Podcast appearances and mentions of matthew pottage

Kathy Clugston and GQT team have packed their wellies for a trip to the Ninewells Community Garden in Dundee.Kathy is joined by Matthew Pottage, Neil Porteous and Kirsty Wilson to explore the grounds whilst delving into the GQT Postbag together. Among todays questions, the panellists break down which leaves are better to compost than others, tackle a listener's battle against tomatoes with tough skins, and debate the long‑term impact of weed‑suppressing membranes on soil health. They also explore the ins and outs of olive tree care, suggest the perfect daisies to plant in a pair of cherished old police boots, and consider which dramatic grasses can bring structure and movement to a no‑mow lawn rooted in very sandy soil. Later in the show, Garden Facilitator at Ninewells Community Garden, Mary Colvin, leads the team on a tour of the vibrant community garden, sharing how gardening and green spaces can boost wellbeing, support recovery, and promote a holistic approach to health.Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Peter Gibbs and the GQT team are in Chaldon.Peter's joined by Anne Swithinbank, Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Pottage.This week the panel take on a wide range of gardening dilemmas, from how to reach into borders without treading on emerging plants, to which colourful plants thrive in shady, chalky soil. When it comes to growing veg, the team also has answers on whether leaving weeds in place can help crops during extreme heat, and tips on non‑chemical approaches to protecting cabbages and sprouts from hungry pests.The panellists also discuss how their plant recommendations have changed over the years, and which plants they now avoid altogether!Later in the show, we hear from Peter's visit to RHS Wisley where he spoke with RHS Chief Horticultural Advisor, Guy Barter, and Botanist and Taxonomist, Dr Kálmán Könyves to follow up on last year's Daffodil diaries scheme.Producer: Matthew SmithAssistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

Peter Gibbs and the GQT panel are in Caterham.Peter is joined by Pippa Greenwood, Matthew Pottage and Anne Swithinbank.Producer: Matthew Wilson Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else Production for BBC Radio 4.

Do the panel have any unusual gardening habits? Can I grow a Walnut tree in Dundee?Kathy Clugston heads to the stunning Firth of Tay with a hand-picked panel of gardening experts, ready to answer questions from an enthusiastic, plant-loving audience.Joining Kathy are garden designers, botanists and allotmenteers Matthew Pottage, Kirsty Wilson and Neil Porteous, bringing their wealth of knowledge and practical tips to the discussion.Also, Bunny Guinness shares her gardening resolutions for the year ahead, offering inspiration for anyone planning a fresh start in their own green spaces.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

What's the strangest thing wildlife has whisked away from your garden? How can I prevent codling moth from spoiling apples? And how do I make reliably nutritious compost using horse manure?Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered experts return to Henley-on-Thames, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to their most pressing horticultural dilemmas.Joining Peter are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the ever-enthusiastic plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the programme, Bunny Guinness offers her expert advice on creating your very own dead hedge.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: Suki Glocking Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Might our otherwise polluted River Thames have a positive impact on my garden? Why has there been so much whitefly this year? Do the panel have a favourite garden they've visited?Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered gurus head to the Phyllis Court Club in Henley-on-Thames, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to their most pressing plant problems.Joining Peter are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the ever-enthusiastic plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later, Johnny ‘Hot Stuff' Mayard discusses how he grows chillies in his polytunnel that are used for his hot sauce.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: William Norton Assistant Producer: Suki GlocklingA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Peter Gibbs and the Gardeners Question Time panel visit the RHS Wisley Greening Skills Garden in Woking, an exciting new project designed to inspire and equip the next generation of horticulturists. No postbag edition is complete without your questions, so the panel dip into the GQT inbox to answer your gardening conundrums. Joining Peter are head gardeners and garden designers Pippa Greenwood, Matthew Pottage and Matthew Biggs.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Kathy Clugston and a crack team of top horticultural experts celebrate the return of the GQT Summer Garden Party in style — this year set against the stunning backdrop of RHS Garden Hyde Hall in the heart of Essex.Kathy is joined by an all-star panel, including visionary garden designers Matthew Wilson and Bunny Guinness, RHS head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the king of all things edible, Bob Flowerdew. Together, they tackle a lively mix of questions from an enthusiastic audience of budding green thumbs, sharing expert tips, clever tricks, and plenty of inspiration to get your garden growing.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rocky Cocker Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

