Pot and Cloche Garden Podcasts

In this episode Joff hops on the train to Paddington and navigates the London underground to find The Business Design Centre in Islington, London. It's the Garden press Event and he get to talk to some amazing people who have produced some equally amazing and well thought out products. Previous guest on the podcast Andy from Dahlia Beach tells us about her flower farm, the highs and lows of growing flowers, and her plans for 2024. Joff tries to sell her a double decker bus. Sue O'Neil form Genus Gardenwear is launching a fabulous new product - The Pro-Pant. Feature rich, designed by gardeners, and built to last these trousers are going to be a firm favourite amongst professional gardeners and landscapers. Guy Grieve from Atlantic Garden has lived an intersting life writing books, living in the wilds of Alaska, diving for scallops in Mull, and now turning seaweed into a product that will put the life back into your soil. Alex Curran started Roots Plants three years ago and has a network of UK nurseries supplying sustainable plants with provenance. Dick Woods from Finches Friend has decided to combat the problem of parasite transference on garden bird feeders and has produced several new products that will save a lot of our garden birds from trichomonosis. Stuart fro Niwaki introduces us to a new secateur the latest addition to there fabulous range of japanese garden tools.

In this episode Joff talks to Adrian Bloom about his new book FOGGY BOTTOM - A GARDEN to SHARE. From breaking turf in an empty meadow in 1966, to its near maturity in 2023 it is the story of a garden and its plants. That’s a 56-year-old garden with stories to tell. More important in Adrian’s view is what the Foggy Bottom Garden represents today and how many more can benefit from sharing it. He shows and describes changes in weather and habitats, dramatic seasonal changes shown through the diversity of many worthwhile plants. How to keep a balance between design and ‘right plant’, ‘right place’ and need for change as the garden grows and develops. Adrian has continually adapted his garden as the once empty windswept meadow became sheltered and shaded. Flooding still happens from time to time, spring frosts seek out early flowers, occasional gale blows the tops out of trees. Joff discovers Adrian's early passion for speed skating, how a seed brought back from his adventures is now a 100 foot Redwood tree, the fashion for conifers and the changing markets. The early days of Foggy Bottom from a stark new-build bungalow with a small garden to a six acre garden planted as a test ground for perrenials and conifers. To have a look at the books and it's contents or to purchase go to the Foggy Bottom website here.

Derek Gow is a farmer and nature conservationist. Born in Dundee in 1965, he left school when he was 17 and worked in agriculture for five years. Inspired by the writing of Gerald Durrell, all of whose books he has read - thoroughly - he jumped at the chance to manage a European wildlife park in central Scotland in the late 1990s before moving on to develop two nature centres in England. He now lives with his two children on a 300-acre farm on the Devon/Cornwall border which he is in the process of rewilding. Derek has played a significant role in the reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver, the water vole and the white stork in England. He is currently working on a reintroduction project for the wildcat. I ask Derek about his transition from Scottish farm to Scottish wildlife park to a 300 acre rewilding project in Devon. We talk extremes from huge water buffalo to tiny harvest mice and from Heck cattle whose sole aim in life seems to be to kill you to water voles and white storks. Derek is a straight talker with a dislike for commitees much prefering to be hands on getting jobs done while others continue to discuss and debate. If you like what you hear you can stay on Derek's farm to see for yourself what he's getting up to. Go to www.rewildingcoombeshead.co.uk

Liz Zorab is author of the bestselling 'Grounded – A Gardener's Journey to Abundance and Self-Sufficiency'. She spent more than 20 years working with specialist housing charities and in community development, with an emphasis on innovative volunteering practices. An award-winning gardener, she gained an RHS Silver Medal for a community-led garden featured on BBC's 'Gardeners World Live' in 2002. A health crisis led Liz to turn to her life-long passion for gardening and growing food as a career. Liz spent several years transforming her 0.8 acre plot in Monmouthshire into an abundant smallholding. She is now regenerating a tired and over-grazed 4.5 acre site using permaculture practices. On less than an acre, she grows most of the food and drink her family enjoy each year, giving them food security, resilience and increased self-reliance. She enjoys spending time with Mr J (her husband) and her family, watching rugby and creative handicrafts, and has a distinct dislike of housework. Liz regularly writes for Permaculture Magazine, teaches gardening and self-sufficiency skills and encourages thousands of people to take up their trowels and live their dreams through a vibrant YouTube Channel, Liz Zorab – Byther Farm. If you want to dig deeper into the processes of growing your own organic food, self-sufficiency practitioner, Liz Zorab, offers insights to the rhythm and patterns of her gardening year. In this personal gardening journey, she explores seasonal harvests and how the vegetable garden sits within the wider context of the gardening landscape – including weather, microclimates, water cycles, light levels, seasons and the gardener’s personal tastes and preferences. Liz’s salt of the earth approach to life and to the garden and her gentle humour makes The Seasoned Gardener an easily digestible read. She provides hundreds of practical tips, including how-to guides, observations and inspiration for both the beginner and practiced gardener alike. Unlike many gardening books that run from January to December, this book starts in the autumn when harvesting is at its peak. Most of the fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers highlighted in this book are grouped according to when we enjoy them most – at the point of harvest. The Seasoned Gardener will show you how to: Enjoy the abundance of each month of the year Decide which plants are best to grow in your garden Find pleasure in your growing space year-round Avoid the pitfalls of doing too much at once Be creative with your garden resources Make the most of your time and energy Celebrate nature’s productivity as much as your own. This is a journey of experiment and learning that will inspire you to grow tastier food and savour the experience.

