Explore every episode of the podcast Scotland Grows Show

Think you know heathers? Think again. In this episode of the Scotland Grows Show, we dive into the rugged magic of winter-flowering heathers with Wendy Scott, the grower behind Tay Heathers.

Discover why these often-overlooked plants are not only beautiful but also essential for winter pollinators, great for wildlife, and hardier than you might think in Scottish weather.

From practical care tips, like how to revive a woody heather and keep your plants blooming for up to 15 years, to behind-the-scenes insights into running a specialist nursery, this episode is packed with inspiration.

Whether you’re a heather beginner or looking to create year-round displays, tune in for variety recommendations, and a celebration of Scotland’s iconic plant that’s sure to change how you see your winter garden.

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox or letterbox 4 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.

"Every town has a derelict space that... is kind of in limbo."

In this inspiring episode of the Scotland Grows Show, garden designer Ryan McMahon returns to share the transformative story behind Falkirk’s Meanwhile Garden — a vibrant, community-led project turning a demolition site into a thriving oasis for people and nature. Discover how a simple, temporary garden concept became a bold statement for creativity, resilience, and urban revitalization.

Explore the unique opportunities that come with designing a garden destined to be temporary: why every flower planted, especially the divisive but celebratory yellow, was chosen with both immediate impact and lasting legacy in mind. Hear about the low-cost, sustainable methods, the challenges of urban soils, and how community involvement, and sunflowers planted by dementia patients, helped shape a space that’s as beautiful as it is meaningful.

If you’ve ever looked at a dull patch of ground and wondered “what if?”, let this episode spark your imagination. Tune in for practical advice, creative solutions, and a reminder of the powerful ripple effect gardens can have on landscapes, wildlife, and the hearts of those who come together to grow them.

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox or letterbox 4 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.

"People come in and say 'I don't want a conifer,' then point to one and say, 'I really like that,' not realizing it is a conifer."

We dive deep into the rich history and horticultural expertise of the Mill Garden Centre with Colin and Katherine McIndoe, whose family has been growing plants on the same Scottish site for over 125 years. Whether you’re a conifer enthusiast or a skeptic, prepare to see these versatile and striking plants through new eyes as our guests debunk common myths, share their hard-earned wisdom, and reveal how conifers can transform and brighten any garden, even in the toughest Scottish climates.

Tune in as we explore not only the fascinating evolution of the family business from vegetables and fruit to the ornamental wonders of today, but also get practical advice on choosing, maintaining, and falling in love with conifers and companion plants.

This is an episode to inspire both seasoned gardeners and curious beginners alike, offering guidance and stories you won’t want to miss.

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox or letterbox 4 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.

"It feels like you've stepped into another world once you come through."

Step through the gates of the Explorers Garden at Pitlochry Festival Theatre with Caroline Bavey, whose passion for this unique seven-acre oasis brings its stories vividly to life. In this episode, discover how the garden’s design takes you on a whirlwind journey across continents from South America to the Himalayas and Japan, following in the footsteps of daring Scottish plant hunters who shaped the way we garden today.

Caroline reveals the secrets and surprises hidden within the glades, from rare Himalayan poppies to seedlings with connections to Hiroshima, and shares the joy and challenges of cultivating such an extraordinary collection in the Scottish climate. Pick up practical tips for woodland and shady gardens, learn about the garden’s conservation focus, and hear how sustainability and creativity drive every project, from leaf mould composting to repurposed garden features.

Caroline's book From Heather to Himalayas: Walking in the Footsteps of Scotland's Plant Hunters is available from Pitlochry Festival Theatre and will inspire you with tales of adventure, botanical discoveries, and community spirit that will have you itching to explore this special place yourself, or at the very least, to see your own garden with new eyes.

Don't miss Caroline’s reflections on legacy, learning, and why patience, curiosity, and a little bit of magic are essential in every gardener’s journey.

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox or letterbox 4 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.

"You can teach skill, but you can't teach passion."