If you could have a garden gnome what would it be doing? What tools should I have on my first allotment? Any tips on growing carrots on a sandy soil? Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered gurus head to the lush landscapes of Bracknell Forest, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to their most pressing plant problems. Joining Peter are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the ever-enthusiastic plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the show, Pippa Greenwood takes us behind the scenes at Heathrow Airport, where she meets Kelvin Hughes from the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Together, they uncover the fascinating work being done to safeguard the UK's biodiversity from invasive pests and diseases hidden in overseas plants and produce.Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – If you were forced to have one garden gnome, what would that garden gnome be doing? (01'38”) Q – Do the panel have any advice on growing carrots in sandy soil? (05'47”) Q – Are the panel opposed to the use of decorative wood chips in borders? (07'56”) Q – Can they explain how buddleia can grow in church roofs and railway sidings and not come to much in my garden? (11'36”) Matthew Pottage – Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight', butterfly bush 'Black Knight'Feature – Pippa Greenwood meets with Kelvin Hughes with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to discover how Heathrow Airport protect the UK's biodiversity from overseas produce and plants. (18'31”)Q – What could we grow in our south-west facing garden that will provide vibrant colours during the summer? (24'06”) Matthew Pottage – Aesculus Aesculus parviflora, bottlebrush buckeye Eucryphia Eucryphia lucida, leatherwood Eucryphia lucida 'Pink Cloud', leatherwood ‘Pink Cloud' Hydrangea quercifolia, oak-leaved hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake ('Brido') (d), oak-leaved hydrangea [Snowflake] Hydrangea quercifolia Ice Crystal ('Hqopr010'PBR), oak-leaved hydrangea [Ice Crystal] Hydrangea quercifolia 'Harmony', oak-leaved hydrangea 'Harmony'Christine Walkden – Desfontainia OsmanthusQ – I've just taken on an allotment in the last year, and I'd like to know what are the top five low-cost items you'd recommend? (28'20”) Q – Is there an aesthetically please alternative to steaks and pea netting that I could use whilst my plants establish? (31'14”)Q – What plant would you like to be remembered by? (36'03”) Christine Walkden – Soldanella hungaricaMatthew Pottage – Araucaria Araucana, monkey puzzle treePippa Greenwood – Magnolia stellata, star magnolia

Why do my ferns have rusty spots? Any tips for stopping caterpillars eating my cabbages? Have you upcycled any objects in the garden?Peter Gibbs and a panel of plant and gardening experts are in Crowthorne, Berkshire and offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners. Joining Peter are pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage and proud plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the programme, house plant expert James Wong visits the Of The Oak exhibition at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, which celebrates the Lucombe oak and oak trees as a vital hub of biodiversity. He's joined by visual artist Ersin Han Ersin and arborist Cecily Withall.Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MailePlant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – The council have recently cleared a raised flowerbed at the front of the Morgan Centre. It previously had in it a giant prickly pyracantha. What would the panel suggest? (02'02")Matthew Smith – Callistemon rigidus, stiff bottlebrush Alstroemeria Indian Summer ('Tesronto'PBR) (Summer Paradise - Summer Series), Peruvian lily [Indian summer] Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', Balkan clary 'Caradonna' Salvia rosmarinus Prostrata Group (Ro), rosemary Prostrata GroupQ - Why have my ferns developed rusty looking spots – is it caused by a disease? (06'31") Q – Any tips on growing miss Willmott's ghost? (09'08")Q – I have a bank of mature Heathers. Can I prune them as they're quite tall now or do I need to replace them as they get straggly? (13'13")Q- How do I stop caterpillars from eating my cabbages? (17'05")Feature – James Wong visits the 'Of the Oak' at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, which celebrates the Lucombe oak. He's joined by Ersin Han Ersin and Cecily Withal (21'28”)Q - How do we encourage our Camellia to flower? (25'56")Q – I would like to plant some other more interesting climbing plants in a shady spot – what do the panel recommend? (29'13")Matthew Pottage – Hydrangea petiolaris, climbing hydrangea Hydrangea petiolaris 'Silver Lining'PBR hydrangea 'Silver Linng' Hedera colchica 'Dentata Variegata' (v), ivy 'Dentata Variegata'Christine Walkden – Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Virginia creeper Dactylicapnos scandens, yellow bleeding heart vinePippa Greenwood – Lonicera, honeysuckleQ – How often do Clematis Clematis' flower? (34'02")Q – Can the panel recommend any other ways to repurpose objects? (36'26")Q – I'd like you to recommend plants for a red hot, south facing gravel garden? (36'25")

