Podcast appearances and mentions of ben dark

Find out what's been happening in On The Ledge Towers since the last episode of the podcast in September 2024, and listen to a preview of my new podcast. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/dee-dive-podcast-preview Want to find out more about Scribehound Gardening? Why not take out a trial subscription here: there's more info here. Subscribe to the Scribehound Gardening Deep Dive podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can listen to the rest of the Ben Dark episode here. Say farewell to OTL mascot Wolfie the lurcher.

We start this week with a journey back in time, exploring some of the oldest and most resilient plants on the planet: ferns. Gardener, botanist and author Ben Dark has been uncovering some surprising stories about these living fossils as part of his sweeping journey – 2.5 billion years deep – into the fascinating history of plants. Ferns thrive in damp, shady garden corners — but they're not the only ones. Horticulturist Alessandra Sana faced this exact challenge when she took on the north-facing wall of RHS Wisley's walled garden. She shares her go-to plants and creative inspiration for transforming those tricky, low-light spots into lush, green sanctuaries. And finally, we cross the Atlantic to hear from John Sonnier, Head Gardener at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. His pioneering sustainable gardening practices have just earned him the prestigious Elizabeth Medal of Honour from the RHS. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Ben Dark, Alessandra Sana, John Sonnier Links: The Grove: A Nature Odyssey in 19 ½ Front Gardens Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials What can I grow in a dry shady spot? Sustainable planting combinations: shade collection RHS People Awards

On this episode of Dear Gardener, host Ben Dark explores gardening life and gardening death. From the ranunculus flower's writhing stem - a cut flower snake, trying to find its way back into the garden - to tulips drooping in a vase, the importance of writing accurately about plants is emphasised.Literary comings and goings-on are explored on a visit to Parham House and hints are given for those of us in temporary gardens (aren't we all?) We look at how to string a tomato and take soft-wood summer cuttings from a grape vine. Also, what to do with your moat and why hippoptamuslike plants are no good at all.https://ko-fi.com/bendarkwww.bendark.com

It's peak summer – a time when many of our flowers are flourishing, adorning our gardens with bright colours and sweet, rich fragrances. We've gone from nurturing our gardens to flipping the switch – sitting back and letting them fill us with joy. So, this week we've decided to celebrate that with an episode dedicated to flowers. Author and gardener Ben Dark will be explaining why Verbena bonariensis is our horticultural salt, writer and lily-lover Naomi Slade will be sharing her favourite Lilium varieties, and finally, botanist Barry Clarke will make the case for including flowering dogwoods in our gardens.  Links: The Grove: A Nature Odyssey in 19 ½ Front Gardens Lilies: beautiful varieties for home and garden The Garden magazine Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Nick Stewart Smith spent seven years as Head Gardener at Lambeth Palace. Here he tells Ben Dark about his hidden life as a link in thousand-year horticultural chain, about his unique philosophy of place-making and about how to work in dialogue with a garden.Nick's book: https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/publication/the-thousand-year-old-garden/9781803993041/Wild Times in a London Park by Nick Stewart Smith: https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/articles/wild-times-in-a-london-park/Support Dear Gardener on Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/bendarkEpisode Breakdown:[00:00:03] Podcast intro: introducing Nick Stewart Smith, author of "The Thousand Year Old Garden"[00:04:07] The personal nature of the book.[00:06:23] Gardeners and garden features as links in a very long chain.[00:09:38] Creating a dialogue with the garden.[00:13:26] Life at Overbecks, the eccentric National Trust garden of rock face and banana.[00:16:07] Exploring the book's focus on the forgotten gardeners of Lambeth Palace[00:21:50] The Glades, Nick's signature effect with colourful perennials and nomadic annuals.[00:27:56] Gardening, finding balance, small scale focus.[00:29:33] Awareness of nature crisis, positive gardening, adaptation.[00:32:36] Tolstoy, Levin and the transcendental power of scything.[00:35:57] Van Gogh & Dürer - painters as inspiration.[00:40:51] Farewell and thanks to guest, Nick.

