Podcasts about Horticulture

During this week's gardening column, we talk about dividing some of your perennials. Our expert gardener, Paul Zammit, takes your gardening questions. Paul is a Professor of Horticulture and Environmental Studies at Niagara College.

Our guest on this week's HortWeek Podcast is CEO of one of the biggest players across both ornamentals and fruit production in the UK.Matt Jarrett, the group CEO at Greosn unpacks the group's rapid expansion, from his roots in the ornamental sector (Newey) and ethical labour (Proforce) to running a £400m powerhouse in the UK fruit and ornamental markets.Jarrett details Greosn's recent acquisitions, including the Mansfield's group and Emery Fruit Farms which expanded its fruit portfolio to £95m and yielding around 10,000 tonnes of berries and 27,000 tonnes of apples annually.Diversification has given the firm year-round revenue streams, from hand-picking 800 million daffodil stems in Cornwall in the spring, to top fruit harvesting in autumn.Jarrett discusses the state of the UK's Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) where Government reductions in visa quotas threaten to hamper growth:"I worry slightly around the growth of the category... we're only as good as the labor that we can put on these businesses at this time."Of course, automation and other technologies offer opportunities for efficiencies. Jarrett discusses Greosn's £15 million CAPEX spend this year featuring AI flower forecasting, precision agronomy, UV robotics to combat mildew, and a new 15-line packhouse facility in Kent.Growth will also come from acquisitions, and Jarrett hints at upcoming acquisitions to take the business to a new financial landmark: "We've got a very clear strategy to really push the business and get to a sort of a billion by 2029." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coverage of Tuesday's DeKalb County Farm Talk, including conversations with host farmer Berkeley Boehne, who serves as DeKalb County Farm Bureau President and Harrison Alrbight, Director of Governmental Affairs and Engagement with the Cook County Farm Bureau. Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg highlights upcoming Nutrient Stewardship Field Days.  Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs discusses his presence at the Illinois State Fair.   

Coverage from the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable, featuring U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy, and Illinois gubernatorial candidates Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Darren Bailey."Tomorrow's Leaders Today" segment highlights Henry County Young Leader Makenna Walker.  Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto looks at Illinois State Fair weather outlook and the rest of August.  

August 8, 2026 - Texas Lawn and Garden Hour by Neil Sperry

August 8, 2026 - 1PM KLIF by Neil Sperry

August 9, 2026 - 8AM WBAP by Neil Sperry

Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health discusses his agency's presence at the Illinois State Fair.  Kevin Daugherty with Illinois Ag in the Classroom highlights children's book authors who will featured at this year's Illinois State Fair.  Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week. 

On this episode of Hort Culture, Ray, Alexis, Jessica, and Brett chat with Bryan Brady, Senior Extension Associate for Cultivate Kentucky, about everything from summertime Kentucky heat to the less-than-glamorous world of food safety and produce outbreaks. They dive deep into the biology of resilient microscopic parasites like Cyclospora, why standard wash water sanitizers can accidentally spread trouble across large batches of shredded lettuce, and how the lengthy incubation period makes these outbreaks so tough to trace. The crew also explores the intricacies of agricultural water risks, third-party GAP audits, and why buying local helps keep supply chains short and manageable compared to massive commercial operations.Kentucky Hort Council Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)Kentucky Hort Council GAP Cost-Share ProgramBryan Brady, Cultivate Kentucky Senior Extension AssociateThe Kentucky Produce Safety ProgramQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.comCheck us out on Instagram!

Inland Revenue says some bad practices it is seeing are posing a risk to the integrity of the tax system.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape is joined by Dean Gunderson, Chief Programs Officer and Megan Moncure, Director of Engagement both of Seed St. Louis to answer all of your questions.