What unorthodox advice have you heard as a gardener? What fruit and veg can I grow in a sodden patch? If you could take one bag of seeds to a desert island, what would it be?Kathy Clugston and the Gardeners' Question Time team return to Bradford, West Yorkshire, to unearth the answers to your gardening dilemmas. Kathy is joined by garden designers Marcus Chilton-Jones, Matthew Pottage and Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, we dig into the first edition of our brand-new Edible Essentials series. Ecological home grower and community gardener Poppy Okotcha shares her go-to spring checklist for growing delicious, sustainable crops.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Is gardening a solitary or a social activity? What could I grow up a garage wall? What do the panel expect to see in open gardens?Kathy and a team of experts visit The Hanneys to solve gardeners' problems. Joining Kathy to answer the questions are fanatical plantswoman Christine Walkden, dedicated botanist Dr Chris Thorogood, and passionate plant expert Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, Matthew Pottage and GQT producer Dominic Tyerman visit the Sydney Botanic Gardens in Australia to understand the wide appeal of living wall gardens, as well as provide tips for making your own.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

What's the secret to growing Snowdrops? Which single plant or gardening activity instils a feeling of wellbeing in people? What are the do's and don'ts of planting Acers? Kathy Clugston and a team of experts are in Bristol to answer gardening questions from a green fingered audience. Joining Kathy are garden designers Chris Beardshaw and Matthew Wilson, and house plants expert Anne Swithinbank.Later in the programme, if you're unsure of what do with your garden during the winter months, Matthew Pottage has an extensive list of jobs and tasks to help you get ahead in the new year.Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

When should we prune roses? What plants grow well in rubble and grass? What's infecting my Prunus avium?Peter Gibbs and a team of horticultural experts are led on a guided tour of Regent's Park in London, while dipping into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening conundrums.Leading the tour is head gardener and fellow GQT panellist Matthew Pottage, who's also joined by pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood and head gardener Ashley Edwards. Later in the programme, head gardeners Anna Rafal and Anne Tuomisto offer advice on pruning roses and designing a Mediterranean garden, as well as winter tidying with hibernating animals in mind.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

How do I stop badgers from eating my tulips? Any tips on changing a ripped pond liner? How do I effectively take cuttings from a plant? Kathy Clugston and her panel of horticultural heroes take a wander around Mires Beck Nursery in Hull, while dipping into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening grievances.Joining forces with Kathy are head gardener Matthew Pottage, garden designer Bunny Guinness and curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones. The panellists are joined by various workers and volunteers from the nursery who share own tips and tricks on gardening challenges, such as planting trees from seed and planting native varieties.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileClick here for the Plant List: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0023yg4A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

When is a seed ready to harvest? Which evergreen shrubs could I plant on the coast? Why are my greenhouse grapes going mouldy? Kathy Clugston and her panel of horticultural experts are answering questions from an audience of keen gardeners in Kingston upon Hull. Joining Kathy to plant some useful seeds of advice are proud gardener Matthew Biggs, garden designer Bunny Guinness and head gardener Matthew Pottage. They discuss the best time to use soil improver, how to see a eucalyptus tree through winter and their most creative ideas for attracting punters to open gardens. Later in the programme, Matt Biggs pays a visit to Stratford Fire Station to hear how they've transformed and rejuvenated their garden space.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Any tips on how to keep a Venus fly trap alive? How do I successfully grow a cucumber? What unusual fruit or vegetable do the panel think is underrated? Kathy Clugston and a panel of horticultural experts are in the hot seat, as they answer the gardening queries from an audience in Hull. On the panel are head gardener Matthew Pottage, garden designer Bunny Guinness and curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones.Later, Hull-born panellist Matthew Pottage meets with Cllr Henry from Hull City Council, to learn more about their ‘Right to Grow' initiative which allows people to grow on public land for the first time.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