On this episode of Dear Gardener, host Ben Dark explores the legacy and afterlife of gardens. The starting points are: a Laburnum safari through Østerbro, a fence-climb into an abandoned garden, and a run through the acid-sands of West Sussex.Featuring Gertrude Jekyll, Edwin Lutyens and the National Trust in the news that Munstead Wood is 'to be preserved for the nation'Support the show on Kofi https://ko-fi.com/bendarkTickets to the Birmingham Talk here: https://www.bournvillehub.com/box-office/the-grove-a-nature-odyssey-in-19-1-2-front-gardens Episode Breakdown:[00:00:06] Lime tree mist season in Copenhagen. Excellent for spoiling cars[00:05:36] Tennyson praised for 'rosey plumelets bud the larch'[00:08:24] Golden chain tree and the particularity of its yellow[00:13:01] Lilac's use as a besmirching foil. The neighbour's trampoline of huge and surprising beauty[00:15:38] Father's death inspires thoughts on gardens.[00:19:16] Gertrude Jekyll and the Arts and Crafts movement[00:23:52] Gardens best seen after suffering?[00:27:32] The Canterbury tales as told on the Hidcot coach.[00:29:27] Small towns end abruptly.[00:32:41] Rhododendron ponticum invasive but lovely in the shade[00:35:50] Stalin's mimosa.

On this episode of Dear Gardener, Ben Dark takes us on a journey through the wooded Hampshire Hangers, discussing plants and history along the way. Passing cowslips, wild garlic, incongruous copper beech, and wildly inappropriate bamboo, Ben shares his love-hate relationship with these plants and how they fit in the changing English countryside. Our host also delves into the writing of William Cobbet and his critical commentary on the landscape while relating his own experiences with managing meadows and creating a space for both people and wildlife. Tune in to learn more about the beauty and challenges of gardening.https://ko-fi.com/bendarkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9cs657k9Q4 Episode breakdown:[00:00:06] Podcast discusses the potential reason behind gardeners' dislike of the colour orange, possibly due to its association with plant blight.[00:05:42] The English countryside is going through significant change as ash trees are being lost, allowing new plants and vistas to emerge. This is similar to the aftermath of the great storm of 87, which led to a boom in gardening as people were freed up to create something new.[00:09:50] William Cobbet as inspiration for J. C. Louden. Weather and its importance to nature writers[00:11:19] Forest floor covered in wild garlic due to deer agitating it in the dawn[00:14:49] Trees grow conjoined with roots exposed.[00:18:13] Dan Pearson's newsletter Dig Delve and artisanal tulip bulbs [00:21:24] Eric Newby's wife and her drunken suitors.[00:26:05] Description of a house with symmetrical plantings including a native white beam tree and a fantastically shaggy bamboo.

Tales of horticultural sin and floral redemption featuring Salvia, Nepeta, Carl the Murderous Gardener, Gypsophila and Hemerocallis.https://ko-fi.com/bendarkOrwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/orwells-roses/rebecca-solnit/9781783785520Husbandry by Isabel Bannerman https://www.foyles.co.uk/book/husbandry/isabel-bannerman/9781914902949The Grove by Ben Dark https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-grove-a-nature-odyssey-in-19-1-2-front-gardens-ben-dark/5044771?ean=9781784727413 Episode breakdown[00:00:20] The episode discusses the popularity of the ornamental cherry tree, particularly the Kanzan cultivar, and its rise in popularity throughout the 20th century. Ben briefly mentions his recent writing on lawns and their place in the Gardening World.[00:07:48] Heinous garden blunders include buying cheap plants from a supermarket. Reading about George Orwell's Woolworths roses.[00:16:05] The author had trouble with overcrowded Gypsophila elegans seedlings and shares their experience with propagation. They also discuss the fraught etiquette of giving plants as gifts and their own propagation progress with London pride (Saxifraga x urbium and Nepeta 'Walkers Low.'[00:22:33] Ben cuts back ivy for more light and space but the result is ugly, needs to go completely bare. Ivy on a wall needs constant cutting to maintain modern look, better to hide bulky stems in a small hedge.[00:24:23] Archaeobotany and the use of box hedges in Roman Britain. Recommendations for reading on garden history and a call to support the podcast.

At the RHS, we try to think critically about the ways we cultivate the earth and interact with the wildlife that inhabit our green spaces everyday. But this week, in honour of Earth Day, we wanted to take extra time to really celebrate our gardens – and to share our love for the many plants and animals that bring them to life. Gardener and writer Ben Dark shares a history of the tulip that stretches back 1,000 years, RHS Senior Ecologist Gemma Golding chats with us about her exciting wildlife research, and artist and author James Bridle takes us through his exploration of the intelligence of plants. Plus, throughout the show we've sprinkled in plant love letters from Alice Vincent, Victoria Bennett, and Sue Mabberley.    Links:   The Grove: A Nature Odyssey in 19 ½ Front Gardens   iNaturalist   Ways of Being: Animals, Plants, Machines: The Search for a Planetary Intelligence   RHS Sustainability Strategy

Dust off your gardening gloves and don your sunglasses, as we look to the skies on today's show. We'll be exploring the dizzying heights of a famously tall plant, the gunnera, with expert botanist James Armitage. We'll also be taking on a high flying adventure with garden author Ben Dark into the world of trees. Plus, if you need a reminder on what to do in your garden or allotment this week, fan favourite Matthew Oliver is here to jog your memory.

