Acclaimed garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin discusses the craft of planting design, the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the profession, and the evolving role of planting designers today. He also shares insights from his new book, The Modern Professional Planting Designer, which is a novel and interesting look at the processes behind successful planting design.

Links

www.andrewfishertomlin.com

The Modern Professional Planting Designer: Creating Beautiful, Sustainable, Resilient Gardens for the Twenty-First Century

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 94: James Basson of Scape Design James Basson of Scape Design, working from southern France, talks naturalistic planting, use of native species, matrix/grid planting in large landscapes, and how to design resilient planting schemes. Link

Episode 205: Gardening on a Gradient Carol Smith, garden designer and lecturer, discusses designing and establishing gardens on sloping sites — site assessment, design, planting, and the challenges and opportunities slopes bring. Link

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Paulette Whitney of Provenance Growers in Tasmania is a grower, cook, and the author of Broccoli and Other Love Stories. We explore the world of seeds, soil, and flavour—from the challenges of gardening in Tasmania’s unique climate, to Paulette’s favourite herbs, root veg, and go-to meals after a long day in the garden. Along the way, Paulette shares how chefs inspire her to try new varieties and how her twin loves of growing and cooking continue to nourish her life.

Links

Provenance Growers - A thriving market garden and edible plant nursery in Lutruwita, Tasmania, run by Paulette Whitney. They grow produce, plants, and preserves with organic and regenerative methods. 

Also featured on Salamanca Market's site: Provenance Growers at Salamanca Market

Broccoli & Other Love Stories – Murdoch Books

https://www.murdochbooks.com/browse/book/Paulette-Whitney,-Provenance-Growers-Broccoli-&-Other-Love-Stories-9781922616876

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary

Joshua Sparkes, a regenerative grower, discusses his experimental, soil-centred practices and deeply respectful approach to the land. It’s a meaningful exploration of how observation, experimentation, and a love of soil can shape future-focused, sustainable food systems. 

Link

Episode 328: Soil, Health and Nutrition

This episode features Sam Hamrebtan, a nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert. She delves into how growing practices directly influence food quality and nutrition—demonstrating the intimate connection between soil care and what ends up on our plate.

Link

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Ali Morse is the Water Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts and together we talk the truth about peat: how much is still being extracted, why government promises have fallen short, and the role horticulture plays in the story. We also look ahead to the solutions—both practical and political—that could finally protect these precious habitats.

Links

The Wildlife Trusts – Main Website

Nic Wilson’s Peat Free Nurseries List

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 47: Going Peat Free with John WalkerIn this episode, I speak with John Walker, the “Earth Friendly Gardener,” about the use of peat in gardening, why it’s so harmful, and what's being done to end its use. He reflects on whether we can realistically eradicate peat from horticultural products. Roots and All

Episode 144: The State of Horticulture with Matthew ApplebyI chat with Matthew Appleby, Editor of Horticulture Week, about broader industry dynamics—such as Brexit, supply chain changes, and how the push to go peat-free is impacting both gardeners and the horticultural trade. Roots and All

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Liz Morley is the force behind @you_dig_gardens and Nottingham College’s inspiring Wilder Campuses project, where she’s transforming educational spaces into thriving, biodiverse landscapes. We explore her accessible, low-budget approach to rewilding and how it’s reconnecting people with nature right where they study and work.

Links

The project on instagram: @you_dig_gardens

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 336: Creating an Ark with Mary Reynolds Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the We Are The Ark rewilding movement—joins Sarah Wilson to explore how even small spaces can be transformed into biodiverse sanctuaries. Her insights into rewilding, from her award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden to grassroots ecological design, resonate beautifully with the ethos of campus rewilding. 

Listen here

Episode 106: More Than Weeds with Sophie Leguil Ecologist and biologist Sophie Leguil brings a passionate perspective on public spaces, meadows, wildflower planting, and the value of brownfield sites for urban nature. She challenges conventional horticulture and champions the ecological potential of overlooked weeds—an enriching counterpart to the themes of accessible biodiversity and rewilded campuses. 