How can I control alexander plants? How can I encourage my gage trees to flower? What tips do the panellists have for increasing biodiversity?Kathy Clugston and her team of green-fingered experts are by the Suffolk Coast to share their advice with an audience of garden enthusiasts.On the panel are head gardeners Ashley Edwards and Matthew Pottage, and pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood.Meanwhile, Matthew Pottage explores the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. He dons his hard hat to get up close with a particularly dangerous local pine and admires the wollemi pine, a living fossil thought to be extinct for two million years until a small population was discovered in the Blue Mountains of Australia in 1994.Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Senior Producer: Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Do grass snakes have any benefit to my garden? How do I stop my autumn raspberries from getting maggots? What I can plant between now and next June that will flower in time for my daughter's wedding? Kathy Clugston and a panel of experts are in the hot seat as they answer the gardening queries from an audience in Southwold. On the panel are head gardeners Ashley Edwards and Matthew Pottage, and pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood.Later, Matthew Pottage sneaks away to Wootens of Wenhaston Plantsman Nursery in Darsham, where he meets co-owner Jill Stafford to discuss Pelargoniums and how there's a variety for everyone.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how a small local event can grow into an internationally recognized festival featuring top UK and Irish gardening experts? Join us as we explore the incredible journey of the Carlow Garden Festival with insights from Eileen O'Rourke, CEO of Carlow Tourism. Since 2014, when UK gardening celebrities were first introduced, this festival has blossomed into a must-attend event for gardening enthusiasts. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights into historic gardens, ornamental borders, and food growing, making this event a true celebration of all things gardening over its 10 duration.With Eileen we look at each event, chat about the fantastic speakers and topics which will be covered over the festival. The list of speakers is superb including Ann-Marie Powell, Niall McCauley, Arthur Parkinson, Kitty Scully, Colm O Driscoll, Paul Smyth, Matthew Pottage, Tom Stuart Smith, Klaus Laitenberger and many more. Featuring an array of expert talks that cater to every gardener's interests whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out. You can read more and buy tickets here: https://carlowgardentrail.comIf you are having trouble getting the tickets you want please phone 059/9130411Support the Show.If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know. Email: info@mastermygarden.com Master My Garden Courses: https://mastermygarden.com/courses/Check out Master My Garden on the following channels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/ Until next week Happy gardening John

How do I get rid of Honey Fungus? If you were sent to a desert island, what plant would you take and why? What “idiot proof” fruit could anyone grow on their allotment? Kathy Clugston and her premier league panel of gardening experts are back in Fulham, West London to prune the answers to the audience's gardening conundrums. On the panel are organic gardener Bob Flowerdew, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and curator of RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage.Later, Fulham resident Matthew Pottage explores the grand gardens of Fulham Palace - where head gardener Lucy Hart shares some insight on the rich history of the grounds. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Often referred to as “the greatest living landscape designer” and a leading figure of the New Perennial movement – Piet Oudolf joins curator Matthew Pottage to talk about his new landscape at RHS Garden Wisley. Helen Bostock also introduces the new Bumbles on Blooms project, and the plants you should choose to help support over 250 species of bees in the UK - some with rather particular tastes. Plus, Sam Gallivan, Leader of the Nursery and Propagation team at Wisley talks about propagating plants at scale.  Presenter: Gareth Richards Contributors: Matthew Pottage, Piet Oudolf, Helen Bostock, Sam Gallivan Contact: podcasts@rhs.org.uk  Links:  Bumbles on Blooms  iNaturalist Oudolf Landscape Dividing perennials 