M.T O'Donnell chats to Sarah Forbes in this episode, winner of the ALBAS Horticulture Learner of the Year, who traded the corporate world for muddy boots and the historic gardens at Stirling Castle. Discover how a chance apprenticeship changed her life, leading her to literally ground herself every day by connecting with nature and Scottish history at one of Scotland’s most iconic sites.

From secret gardens and wild winds to the soul-soothing power of nature, she shares her journey and the importance of following joy in a lifelong learning career.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, thinking about a career change, or simply love stories about nature thriving in unexpected places, Sarah’s story is sure to inspire and delight...welcome to the Scotland Grows Show!

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox or letterbox 4 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

"Hellebores cope with the Scottish weather really, really well. Scottish gardening is different, particularly with the late frosts, but hellebores are robust.”

Step into the enchanting world of Kirklands with passionate gardeners Peter and Gill Hart for ‘A Celebration of Hellebores’ as we discover what makes these jewel-like winter blooms a Scottish garden essential. From their incredible resilience to the dazzling diversity that brings early-season colour to even the toughest of spots, we showcase the new Scottish Hellebore Festival in Fife.

The joy doesn’t stop though with the thousands of hellebores at Kirklands, this episode digs into how the garden has blossomed over nearly five decades, overflowing with snowdrops, rhododendrons, candelabra primulas, and wild orchids. Pick up tips on easy spring planting for a Scottish garden, composting joys, and how to encourage your garden to thrive, whatever the weather.

Get ready to meet two gardeners whose story proves that with passion, perseverance, and a little obsession, you can create something truly magical — one season at a time. 

Kirklands is open on 22nd and 23rd March 2026 between 2-4.30pm under Scotland’s Garden Scheme for ‘A Celebration of Hellebores’. 

Kirklands House, Bridge St, Saline, Fife KY12 9TS. https://kirklandsgarden.co.uk/

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox or letterbox 4 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

 

Join us on the Scotland Grows Show as M.T. O'Donnell sits down with Úna Treanor, Head Gardener at the historic Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye. From battling relentless rain and storm-force winds to cultivating resilient gardens in one of Scotland’s most dramatic climates, Úna shares her honest insights and hard-won gardening wisdom.

Discover the real challenges — and unexpected joys — of gardening on Skye, from managing invasive rhododendrons to nurturing world-class snowdrop displays that draw locals and visitors alike each spring. Find out how Úna is future-proofing the castle’s gardens against climate change, and pick up clever advice for your own windswept patch, wherever you garden.

Whether you're an avid gardener or simply in search of a bit of green inspiration, this episode is packed with practical tips and a reminder that sometimes, the best gardens are born from resilience and creativity. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of Scotland’s most picturesque garden landscapes!

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

"There’s no point in having a patio in somewhere that’s damp and shady because who’s going to sit there?"

arden designer and Scotland Grows columnist Joanne Evans joins M.T. O'Donnell to reveal the secrets of successful garden planning. Whether you're dreaming of a brand new space this year or eager to revamp your existing patch, this episode unwraps the why, when, and how of creating outdoor areas that truly work for you.

Tune in to hear Joanne share how January is the perfect moment to start planning your garden transformation. From mastering sun and shade to budgeting wisely and making your outdoor space genuinely welcoming, Joanne explains what makes thoughtful design so transformative, and why the flow of people is just as important as the placement of plants.

As a dedicated advocate for gardens that nurture health and wellbeing, Joanne discusses her passion for community spaces and the emotional wellbeing that a great garden brings.

Whether you’re a newbie with a blank canvas or a seasoned gardener looking for fresh inspiration, this episode will leave you eager to grab your gardening journal and start planning and sketching your dream space.

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

 

"It’s like magic. I just don’t understand how anybody can’t just love gardening because honestly, it’s like magic."

In this episode of the Scotland Grows Show, Lewis Swales, head gardener of not one but two stunning National Trust gardens in Aberdeenshire, welcomes us behind the scenes to discover the secrets of Pitmedden Garden and Haddo House.

From the intricate parterres and miles of hedging to trim, Lewis shares what makes these historic gardens so special, and the challenges of keeping them thriving in the face of changing climates and box blight.

