The Compost and Conversation Show

An “in conversation” with Nikki Barker, Peat Free Transition Technical Coordinator, and Claire Thorpe. Peat Free Campaign Manager at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). We covered everything from why peat use is an issue; issues people may face using peat; what the impact of peat free growing will have on RHS shows, how peat free growing will be enforced once shows adopt their 100% peat free rule; what sanctions against “peat cheats” there may be; why there should be some sustainbility ambassadors (I’d include some growers in that)… and much more.

To hopefully make my display of cosmos more accessible to both those who may not be able to see it, or those who are t at the flower show I decided to record some audio in an attempt to describe what I’ve grown, what it looks like on the stand and why I’ve grown it the way I have,

This is an audio description of the educational boards that are an integral part of our display of Cosmos Bipinnatus at the RHS Chelsea Flower show. For further information contact [email protected]

Chatting all things cosmos, including National Plant Collections, natives bs none natives, flower shows, and even a few hollyhocks.

A chat with Gary Davies talking abut seed sowing and National Plant Collections.

We took the opportunity to have a really fascinating discussion with Catherine Dawson from Melcourt, who until recently has been their Technical Director. A must listen for those already not using peat as part of their growing, or those wanting to know more about using peat free growing medium.

During a wide ranging debate on Health and wellbeing services in the East of England , my National Plant Collection of Cosmos, and plans to get school kids sowing some, were raised with the Health Minister. The more gardening and it’s positive impacts are raised with Ministers, the better.

We spoke to the Lord of the Dance (in horticultural circles anyway) Leigh Johnstone, better know as The Beardy Gardener today. In a fascinating chat we learned all about how his garden helps with mental health, how he loves sharing it online, and a rather superb exclusive about his plans for 2023. You really are going to have to listen to find out!

We took the opportunity to discuss COP15, biodiversity and the role horticulture, gardening and National Plant Collections can play in this area.

We took the opportunity to talk to National Plant Collection holder of aeoniums Melanie Lewis. We discussed everything from how she got into growing them, to a recent horticultural disaster which she is dusting herself down from, and picking herself up.

Talking about how, when a hosepipe ban starts to come int force in certain areas, thinking more about how we use water and what we plant will be important to gardeners.

Question out to the Secretary of State for the environment with regard gardening, green spaces and the levelling up agenda. Participants also included Lord Deben, Sue Biggs Director General of the RHS and James Barnes, Chairman of the Horticultural Trades Association.

Discussion hosted by Conservative Home in partnership with the HTA.

A quick conversation with Vicki Cooke, Plant Conservation Manager at Plant Heritage, covering everything from National Plant Collections, wha plants are crying out for a collection holder, and how anyone can get involved in conserving plants.

A pre covid discussion of all things gardening, with multi award winning garden designer Adam Frost.