For this week's show, we take a behind the scenes look at the ways spring is fighting its way into the picture at RHS Garden Wisley. We go behind the scenes at the Alpine Display House, we get a masterclass on pruning wisteria, and we dive into the life and work of the eccentric and influential horticulturist Ellen Willmott – and explore a theory for why she may have missed her Victoria Medal of Honour ceremony.  Presenter: Guy Barter Contributors: Alex Hankey, Matthew Pottage, Suzanne Moss Links: Visiting Wisley Narcissus bulbocodium  How to get wonderful Wisteria: Buying, planting, pruning and care tips “Gardens have provided solace, opportunity and inspiration for LGBTQ+ people” Miss Willmott's Ghosts: the extraordinary life and gardens of a forgotten genius

Where's the best place to ripen tomatoes? How do I get my cosmos plant to flower? What's the best way to ripen harvested seeds? Kathy Clugston and the GQT panellists have taken a trip to one of the UK's most loved gardens, the breath-taking Great Dixter Gardens in East Sussex, to answer pressing horticultural queries sent in by our listeners. Ready and waiting with tips and tricks are garden designer Juliet Sargeant, expert plantsman Matt Biggs and curator of RHS Wisley, Matthew Pottage. Treating the team to a tour is the estate is head gardener, Fergus Garrett. Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

I planted 250 parsnip seeds, why have I only managed to grow two? Should I radically prune my rose bush? What's the most surprising thing you've uncovered while gardening? Peter Gibbs and his panel of GQT experts are in Borde Hill. Ready to share their expertise on a variety of plant-based problems are plant pathologist Pippa Greenwood, proud horticulturist Christine Walkden, and garden gur, Kirsty Wilson. GQT regular and curator of RHS Wisley, Matthew Pottage pays a visit to Warley Place, the former home of passionate plant collector, Ellen Willmott, to discuss her legacy on the gardening world. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

This week, we'll be exploring a few of our cultivated genera and species that, for a variety of reasons, have gone out of style. We'll hear about Plant Heritage's Threatened Plant of the Year competition, take you to the beautiful garden of horticultural legend Roy Lancaster to get a tour of his most-cherished aucubas, chat with Wisley curator Matthew Pottage on why we should give Parthenocissus a chance, and finally, take a trip down memory lane with author Naomi Slade. Naomi will be telling us all about the history of the lilac's bumpy ride in the popularity stakes.  Links: The Plant Review Plant Heritage RHS's National Plant Collections Lilacs: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden

Why haven't my apple trees come to blossom? Which flowering plants can I grow in clay soil? Are bug hotels beneficial? From diseases to daffodils, the sprightly GQT squad are prepped to provide all their green-fingered guidance from Worcester. Raring to expunge a multitude of wilt-induced worries are RHS Wisley whiz Matthew Pottage, passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs, and ardent landscape architect Bunny Guinness. Also, GQT regular Juliet Sargeant encourages us to step-over the hurdle of windy weather conditions with a masterclass on growing stepover apple trees. Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Producer: Daniel Cocker Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

I've just set up a greenhouse, where do I begin? What should I plant around an oak tree?  Can I put the contents of my hoover in the compost?  From planting proposals, to allotment advice, the GQT panel are back to answer all of your plant predicaments from Crowle, Worcestershire. Ready to rid you of all your garden gripes are plant enthusiast Bunny Guinness, brainy botanist Matthew Biggs, and RHS Wisley whizz Matthew Pottage. Alongside the questions, Bob Flowerdew gives us all his tips and tricks on tomato sowing and growing, including the unlikely power of banana peel. A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Which herbs put you at ease? Which exotic fruits might it be possible to grow in our gardens in the future? Are there any themed gardens you dream of creating?   The GQT panellists are back in Ditchling to answer these questions and more in front of a live audience. Ready to share their smart solutions to all your plant predicaments are RHS Wisley curator Matthew Pottage, horticultural pathologist Pippa Greenwood, and garden designer Juliet Sargeant.  Alongside the questions, horticulturist and garden designer Cherry Carmen gives us plenty to pond-er with her tutorial on preparing your pond for spring. A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

How do you revive a banana plant? Can you encourage wild orchids to grow in your garden? Would you accept a kitchen sink as the top prize of a gardening competition?  In Ditchling to answer these questions and more in front of a live audience are Peter Gibbs and this week's panel - garden designer Juliet Sargeant, pests and diseases expert Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Pottage, Curator at RHS Wisley.  Beyond the questions, James Wong educates us on the science behind the effects of music on plants.   Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Louisa Field  A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

