Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

In this episode of Roots and All, I chat with ecology consultant Johnnie Johnson about his journey into the natural world, his detailed multi-visit garden surveys, and the incredible discoveries he makes in unexpected places. From tracking scarce insects to working with prominent public spaces like the Horniman Museum and John Little's garden, Johnnie Johnson shares how anyone can boost wildlife by embracing structural complexity and natural variation.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Southern Green Shieldbug

What You'll Learn:

• How garden biodiversity audits work, spanning multiple visits across the spring and summer seasons.
• Why urban gardens serve as crucial ecological stepping stones for wildlife in an increasingly paved-over landscape.
• The importance of starting at the bottom of the food chain by focusing on native plants and structural micro-habitats.
• Practical, low-cost ways to invite wildlife in—from small water sources and log piles to areas of bare ground and varied vegetation heights.

The Reality of Ecology Consulting and Garden Surveys

Johnnie Johnson shares how he transitioned into ecology later in life, moving from the planning side of the profession—which deals heavily with development and mitigation—into hands-on garden surveys that actually focus on finding and celebrating life. He discusses his detailed reports, which often span 80 to 100 pages and combine scientific data with custom artwork and portraits of notable insects found on site.

Why Gardens Matter More Than You Think

Reflecting on his survey work across Essex, Suffolk, and London, Johnnie Johnson highlights that private and public gardens often possess a remarkable variety of micro-habitats. Because traditional rural landscapes can sometimes be impoverished, these green spaces act as vital urban refuges. He also touches on his baseline surveys at the Horniman Museum, tracking how strategic changes to cutting regimes over several years can drastically improve species richness.

Practical Principles for Gardeners and Designers

When translating ecological data into day-to-day garden care, Johnnie Johnson emphasizes simplicity over rigid science:

• Embrace structural diversity: Incorporate varied plant heights, log piles, soil patches, and a water source to instantly boost habitat value.
• Champion native species: Move toward utilizing native plants to support a fully functioning local food web.
• Collaborate with designers: Bridge the gap between rigorous ecology and aesthetic design so that native-heavy planting schemes look and feel fantastic in a domestic setting.

Links & Resources

• Johnnie Johnson on Instagram
• The Horniman Museum & Gardens: Explore their public spaces and long-term ecological projects.

Support the podcast on Patreon

Follow Roots and All:

• On Instagram @rootsandallpod
• On Facebook @rootsandalluk
• On LinkedIn - Sarah Wilson

Recommended Archive Episodes:

Episode 287: Designing for Biodiversity with Professor Dave Goulson This deep-dive archive episode looks closely at how insect populations interact with garden planting choices, matching Johnnie's focus on starting from the bottom of the food chain and supporting local pollinators.

Episode 245: The Living Soil and Micro-Habitats An extensive look into building foundational garden elements like bare ground, log piles, and soil health, directly echoing Johnnie's practical advice on structural complexity and micro-habitats.

In this episode of Roots and All, I chat with designer, researcher, and filmmaker Eliza about the intersection of design, ecology, and the fast-paced realities of plant evolution. Coming straight from her extensive research fields—including tracking wildflowers in the Rocky Mountains with Dr. Diane Campbell and exploring alpine meadow systems in Italy—Eliza shares how climate change is reshaping landscapes, why plants are shifting behaviours, and how gardeners can embrace a more observational, resilient approach.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The European Firebug

What You'll Learn:

• How extreme weather, drought, and low snowpacks are accelerating plant evolution and altering seasonal lifecycles in the Rocky Mountains.
• What assisted migration, natural hybridisation, and resilient "Hybridising Scentscapes" mean for future planting schemes and garden biodiversity.
• How traditional practices, like alpine cattle transhumance festivals, can inspire creative seed dispersal solutions.
• Practical takeaways for gardeners and designers looking to relinquish rigid control and embrace natural resilience.

Understanding the Future Through Design and Research

Eliza explains her unique multidisciplinary practice, which blends design research, ecology, and filmmaking to simulate and speculate on future environments. Moving beyond traditional interior or product design, her work explores how humans can collaborate with scientists and natural ecosystems to address climate pressures.