In this week's episode we'll be hearing from a panel of experts across the country regarding the humble and often overlooked front garden. Frances Tophill will explain how to keep your small space green during even the darkest winter months. Matthew Oliver from RHS Hyde Hall, shares how to add seasonal variety with a lasagna planter of bulbs. Plus, Ben Dark will inspire us with the history and whimsy of the front garden, along with a few tips on making yours stand out. It is also with deep sadness and respect that we mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society. Director General of the RHS, Clare Matterson CBE, shares a few words on the Queen's incredible impact on the RHS and the wider horticultural community. To read more from Frances Tophill: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-modern-gardener/frances-tophill/9780857839435 To read more from Ben Dark: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/ben-dark/the-grove/9781784727420/ For more info see www.rhs.org.uk/podcast

In addition to talking through what has been read, what is coming up shortly and then a back-listed book, we have an interview with Ben Dark.  Ben is a head gardener, journalist and landscape historian working at the top of British horticulture. He's been described as 'the future of horticulture' by Horticulture Week, and more importantly 'the millennial Monty' by Gardeners' World Magazine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joff talks to Ben Dark about his latest book The Grove - a nature odyssey in 191/2 front gardens. Ben Dark is such a wonderful writer - The Grove drew me in from the first line. Lia Leendertz The Grove is overflowing with delicious nuggets of cultural, social and garden history, - and I adore Ben's humour and humility in equal measure. Advolly Richmond A heartfelt romp through the wisteria and wilderness of London's horticulturally remarkable front gardens. Jack Wallington Fans of Ben Dark's mellifluous tones on The Garden Log Podcast will be delighted how perfectly his lyrical musings transfer to the printed page as, with infant son in tow, he invites the reader upon a series of horticultural expeditions inspired by the deceptively ordinary planting of the front gardens in a south London street. Andrew O'Brien  

When it comes to big interviews we have perhaps saved the best for last as we sit down with the executive producer of season 1 of Australian Survivor Stephen Peters to ask him all the big questions we've been dying to find out all season! You'll find out pretty much everything you've wanted to know in this incredibly in-depth chat, from just how much the actual budget was for the show as well as finally settling the biggest debate of all time: were the Kadina buffs green or yellow? If there is one interview you won't want to miss this year, it's any interview involving Ben Dark. But if there are two you don't want to miss, then this is the second one!

A blend of slow radio, gardening advice and conversation, and readings from the best garden and wildlife writing.   These notes may contain affiliate links.        Garden soundtrack   Birdsong, and gardening in the new normal.   Gardening in one place over time.    Reading 04:00 Extract from The Garden Log Podcast, episode 74, read by the host, Ben Dark. https://thegardenlog.libsyn.com/       Interview with the Katie Rushworth 05:51    06:21 Not the only Yorkshire-born gardener on the telly…   07:00 Katie’s experience of nature and plants growing up   09:29 Chomping for wood!   10:12 The place of the Yorkshire landscape in Katie’s garden design work   11:44 Gardening is about a feeling   12:43 Before gardening…   16:32 Juggling gardening, TV schedules and being a mum   17:43 Transferrable skills – an appreciation of colour, shape, form and texture   19:11 Garden coaching and mentoring   26:35 Domestic gardens   27:21 Practical, useful & pretty   30:42 The biggest obstacles people face in their gardens   32:54 Plants – just pretty window dressing, or more than fluff?   36:25 Productively using our time in the garden       ***     Thank you to Katie for joining me on this episode. Katie’s book Plants, Beds & Borders is available here https://amzn.to/3ayCySE   Katie's website: http://katierushworth.com/ Katie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thequeenofspades00/       I’m ever grateful to all my listeners for your continued support and reviews, I really do appreciate them. You can support the podcast by buying its producer a virtual cup of coffee for three quid, at https://ko-fi.com/andrewtimothyOB. Proceeds will go towards equipment, software and the monthly podcast hosting fees.      Lockdown discounts: A year of garden coaching I’ve been very excited about my new venture – even before the lockdown I’d decided that online garden coaching would be a fantastic way for me to work with more people than I can physically get around to, helping them to make the very best of their gardens in a way that suits the life they lead. With the all the uncertainty around our lives just now I’m holding the the introductory price for the full 12 month programme as well as offering a quarterly payment plan, and there’s 50% off an hour’s Skype consultation call.  https://www.gardensweedsandwords.com/garden-coaching       website: gardensweedsandwords.com email: gardensweedsandwords@gmail.com Instagram: instagram.com/AndrewTimothyOB Twitter: twitter.com/AndrewTimothyOB         

