Gardeners' Question Time

What's the best way to revive a dying bonsai tree? Do Peonies hate being moved? I am inundated with ants – how do I get rid of them? Kathy Clugston hosts BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time, joined by a panel of esteemed plant and gardening experts in Perton, Staffordshire. Sharing their horticultural wisdom are the passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs, head gardener Marcus Chilton-Jones, and renowned plantswoman Christine Walkden. Later in the programme, Matthew Biggs has a chat with David Austen Jr to explore his father’s remarkable legacy in rose breeding at their prestigious nursery. He also gets an exclusive glimpse at some of their latest, most exquisite varieties. Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – What colour would you paint a garden fence to best show off and compliment the plants in it? (01’32”) Q – Why have my Peonies stopped blooming? Is it because I’ve moved them? (05’03”) Q – Which plants would the panel recommend covering a roof of five feet by 10 feet with a depth of two and a half inches? (08’07”) Matthew Biggs – Thymus vulgaris, common thyme Thymus serpyllum 'Russetings', creeping thyme 'Russetings' Campanula, bellflower Campanula portenschlagiana, wall bellflower Christine Walkden Sempervivum, houseleek Hylotelephium, sedum Mentha requienii, corsican mint Marcus Chilton Jones – Puschkinia Allium schoenoprasum, chives Ajuga repens, bugle Q – What are the panel's thoughts on reusing compost that's been used in pots for summer annuals? (10’53”) Feature – Matt Biggs speaks with David Austen Jr about his father’s legacy in breeding unique roses (15’01) Q – I wondered what was the best way to revive a dying bonsai tree? (19’26”) Q – How hard should I cut back our Ceanothus? (23’59”) Q – What can the panel recommend that's low maintenance and won't prickle anyone that I could plant in a two foot wide plot? (28’10”) Christine Walkden – Cyclamen hederifolium, ivy-leaved cyclamen Ajugas Lamiums Heucheras Thalamus Aquilegia Veronica, gentian speedwell Matthew Biggs – Hedera (ivy) Marcus Chilton-Jones – Lonicera, honeysuckle Dryopteris, wood fern Nettles Q – I am inundated with ants – how do I get rid of them? (33’49”) Q – How do I stop bugs from getting into my plums? (37’25”)

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 Maile Plant 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 Group Q - 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 vine Pippa Greenwood – Lonicera, honeysuckle Q – 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")

How do I take care of a kokedama? How do you take care of a sedum living roof? Why won't my trollius flower? For the first time ever, GQT sets up shop at the heart of the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show, broadcasting from the charming bandstand. Kathy Clugston is joined by a panel of horticultural heavyweights, including Bunny Guinness, Matthew Wilson, and James Wong. Keep your ears pricked up for some familiar voices - among the questioners are none other than Scott Mills, David Tennant and Zoe Ball, each bringing their own garden problems to the table. Later, Peter Gibbs takes a tranquil detour to the stunning Songbird Survival Garden on Main Avenue. There, he chats with designer Nicola Oakey and dedicated volunteer Bee about how we can turn our outdoor spaces into welcoming sanctuaries for Britain’s beleaguered songbirds. Producer: Daniel Cocker Producer: Dominic Tyerman Producer: Matthew Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – I’ve got a floppy snake plant – is this because I’ve overwatered it? (01'17") Q - Why do the flower buds fall off my chameleon each year? (02'38") Q - Hello, it's David Tennant here. I've been gifted a beautiful kokedama. How do I water this? How do I not kill it? (05'26") Q – Could you recommend some pretty and low maintenance for flowers for window boxes? (07'34") Bunny Guinness – Verbena officinalis 'Bampton', vervain ‘Bampton’ Polystichum setiferum, soft shield fern Salvia rosmarinus (Ro), rosemary Matthew Wilson – Thymus vulgaris, common thyme Thymus praecox James Wong – Portulaca, porcelain Mesembryanthemum Delosperma. Q- My trollius hasn’t flowered this year. What am I doing wrong? (12’58") Feature – Peter Gibbs visits the ‘Songbird Survival Garden” on main avenue, where he meets with designer Nicola Oakey and volunteer Bee (17’22”) Q - We've got a garden room with a sedum living roof – how do we look after it? (22'20") Q – Hello! Zoe Ball here! How do I stop squirrels from eating all my plants? (32'06") Q - My trachycarpus and dicksonia antarctica. They're getting thinner and thinner each year – how do I appropriately thin them out? (28'54") Q – Hi GQT, it’s Scott Mills. How do I stop my dog’s pee from ruining my lawn? (28'54") Q – I’d like you to recommend plants for a red hot, south facing gravel garden? (36'25") James Wong – Hardy aloes Aloe polyphylla Eschscholzia californica, california poppy Bunny Guinness – Salvia confertiflora, sabra spike sage Matthew Wilson – Rosa 'Sally Holmes' (S), rose 'Sally Holmes' Dasylirion wheeleri, spoon flower Aloiampelos striatula, striped-stemmed aloe Beschorneria yuccoides, yucca-leaved beschorneria