How do you grow a decent-sized brussels sprout? When is the right time to prune a raspberry bush? What species of plant should be named after you? Returning to Balcombe to answer these questions and more in front of a live audience are Kathy Clugston and this week's panel - garden designer Juliet Sargeant, Plants expert Christine Walkden and Matthew Pottage, Curator at RHS Wisley. And Christine answers your Cyclamen queries with an in-depth masterclass on the tuberous perennial. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Louisa Field 

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Which plants stand a chance against hungry deer? Is there a particular flower that refuses to grow for you? And what's the right way to water your plants?  In Balcombe to answer these questions and more in front of a live audience are Kathy Clugston and this week's panel: Plants expert Christine Walkden, garden designer Juliet Sargeant and Matthew Pottage, Curator at RHS Wisley. And garden researcher and historian Advolly Richmond shares the history of the Galanthus nivalis, commonly known as snowdrops. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Louisa Field 

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

What's the best way to grow great swedes? What are green manure crops? And have you ever returned a dead plant to the shop you bought it from? Joining Kathy Clugston to answer these questions in front of a live audience in the Norfolk Broads are horticulturalist Anne Swithinbank, garden designer Matthew Wilson and 'grow your own' expert Bob Flowerdew. Also on the programme, Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Pottage head to RHS Garden Wisley to check out a new feature that both looks nice and harvests rainwater in times where many gardeners are worried about drought. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Aniya Das Executive Producer: Louisa Field A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Will dividing a large plant help bring it back to life? What's the story behind the Norwegian spruce that each year adorns Trafalgar Square in London? And how do you encourage a cactus to flower? Joining Kathy Clugston to solve your horticultural conundrums are grow-your-own expert Bob Flowerdew, designer Matthew Wilson and orchid enthusiast Anne Swithinbank. Each year for 75 years the people of Norway have gifted the UK a large Christmas tree. Gardener Matt Biggs and GQT producer Dan Cocker head to Trafalgar Square to discover the origin story of this tradition. Sharing in the history are the UK Ambassador to Norway, Richard Wood, and Mayor of Oslo, Marianne Borgen. They also turn to expert Matthew Pottage for debunking what makes a “good tree”. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Aniya Das Executive Producer: Louisa Field A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

