Lack of gardening, the Eden Project and perennial vegetables - thats the kind of Horticultural waffle the Talking Heads pair like as they finally return to their usual format (oh and don't forget the weather!)
Mar 10, 2024

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as these months are some of the busiest in all of the 12. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home gardens.
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Duration: 00:46:18
Ep. 213 - Join Lucy at the Garden Press Event - the starting herald to the gardening season where the horticultural media meet exhibitors with new products and new media campaigns, plus a small cameo from Saul!
Mar 02, 2024

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as these months are some of the busiest in all of the 12. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home gardens.
<...

Duration: 00:38:35
Ep. 212 - Saul enjoys some solo time in the garden, so come and join him at Stonelands, where he's dodging puddles, sorting out his greenhouse and attempts a live seed sowing demonstration (what could go wrong!)
Feb 17, 2024

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as these months are some of the busiest in all of the 12. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home gardens.
<...

Duration: 00:35:57
Ep. 211 - An apprenticeship offers an excellent route into horticulture, so this week Lucy and Saul celebrate National Apprenticeship Week by looking at how one could springboard your horticultural career
Feb 08, 2024

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as these months are some of the busiest in all of the 12. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home gardens.
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Duration: 00:32:14
Ep. 210 - Embark upon your wonderful career in horticulture, courtesy of the RHS! This week, Saul and Lucy discuss the charity's Horticulture Career Discovery Week, which showcases the diversity of our wonderful industry.
Jan 31, 2024

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as these months are some of the busiest in all of the 12. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home gardens.
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Duration: 00:33:00
Ep. 209 - What gardening trends does 2024 have in store? According to RHS Chief Horticulturist, Guy Barter, lots! Lucy and Saul chat through his predictions for the year ahead
Jan 23, 2024

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as these months are some of the busiest in all of the 12. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home gardens.
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Duration: 00:38:14
Ep. 208 - As Lucy acclimatises back to the UK, Saul takes you to Stonelands in frigid conditions for a little rose pruning, some climate talk, a cup of tea and a visit from Devon Air Ambulance!
Jan 21, 2024

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as this time of year is some of the busiest in all the 12 months. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home...

Duration: 00:34:47
Ep. 207 - THE AUSSIE SPECIAL (Part 2): Lucy is still Down Under enjoying the summer life, while Saul dons the extra winter layers as the cold finally descends in the UK - time for a little bit of the Hunter Valley, some Kookaburras and pruning apple trees
Jan 13, 2024

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as this time of year is some of the busiest in all the 12 months. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home...

Duration: 00:36:23
Ep. 206 - THE AUSSIE SPECIAL (Part 1): To start our 5th Year of Garden podcasting, we've sent Lucy (and her Family) to Australia for a little January sunshine and to soak in all the weird and wonderful Oz flora and fauna.
Jan 06, 2024

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as this time of year is some of the busiest in all the 12 months. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home...

Duration: 00:36:38
Ep. 205 - And so just like that its the end of 2023 - Lucy and I look back and forward to what Gardening has to offer, look at our favourite Xmas plants, and get a little preoccupied with LED lights. Merry Christmas everyone.
Dec 23, 2023

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as this time of year is some of the busiest in all the 12 months. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home...

Duration: 00:35:47
Ep. 204 - 2023 is nearly over, but there's still one outstanding 'job' to do at #TalkingHeads podcast HQ, the answers to our anniversary quiz!
Dec 16, 2023

Winter in the UK is either mild and damp, or cold and windy - and who would want to be outside as a gardener at this time of year - well Saul and Lucy for one, as this time of year is some of the busiest in all the 12 months. While the garden may be slumbering, Head Gardeners and their teams are beavering away on major jobs, garden renovations, cleaning and tidying the years clutter and making plans for 2024. So join us every week to see what we're up to in the cold months in our work and home...

Duration: 00:40:14
Ep. 203 - Winter has arrived in the UK! With it, Saul and Lucy shift their mindset towards cool-season jobs in the garden - and there are plenty. Led by Lucy's 'Donyland Diaries' the duo discuss gardening projects for December
Dec 07, 2023

Autumn signals the slow descent into slumber for another year - but not before the fireworks of the late flowering perennials, exotics and bulbs, the harvest of the last of the beautiful summer veg and finally the firework bank of the tree's as they turn there annual colours of orange, reds and yellows. Its time to switch up the usual gardening to get on with some bigger jobs and also dust off the longer trousers, thermals and the rain coat as moisture levels increase and the temperatures go down. Autumn is always a time for both reflection and planning...

Duration: 00:36:44
Ep. 202 - With Saul back (just about) on his feet, we talk about the potential gardening that he could have done, winter-flowering shrubs and Lucy's glamorous day out at the Garden Media Guild Awards - all while wrapping up warm!
Dec 02, 2023

Autumn signals the slow descent into slumber for another year - but not before the fireworks of the late flowering perennials, exotics and bulbs, the harvest of the last of the beautiful summer veg and finally the firework bank of the tree's as they turn there annual colours of orange, reds and yellows. Its time to switch up the usual gardening to get on with some bigger jobs and also dust off the longer trousers, thermals and the rain coat as moisture levels increase and the temperatures go down. Autumn is always a time for both reflection and planning...

