The Botanical Lovecast

If you are fond of plants and live in the UK (maybe even if you don't) you will have heard of Alice Vincent; author, journalist, plant person. We discussed Alice's new book, Rootbound, and talked about the upcoming Houseplant Festival at the Garden Museum in Lambeth. We also discussed gardening for millenials, social media, and a more edible city. 

Nick Hayes recently authored The Book of Tresspass, which is equal parts anecdotal, historical, political, and inspiring. As well as illustrating and printmaking Nick is a land rights campaigner. We talked about the commodification of wildness, the history of land rights in the UK, the value of time spent in nature, and worked our way through the tangled knot of class, economic inequality, and land access, You can get involved at Righttoroam.org.uk 

UK rappers Too Many T's made a song called This Earth Is F*cked. It's a great tune (listen through to hear the song) but it's a depressing message; Ross and Leon felt they needed to do something positive to balance out the energy of the song so they launched a tree planting initiative; Too Many Trees. Ross joins me to talk about his history as a sustainability major, the impetus behind this track, climate change, and tree planting.

Rasheeqa is a north/east London herbalist. In this episode we discuss intersectional health care, radical herbalism, unani medicine, as well as the power of tinctures and teas.

Is flowering to plants as art is to the human? Miss Jake is a creature of drag whose creations are both otherworldly and oddly natural. During lockdown Jake's houseplant collecting has reached new heights. We discuss gender, art, houseplant care, nature, and creativity.

I busted my collarbone and did nothing for weeks... except play animal crossing. Also, some Russian scientists recently regenerated incredibly old seeds, for science.

It's a wild time to be a live. Here's a hot take o the state of things; BLM, climate change, etc.

What's edible and growing in the northern hemisphere right now? We will let you know. Also, a recipe suggestion, and ethical discussion.

This week we learning how etymology and ancient punning framed apples as the forbidden fruit. We learn about their heterozygosity, the wild ancestors, and... how to make cider. My husband Josh is joining me this week because he makes cider, and because everything is more fun with a friend.

Nettles! Edible, medicinal, industrially useful and almost universally maligned. Let's learn about this remarkable perennial.