How can we prepare our green spaces for the next two decades of climate change? What is regenerative gardening? And is there a plant that causes disagreements in your household? Joining Peter Gibbs on the panel in Bath this week are curator Matthew Pottage and garden designers Juliet Sargeant and Chris Beardshaw. Also on the programme, we visit the calm and reassuring solitude of the potting shed, where Matt Biggs offers a masterclass in dividing a mint plant to guarantee you get the most out of those fragrant shoots. Producer - Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer - Aniya Das Executive Producer - Louisa Field A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Do you really need to wait until the freezing depths of winter before pruning a climbing rose? How do you start a compost heap? And what exactly is Fuchsia gall mite? Garden designers Chris Bearshaw, Juliet Sargeant, and RHS Wisley curator Matthew Pottage are ready to answer questions from a live audience in Bath. On his way to the hall, Peter Gibbs takes a stroll with historian Professor Marion Harney through Bath's historic Pleasure Gardens - gardens which often feature in Jane Austen's writing. Also on the programme, Ashley Edwards heads to Gladstone Park in North London to speak to garden designer Antonia Couling and artist Harun Morrison about their landscape garden feature The Anchor, The Drum, The Ship. Producer - Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer - Aniya Das Executive Producer - Louisa Field A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Peter Gibbs is joined by Anne Swithinbank, Pippa Greenwood, and Matthew Pottage. Together, they answer your gardening queries. The panellists are near Great Torrington, Devon in the beautiful garden of RHS Rosemoor where they recommend some methods for growing the most delicious courgettes, divulge the secret to cultivating successful delphiniums, and get excited by ideas for aquatic planting in and around a pond. Away from the questions, Pippa Greenwood heads to RHS Rosemoor's Southwest and Devon orchard to hear about their bumper crop of apples and Chris Beardshaw celebrates the character, history and folklore of a deciduous tree native to the UK - the hazel. Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Bethany Hocken A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Peter Gibbs and his panel of gardening experts are at RHS Rosemoor. Anne Swithinbank, Matthew Pottage and Pippa Greenwood answer the audience questions. From the luscious landscape of Devon's RHS Rosemoor, the panellists recommend the best time to plant a young oak tree, guide on growing without peat and share their tips for planting near a stream. In a shady corner of the garden, regular panellist Anne Swithinbank takes a turn about the stumpery, picking up some tip and tricks for starting your own from team leader Jonathan Hutchinson. Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Bethany Hocken A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Peter Gibbs and the team visit East Sussex. Matthew Pottage, Christine Walkden and Ashley Edwards answer the audience's questions. This week the panellists suggest some low-growing flowering shrubs for a large pot, as well as plants they would be happy growing in the chalky soil typical of East Sussex. They also diagnose a poorly plum tree, and suggest how to get a naughty Monstera back in line. Away from the hall, as we are in the midst of wedding season, we asked floral designer Hazel Gardiner to share her top tips for arranging and growing your own wedding flowers. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Aniya Das A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Peter Gibbs and the panel are in Eastbourne for this week's horticultural programme. Matthew Pottage, Christine Walkden and Ashley Edwards answer the questions. On his way, Peter stops by the chalky cliffs of Beachy Head. He speaks with Tim Squire, Ranger for the Eastern Downs of the National Park, who tells him all about the unique chalk grassland of the area. In Eastbourne, the panellists suggest some low-growing plants for a windy, coastal terrace, as well as what we can plant now that the weather is warmer than ever before. They also discuss how to water the garden in drought conditions. Away from the questions Matthew heads over to Sienna Hosta nursery to speak with Chris Potts, who explains how they keep their hostas slug and snail free. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Aniya Das A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts. Chairing this week is Peter Gibbs, and answering your questions are Bunny Guinness, Bob Flowerdew, and Matthew Pottage. As judging commences for this year's RHS Britain in Bloom, Peter speaks with local Stamford in Bloom coordinator Ann Ellis about what they've done to make Stamford a greener place. In the hall, the panellists answer questions on how best to secure a climbing rose to a wall, as well as giving advice on ivy that's getting out of control. They also explain when to prune a hydrangea, and how to help a variegated plant that is reverting. Away from the questions, Dr Chris Thorogood speaks to Beverley Glover at Cambridge Botanic Garden to find out why bees are attracted to certain plants. Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Aniya Das A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts. In the chair this week is Peter Gibbs, and he's joined by experts Bob Flowerdew, Matthew Pottage and Bunny Guinness. This week the panel are on Bunny's home turf in the historic town of Stamford. They explain what to do with an overgrown tulip tree, and how to safely plant out runner beans. They also recommend some plants for a Mexican themed garden, and suggest ideas for what to do with a glut of loofah plants. Away from the questions Matthew takes a trip up the road to Bunny's garden, and learns about her new rose meadow project. Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Aniya Das A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Episode 11: Matthew Pottage - Wisley and beyond! This episode features RHS Wisley's Curator and Gardener's Question Time panelist Matthew Pottage. Matthew talks about how his own garden inspires his latest book How To Garden When You Rent and why being the youngest ever RHS garden curator matters to him.

Kathy Clugston and the panel are in Shropshire. This week, the green-fingered experts answering your questions are Bunny Guinness, Matt Biggs and Matthew Pottage. The panel think of some moisture-loving plants and shrubs for around a garden pond, as well as suggesting how we can keep our gardens wildlife-friendly and biodiverse in times of extreme weather. Away from the questions, Juliet Sargeant speaks to Blue Peter Editor, Ellen Evans ad RHS Garden Bridgewater's Caroline Williamson about her designs for The New Blue Peter Garden: Discover Soil, and plant historian Advolly Richmond takes us back in time with the history of carnations. Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Aniya Das A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Kathy Clugston and the panel are in the village of Ludlow. Fielding gardening questions from the audience this week are Bunny Guinness, Matthew Pottage and Matt Biggs. From old wives' tales to No Mow May, the team covers good ground in this week's GQT. Bunny, Matthew and Matt offer their guidance on growing bonsai - which species make for the best results? They also suggest tips for lifting the canopy of a cherry tree and share some spectacular design ideas for planting in alleyways. Beyond the questions, and in honour of National Plant Health week 2022, Pippa Greenwood visits the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to view their secret weapon against unwelcome plant pests. Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Bethany Hocken A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