Listen here

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In this episode I have a captivating conversation with writer and artist James Roberts. We explore the profound themes of his book "Two Lights," delving into the beauty and tragedy of the natural world. James shares his journey from city life to the rural landscapes of the Welsh borders, where he finds inspiration in the twilight hours and the delicate balance of nature. We also discuss the intersection of science and creativity, the importance of attention, and the emotional resonance of beauty. 

Links

James Roberts' Substack - Into the Deep Woods

Night River Wood - James Roberts' Official Website

"Two Lights" Book Purchase Link

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 320: Channeling Wild Gods with Tom Hirons - Tom Hirons is a poet whose work resonates deeply with the primal and ungovernable forces of nature, the human condition, and the intersections where they meet. His writing, including the much-lauded poem Sometimes a Wild God, stirs something ancient within, reminding readers of the chaos and beauty that lie at the heart of existence. In this conversation, we delve into the inspirations and philosophies behind his work, exploring the wild, untamed forces that shape his poetry and his perspective on creativity. 

Listen here

Episode 82: Irreplaceable with Julian Hoffman - This week’s guest is writer Julian Hoffman and we’re talking about his book Irreplaceable. I read the book a few months back and as you might expect from reading the blurb, it’s about those irreplaceable wild environments and the species we’re in danger of losing. But it’s also about the people who are so deeply connected to the landscapes and the animals they’re battling to save. Julian speaks about why it’s imperative that we stop the destruction of precious landscapes, how we can help at the individual level and why it’s vital to maintain the connection between people and place.

Listen here 

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George Fredenham—aka Flavour Fred—chef, forager, fermenter, and former co-owner of The Foragers at The Verulam Arms in St Albans is this episode’s guest. Known for turning hedgerow finds into award-winning dishes and wild cocktails, George now runs foraging walks, woodland feasts, and fermentation workshops, blending deep ecological knowledge with a flair for flavour.

We talk about his journey with wild food and how he’s teaching others to find, cook, and preserve the edible abundance all around them.

Links

www.flavourfred.com

Instagram @flavourfred

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 32: Foraging with Michael Wachter

• Synopsis: Sarah Wilson speaks with Michael Wachter, a seasoned forager and gardener from East Sussex (formerly at Great Dixter), about living sustainably off the land. Michael shares insights from his remote-island-living experiences in Germany, guiding listeners through foraging in gardens, coastal areas, and wild landscapes—while also cautioning on safety and ecological responsibility. 
• Listen here

Episode 184: Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying

• Synopsis: This episode features Frank Hyman, a certified mushroom forager and educator, who guides listeners through the often-overlooked world of wild fungi. Frank covers essential topics like safe harvesting, identification, cooking uses, and common pitfalls such as soil contamination or misidentification. The episode balances practical tips with engaging anecdotes and humor. Roots and All
• Listen here

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I'm speaking with Olga Evans, co-founder of the Forest Bathing Institute and author of a new book exploring the science behind nature's healing power. We'll discover what forest bathing really means, whether you need an actual forest to benefit, and learn practical techniques you can use wherever you are.

Links

The Forest Bathing Institute

The Healing Power of Trees by Olga Terebenina and Gary Evans

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 48: Forest Bathing with Stefan Batorijs— Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is the practice of immersing yourself in nature as therapy. It’s the perfect antidote for those who feel disconnected from the land and unattached from nature, which is increasingly likely to happen in a world where 55% of us live in urban areas. In this episode, I speak to Stefan Batorijs who founded Nature and Therapy UK in 2017, as a response to a growing need to foster a spiritual and psychological connection to the land. If you’ve always wondered what Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, entails, this is the episode for you!. 

Episode 118: The Tokachi Millennium Forest with Dan Pearson & Midori Shintani — In this episode, I am very pleased to have a double interview with Dan Pearson and Midori Shintani, the two key horticultural forces driving the Tokachi Millennium Forest project in Hokaido, Japan and co-authors of the book Tokachi Millennium Forest: Pioneering a New Way of Gardening with Nature. I speak to Midori first, then Dan, about this vast, 1000 year project, their hopes and intentions for now and the future and about their own places with the timeline of the forest.

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I’m speaking with Christina Oakley Harrington, founder of the legendary Treadwell’s Bookshop in London and author of The Treadwell’s Book of Plant Magic. We dive into her lifelong work in magic and folklore, explore the rich, earthy history of plant magic, and uncover the stories and secrets behind the herbs and flowers that have enchanted humans for centuries.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just plant-curious, listen on to find out what plants can do if you just ask.