Kathy Clugston and a panel of green-fingered gurus, Kirsty Wilson, Pippa Greenwood, and Dr Chris Thorogood, explore the spectacular Chelsea Flower Show! Meanwhile on the vibrant main avenue, roving reporter Peter Gibbs explores gardens shaped by climate challenges. He steps into the thought-provoking Save for a Rainy Day Garden to chat with designer Baz Granger about clever water-saving ideas. Then, he ventures into the lush creativity of the Hospitalfield Arts Garden, where he meets celebrated garden designer Nigel Dunnett for a conversation on art, ecology, and sustainable planting. Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod and Suhaar Ali A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Kathy Clugston prunes through the extensive GQT archive, which includes some much needed advice on all things Foliage. With 77 years of experience in providing ample advice, our various GQT panellists are more than equipped to solve your gardening conundrums. They provide tips on the best plants for a foliage border, banana plants that can withstand the winter, and plants for a bed that never sees any sunshine. Away from the questions, Matthew Wilson heads over to Sienna Hosta nursery to speak with Chris Potts, who explains how they keep their hostas slug and snail free. Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - What would be the best plants for a foliage border? (01'07") Matthew Biggs – Euonymus fortunei f. radicans 'Silver Queen', spindle ‘Silver Queen’ Euonymus fortunei var. radicans, wintercreeper Anne Swithinbank – Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR , Siberia bugloss ‘Jack Frost’ Cornus canadensis, dwarf cornel Matthew Wilson – Hosta, plantain lily Hosta sieboldiana, siebold’s plantain lily Hosta 'Big Daddy' (_sieboldiana_ hybrid) (v), plantain lily ‘Big Daddy’ Q- Why isn't my Christmas berry 'Red Robin' in here a lovely bright colour, like others? (04'22") Q- Can banana plants stay outside during the winter? (08'10") Matthew Pottage – Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish', banana 'Dwarf Cavendish' Q – Why has my 12-year-old smoke bush has turned brown overnight? (11'19") Feature – Matthew Pottage speaks with Managing Director of Sienna Hosta Nursery Chris Potts about how they nurture their Hosta’s to be pest free (17'07") Q- What type of ferns should I use in my fernery? (22'40") Matthew Wilson – Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance', copper shield fern 'Brilliance' Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Herrenhausen', soft shield fern 'Herrenhausen' Matteuccia struthiopteris, shuttlecock fern Pippa Greenwood – Primula vulgaris (Pr/Prim), primrose Wild violets Q - What could I plant in a bed that never sees any sunshine? (27'51") Matthew Wilson – Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign', lungwort 'Blue Ensign' Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance', copper shield fern 'Brilliance' Matteuccia struthiopteris, shuttlecock fern Deschampsia cespitosa, tufted hair grass Christine – Rheum palmatum, Chinese rhubarb Heuchera, cora bells Ligularia Q- How do I properly mow my lawn without ruining the foliage surrounding it? (32'33") Q - What can I do to take care of my 3ft Poinsettias? (37'35")