Climate Realities in the Rocky Mountains and the Alps

Reflecting on her recent field observations in Colorado—where she spends every summer at a field station working alongside scientists—Eliza highlights how extreme drought, a lack of reliable afternoon rain showers, low snowpacks, and early melting have severe domino effects on plant health, pollinator survival, and local marmot populations. She also dives into her work in the Italian Alps, examining ancient meadow systems and how nomadic animal migration (transhumance) plays a crucial role in species distribution.

Resilient Gardens and Hybridising Scentscapes

Eliza discusses her ongoing collaboration with artist/farmers Atteraterra (ATT) on Hybridising Scentscapes—gardens designed specifically for resilience and evolution. Featuring installations such as the one at the Design Museum, this long-term research explores how planting varieties in close proximity allows nature and pollinators to drive evolutionary adaptations against higher temperatures and water scarcity.

Practical Principles for Gardeners and Designers

When translating high-level scientific research into everyday horticulture, Eliza suggests stepping back from rigid maintenance practices. Gardeners and designers can benefit greatly from:

• Embracing natural surprises: Allowing unexpected plant hybrids or "weeds" to persist rather than immediately pulling them out, as they may hold vital climate resilience traits.
• Loosening control: Moving away from overly sterile aesthetic expectations toward a more dynamic, biodiverse, and observational approach to garden maintenance.

Links & Resources

• TUFF Group: Eliza's new group focusing on the aftermath of historical weather events and major disturbances, featuring a monthly book club exploring historical events from each month and their lasting impacts.
• Design Museum & Future Observatory: Eliza has an upcoming show opening at the Design Museum with Future Observatory in November, displaying new work on how migratory species can assist struggling plants facing extreme weather. You can read more via the Future Observatory website.
• Featured Book: On the Necessity of Gardening: An ABC of Art, Botany and Cultivation

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Eliza, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 181: Gardening in a Changing World

This episode explores the overarching perspective of the climate crisis, looking at how ecological shifts and evolution will change the way we manage our green spaces. It serves as a great companion piece to Eliza's insights on climate adaptation.

Episode 137: Water-wise Gardening with Janet Manning

Janet Manning looks deep into drought-tolerant plants and practical water management strategies for gardens facing increasing temperature and weather pressures.

In this episode, gardening expert and The English Garden editor Clare Foggett joins us to explore what truly defines a cottage garden. We discuss why these spaces are defined by generous planting rather than rigid design, the magic of self-seeding plants, and how this traditional style fits into modern, sustainable, and biodiverse gardening.

Includes:

• Planted, Not Designed: Discover how cottage gardens evolve naturally through a passion for plants rather than a master plan.

• The Power of Self-Seeders: Learn why plants like foxgloves and valerian are essential for a relaxed, charming aesthetic.

• Modern Sustainability: Find out why this high-flower, low-lawn approach is the ultimate eco-friendly choice for contemporary gardeners.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Ivy Bee

Links

Beauty & Abundance: British Cottage Gardens by Clare Foggett

Nestboxes Talk - with Ian Rumley-Dawson

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Clare, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 168: Cottage Gardens with Andrew Sankey

Andrew Sankey has spent decades researching English cottage gardens, and this episode explores what defines the style, both historically and today, including the plants, planting techniques, edibles and wildlife-friendly qualities that make cottage gardens so distinctive. It's a particularly useful companion to Claire's exploration of how the cottage garden has evolved and why it remains so relevant to the way we garden today.

Episode 244: The Biodiversity Gardener with Paul Sterry

Paul Sterry explores how gardens can contribute to biodiversity, from the plants we grow and the way we manage them to the habitats we create for insects and other wildlife. Like Claire's conversation, it considers how a more relaxed, abundant approach to gardening can benefit nature as well as creating a beautiful garden.

