Join us as we explore the art of bare root planting alongside experts Caitriona and Robert from Cullen Nurseries in Carlow. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of this cost-effective gardening method, perfect for large-scale projects. Katrina and Robert share their journey through the ever-evolving trends of the nursery industry—from the Leylandii craze of the 1980s to today’s focus on native and sustainable species. Gain insights into the patience and expertise required to grow plants destined for sale years down the line.

Get ready to transform your landscape with a splash of evergreen elegance. We delve into the growing popularity of hedge options like beech, laurel, and Red Robin, examining the art of trimming techniques that keep your hedges lush nearly all year round. Listen as we ponder the aesthetics of mixed hedging and the balance between uniformity and diversity in planting. The conversation delves into the demand for Portuguese laurel and the vibrant Photinia Carre Rouge, appreciated for their beauty and low maintenance.

As we round off, we shift focus to sustainable practices in gardening and nursery management—an area gaining momentum as farmers and gardeners alike embrace biodiversity.  We discuss how strategic planting not only enhances biodiversity but also nurtures the ecosystem, helping reduce pesticide reliance. This episode is your guide to hedges and hedges and how these will help you  making impactful changes in your gardening habits while contributing to environmental conservation.

You can find Cullen nurseries here:
https://cullennurseries.ie

Support the show

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

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Join us on an enchanting journey through the world of snowdrops with our esteemed guest, Robert Miller from Altamont Plants. As we discuss the incredible acquisition of rare snowdrop varieties, learn first hand about the challenges and triumphs of managing one of Europe's largest public displays of these delicate winter flowers.

You'll gain insights into the art of snowdrop cultivation, particularly the practice of selling them "in the green" for the best results. Listen as we explore the exciting addition of over 12,500 snowdrop bulbs at Altamont, featuring more than 600 unique varieties, including some that have never been seen in Ireland before. Robert also shares how Brexit has shaped the availability of certain varieties and how Altamont is navigating these changes, offering a fresh perspective on the growing enthusiasm for snowdrop collecting.

Finally, feel the anticipation building for the upcoming annual Snowdrop Gala, a premier event for gardening enthusiasts. With an impressive lineup of speakers, including Chris Ireland-Jones, the gala promises to be a celebration of all things snowdrop. We discuss the importance of face-to-face interactions in the gardening community and ensuring the health of plants before purchase. This episode is filled with passion and excitement as we unite snowdrop lovers from around the world, and you won’t want to miss it!

Follow Altamont Plants For updates:
https://www.instagram.com/altamontplants/

Support the show

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

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

Can autumn truly be the busiest time in your garden? Join us as we navigate through the essential tasks that can transform your October gardening routine into a harmonious preparation for spring. Personal commitments and shorter days might have left some areas neglected in my garden, but together we'll tackle these challenges. From the delightful surprise of an extended tomato season in the polytunnel, thanks to a yellow variety from a generous listener, to strategies for managing soil health with green manures and biochar, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartwarming stories. Hear how these small steps can pave the way for a flourishing garden come spring.

We'll also shed light on late autumn maintenance tasks that keep your garden healthy and vibrant year-round. Discover the benefits of strategic mulching and feeding, and how simple actions like timing hedge cutting can make a big impact on local wildlife. Whether you're battling weeds or managing compost, our insights will guide you through the most critical autumn chores. Plus, get a sneak peek into upcoming guest interviews that promise to inspire your gardening journey as we approach the bare root season. Embrace the season's challenges and joys with us, and take your gardening experience to the next level. Happy gardening!

Support the show

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

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

Ready to transform your autumn and winter gardening into a captivating oasis? Discover how to maintain a vibrant, joyful garden year-round, as we explore the rich tapestry of colors and textures that autumn and winter can offer. From lush trees and shrubs like red oaks and mahonias to the delicate beauty of blooming camellias and winter pansies, we'll show you how these colder months can be just as rewarding as spring and summer. Plus, learn how to attract early pollinators to your garden with scented shrubs and vibrant blooms that promise a continuous display of nature's splendor.

Join me as I share a curated list of up to 20 plants perfect for the chilly seasons, including hidden gems like erica carnea and daphnes. Delight in practical tips for integrating bulbs such as daffodils and snowdrops, and hear about the enchanting effect of ornamental grasses and larger trees. As we touch on the joy of watching wild birds flock to feeders. I will also speak of my personal joys and nurturing our blossoming podcast community. Embrace the beauty of your garden, even in the darkest months, and let's keep the gardening spirit thriving together.

Support the show

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

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

How To Build My Stock Of Plants Through Propagation? Listener Question Answered

Ready to cultivate a thriving garden in your new home? This week, we tackle Caroline's dilemma on how to build up her plant stock before moving. From the intricacies of taking hardwood and softwood cuttings to mastering the art of layering and division, we cover a range of propagation techniques. You'll learn the best timing and plants for each method, ensuring that Caroline—and you—can successfully propagate your own plants. Gain practical insights to expand your garden without breaking the bank.

Grow your perennial collection effortlessly and economically with our handy tips. Discover how dividing plants like hostas, astilbes, and irises can rejuvenate them while doubling your stock. We also delve into sowing perennial seeds, perfect for those with limited space, and the benefits of naturalizing bulbs like tete-a-tete. Plus, find out how to use the layering technique with lilac trees to propagate new plants without detaching them from the mother plant. Tune in for all this and more, ensuring your gardening journey is as rewarding as it is fruitful.

Support the show

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

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

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!

Support the show

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

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

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]

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

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]

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

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]

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

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]

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