How can you get a second season out of tulips grown in pots? What is the most natural and cost-effective way to add nutrients to my soil? How do you garden with hedgehogs in mind? Kathy Clugston and her team of gardening experts return to Bangor, Northern Ireland where they solve some gardening dilemmas. Joining her are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Head of Gardens at Balmoral Kirsty Wilson. Later in the programme, continuing our Edible Essential Series is Bob Flowerdew, who provides the top fruits and vegetable to add to your shopping list this season. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q- What should I do with my phalaenopsis orchid? (01'24") Q- How do I look after auriculas during the summer? (05'02") Q- How can you get a second season out of tulips grown in pots? (06’57") Q- I’ve killed four Japanese acers over the years – what am I doing wrong? (19'30") Feature – Bob Flowerdew’s edible shopping list. What fruit and veg you should grow this season (14'41") Bob Flowerdew – Asparagus officinalis, asparagus Ribes nigrum, blackcurrant Chillies Allium sativum, garlic Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, globe artichokes Helianthus tuberosus, Jerusalem artichokes Allium cepa, onions Solanum tuberosum, potatoes Raphanus sativus, radish Rubus idaeus, raspberries Ribes rubrum, redcurrants Rheum rhabarbarum, rhubarb Allium cepa var. aggregatum, shallots Fragaria × ananassa, strawberries Zea mays var. saccharate, sweetcorn Q- My soil is very much depleted of nutrients. What is the most natural and cost-effective way to remedy this? (18'44") Q – What shrubs could I grow in containers that are exposed to extreme winds and sea salt? (23'36") Neil Porteous – Grevillea rosmarinifolia, rosemary grevillea Euphorbia stygiana subsp. Santamaria, Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, sea rosemary Kirsty Wilson – Phormium tenax, New Zealand flax Hakonechloa macra, Japanese forest grass James Wong – Pinus pinea, stone pine Q - How do you garden with hedgehogs in mind? (29'38") Q - I’m just about to dig out an area for a large pond. What plants do the panel recommend I use to get me started? (31’20") James Wong – Soleirolia soleirolii, mind-your-own-business Nymphaea, waterlilies Kirsty Wilson – Iris pseudacorus, yellow iris Hosta, Plantain lily Astilbe, astilbe Meconopsis, Himalayan poppy Cyperus alternifolius L., umbrella plant Neil Porteous – Eryngium, sea holly Eryngium pandanifolium, pandan-like-leaved eryngo Q - Can you recommend some plants that are showstoppers and conversation starters? (37'21") Kirsty Wilson – Nepeta 'Blue Dragon', catmint 'Blue Dragon' Neil Porteous – Vitex lucens, puriri James Wong – Mahonia, oregon grape Daphne

What's your recommended recipe for homemade seed compost? What makes a dog friendly garden? What is the most inappropriate piece of garden advice that you've received? Peter Gibbs and the panel offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners in the borough of Wokingham. Joining Peter are house plants expert Anne Swithinbank, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and proud plantsman Matthew Biggs. Later in the programme, for Plant Health Week, Kirsty Wilson visits the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to meet biosecurity officer Matt Elliot and discover how new pests and diseases are threatening our gardens — and what we can do to fight back. Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - Do the panel have any favourite help or design features in their gardens made by their pets? (01'45") Q- Could you give me some top tips on growing Dahlias? (05'40") Q- How do you manage a wildflower area after the first year of flowering? (10’18") Feature – Kirsty Wilson and Biosecurity Officer of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh discuss how we can protect our plants from new pests and diseases (14'20") Q- My Fatsia Bush has flowered – do I prune it back or leave the fruits for the birds? (19'30") Q - Which exciting new plants should we be looking forward to growing in the south-east of England? (22'31") Bunny Guinness – Diospyros virginiana (F), common persimmon Diospyros 'Nikita's Gift' (F), Nikita’s Gift Persimmon. Salvia involucrata 'Hadspen', rosy-leaf sage ‘Hadspen’ Matthew Biggs – Salvia officinalis 'Bicolor', sage 'Bicolor' Echium Echium wildpretii, tower of jewels Echium pininana giant viper's bugloss Anne Swithinbank – Leonotis Leonurus, lion's tail Dictamnus albus, burning bush Eriobotrya, loquat Q - What is your recommended recipe for homemade seed compost? (28'00") Q - I have a small starter allotment; can the panel advise me on how to make the most of my small plot? (32'10") Bunny Guinness – Onion Garlic Lettuce Matthew Biggs – Lettuce, fresh beetroot, fresh carrots, finger carrots Baby leaf Spinach radish courgettes French beans Runner beans Anne Swithinbank – Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum, florence fennel Q - What is the most inappropriate piece of garden advice that you've received, and did you follow it? (37'24")

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts.