Summer is here - we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious - but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardener's tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after their planty spaces, as well as enjoying their gardens at home.We give a long overdue shoutout to our wonderful listeners in this episode - and in doing so discuss raptors, buddleja aphids, petrichor (Lucy is NOT jealous...), chilli peppers, fuchsia gall mites and tropical tree selection in a Lancashire garden - in doing so we inadvertently fill the whole 30 minutes when we actually had planned to also discuss summer gardening 'funk' (which we have now moved to next weeks episode). If this isn't evidence that this podcasting duo are the king and queen of hortiwaffle, I don't know what is!Instagram links:Lucy lucychamberlaingardensSaul plantsmansaulIntro and Outro music from https://filmmusic.io"Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Support the show

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs of Commodities Kevin Semlow provides reaction to Thursday's Senate Ag Committee vote on the Farm Bill. Monthly visit with University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Ken Johnson. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Gary Grohovena of the Inter-Athletic Council of Officials (IACO).  

We're approaching the perfect moment for bulb planting, and if you're looking to force bulbs for a lovely indoor winter, then look no further than the sage advice of Tom Stimpson.In this episode, Sarah and Tom - our Head of Horticulture - share their favourite bulbs to force indoors, and how to pot and water them, plus a few simple tricks to keep them flowering for weeks on end. In this episode, discover:The best bulbs to force indoors, from dramatic amaryllis and classic paperwhites to scented narcissus, hyacinths and tiny muscariSimple methods for planting, positioning and watering indoor bulbs so they flower reliablyThe importance of “mean” watering to avoid rot and keep flowers lasting longerEasy ways to move forced bulbs from house to garden so they go on to provide colour and cut stems for seasons to comeProducts mentioned:Amaryllis ‘Papillio' (Papilio): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaryllis-papillioAmaryllis ‘Green Magic': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaryllis-green-magicAmaryllis ‘Nymph': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaryllis-nymphPaperwhite Narcissus ‘Ziva': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-papyraceus-ziva-for-forcingNarcissus ‘Polar Hunter': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-polar-hunterHyacinth ‘China Pink': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinth-china-pinkHyacinth ‘Delft Blue': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinthus-orientalis-delft-blue-forcingMuscari ‘Blue Magic': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/muscari-blue-magicSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/Order Sarah's latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Recapping the second academic year of the "Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month program." Nominations are now open for the third academic year at farmweeknow.com/activelyengaged. 

Monthly visit with Licensed Professional Counselor Rachel Brown.  Olivia Hoots from the Illinois Beef Association and Gage Marinelli from the Illinois Pork Producers Association discuss Illinois State Fair plans.   Dereke Dunkirk details his role with the Illinois Livestock Development Group.

For nearly 40 years, David Price dedicated his career to one of Florida's most treasured places. On his final day as president of Bok Tower Gardens, Mason and David walked the grounds and sat for an in-depth conversion of a reflection on a lifetime of conservation, leadership, and stewardship.From the globally significant Lake Wales Ridge to the iconic Singing Tower, this conversation explores the legacy of a place, the evolution of conservation in Florida, and the enduring value of beauty in an increasingly busy world.David joined Bok Tower Gardens in 1986 as Director of Horticulture for 20 years, and went on to serve nearly 20 years as president. During his tenure, the gardens expanded from 125 acres to more than 760 acres, doubled attendance, and strengthened their role as both a cultural destination and a conservation leader in Florida.David shares the stories behind the growth of Bok Tower, the challenges of leading a beloved institution, and the lessons he's learned from spending four decades caring for one extraordinary landscape. We also discuss why the Lake Wales Ridge is one of North America's most important ecosystems, how conservation has changed over the past 40 years, and what gives him hope for the future of wild Florida.This episode is a conversation about legacy, long-term stewardship, including being a founding member of Green Horizon Land Trust which has conserved over 7,000 acres. If you haven't, please plan to visit the beautiful gardens and iconic singing Bok Tower soon. boktowergardens.orggreenhorizon.org

Cass County farmer David Wessel details his role on the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council. An update from Casey Kula with American Farmland Trust.  DTN ag meteorologist Teresa Wells provides a weather update.  

Calls for a senate inquiry into the Federal Government's scheme to underwrite fertiliser imports, Australia's largest contiguous sheep station in outback SA sold to an Adelaide businessman, and an ABC investigation into horticulture work exploitation spurs renewed calls for labour hire regulations.