Join M.T. O'Donnell as she explores with Lewis Swales how modern gardening practices are reshaping beloved Scottish gardens. You’ll learn how Lewis and his team are creating resilient, beautiful spaces by experimenting with plant choices, trialling new hedging techniques, and sometimes letting nature lead the way. Whether you garden on a grand estate or a city balcony, Lewis’s candid tips and lessons from success, and failure, are sure to inspire.

Tune in for a conversation filled with practical advice, fascinating history, and pure gardening passion. You’ll come away with fresh ideas for your own garden, and a new appreciation for the dedication and creativity that Scotland’s finest gardeners bring to their living masterpieces.

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

“It’s quite humbling actually... the realisation when I made my first hybrid, then it bloomed for the first time... it was the culmination of decades of effort and knowledge.”

 

In this fascinating episode of the Scotland Grows Show, M.T. O'Donnell welcomes Luke Callaghan, expert orchid grower and passionate plant enthusiast, for a conversation that travels from a childhood sparked by the breathtaking World Orchid Conference in Glasgow to the unique drama of nurturing rare Odontoglossum orchids in Scotland’s cool climate.

 

Luke shares his remarkable journey, revealing how scientific curiosity and sheer perseverance led him to become one of Scotland’s foremost orchid hybridisers. From laboratory-style experiments in glove boxes to swapping pollen with fellow enthusiasts across the UK, he uncovers the secrets to keeping delicate orchids thriving, and offers top tips for beginners to succeed with the the more common Phalaenopsis orchids.

 

You'll also get bonus insider tips for cultivating exotic edibles like melons, watermelons, and citrus fruits on Scottish soil.

 

Whether you’re an orchid enthusiast, a fruit grower, or just interested in what we grow well here, listen in for hands-on advice, stories of orchid growing, and strong encouragement to “kill a few plants”… because every top grower has!

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

 

"Manufacturers and the government have a duty to us as the amateur gardener, to really try and help us with this transition to peat-free." 

 

Horticulturist Scott Smith returns to the Scotland Grows Show to share the results of his hands-on trial comparing three peat-free composts with a traditional peat-based mix.

 

Conducted in real-world home conditions in the northeast of Scotland, Scott’s project demystifies the challenges and surprises of switching to peat-free growing media, revealing what works, and what doesn’t, for everyday gardeners.

 

Whether you're struggling to get your tomatoes thriving, confused by the ever-changing labels in the garden centre, or keen to help protect Scotland's precious peatlands, Scott offers practical advice and data-backed recommendations you won’t want to miss.

 

Tune in for honest insights on watering and feeding plants growing in peat-free compost, which composts delivered the best yields, and why clearer packaging and guidance matter more than ever for home gardeners. Plus, learn about Scott's new book (OUT NOW)!

 

If you’re ready to get reliable results from peat-free gardening, this episode is packed with tips, discoveries, and stories that will make your next growing season your greenest yet!

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

In this episode of the Scotland Grows Show, host M.T. O'Donnell welcomes Dr. Anna Florence from the National Trust for Scotland to unravel the massive PLANTS Project, a three-year botanical deep dive that’s reshaping how Scotland’s most treasured gardens are protected, understood, and shared.

 

Discover how an ambitious team travelled Scotland’s length and breadth to record 86,000 living plants, revealing treasures hiding in plain sight, from critically endangered rhododendron species to a unique apple tree with an unmatched genetic fingerprint.

 

This episode shines a light on the exciting challenges of plant heritage conservation for the National Trust for Scotland, and why keeping accurate, living records matters for generations to come. 

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

 

“Getting your hands dirty in a compost heap - there’s not a lot that’s better than that in my mind.”

 

Head Gardener Callum Halstead shares the secrets from Cambo Gardens’ Festival of Compost, practical advice for composting at home, and lessons learned from a challenging Scottish summer to inspire resilient, beautiful gardens all year round.

 

Callum’s expert advice will make you to look at soil, mulch, and biodiversity in new ways. Plus, find out what makes Cambo’s season-long plantings and National Snowdrop Collection a must-see, even in the heart of winter.