Why are my potatoes so floury? How do you banish lace bugs for good? And what mysterious plant has the panel stumped? Kathy Clugston and a team of gardening experts explore the various locations of Belfast Botanic Garden. All while digging into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening conundrums. On hand with their wisdom and wit are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Kirsty Wilson, Head of Gardens at Balmoral. Guiding them through the garden’s hidden corners and floral highlights is Garden Supervisor Colin Agnew. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

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 Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Why are my blueberry plants experiencing blueberry dieback? How can we prevent or treat an infestation of whitefly in an eco-friendly manner? Which plant have you been most tempted to steal and why? Peter Gibbs and a panel of plant and gardening gurus offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners in Twyford, Reading. Joining Peter are house plant expert Anne Swithinbank, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and proud plantsman Matthew Biggs. Later in the programme, we hear from GQT's Kathy Clugston who visits a garden designed for individuals with no sense of smell. Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts.

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts.

What’s soil type works best in terrariums? Want plants could I use to absorb the damp patches in my garden? Which unloved flower has a place in your garden? Kathy Clugston and her team of gardening experts visit the Clandeboye estate in Bangor, where they tackle some head scratching gardening dilemmas. Joining her are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Head of Gardens at Balmoral Kirsty Wilson. Later in the programme, Neil Porteous takes us on a fascinating journey through the Belfast Botanic Gardens, uncovering the rich history of the shamrock. From ancient legends to its deep connection with St Patrick’s Day, discover how this little green plant became one of Ireland’s most powerful symbols. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

How do you keep a bonsai tree thriving? Should you risk moving a well-established shrub rose? And what’s the one plant you simply couldn’t live without? Kathy Clugston and the GQT team are back in Walsall, ready to tackle your most pressing horticultural dilemmas. Joining her are garden designers Bunny Guinness, Matthew Wilson and Marcus Chilton-Jones. Later in the programme, Marcus Chilton-Jones visits Walsall Arboretum's oldest and most remarkable hawthorn tree. Joined by Claire Turner and Josh Madders, he uncovers the fascinating history of this ancient survivor and the secrets behind its resilience. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

What’s the best way to propagate Heuchera? How do i minimise the growth of my Wisteria and maximise flowers? Are there any low skilled gardening jobs that I could do? Kathy and a team of experts return to The Hanneys where they solve more gardening 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, Matt Biggs Hardwood cuttings, an easy and reliable method of propagating plants. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Producer: Matthew Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

How do we get rid of red ants? Rainwater or tap water? How can I stay motivated in the garden when it's wet and windy? Kathy Clugston and her team of gardening gurus visit Walsall to solve some horticultural problems. Joining Kathy to answer the questions are garden designers Bunny Guinness, Marcus Chilton Jones and Matthew Wilson. Later in the programme, Peter Gibbs visits RHS Wisley where principal scientist Kálmán Könyves educates him on their Daffodil Diaries initiative. A strategy which logs where, what and when rare and endangered narcissi bloom. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Snowdrops - do you mulch, feed, or leave them alone? What's the difference between anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion? How do I get rid of apple maggots? Peter Gibbs and the GQT team of experts return to Shepton Mallet to solve various gardening conundrums. On the panel this week are house plant guru Anne Swithinbank, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and garden designer Matthew Wilson. Later in the programme, Anne Swithinbank and Dominic Weston discuss all things snowdrops ahead of Shepton Mallet's upcoming snowdrop festival. Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Peter Gibbs guides us through the GQT archive, which includes some much needed advice on how to make your garden more wildlife friendly. The GQT team have pruned through 77 years of questions and answers to reveal useful advice provided by our various horticultural experts. This includes tips on how to attract bats to the garden, advice on rabbit proof plants and the benefits of snakes in the garden Later, we listen back to when Kirsty Wilson visited Glenarm Castle and discussed how we make our gardens to safe for hedgehogs. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A 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 Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4