August 1, 2026 - 1PM KLIF by Neil Sperry

August 2, 2026 - 8AM WBAP by Neil Sperry

Illinois State Police Public Information Officer Ryan Wagand discusses UTV and ATV topics. Bob Myers promotes the 12th annual DeKalb County Barn Tour.Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week. 

In this episode of the Hort Culture podcast, hosts Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray chat with Dr. Qinglu Ying from the University of Kentucky all about controlled environment agriculture (CEA). They dive into how greenhouse growing is booming across Kentucky, share a few laughs about dealing with classic Kentucky humidity, and break down practical grower challenges. The crew also explores the shift toward sustainable soilless media like wood bark and fiber, plus how cutting-edge LED lighting can actually boost plant health and antioxidants. They wrap things up with details on the upcoming Appropriate Tools and Technologies Field Day on August 25th and some great new extension resources for local growers.Center for Crop Diversification-Greenhouse Resources2026 Appropriate Technologies Field DayUniversity of Kentucky Cooperative ExtensionQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.comCheck us out on Instagram!

Summer is here - we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious - but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardener's tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after their planty spaces, as well as enjoying their gardens at home.The lack of rain in many parts of the UK (not all) has been the number one issue for weeks now - rain dances, water bowsers and talk of changing plantings are now a regular feature of conversations throughout gardens as the  Environment Agency declares half of the UK to be in official drought status! But although there have been many losers in this hot, dry weather its not all bad and Saul and Lucy wanted to bringing a little positivity in this weeks podcast with talk of juicy peaches, luscious exotic planting and of course, the wood-fired hot tub!Instagram links:Saul plantsmansaulLucy lucychamberlaingardensIntro and Outro music from https://filmmusic.io"Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Support the show

Host Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape is joined by Erin McFarland, Development Coordinator at Urban Harvest STL and Beth Austin, Horticulturist and master gardener to answer your gardening questions.

State and federal updates with Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow in his "Seven with Kevin" update.  Recapping the Illinois Farm Bureau "Put Me in Coach" promotion at Thursday's Cards vs. Cubs game at Busch Stadium. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Maroa-Forsyth head football coach Josh Jostes.

Dr. Ashley Belle, a University of Illinois Extension Environmental Quality Extension Specialist discusses an Illinois Household Food Waste Survey.Jenna Spychal with Jonamac Orchard in Malta and chair of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association highlights the ISGA Farm Stand at the Illinois State Fair.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson covers a number of topics and issues. Previewing the Grand American championships taking place at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta with Randy Moeller, Executive Director of the Amateur Trapshooting Association. 

Chad Schimpf, operations safety supervisor for Ameren Illinois discusses generator/rooftop backfeed installation and safety.“Tomorrow's Leaders Today” segment features Greta Hall from the University of Illinois Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. Illinois State Climatologist Trant Ford talks dew point, state weather outlook, and July weather data. 

July 26, 2026 - 8AM WBAP by Neil Sperry

July 25, 2026 - Texas Lawn and Garden Hour by Neil Sperry

July 25, 2026 - 1PM KLIF by Neil Sperry

Mark Litteken discusses his service to agriculture serving as Clinton County Farm Bureau President and on the Clinton County Fair Board.  Kaitlyn Dozler, Virtual Fence Program Manager at the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture, highlights the latest in virtual fencing. Edgar County farmer Tara Barrett-Duzan is helping organize a fundraiser called “Ride to Beat Cancer”.Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week.

Summer is here - we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious - but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardener's tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after their planty spaces, as well as enjoying their gardens at home.It's been yet another week of dry weather, and with no end in sight the gardening duo ponder what this might mean for the survival of certain insect species - friend and foe. Saul also reports back on his travels, and some exciting news for Plant Heritage, while Lucy turns her (tired) brain towards the Gardeners' World Autumn Fair at Audley End, Essex.  Instagram links:Saul plantsmansaulLucy lucychamberlaingardensIntro and Outro music from https://filmmusic.io"Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Support the show

Previewing the Illinois State Fair with State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. Scot Loyd with Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum Oral History project highlights the “Tumultuous 2020” collection.