We tend to think of plants as static things: rooted to the spot, quietly getting on with being plants. But what if, beneath our feet, there's a much more dynamic world of movement, adaptation and decision-making going on? In this episode I'm talking to plant ecologist and artist Curtis Lubbe about roots, bulbs and rhizomes, plant 'animacy' and why changing the way we think and talk about plants might change the way we treat them too.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Fig-Leaf Skeltoniser

Links

Curtis Lubbe Blog

Journal of Ecology profile: Curtis Lubbe

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Curtis, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 109: The Botanical Mind with Gina Buenfeld

This episode explores the relationship between art and the natural world, including ideas around plant intelligence, symbolism and the ways plants have been understood across different cultures. It's a particularly good companion to Curtis's thoughts on plant perception and the role of art in helping us see plants differently.

Episode 245: The Language of Trees

Artist and activist Katie Holten explores our relationship with trees through art, language, literature and ecology. Like Curtis's work, it asks us to rethink how we perceive plants and to find new ways of communicating their importance and complexity.

What if your garden could double as a living pharmacy? In this episode, I'm talking to gardener, chef and herbalism practitioner Vanessa Minton about growing medicinal herbs, using them in everyday life, and understanding both the benefits and limitations of herbal remedies.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Toadflax Brocade Moth

Links

From The Garden – Linktree

How to Grow Medicinal Herbs: An Illustrated Beginner's Guide to Growing, Harvesting, and Making Herbal Remedies at Home - Vanessa Minton

Please support the podcast on Patreon

As featured in the Feedspot Top 100 Horticulture Podcasts

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Vanessa, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 270: Herbology

This episode explores the long history of using plants to make remedies and therapeutic preparations, and the growing interest in reconnecting with traditional herbal knowledge. It's a natural companion to Vanessa's discussion of medicinal herbs and the garden as a source of plant medicine.

Episode 96: Sensory Herbalism with Karen Lawton

Karen Lawton talks about developing a deeper connection with medicinal plants through observation, sensory awareness and herbal practice. It's a lovely companion to Vanessa's discussion of bringing herbs into everyday life and getting to know the plants we grow.

Can we save nature by putting a quantifiable value on it? Tim Christophersen is a forester, former UN environmentalist and a leading voice in the global ecosystem restoration movement, championing regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions. With the UK sweltering through multiple heatwaves, we discuss whether investment can really deliver the restoration we need — and what happens when living ecosystems become part of the financial system.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Toadflax Brocade Moth

About Tim Christopherson

Tim Christophersen joined Salesforce as VP, Climate Action in May 2022. Within the global Impact Team, he leads the work on climate and nature action and investments. Tim is based in Denmark. He is the author of 'Generation Restoration', a book about restoring nature at planetary scale. Before joining Salesforce, Tim was Head of the 'Nature for Climate' Branch at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and led a growing global movement backed by all UN Member States and over 300 partner organizations to 'prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide': the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030.

He holds a degree in Forestry and Forest Conservation Engineering from Dresden University of Technology. He previously worked for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), where he led the portfolio on the conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity. From 2017-2019, he was elected Chair of the Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration. From 2002-2007 he was Regional Programme Coordinator for Europe, the Caucasus and the Commonwealth of Independent States at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). He also worked for the Danish Ministry of the Environment, and for the European Commission.

Links

Generation Restoration: How to Fix Our Relationship Crisis with Mother Nature by Tim Christopherson

Tim Christophersen on how to rebuild humanity's ties to nature

Other restoration projects of interest: Restor.eco decadeonrestoration.org

Tim's LinkedIn profile

Please support the podcast on Patreon

As featured in the Feedspot Top 100 Horticulture Podcasts

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Tim, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 318: Care Not Capital

John Little challenges the idea that investing in green spaces is primarily about capital, arguing instead for investment in the people who care for them. It makes an interesting companion to Tim's discussion of the role money and investment can play in restoring nature.

Episode 58: A New Garden Ethic with Benjamin Vogt

Benjamin Vogt argues for a different relationship with nature, one in which we see ourselves as part of the wider ecological community rather than separate from it. It's a useful counterpoint to Tim's much bigger-picture discussion about how we value and restore the natural world.