Duration: 00:32:40
Ep. 201 - After last week's milestone episode, Saul and Lucy are back to normal topics such as the weather, listener questions and extracurricular activities (in this case, RHS committee work). No cryptic questions in sight!
Nov 16, 2023

Autumn signals the slow descent into slumber for another year - but not before the fireworks of the late flowering perennials, exotics and bulbs, the harvest of the last of the beautiful summer veg and finally the firework bank of the tree's as they turn there annual colours of orange, reds and yellows. Its time to switch up the usual gardening to get on with some bigger jobs and also dust off the longer trousers, thermals and the rain coat as moisture levels increase and the temperatures go down. Autumn is always a time for both reflection and planning...

Duration: 00:32:25
Ep. 200 - We've reached a huge milestone in the #TalkingHeads Gardening adventure, and are so thankful to everyone who has listened over the years - so lets celebrate with a cryptic Horti-quiz!
Nov 11, 2023

Autumn signals the slow descent into slumber for another year - but not before the fireworks of the late flowering perennials, exotics and bulbs, the harvest of the last of the beautiful summer veg and finally the firework bank of the tree's as they turn there annual colours of orange, reds and yellows. Its time to switch up the usual gardening to get on with some bigger jobs and also dust off the longer trousers, thermals and the rain coat as moisture levels increase and the temperatures go down. Autumn is always a time for both reflection and planning...

Duration: 00:33:28
Ep. 199 - As Storm Ciaran hits the southwest shores, Saul braces himself for a garden clean up. Plus, a listener's question about hedge cutters gets the full Lucy and Saul analysis.
Nov 04, 2023

Autumn signals the slow descent into slumber for another year - but not before the fireworks of the late flowering perennials, exotics and bulbs, the harvest of the last of the beautiful summer veg and finally the firework bank of the tree's as they turn there annual colours of orange, reds and yellows. Its time to switch up the usual gardening to get on with some bigger jobs and also dust off the longer trousers, thermals and the rain coat as moisture levels increase and the temperatures go down. Autumn is always a time for both reflection and planning...

Duration: 00:38:49
Bonus Episode #20 - Saul is joined in conversation by Stonelands Gardener Brian Langley - having only recently retired after 45 years gardening for the National Trust we talk about Brian's love for the natural world, schools education and gardening.
Oct 28, 2023

From time to time Lucy and Saul decided they wanted to record conversations with other Head Gardeners, Curators, Garden Owners and fellow horticulturists across the UK, these will be published as Bonus Episodes alongside their usual format of chatting about their gardening lives. We hope you enjoy.

For the Bonus Episode #20 we are joined by Stonelands Gardener Brian Langley - who although recently retired, spent 45 years in the National Trust as a gardener firstly at Tatton Park in Cheshire, but for the last 37 years at Antony House in Cornwall. Now in his retirement he shows no sign...

Duration: 00:39:02
Ep. 198 - It's bulb planting time! Are you a tulip fan, a daffodil collector or a hoarder of alliums, lilies & fritillaries? These two Head Gardeners plant a plethora of bulbs in autumn, so they sing the praises of both stalwarts & lesser known species
Oct 21, 2023

Autumn signals the slow descent into slumber for another year - but not before the fireworks of the late flowering perennials, exotics and bulbs, the harvest of the last of the beautiful summer veg and finally the firework bank of the tree's as they turn there annual colours of orange, reds and yellows. Its time to switch up the usual gardening to get on with some bigger jobs and also dust off the longer trousers, thermals and the rain coat as moisture levels increase and the temperatures go down. Autumn is always a time for both reflection and planning...

Duration: 00:39:45
Ep. 197 - After a couple of weeks hiatus, the #TalkingHeads pair are back, and waffling on about the gardening they've been up to since Autumn started to show it's colours.
Oct 14, 2023

Autumn signals the slow descent into slumber for another year - but not before the fireworks of the late flowering perennials, exotics and bulbs, the harvest of the last of the beautiful summer veg and finally the firework bank of the tree's as they turn there annual colours of orange, reds and yellows. Its time to switch up the usual gardening to get on with some bigger jobs and also dust off the longer trousers, thermals and the rain coat as moisture levels increase and the temperatures go down. Autumn is always a time for both reflection and planning...

Duration: 00:35:02
Ep. 196 - Lucy pays tribute to her time at East Donyland Hall as she and her gardening team prepare to say farewell to the Essex estate
Sep 30, 2023

Summer days are here again - sipping G&T on the terrace, lounging in our pools and holidays in the Algarve!? You must be kidding, for Head Gardeners Lucy and Saul it's full-on gardening, as our plots and patches reach the zenith of there horticultural output. This is the season when we really see the results of all those labours over the previous 6 months - colour, texture, scent and flavour all reach their crescendo as the garden provides us with the visual and edible treats that we work so hard for. Enjoy theses long days and wallow in the...

Duration: 00:38:38