Could gardening be one of the simplest ways to support your health? Liz is joined by Dr Ashby Sachs, Research Fellow in Horticulture and Wellbeing at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and Marcus Chilton-Jones, Head of RHS Garden Bridgewater, to explore the growing body of science linking gardening and time in nature with better physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in midlife and beyond.This episode is sponsored by the RHS. Visit rhs.org.uk for gardening tips and everything you need to plan your next visit to an RHS Garden. In this episode:· How 30 minutes of gardening can burn as many calories as a yoga session· The science behind the mood-boosting power of flowers· Why birdsong helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress· The link between gardening, biodiversity and better wellbeing· How spending time in nature can ease loneliness and strengthen social connections· Why gardening might improve your gut microbiome· How time outdoors supports vitamin D production and circadian rhythm· The ways gardening can increase strength, flexibility and balance as we age· Simple ways to create your own wellbeing garden More from the RHS:· Follow the RHS on Instagram· Plan your next visit to an RHS Garden· Get gardening with the RHS Grow app· Read RHS Your Wellbeing Garden· More on gardening for health and wellbeingGet in touch with a question for Liz:· Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com· WhatsApp: 07518 471 846More from Liz:· How To Age· A Better Second Half· Follow Liz on Instagram· Follow Liz Earle Wellbeing on InstagramHost: Liz EarleProducer: Anouszka Tate (Fresh Air Production) Content Writer: Lucy ParleyHead of Brand: Ellie SmithSome links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacqui Gordón Núñez and I met when we were both speaking at the same women's leadership event last spring. From the moment she took the stage, I knew I wanted to interview her. She has an incredible story and such a deeply rooted leadership philosophy that the world needs to hear. She is passionate about her work and how the work she does in agriculture impacts the world in ways we don't consider daily - but should. Jacqui is the Vice President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association and a passionate advocate for leadership development. Originally from Ecuador, she built her career in Washington helping people in agriculture grow their confidence, communication skills, and impact within their communities. She earned her bachelor's degree in Food Science and her Master of Science in Horticulture from Washington State University.  Listen in to hear Jacqui share: Her path from Ecuador to the US, through immigration, and into agricultural leadership The importance of understanding cultural awareness and intercultural competence in the workplace The dangers of minimizing your own culture and the fine line between cultural adaptation and self-abandonment How leaders can create more space and safety for a wider range of cultural experiences and expressions so employees can show up authentically and contribute as optimally as possible How women leaders in agriculture are changing the landscape for women in agriculture   Agriculture as a form of reverence How to navigate self-doubt when you feel like you don't fit in or feel insecure about your ability to add value in a situation Links Mentioned: Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-gordon-nunez/ Agriculture Leadership Program (ALP) website: www.alp-wa.com Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI): https://idiinventory.com/ Join Sara's Aligned Leadership Incubator Early Bird Enrollment (save $500!): saradean.com/aligned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey Listener, In this month's episode, we're celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, by chatting about Victory Gardens! During some of our darkest moments American's came together to grow fresh produce for themselves and their community from sea to shine sea. Fun fact: By May 1943, Victory Gardens supplied 40% of the produce in America, and there were roughly 20 million gardens across the U.S.Resource used in this episode: Victory Gardens on the World War 2 Front NPSSmithsonian Cultivating America's GardensExamples of Gardening Comic Bookshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_gardenWe also have our : Native Plant of the Month: SquashBug of the Month: Milkweed Leaf beetle Monthly Garden TipsWe currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you've listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! You can take our survey here. The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).Theme Song: By Jason Inc, University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