It's a long overdue return for Matthew Pottage on The Talking Dirty Podcast this week. Matt joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to chat about his new book, 'How to Garden when you Rent' and share some Show and Tell from his office at RHS Garden Wisley. He's sure to leave us all with FLOMO*! *FLoral or plant-based fear Of Missing Out PLANT LIST Luma apiculata Leptinella Lobelia pedunculata (Syn. Pratia pedunculata) Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Nanouk' Tradescantia fluminensis 'Maiden's Blush' Fallopia baldschuanica Pinus coulteri Sansevieria trifasciata 'Bantel's Sensation' Aloe erinacea Schlumbergera 'Norris Variegated' Phlebodium aureum 'Davana' Opuntia cantabrigiensis Opuntia microdasys Lycopodium squarrosum Blechnum chilense Pyrrosia sheareri Cordyline australis 'Charlie Boy' Lapageria rosea

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts. Kathy Clugston is joined by Kirsty Wilson, Matthew Pottage, and Anne Swithinbank. Together, they answer your gardening queries. As the climate warms, more and more plants are flowering unseasonably early or else staying in flower for much longer. This week the panel tackles all sorts of untimely blooms, from a climbing rose to a woody rosemary plant. To investigate the issue further, Peter Gibbs speaks to University of Cambridge researcher Ulf Büntgen who explains why the climate crisis is having this effect on plants. Meanwhile at Oxford Botanic Garden, Chris Thorogood and a team of researchers have uncovered the secrets of the Giant Amazonian Waterlily, and Chris explains how important this knowledge will be for the future of construction and design. Producer - Hannah Newton Assistant Producer - Aniya Das A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

With more demand for space to build, gardens are getting smaller. In fact, owning a garden is just a dream for many younger people. This week, David Maxwell and the team will explore the options for those with no piece of earth to call their own. How can those with more than they need (or more than they can look after) make land available to those without. David chats to a Belfast born entrepreneur who's developed an online platform where garden space can be rented out to those who want to grow their own food but don't have a garden. Also on the programme, RHS Wisley curator, Matthew Pottage on making the most of the garden if you are renting your home and for those who have to garden indoors, some must have houseplants from Danae Diaz. Questions for the panel to gardenerscorner@bbc.co.uk

The number of people renting houses has doubled in the past 10 years. But how do you make a garden when you're faced with blank concrete paving or the prospect of having to move home in just a few months? Luckily we have barrowloads of fantastic advice from Matthew Pottage, Curator of RHS Garden Wisley and long-term renter of a house in southwest London. His new book, 'How to Garden When You Rent' is published today. Hear him discuss some of the tips and tricks he's learned from a decade turning a grey concrete yard into a lush urban jungle, all without lifting a single slab. Including advice on design, planting ...and dealing with landlords. Plus we talk to garden designer Sara Edwards, who created an innovative container garden at last year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Using IBCs (intermediate bulk containers, widely used in industry and farming) she created miniature forests, ponds and naturalistic planting, to stunning effect. All without breaking into the ground below. Useful links RHS How to Garden When You Rent by Matthew Pottage See Sarah Edwards' 2021 Chelsea garden, The IBC Pocket Forest Get RHS advice and inspiration on container growing

Peter Gibbs takes a look through the GQT archives for top tips on sustainable gardening. Over the years the GQT panellists have shared plenty of knowledge on how to be a green gardener. They look at everything from how to make your driveway more environmentally friendly, to efficiently collecting rainwater at home. We also hear Hafsah Haferji's "how-to" on companion planting, and head back to RHS Wisley with Matthew Pottage and Environmental Researcher Tijana Blanusa to learn how trees help us with carbon capture. Producer - Hannah Newton Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4