PlantNetwork Interviews

Volunteers are crucial to many, if not most, public gardens, with Friends' groups often providing considerable support to gardens and their horticultural teams. We hear from Dr Shiona Mackie who has been instrumental in establishing the Friends of Botanic Gardens Forum, linking and supporting Friends' groups across the UK. We also find out about garden guides, the importance of inspirational teachers and ballet.

In this episode, we talk with Lucy Bell, Botanical Horticulturist at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, finding out about her responsibilities for the Broad Walk, her love of herbaceous perennials, and her plant-related modelling career! We also hear about Lucy's experiences of being on furlough during the first COVID-19 lockdown and how she feels now she is back at work.

We start 2021 with a chat to Juliet Sargeant, RHS Chelsea gold medal winning garden designer and founder of the Sussex Garden School. Find out more about Juliet's design ethos and her secret mission as well as her surprising confession regarding her own garden. Juliet also has advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in garden design.

In our final episode of 2020, PlantNetwork takes a slightly different tack and talks to a botanist, Dr Waheed Arshad.  We find out more about his role as a botanical data specialist, how he first became interested in botany and plants as well as writing to the Queen (on home-made paper) among many other things.

In this short special edition for Christmas, recorded during National Tree Week in November, we hear from a small number of PlantNetwork members willing to share their favourite trees.

Simon Toomer, Chair of PlantNetwork, interviews Mark Ballard, finding out more about his role at Westonbirt, the National Arboretum. Simon asks Mark about his career, developments at Westonbirt and plans for the future. If you are considering a career change to horticulture, this episode is definitely one for you.

In a change to the usual format, this podcast episode features Christopher Weddell, Senior Gardens Advisor at English Heritage, speaking with Rob Brett, Curator at RHS Garden Hyde Hall. The conversation ranges across career pathways, chats with Charles Darwin, Mick Jagger and orchids, and the importance of baobabs and asparagus on deserted islands. Curious? Dive in!

Cards on the table - Andy isn't a horticulturist. He does, however, work with horticulturists through his role as National TOPSOIL Manager, supplying topsoil and soil-based products to horticulture and other land-based industries. We hope the interview shows that there are a range of occupations out there that link to horticulture.... It was also an opportunity to find out a little more about one of key supporters and sponsors.

In this episode, PlantNetwork talks with Shelley O'Berg about her diverse and varied role as First Gardener and Horticultural Training Officer at the beautiful Cambo Gardens. We also hear about her work experience on Ascension and St Helena Islands and what it is like to learn the flying trapeze.

PlantNetwork speaks with Daniel, a Level 4 Diploma student, ahead of his graduation on 27 August from the RHS School of Horticulture. We find out about his experiences as a student at RHS Garden Wisley as well as his training at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, a growing interest in montane flora and hopes for the future. Jazz trumpets at the ready!