July 18, 2026 - Texas Lawn and Garden Hour by Neil Sperry

July 18, 2026 - 1PM KLIF by Neil Sperry

July 19, 2026 - 8AM WBAP by Neil Sperry

Summer is here - we enter the long days and sultry nights with the garden looking glorious - but always looking to the horizon for a little bit of rain to keep things looking green and lush. Herbaceous borders are set to maximum colour, vegetable beds seem to multiply in growth weekly and the gardener's tan is ever present. So enjoy the long summer days, take some time to appreciate time in your garden and join the Talking Heads pair as they continue to look after their planty spaces, as well as enjoying their gardens at home.Wow it is dry out there and the temperatures are well above the norm for long periods - so both Lucy and Saul are, to say the least, continuing in good British form - 'mad dogs and Englishmen' comes to mind. Gardening still needs to be done though - if just the watering - so Lucy has been continuing to shape her client's plots and Saul has spent almost 12 days getting ready and then half-wilting at RHS Badminton - so listen in to find out how that goes - and if the worse happens at least we can all go for a dip in Lucy's new hottub!Instagram links:Lucy lucychamberlaingardensSaul plantsmansaulIntro and Outro music from https://filmmusic.io"Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Support the show

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape answers your gardening questions.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Blossoming Dreams: Zsolt's Bold Farm Transformation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-07-18-07-38-19-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park dúsan illatozó levendulamezőin Zsolt, a virágfarm tulajdonosa, gondosan figyelte a növények színpompás tengerét.En: On the fragrant lavender fields of the Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park, Zsolt, the owner of the flower farm, carefully observed the colorful sea of plants.Hu: Az időjárás kegyes volt eddig ezen a nyáron, és a virágok gyönyörűen virultak.En: The weather had been kind so far this summer, and the flowers were blooming beautifully.Hu: Mégis, Zsolt szíve mélyén vágyódott valamire több, mint csupán a megszokott levendulára.En: Yet, deep in his heart, Zsolt longed for something more than just the usual lavender.Hu: Szeretett volna virágokat, amelyek csalogatják az embereket, hogy csodát lássanak.En: He wished for flowers that would entice people to witness a miracle.Hu: Zsolt mellett Judit dolgozott szorgosan.En: Zsolt was accompanied by Judit, who worked diligently beside him.Hu: Hűséges asszisztensként mindig ott állt Zsolt mellett, ha szüksége volt segítségre.En: As a loyal assistant, she was always by Zsolt's side when he needed help.Hu: Judit is érezte a változás iránti vágyat, ezért örömmel figyelte, amint Márta, a botanika szakértője, megérkezett a farm közepére.En: Judit also felt the desire for change, and she watched with joy as Márta, the botanical expert, arrived at the center of the farm.Hu: Márta híres volt az egész régióban.En: Márta was famous throughout the entire region.Hu: Tudása a virágokról felbecsülhetetlen volt.En: Her knowledge of flowers was invaluable.Hu: „Zsolt, Márta itt van, hogy segítsen nekünk,” szólt Judit, amikor Márta mosolyogva közeledett a levendulák között.En: "Zsolt, Márta is here to help us," said Judit as Márta approached, smiling between the lavender.Hu: „Üdvözöllek a farmunkon, Márta!” mondta Zsolt. „Szeretnék tanácsot kérni tőled.En: "Welcome to our farm, Márta," said Zsolt. "I'd like to ask for your advice.Hu: Milyen virágokat ültethetnék még, amelyek jól éreznék magukat a magyar klímában?”En: What other flowers could I plant that would thrive in the Hungarian climate?"Hu: Márta megvizsgálta a talajt, a levegőt, a nap helyzetét.En: Márta examined