Why do some people spend a lifetime becoming experts?

In this episode of Keepers of the Green, Rob Price sits down with the President of the Alpine Garden Society, Rob Amos, to explore a question that matters far beyond gardening: how do we build, share and preserve deep knowledge in a world of instant information?

From mountain plants surviving in extreme environments to the scientists, growers and explorers who have dedicated decades to understanding them, this conversation uncovers what expertise really looks like. Is it science? Experience? Curiosity? Or something that can only be learned through years of observation and experimentation?

Together, Rob and Rob discuss the difference between information and understanding, the mentors who inspire us, and why some of the most valuable knowledge we possess still lives in people's heads rather than on the internet.

Whether you're interested in nature, science, lifelong learning, conservation, leadership, education, or simply the stories of people who become exceptionally good at what they do, and the plants that they care for, this episode offers a fascinating insight into how expertise is created—and why it matters more than ever.

Topics include:

• Why expertise is different from information

• Learning from mentors and masters

• Curiosity, observation and lifelong learning

• Conservation of knowledge as well as species

• How specialist communities pass knowledge between generations

• What younger generations can teach established institutions.

If you've ever wondered how people become true experts—or how we stop valuable knowledge disappearing—this episode is for you.

And as we hear from Rob, the Alpine Garden Society is an organisation that thrives on growing, and sharing, great plants. Be sure to check out one of their shows throughout the year across the UK.

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What does it take to create a truly exceptional Haworthia hybrid? In this episode of Keepers of the Green, we explore The Art of Hybridisation through the eyes of two artists and lifelong students of the genus. South African hybridiser Gerhard Marx shares insights from decades of breeding and selection, while UK grower, collector, and artist Allan Rollasonreflects on how experience changes the way we see these plants. Together, their perspectives reveal the blend of observation, intuition, patience, and creativity that lies behind both great hybrids and great art. Accompanied by illustrations from Gerhard and Allan, this episode examines not just how hybrids are created, but why the pursuit continues to captivate growers around the world.

What does it take to truly master the art of growing Haworthia? In this episode — the first of a three-part mini-series — we go deep into the fascinating world of South African succulents with Gerhard Marx, one of the world's leading Haworthia experts and hybridisers, based in South Africa.

Joined by Ian Armstrong, who travelled to South Africa to speak with Gerhard first hand, we explore what it takes to grow, understand, and hybridise these extraordinary plants — covering Haworthia, Haworthiopsis, and Tulista.

Whether you're a seasoned cactus and succulent collector, a UK-based grower discovering the genus for the first time, or simply inspired by the passion that defines this community, this episode is for you.

Keepers of the Green exists to capture the deep expertise and lifelong passion of the world's most dedicated plant growers — and this conversation with Gerhard is a perfect example of why.

🌱 Next episode: The Art of Hybridisation — don't miss it.

What does it really mean to preserve plants in a changing world?

In this episode of Keepers of the Green, I’m joined by Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage, to explore the vital role of the UK’s National Plant Collections in plant conservation, horticulture, and biodiversity preservation.

These collections are more than gardens—they are living archives of rare plants, heritage varieties, and specialist knowledge, carefully maintained to protect the future of our natural environment. From sustainable horticulture to biodiversity conservation, they play a critical role in safeguarding plant diversity across the UK.

We discuss how plant collections are built, documented, and passed on—ensuring that both plants and horticultural knowledge survive for future generations. We explore the balance between conserving wild species and cultivated varieties, and how gardeners, growers, and conservationists can contribute to protecting plant heritage.

As climate change and environmental pressures reshape our landscapes, we also ask: how do we decide which plants to prioritise, and what does resilience look like in modern gardening and conservation?

This episode is for anyone interested in gardening, biodiversity, plant conservation, horticulture, and sustainable landscapes—from experienced collectors to those just starting out.

And importantly, we explore how you can get involved—whether as a gardener, enthusiast, or future plant collector—and play a role in protecting the UK’s living plant heritage.

If you would like to know more please check out the website at https://www.plantheritage.org.uk

Plant Heritage was previously known as NCCPG, the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens.

Photo: Rob Price, paeonia mlokosewitschii in his own garden.

In this episode of Keepers of the Green, Rob is joined by Steve Bustin, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Hardy Plant Society, for a conversation about how plant knowledge is shared — and why it matters more than ever.

There was a time when so much gardening wisdom was passed “over the garden fence”: neighbour to neighbour, generation to generation. Practical advice about soil, pruning, planting, and patience wasn’t always written down — it was learned through experience, observation, and conversation.

Together, Rob and Steve reflect on:

• How deep plant knowledge is built over years of practice

• The importance of communities like the Hardy Plant Society in keeping expertise alive

• Why informal conversations often carry more insight than formal instruction

• How we can encourage the next generation of passionate plant people

• What it really means to be a keeper of knowledge

This is a celebration of the gardeners, growers, and enthusiasts who quietly preserve and share their understanding — ensuring that hard-won wisdom is not lost.

Whether you are new to gardening or have decades of experience, this episode is a reminder that the most valuable lessons are often shared simply, generously, and over time.

Comments are open — who passed plant knowledge on to you?

Subscribe to Keepers of the Green for conversations with passionate plant people and the stories behind the gardens they care for.

Rob has previously created two other business podcasts, Futurise and A New Digital Responsibility.

This podcast episode is dedicated to Jeune Price (1941-2023), passionate gardener and long time member of the Hardy Plant Society.