 

If you want fresh ideas for your garden, this episode is a treasure trove you won’t want to miss!

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

It is high time we spoke more on the Scotland Grows Show about the legacy the great Scottish plant hunters left on our shores, through the most intrepid and life-threatening plant-hunting expeditions.

 

Acclaimed writer Ann Lindsay has uncovered the stories of the Scottish plant hunters who shaped the nation's gardens and in this episode, we’ll look at the legacies of famous explorers like David Douglas, Francis Masson, and Robert Fortune, and the remarkable plants from Douglas firs, lupins, pelargoniums, Californian poppies, camassia, and phlox - and so many more - that transformed our landscape and filled our gardens with beauty. 

 

Whether you're a garden enthusiast or just love a great story, Ann shares captivating tales of exploration, peril, resilience, and the courage of those who brought them across continents, giving us a deeper appreciation for the blooms we enjoy today, in a tribute to the plant hunters whose spirit still grows in Scotland's soil.

 

Find out more about Ann's work HERE.

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

“Crathes is a garden of real change. It’s got everything from early hedges from 1702 right up to contemporary new gardens. It’s a real kaleidoscope of colours.”

 

Step behind the historic garden walls of Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire in this episode with head gardener James Hannaford, as he reveals what it’s really like to care for a living tapestry that stretches back to 1609.

 

From resilient plant choices for Scotland’s wild winds to the emotional challenges of losing centuries-old trees in storms, James shares expert insights, inspiring stories, and practical advice that every gardener will want to hear as well as a shopping list of plants suited to our climate.

 

Whether you’re a horticulture enthusiast or just love a good garden stroll, discover the passion and responsibility behind one of Scotland’s great gardens with James Hannaford, and what it means to be part of Scotland’s gardening heritage.

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

“There’s nothing beats actually being outside and seeing how plants grow.”     Get ready in this episode to be inspired by one of Scotland’s most influential gardening voices!     RHS Judge, former garden centre owner at New Hopetoun Gardens, and Beechgrove Garden legend, Lesley Watson joins us for a personal deep-dive.     From her pivot as chemistry teaching to horticulture, from her behind-the-scenes stories at Beechgrove to wisdom and plant choices from decades spent running a garden centre and judging at RHS shows, Lesley’s practical tips and passion for inspiring others in the garden will leave you itching to get outside.     So pull up a seat - preferably in your own garden as Lesley recommends a seat as one of the important pieces of equipment in your garden - and enjoy this episode as we dig into gardening, designing, and inspiring advice with Lesley Watson.  

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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 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.

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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.

You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  

Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 

Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

   

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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 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.

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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 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.

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The Scotland Grows Show is 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

Discover the beauty and sustainability of local flower growing with Olivia Thomas who’s passion for growing cut flowers blossomed during the summer of the great lockdown when she transformed a portion of her Ayrshire  garden into lush cut flower beds.

Producing more flowers than she could use, Olivia began selling the excess, sparking an interest in sustainable floristry which became Lark Rose Flowers. She started exploring opportunities locally and took on an area in a disused walled garden in which to begin her flower farm dream.

In this episode, Olivia advocates for the environmental benefits of local flower growing, shares the challenges of growing cut flowers in the unpredictable Scottish climate, and gives her top cut flower recommendations to grow from seed.

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

Kate Mawby is a passionate gardener who has nurtured her stunning garden on the Isle of Lewis for nearly two decades. Kate shares her journey of transforming a rugged coastal croft into a flourishing haven, facing challenges from high winds to soil erosion.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, Kate’s advice on her favourite resilient plants like daffodils, fuchsias, and hebes is sure to inspire as well as the joy she has found in extending her growing season with a polycrub.

This episode is brimming with practical tips on gardening on one of our beautiful Scottish islands.

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

Ann Steele, Head of Gardens and Designed Landscapes with the National Trust for Scotland, joins me in this episode to dig into innovative changes taking place in Trust gardens across Scotland.