the soil, the air, and the sun's position.Hu: Azt javasolta, hogy napraforgót és vadvirágokat próbáljanak meg.En: She suggested they try sunflowers and wildflowers.Hu: „Ezek a növények vonzani fogják a turistákat, és szépen kiegészítik a levendulát,” mondta mosolyogva.En: "These plants will attract tourists and nicely complement the lavender," she said with a smile.Hu: Ahogy Zsolt mérlegelte a lehetőségeket, az ég hirtelen elsötétült.En: As Zsolt weighed his options, the sky suddenly darkened.Hu: Egy nyári vihar tört be a távolból, és mindenki a menedékbe sietett.En: A summer storm approached from the distance, and everyone hurried to shelter.Hu: Erős szél tépte a leveleket, és az eső óriási cseppekben zúdult alá.En: Strong winds tore at the leaves, and rain poured down in huge drops.Hu: Zsolt a menedék ablakából figyelte, ahogy a levendulamezőt szinte ellepte a víz.En: Zsolt watched from the shelter's window as the lavender field was almost covered with water.Hu: A jövője, a farm jövője a vihar kezében volt.En: His future, the farm's future, was in the hands of the storm.Hu: „El kell döntenem,” mormolta magának.En: "I have to decide," he murmured to himself.Hu: „De hogy mit tegyek?”En: "But what should I do?"Hu: A vihar másnapra lecsengett, de a károk nyomai megmaradtak.En: The storm subsided by the next day, but the traces of damage remained.Hu: Zsolt, Judit és Márta összegyűltek a mező szélén.En: Zsolt, Judit, and Márta gathered at the edge of the field.Hu: „Most van itt az idő változtatni,” biztatta Judit.En: "Now is the time to change," Judit encouraged.Hu: Zsolt bólintott, erőt és bátorságot merített a többiekből.En: Zsolt nodded, drawing strength and courage from the others.Hu: „Hálás vagyok, hogy itt vagytok velem,” mondta.En: "I'm grateful to have you all here with me," he said.Hu: Elhatározta, hogy nemcsak a levendulát, hanem a Márta által javasolt napraforgót és vadvirágokat is elülteti.En: He decided to plant not only lavender but also the sunflowers and wildflowers suggested by Márta.Hu: Az új növények gyökereiket mélyen a földbe eresztették.En: The new plants rooted deeply into the ground.Hu: Zsolt tudta, hogy kockázatos döntés volt, de most már készen állt arra, hogy összekösse a hagyományos és az új lehetőségeket.En: Zsolt knew it was a risky decision, but he was now ready to connect traditional and new possibilities.Hu: Az új virágok szépsége végül nemcsak a farmot, hanem Zsolt szívét is megérintette.En: The beauty of the new flowers eventually touched not only the farm but also Zsolt's heart.Hu: Miközben a nap ismét kisütött és a mezők új színekkel ragyogtak, Zsolt megérezte, hogy a farm jövője biztos kezekben van.En: As the sun shone again and the fields glowed with new colors, Zsolt felt that the farm's future was in good hands.Hu: Már nem csak a levendulából élt a mező, hanem egy új, virágzó világ vette kezdetét.En: The meadow no longer thrived on just lavender, but a new, flourishing world had begun. Vocabulary Words:fragrant: illatozófields: mezőinobserved: figyelteblooming: virultakentice: csalogatjákaccompanied: mellettdiligently: szorgosanbotanical: botanikaexpert: szakértőjeinvaluable: felbecsülhetetlensuggested: javasoltathrive: éreznék magukatattract: vonzanicomplement: kiegészítikshelter: menedékbeweighed: mérlegeltedarkened: elsötétültstorm: viharhorizon: távolbólmurmured: mormoltasubsided: lecsengetttraces: nyomaicourage: bátorságotbeside: mellettflourishing: virágzómeadow: mezőowners: tulajdonosaposition: helyzetétroots: gyökereiket

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2023: When a US businessman took over a beloved garden a decade ago, he decided on a radical new approach, all in the name of sustainability. But angry critics claim it's just plain neglect By Mark O'Connell. Read by Simon Vance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