Links

Treadwell’s Book of Plant Magic

Treadwells’ Online

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 243: Magical Plants & Flowers — This week’s episode, my guests are Chris Young and Susan Ottaviano. Chris and Susan are better known as the 2 Green Witches. Chris Young is a lifelong gardener whose acclaimed garden, Tiny Sur is a certified wildlife habitat and Susan is an artist, performer, songwriter, and food stylist. Their new book is The Green Witch’s Guide to Magical Plants & Flowers: Love Spells from Apples to Zinnias and together we take a light-hearted look at the power of plants to help you manifest your deepest desires. 

Episode 293: The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn — Hello and welcome to this week’s episode where my guest is Sue Reed. Sue’s background is varied and she’s worn a variety of hats, including teacher, museum guide, upcycler of waste wool knitwear and published author. Her most recent creation is the fictional character Molly McFlynn, a quirky and courageous character who comes to terms with the concept of being an outsider against the backdrop of covid and a rugged Northern landscape. Listen on to find out how nature factors into the rewilding of Molly…

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I’m joined by designer Will Tomson, whose work blends creativity with a deep commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. We chat about some of his exciting projects involving recycled aggregates, who inspires him, his Talking Plants events which he runs with Amy Langron and Katy Merrington, plus we lift the lid on a new and exciting event happening this September for anyone interested in practical, hands-on gardening tips from the best in the game. 

Links

Talking Plants website www.talkingplantssheffield.co.uk

Talking plants instagram @talking_plants_sheffield

Symposium tickets

Creative Cultivation website

Will Tomson/Creative Cultivation instagram @creativecultivation

Amy Langron @amy_langron_landscapes

Katy Merrington @katymerrington

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 222: Nature from the Rubble — I’m speaking to landscape architect Sally Bower. Sally has just been awarded the main RHS prize for her Bursary Report titled ‘Nature Rising from the Rubble’ which looks at gravel and recycled aggregate gardens in Essex and London. Specifically, Sally looked at John Little’s Hilldrop garden, RHS Hyde Hall, Beth Chatto’s gravel garden, the Langdon Nature Discovery Car Park and the Horniman Museum Grasslands garden and her findings were invaluable if you’re interested in designing with or growing in these types of media, and Sally had some surprising findings of note too.

 Listen here

Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity with Benny Hawksbee — My guest this week is gardener Benny Hawksbee. Benny has a background in biology and gardens with one eye on biodiversity. His projects include the Eden Nature Garden, a community garden designed to be a haven for people and wildlife, and John Little’s garden in Essex. We talk about how Benny brings biology and ecology into his work, what we can all do to garden for wildlife whilst reducing our input in terms of resources and how we can involve the community in building and using gardens that work for everyone. 

Listen here

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Pat Thomas is Director of Beyond GM, and we explore the hidden realities of GMOs, the implications of new "Precision Breeding" legislation, and how these changes could affect gardeners, small-scale growers, and our food future. From campaigns like Stop Hidden GMOs to looking at the global landscape regarding GMO policies, Pat offers essential insights and practical advice on where to learn more and how to take action.

Links

You can help fund the legal case by donating at CrowdJustice

Check out the Stop Hidden GMOs website for more information

Read more about GMOs at Beyond GM

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 338: Real Organic vs Regenerative Farming — I’m joined by Dave Chapman, host of the US chart-topping Real Organic Podcast. We dive into the rise of “regenerative” as the latest industry buzzword, the troubling reality of corporate consolidation in agriculture, and how antitrust issues are threatening the future of truly organic food. We also explore the key differences between organic food markets in the U.S. and the EU—and what they might mean for growers and consumers alike.

Listen here.

Episode 179: Ecological Gardens with Sid Hill — This week’s guest is eco gardener, landscape designer, permaculturist, horticultural thinker and garden experimenter, Sid Hill.Sid is concerned with building gardens that can sustain people and wildlife and he’s talking to me today about his particular brand of gardening, what we can do differently to improve our gardens and the whole discipline of horticulture in the UK.

Listen here.

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