Master My Garden Podcast

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What’s the secret behind the breathtaking beauty of David Austin Roses? 
Join us as we uncover the captivating history, meticulous breeding process, and enduring legacy of these iconic blooms with none other than Joseph Sturrock Spencer, an esteemed rose consultant from David Austin Roses. 
From the visionary passion of David Austin to the global acclaim his roses have garnered at the Chelsea Flower Show, Joseph takes us on an enchanting journey through the world of English roses. Discover the balance of aesthetic charm, disease resistance, and repeat flowering that defines each new variety.

Ever wondered how a rose can take over a decade to perfect? Joseph, alongside insights from experts like Carl Bennett and David Austin Jr., reveals the journey from pollination to market introduction.  We dive into the rigorous trials and selections that ensure every David Austin rose meets the highest standards of beauty and resilience. Learn practical tips for optimal rose care, from choosing the right pot size to mastering deep watering techniques, ensuring your garden blooms with health and splendor.

Meet standout varieties like Desdemona, Olivia Rose Austin, and Tottering By Gently, each celebrated for their unique beauty and fragrance. Joseph’s deep-rooted passion for horticulture shines through as he shares his personal journey and the privilege of advising on some of the UK’s most magnificent gardens. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and innovation that keep David Austin Roses at the forefront of gardeners' hearts worldwide. Tune in and be inspired to create your own rose-filled paradise!

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If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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Can you keep your vegetable garden thriving even as the weather cools? Absolutely! Join us as we uncover the secrets to successful seed sowing in September. From winter salads to hardy vegetables like loose leaf lettuces, we'll guide you on what you can still plant this month. Learn how to protect your soil with mulch or green manures and discover the benefits of polytunnel sowing to extend your growing season. With unpredictable weather on the horizon, we also share crucial tips for safeguarding your young seedlings with bio netting and fleece.

Thinking about adding a greenhouse to your garden? Don’t miss our expert advice on choosing the perfect one for your needs. We emphasize the importance of opting for a larger size, exploring different types like polytunnels, glasshouses, and polycarbonate houses. Discover why head height and straight-sided designs matter, and the significance of good ventilation and dual doors for ease of access and optimal airflow. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the most of your garden year-round.

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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Can you imagine a garden that grows more breathtaking each year with minimal effort? This week on Master My Garden, discover how autumn planting of spring-flowering bulbs like snowdrops, Fritillaria, Muscari, and Camassias can transform your garden into a vibrant spring haven. We revisit key insights from previous episodes, including our insightful chat with Dave and Jules from Esker Farm Daffodils, who share their expertise on unique and rare bulb varieties.

We answer a listener question from a listener in Canada on the art of forcing bulbs following their less than successful attempt at forced tulips last year.  Learn why tulips might not be the ideal choice and how proper drainage, potting grit, and natural cold periods are crucial for success. Our discussion is rooted in Irish gardening experiences but provides universal tips that can help gardeners worldwide achieve stunning early blooms with patience and the right techniques.

Lastly, we focus on sustainable gardening practices for spring flowering bulbs. Discover why long-lasting, naturalizing species like alliums, anemones, narcissi, and crocuses are more beneficial than mass-planted tulips. Get practical advice on layering techniques such as lasagna planting and staging for continuous blooms from December to early May. These strategies ensure a vibrant and sustainable spring garden with minimal effort. Plus, stay tuned for hints about exciting upcoming episodes featuring intriguing guest interviews!

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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How to grow your own wildflower meadow course:
https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1574174/checkout/order_qfcnsy41

Ever wondered how to transform your garden into a thriving sanctuary for both plants and wildlife? In this episode, we unlock the secrets to creating a stunning wildflower meadow that not only brightens your landscape but also supports local ecosystems. I'll share my personal journey, from the vibrant colors of the first year's blooms to the more natural, wildlife-friendly aesthetics that follow. Learn why September is the perfect time to start your meadow and understand the crucial differences between a floral meadow and a native wildflower meadow, each offering unique benefits and challenges.