In this episode of The Ash Said It Show, I had an exclusive interview with Ben Ripple, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Big Tree Farms, to uncover the truth behind ethical agriculture and global food sustainability. With over 20 years of expertise on the ground in Indonesia, Ben shares the untold story of how his brand is revolutionizing the industry by bridging the gap between smallholder farmers and conscious consumers worldwide. We dive deep into the critical distinction between "sustainability"—which often aims only to maintain the status quo—and "regenerative" agriculture, which actively heals the planet. Ben explains that when you choose products like Big Tree Farms' organic Coconut Aminos, you are supporting a supply chain that leaves the land and the farming community more resilient than before the harvest. Our conversation reveals the surprising, powerful intersection of soil health and human happiness. Working directly with over 19,000 smallholder farmers, Ben explains how moving away from industrial chemical models has restored economic agency, pride, and dignity to these communities. It is a profound lesson in how agricultural reform is, at its core, a human rights and wellness initiative. For shoppers feeling overwhelmed by greenwashing in the supermarket aisle, Ben provides an essential, actionable rule of thumb: demand radical transparency. He emphasizes that if a brand cannot name their farmers or articulate their sourcing story, they likely lack a genuine, ethical relationship with their supply chain. True, high-quality food brands should always be able to tell you the "Who" and the "Why" behind the product. Reflecting on his journey since moving to Bali in 2003, Ben discusses how his definition of success has evolved from local preservation to global, market-driven conservation. He argues that the old industrial model is broken and that the only viable way forward for global food brands is to treat their supply chains as living, interdependent ecosystems rather than linear, extractive pipelines. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in conscious consumerism, regenerative farming, and the future of healthy, ethical living. Tune in to The Ash Said It Show to learn how you can make more informed, impactful choices for your pantry and the planet. Connect with us and listen to the full episode of The Ash Said It Show to hear more from Ben Ripple about the future of food. Web: https://bigtreefarms.com Founded in 2003, Big Tree Farms is a pioneer in sustainable global agriculture and the world's leading producer of organic, coconut-based sweeteners and condiments. Headquartered with a deeply rooted supply chain at origin in Indonesia, the brand specializes in crafting high-quality, better-for-you pantry staples powered by pure coconut blossom nectar (locally known as Nira). Big Tree Farms bridges the gap between ancestral harvesting traditions and global wellness demands. By operating one of the world's most transparent, vertically integrated supply chains, they deliver clean-label, nutrient-rich food options while championing climate health and social equity. The company is globally celebrated for transforming coconut blossom nectar into versatile, allergen-friendly alternatives to traditional sugars, soy sauces, and marinades. Their signature offerings include Organic Coconut Sugars (available in Granulated, Golden, and Powdered formats) which offer a lower-glycemic, unrefined alternative to cane sugar with natural caramel notes. They are also widely recognized for their Organic Coconut Aminos, a beloved staple that serves as a certified soy-free, gluten-free, and low-sodium alternative to soy sauce, alongside an innovative line of rich, island-inspired sauces and marinades. At the heart of Big Tree Farms is a network of over 20,000 Indonesian farmer partners. The company operates a direct-trade model that empowers local communities, ensuring fair, transparent pricing and long-term economic stability. Because coconut blossom nectar is hand-harvested daily from living trees in thriving food forests, the process requires zero deforestation or environmental degradation. Through its commitment to Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) practices and Fair for Life certifications, Big Tree Farms actively restores soil health, preserves traditional biodiversity, and fosters a sustainable food ecosystem for future generations. As a trusted ingredient supplier to major global food brands and a fixture on retail shelves across the Americas and beyond, Big Tree Farms continues to scale its impact. Fueled by institutional investments aimed at accelerating sustainable land use in Asia, the company continues to double its production capabilities while remaining fiercely dedicated to its original mission: creating good-for-you products that build a better-for-us world. - Ready to ignite the spark that levels up your entire life? Meet Ash Brown—the American powerhouse, motivational architect, and ultimate hype-woman dedicated to your personal and professional evolution. Ash is far more than a voice in the personal development space; she is a trusted ally who delivers a masterclass in real-talk wisdom and infectious energy. Whether you are navigating a crossroads or ready to scale your grandest ambitions, Ash fuels your journey with a high-octane blend of heart and hustle.

July 11, 2026 - Texas Lawn and Garden Hour by Neil Sperry

July 11, 2026 - 1PM KLIF by Neil Sperry

July 12, 2026 - 8AM WBAP by Neil Sperry

Today's guest is a plant ecologist whose work, she says, is driven by this question: “All of the wild diversity of life on earth is here, with us, right now. How can we take it with us into the future?”... Read More ›