As we move into our second episode and re-introduce you to season 1, we have to ask the most pressing question ever: just where the hell is Ben Dark? Seriously, the guy introduced himself into the world of Australian Survivor on a vine and stole our hearts and 17 years later he is missing. We're worried okay? Don't judge us. And if you do judge us, then make sure it's judging us on this episode. Because you're going to learn a lot about Whalers Way. A lot. You'll also learn just why there is a random woman dressed as a cat somewhere that is seemingly relevant to both Australian Survivor and the very first season. And there is also the possibility of learning a whole lot more about the behind the scenes stories that happened to make the very first season of Australian Survivor in 2002 happen. We just hope that with all that education you'll be able to use it to help us find Ben Dark once you're done listening. Come on Mr Dark, it's time to come home...

A blend of slow radio, gardening advice and conversation, and readings from the best garden and wildlife writing.   These notes may contain affiliate links.      Garden soundtrack     The end of British Summertime, and what the sun has been getting up to.     Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/   Overcoming the Winter Blues https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/dealing-with-winter-blues-sad/     A micro review of American Primitive by Mary Oliver https://amzn.to/2P3lAGf, including ‘Fall Song’, read by Ben Dark of the Garden Log podcast  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-garden-log/id1291778248?mt=2     Replacing the light we’ve lost…     Interview with Ros Atkinson, food and lifestyle photographer https://www.instagram.com/her_dark_materials http://rjaphotography.net   The pea that caused the problems – ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/pea-kelvedon-wonder/107TM Tutu, Ros’s own.   Ros’s veg shopping shopping:  Daylesford Organic Farm https://www.daylesford.com/ Oxford covered market http://oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk/     “More light” – a little bit about Goethe https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/02/01/design-for-living-books-adam-kirsch     website: gardensweedsandwords.com email: gardensweedsandwords@gmail.com Instagram: instagram.com/AndrewTimothyOB Twitter: twitter.com/AndrewTimothyOB     

A blend of slow radio, gardening advice and conversation, and readings from the best garden and wildlife writing.     Garden soundtrack.   September.    A micro review of The Almanac – a seasonal guide to 2018, by Lia Leendertz, and a trail for the 2019 version, just published.   Question: why do we make gardens?   Tom Massey’s garden for the Lemon Tree Trust at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018 http://www.tommassey.co.uk/the-lemon-tree-trust-garden/   The impulse to create a home with plants, and what to do when you don’t have a garden?   Houseplants.    A chat with Jane Perrone www.janeperrone.com of the On The Ledge Podcast    Plants Jane mentions: Burning bush Kochia scoparia var. trichophylla  Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’, Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ Monstera deliciosa, Monstera borsigiana (Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana)   Do plants clean the air? How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 houseplants that purify your home or office by B.C. Wolverton    A couple of links to back up our random allusions to “various ... studies” with regard to the beneficial effects of greenery on our mental wellbeing. Gardens and health: implications for policy and practice. Kings Fund report commissioned by the National Garden’s Scheme in 2016. https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/gardens-and-health   The Therapeutic Landscapes Network – the resource for gardens and landscapes that promote health and well-being http://www.healinglandscapes.org/about/mission.html     With thanks to Jane for coming along to chat about her life with plants, and for Ben Dark for lending his voice for the reading. You can find Ben’s podcast here: Ben Dark, The Garden Log podcast   

In hazy midsummer Ben Dark tells stories about trees and recommends some border-filling plants for mid-summer swaps

What's on your houseplant wishlist for 2018? I share my plans for the coming year, and pass on plant-related resolutions from listeners and other gardening podcasters, including Ben Dark of the Garden Log podcast, Peter Donegan of the Sod Show, and Isabel Hardman of the Wild Flower Half Hour podcast.