We'll also explore various techniques to establish your meadow, featuring the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan's "no mow, let it grow" strategy. Discover the role of yellow rattle in fostering plant diversity and the best methods for preparing a weed-free seed bed. Unveil the dynamic beauty of a year-round meadow, with a succession of flowers from spring to late summer, and the importance of annual cutting and strategic planting. Tune in for expert tips and insights to cultivate a meadow that enhances both your garden's beauty and its ecological health.

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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What if you could transform your garden into a breathtaking oasis from early spring to late autumn while saving money? This episode of Master My Garden promises to unravel the secrets of autumn perennial sowing, revealing how you can achieve stronger plant growth, longer flowering periods, and significant cost savings. We’ll break down the differences between annuals, biennials, and perennials, and explain why autumn is the perfect time for sowing those hardy perennials. You'll hear Stephen Daly’s inspiring success story with lupins, rudbeckia, and blue sea holly, illustrating the pride and financial benefits of growing your own garden beauties.

We’ll also guide you through a rich selection of perennial plants and grasses that are ideal for autumn sowing. From the vibrant Achillea 'Cerise Queen' and 'Cloth Of Gold' to the charming Hollyhocks and the striking Agastache 'Astello Indigo,' we highlight plants that are not only easy to cultivate but also visually stunning. Learn why late-flowering Rudbeckia is adored by goldfinches and how Verbena bonariensis can add tall, purple elegance to your borders. Each plant we discuss has been chosen for its ease of propagation and ability to enhance your garden aesthetics.

Experience the joy and satisfaction of growing plants from seeds as we offer practical tips on sowing techniques, timing, and care. From Verbascum Snowy Spire, which attracts a multitude of bees, to the humble Foxglove, we emphasise the rewarding journey from seed to full bloom. This episode is packed with encouragement and guidance for gardeners of all levels, ensuring that the process is approachable and deeply fulfilling. Join us and feel inspired to take the DIY approach to gardening, creating a vibrant, cost-effective haven right in your backyard. Happy gardening!

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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What if you could create a thriving home garden filled with robust, organic plants that require minimal maintenance? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Gert from Caherhurley Nurseries. Gert who relocated from the Netherlands to County Clare, Ireland, to cultivate a lush, organic plant paradise. Gert shares how the warm community and breathtaking landscapes of Clare inspired his family's move and how their nursery stands out by offering hardy plants that thrive in any garden.

Gert recounts the significant shift of moving from selling at plant fairs to a permanent nursery, highlighting the labor-intensive nature of fairs and the rewarding, sustainable business model of a permanent nursery. Gert highlights the nursery's mission, as he emphasises their commitment to organic practices helping biodiversity, and providing plants that thrive in Irish gardens. Learn about the team's dedication, including Elizabeth and Kate, who contribute to the nursery's joyful atmosphere and sustainable success.

From plant propagation secrets to the challenges of coastal gardening, Gert provides invaluable insights into selecting and cultivating hardy plants. We delve into practical advice for managing common garden pests like rabbits and deer, and the benefits of choosing resilient plants for long-term growth. This episode is brimming with expert tips, heartfelt stories, and resources to help you transform your garden with robust, organic plants. Join us and be inspired by Gert's journey and the thriving community at Caherhurley Nurseries.

You can contact Gert and the Caherhurley team through their website here:
https://www.caherhurleynursery.com

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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Ever wondered how to blend historical charm with modern sustainability in garden design? Join us as we chat with John Smith, the newly appointed head gardener at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. John shares his horticultural journey from learning the ropes with his father to leading renowned gardens like Belvedere House. You'll hear about his plans for these iconic gardens, highlighting the crucial balance between maintaining heritage and embracing contemporary horticultural practices.

Discover the secrets behind creating visually stunning, garden spaces that also offer deep emotional resonance for visitors. John dives into the history of the Japanese gardens and discusses how their intricate design continues to captivate visitors. Learn about the meticulous care involved in recent plantings and efforts to enhance the visitor experience, revealing how past and present horticultural practices are harmoniously intertwined.