Blending storytelling with facts can encourage children to see the wildlife on their doorstep in a completely different way. In this episode, I'm talking to children's author and wildlife expert Sonia Copeland Bloom about storytelling, wildlife and getting children curious about the natural world.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Rock Rose Prickly Leaf Beetle

Links

Amazing Tales & Truths about Garden Minibeasts by Sonia Copeland Bloom, with illustrations by Nick Page

First edition ISBN 978-917673-54-9.

Available on Amazon, to order from all good bookshops, including Amazon Kindle and on www.amentsoc.com along with Sonia's six smaller books.

For more info visit www.bugglebury.com and www.amentsoc.com

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sonia, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 76: School Gardening with the MiniHorts

A look at the benefits of getting children gardening and connecting with nature from an early age. It's a great companion to Sonia's work bringing wildlife and the natural world to life for young readers.

Episode 343: Lines Across the Wild

Writer and naturalist Julian Hoffman explores threatened landscapes, wildlife and our deep connections to the natural world. It complements Sonia's passion for encouraging curiosity about the creatures and wild places around us.

Have you ever wondered who answers all those gardening questions that stump the rest of us? This week I'm chatting to Leigh Hunt, Principal Horticultural Advisor at the RHS, about what really goes on behind the scenes of the Society's advice service, the questions gardeners ask most often, and what those thousands of enquiries reveal about the way we're gardening in a changing climate.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Mexican Grass-Carrying Wasp

Links

RHS Gardening Advice

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Leigh, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 210: Gardening in a Changing World

Darryl Moore discusses how gardeners can respond to the climate crisis by rethinking the way we design and manage our gardens. His ideas about working with plants, rather than against them, make this an excellent companion to Leigh's observations on the changing questions the RHS is receiving as gardeners adapt to new weather patterns and growing conditions.

Episode 321: Weathering It All

Sarah talks to writer and naturalist Matt Gaw about our relationship with weather, exploring how storms, drought and seasonal change shape both landscapes and our experience of nature. It complements Leigh's insights into how increasingly unpredictable weather is influencing the advice sought by gardeners across the UK.

Could the secret to better health be sitting in a simple jar on your kitchen counter? Today I'm joined by food writer and fermentation expert Rachel de Thample to explore how fermentation can rewild the gut microbiome, preserve the seasons, and prove that making your own fermented foods is much easier than most of us think.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Bee Wolf

Links

The Fermentation Year: Everyday techniques and recipes to rewild your microbiome by Rachel de Thample

Rachel on Instagram - @dethample

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Rachel, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 371: Wild Edibles

Wendy Russell and Freda Farquharson explore the potential of wild edible plants, from citizen science and biodiversity to health and climate-friendly farming. Their conversation about making better use of overlooked plants is a great companion to Rachel's discussion of fermentation, seasonal eating and increasing the diversity of the foods we eat.

Episode 306: The Soil Habitat

Sarah talks to geologist and soil food web specialist Eddie Bailey about the living world beneath our feet, why healthy soils are essential for healthy plants, and how soil health ultimately affects our own wellbeing. It pairs perfectly with Rachel's explanation of the links between soil microbes, fermentation and the gut microbiome.

The biggest changes in how we care for nature might start just outside our front door. This episode, I'm joined by adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys to discuss his latest book, Unwilding, and explore why reconnecting with the natural world is less about escaping to the wilderness and more about noticing what's already around us—from litter picking to climate handprints, and the power of small, everyday actions.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Weld Bee

Links

Alastair Humphreys – Official Website

Unwilded – Book Page

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Alastair, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature

Brigit Anna McNeill joins Sarah to explore what it means to truly reconnect with the natural world. Together they discuss healing through plants, reclaiming our relationship with nature, and how slowing down and paying attention can help us rediscover our place within it. It's a thoughtful companion to Alastair's reflections on finding wonder close to home and building a deeper connection with the landscapes around us.

Episode 373: V-Wilding

Sarah talks to Randal Plunkett about his ambitious rewilding project at Dunsany Nature Reserve, where farming has given way to a hands-off approach that allows nature to recover on its own terms. From biodiversity and conservation to rethinking our role in the landscape, this episode complements Alastair's conversation about repairing the places we already inhabit rather than searching for wilderness elsewhere.