Ann shares fascinating insights into sustainable gardening practices, such as scaling back on grassland mowing to promote wildlife diversity, and offers valuable advice for aspiring horticulturists.

We'll also explore the balance between historical preservation and modern resilience in our treasured gardens. So, whether you're an avid gardener or just starting your green journey, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips.

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

Sophie Parmenter takes us behind the scenes of her award-winning garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and its incredible journey to a new home in Scotland. Sophie, who co-designed this silver gilt-winning garden for the National Autistic Society, shares the process of creating and relocating a garden, the inspirations behind the planting choices, and the unexpected challenges that came along the way like the redesigns required to adapt the garden to its new site at Catrine Bank along the River Ayr.

This episode provides a captivating glimpse into the world of show gardens and the lasting impact they can have. 

--------------------------------------------

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

We’re kicking off this series with a journey through some stunning gardens in the Scottish Highlands with Ernest George of Highland Garden Tours, as we venture into the beautiful Attadale garden, the productive Gordon Castle Walled Garden, and the formal elegance of Dunrobin Castle's gardens.

Ernest George, an award-winning landscape architect, has been designing and creating gardens throughout the UK since 1995.  Based in the Highlands, Ernest has recently established Highland Garden Tours with the aim of promoting our Highland gardens to a greater audience whilst exploring the cultural heritage and significance of how these unique spaces have developed within the greater landscape, and their relevance for both gardeners and gardens in the future. 

As a member of Discover Scotlands Gardens and an Ambassador for Highland Tourism, Ernest is passionate about protecting our unique Highland landscapes and actively promotes sustainable and conscious travel.

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

In this episode, M.T. O'Donnell chats with Rona Dodds, the passionate owner of Quercus Garden Plants. Nestled at 850 feet above sea level on a northwest slope with poor clay soil, Rona’s nursery is a testament to resilience and dedication.

As she shares her journey of transforming a challenging landscape into a thriving garden space, Rona provides insights into plant propagation, weathering storms, and the daily hurdles and triumphs of running a nursery.

Learn about Rona's top plant picks for Scottish gardens, and pick up invaluable tips for new gardeners, as we delve into the world of Quercus Garden Plants, based at Whitmuir Farm, Lamancha EH46 7BB.

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

 

Ray Cox is a seasoned professional photographer who has specialised in garden photography for over 22 years. Ray’s deep-rooted passion for horticulture has carried him through a diverse career that includes farming, journalism, and environmental writing. His stunning photography work has graced the pages of national newspapers, magazines, and iconic garden publications.   

Ray shares his journey from his family's horticultural background to becoming a renowned garden photographer. He also shares his creative process to capturing the beauty of gardens across Scotland and Northern England.

We delve into the nuances of garden photography, including the benefits of drone photography, tips for amateur photographers, and the joy of capturing year-round garden beauty, and hear more about Ray’s unique service for creating personalized coffee table books capturing the essence of gardens through the seasons.

Join us as we explore Ray Cox's journey and insights into the enchanting world of garden photography. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, an aspiring photographer, or simply someone who enjoys nature’s beauty, this episode is sure to inspire and inform.

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

 

Meet the inspiring Katrina Gelderbloem, a passionate gardener and permaculture enthusiast from East Ayrshire. Katrina, alongside her family, has transformed their quarter-acre plot into a thriving food forest and a productive vertical garden, practicing permaculture principles, reducing and repurposing waste whenever they can. 

Their eldest son, Clayton, is autistic and nonverbal, and Katrina delves into how gardening has significantly impacted Clayton’s home education and development, offering him a unique outdoor classroom experience, and opens up about the triumphs of educating in a gardening context.

Katrina's passion for gardening extends beyond cultivation, she has authored a series of children’s books and a workbook that encourage youngsters to explore gardening and the great outdoors, available on Amazon.

Katrina shares her quest for self-sustainability and tips on integrating permaculture into your own gardening practices in this episode, and shares their daily life in the garden on Instagram, and in the pages of Scotland Grows Magazine as a regular columnist.

Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country picking up tips, plant recommendations, 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

Have you ever wanted to chuck your corporate job and retrain as a gardener? Or even try your hand at designing a garden to be judged at a national competition?