In the final segment, we explore the future of sustainable gardening with an ambitious five-year plan that transitions to all-electric machinery and eliminates petrol use. John reveals how they are tackling challenges like soil pH adjustments and the undervaluation of conifers, all while planning engaging community initiatives. From garden tours to workshops on fruit and vegetable cultivation, find out how you can connect with these remarkable gardens and contribute to a botanically rich and visually stunning future.

You can find out more and book tickets here:
https://irishnationalstud.ie

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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John looks at what seeds we can sow in the month of August on this weeks episode. The list is much smaller but there are still lots we can sow in August. 
 
Can you still sow seeds in August and keep your vegetable garden thriving as we head into autumn? Tune in to episode 237 of Master My Garden Podcast, where we uncover the secrets to making the most of this crucial month in the edible garden calendar. Learn which seeds you should be planting now, from spring onions to radishes, and discover our tips for larger sowings as we approach September. Celebrate your victories with crops like potatoes, onions, garlic, and brassicas, while we share honest struggles with tomatoes and raspberries due to unpredictable weather.

As the seasons shift, we’ll guide you through essential tasks to maintain a productive garden. From trimming plants such as mizuna and tatsai to sowing herbs like coriander and vegetables like pak choi, we’ve got you covered for autumn and winter harvests. We emphasize the importance of protecting spring harvest crops like cabbage and cauliflower from pests, and we offer practical advice on managing common garden issues like blight, aphids, and caterpillars. Join us and ensure your garden continues to flourish, reaping the rewards of your hard work throughout the upcoming colder months!

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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Ever wondered how to maintain garden privacy with an evergreen hedge that is easy to manage? 
 We're tackling this exact dilemma faced by our listener Siobhan who is struggling to manage an old overgrown Griselinia hedge on one side of her long, narrow, and steep property. While looking for privacy on the opposite side by adding a hedge that is easy to mange and complimenting what is already there. 

Siobhan messaged me with a heartfelt thanks for the podcast. She shares her challenges on her site, including finding an evergreen hedge solution that ensures year-round privacy.  We discuss creative and practical solutions tailored to her unique site conditions, offering a wealth of advice for anyone dealing with similar gardening conundrums.

Explore the world of hedge planting with us as we dive into the pros and cons of plants like Taxus, Lonicera, Privet, Holly, Pittosporum, Photinia Red Robin and many more.  We also tackle Siobhan's steep bank which is being over-run by gorse for which she is looking for a solution. This episode is packed with advice from Portuguese laurels to bamboo varieties like phyllostachys, and even cost-effective erosion control methods like gabion cages, we'll help you create a beautiful, functional garden landscape that perfectly balances aesthetics, privacy, and budget. Join us for an episode packed with actionable tips and expert insights to transform your garden challenges into triumphs!

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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Are you wondering why your tomatoes and raspberries aren't thriving this summer? This week on "Master My Garden Podcast," I share my firsthand experiences and the effects of lower light levels and cooler temperatures on garden growth this year. Despite being away on holiday, I noticed the garden's response to these conditions, revealing slower growth and less sweetness in our beloved fruits. Tune in for essential gardening tips like the necessity of regular feeding, removing side shoots, and maintaining garden cleanliness, all while empathizing with the shared challenges many gardeners are facing due to unpredictable weather.

Our polytunnel and outdoor garden setups have their own stories to tell! Discover the triumphs of harvesting garlic, onions, courgettes, herbs, and more, all thriving despite the odds. The unmistakable flavour of freshly dug British Queens potatoes. Even our strawberries, though smaller, continue to bring joy. Learn about our strategic moves to prevent blight by separating tomatoes and potatoes. This segment is packed with practical advice and heartening successes, proving that even in challenging conditions, some crops can truly shine.

Lastly, let's take a tour of the home garden, where rhubarb, broccoli, cabbage, and potatoes are exceeding expectations with minimal pest problems. However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Carrots and parsnips have struggled with germination due to erratic temperatures and heavy rains, compounded by blackbird disturbances. Hear about the transformation of our meadow garden into an ecological haven and the ongoing efforts to control weeds and create new flower beds. Listener interaction remains at the core of our podcast, reinforcing our mission to support and inspire fellow gardeners through shared experiences and practical advice. Join the conversation and let’s grow together!

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John