 

Kate McClorey did both, leaving a high-powered IT career to turn her gardening hobby into a new career. Kate talks us through completing the RHS L2 with distinction, a 6 month course at RBGE in practical gardening to help back up the theory, followed by a WRAGS (Work and Retrain as a Gardener Scheme) placement at Floors Castle in Kelso where she is now Assistant Head Gardener.

 

Winner of the inaugural Scottish Garden Design Competition at Scone Palace Garden Fair in 2023, Kate has entered the competition again this year as she extends her garden design and plantswoman skills, and her honesty around the design process is a breath of fresh air.

 

Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country picking up tips, plant recommendations, 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

Michael Lawrie, Head Gardener at Threave Garden at Castle Douglas in Dumfries & Galloway, and Head of The School of Heritage Gardening there, is the guest in this episode.

 

Threave’s wonderful garden has been created over the years by students at the National Trust for Scotland’s School of Heritage Gardening and is a fine example of landscaped beauty, and we chat not only about the garden but about the adjoining nature reserve on the Threave Estate.

 

We also get to find out more about the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Heritage Gardening Show, back for 2024 on Monday 6th May with plant sales, workshops, garden talks and tours, and a craft fair throughout the day, with Threave’s own team of expert gardeners on hand, as well plenty for children including face painting and wildlife activities.

 

Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country picking up tips, plant recommendations, 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.

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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

Season 5 of the Scotland Grows Show kicks off with horticultural heavyweight Dougal Philip taking us on a Director's journey through the thriving community of over 120 member gardens united under Discover Scottish Gardens.     We unfold the map to these botanical beauties and discuss how this organisation not only markets, but supports member gardens throughout the seasons and encourages a slow tourism approach by immersing yourself in garden visiting clusters.     Dougal gives us a glimpse into his favourite gardens to visit and shares his long-standing involvement with Discover Scottish Gardens and Scotland’s Garden Scheme; his journey from a landscape gardener to managing New Hopetoun Gardens; his approach to garden judging, and the insights gained from decades of experience in Scottish horticulture.     Dougal has great tips to share on the importance of having seating in the garden and of creating stunning garden views from your home. Plus, he reveals his top three plant picks which is sure to inspire you.    

Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country picking up tips, plant recommendations, and stories along the way.

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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.

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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

We dive deep into the world of sustainable garden accessories with the inspiring Karen Sawyer, co-director of Scottish company Livingreen Design Ltd. in this episode and discuss their mark on the world with their sophisticated planters, setting the standard for green luxury in hotels, banks, and airports alike - even in James Bond's 'Casino Royale' - and why their fiberglass planters were the talk of the COP26 Conference.

 

With over 25 years in the Interior Landscaping industry, Karen shares the latest trends in sustainable planters, and her top three houseplants that offer not just visual impact but ease of care.

 

Find out more about everything Livingreen Design do and be inspired for your garden planters, water features, and furniture this year at https://www.livingreendesign.com/.

 

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

Pam Whittle served as President of The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (The Caley) for 5 years and currently co-ordinates The Caley Shows. This is a great episode to learn more about these shows and the role The Caley plays in Scottish gardening and horticulture.

 

Passionate about the benefits of gardening, Pam has a large garden of her own – although she says never finds enough time to devote to it, and she shares her love for daffodils and rhododendrons, and the joy of sharing gardening knowledge with others.

 

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

Head Gardener Andrew Hinson delves into the enchanting world of Greenbank Garden, a National Trust for Scotland property nestled less than six miles from Glasgow city centre which features a two and a half acre walled garden and a 16 acre woodland.

 

Andrew completed his BSc in Horticulture with Plantsmanship at SRUC in 2020, was a finalist in the Scottish Regional Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition in 2022, and is currently challenging traditional approaches to garden maintenance with the goal of creating the most eco-friendly garden in the National Trust.

 

From the breathtaking display of daffodils to the compelling use of rock dust and biochar to measure carbon capture, Andrew’s passion for plants and conservation shines through.  

 

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