In this episode sponsored by Genus Gardenwear Joff Elphick takes his annual pilgrimage up to the big smoke where he visitis the old horticultural halls - now known as The Business Design Centre - to meet horticutlural businesses for The garden Press Event. He speaks to Simon for Hydrialife who tells us about his self contained award winning water fountain kit with rechargeable batteries and a programmable timer. Great for indoors or out. Kate from Capi-Europe has a great range of pots and water butts produced in a CO2 neutral factory and made completely from discarded fishing nets. Karen Abbott is with Spear and Jackson a company with 260 years of experience producing garden tools. A long handled trowel, a pruning saw, a cape cod weeder, and a mini spade ideal for splitting perennials is new to their range for 2023. Adrian Bloom a well known name in the plant world is from bressingham gardens. His new book Foggy Bottom - a gardeners share will be available in september 2023. Old friends of the show Haws Watering Cans were at the show and Josh explained teir new concept in 'the art of watering'. He also explains the process and huge amount of work that goes into their British made cans. Sarah Gerard-Jones Is from The Plant Clinic. Sarah explains how her business saves plants, the potting medium, and the pots from going ito landfill through the use of her Pkant Rescue Boxes. It's an ingenious concept that is currently being trialled by The RHS at their centre in Wisley. Sean Kelly is from Fauna Bird a Dutch company that have worked with Tetra pak to come up with the technology to removed the plastic fim from inside cartons and then turn them into garden bird feeders. They also offer a complimentary range of bamboo and ceramic feeders and nest boxes. Tea Francis loves spiders so much she has them tatooed onto her body. Tea is an arachnologist who wants us to appreciate the role that spiders play in our homes and gardens.

The Generous Gardener ran by Sarah Biddulph and Sarah Rivett- Carnac offer a series of garden lectures throughout the year in Rodmarton Manor a beautiful arts and craft property located in Gloucestershire between Cirencester and Tetbury. Lectures in 2023 are being delivered by a brilliantly curated set of speakers most of whom are well known to keen gardeners and people in the world of horticulture. Speakers include Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, Richard Miers, James Alexander Sinclair, Pippa Greenwood, Lulu Urquart and Adam Hunt, Jimi Blake, Niff barnes, Jinny Blom, Clive Nichols, and Georgie Newbury. Plant Sales are ran from Charlton Farm near the historic market town of Malmesbury have some well know nurseries and growers attending including hardy's Cottage Garden Plants, Riverside Bulbs, Tortworth Plants, Harry's Honey, Malcolm Allinson Plants, Tom's Yard, Exedera Plants, Old Court Nursery, Chris Cooke, Sparrow Plant Supports, Kitchen Garden Plants, Malvern Salvias, and Special Plants Nursery. The entry fee includes a donation to The Simon Rivett-Carnac Trust. The 8 acre garden at Rodmarton is famed for it's snowdrops and is open for visits at the start of February as well as other times of the year.

In this episdoe sponsored by Genus Gardenwear Joff talks to wildlife expert Chris Baines about his book THE RHS COMPANION TO WILDLIFE GARDENING - how to make a wildlif garden. First published in 1985 this book has now been fully updated and revised by Chris with new illustrations and highlights the changes in garden wildlife over the last 30 years. It incorporates the latest RHS research and updated best practice. Chris talks about his days on BBC Gardeners World in the late 80's with Peter Seabrook and his time at BBC pebble Mill in the 80's. This book was first released at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 1985 where Chris built a groundbreakingwildlife garden that caught the nation's imagination. Chis also discusses why to make a wildlife garden in the first place. What different habitats you can create, and what to expect to see - quite a lot for those with the time and patience to sit and observe. An oxymoron? A wild vegetable garden? Chris was instrumental in setting up National Nest Box Week and International Dawn Chorus Day. This book from Quarto/Frances Lincoln is being released on 16th February 2023.

In this episode sponsored by Genus gardenwear Joff Elphick talks to Barbara Segall about her new book GARDENS of the SOUTH-EAST published by Frances Lincoln. Within its 144 pages are 20 gardens many of which often remain overlooked but all of which display the passion of the owners or gardeners that look after them. It's a fascinating talk with not just the gardens, but many names of people involved in horticulture scattered throughout the episode for one reason or another. Jane perrone, Alys Fowler, Peter Donegan, Rocky Coles, Marcus Harper, Fergus Garrett, Clive Boursnell,Beth Chatto, Christopher LLoyd, Tom Coward,William Robinson, John Brookes, and Gertrude Jekyll all get a mention. The publisher says: A tour of some of the UK's most beguiling gardens in the counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey, the counties that exemplify 'the garden of England'. In these three counties a wealth of history and horticulture has combined with geography in the shape of rolling landscapes, wooded valleys and meandering waterways, to provide an attractive and fascinating collection. They are in villages and towns, as well as in deep countryside, and all are privately owned. Some have been in the possession of the same family for many generations, while others have recently been transformed by new owners. Some open for the National Garden Scheme, while others are open privately and in some cases for just the occasional day for charity. The stunning gardens explored in this visually rich guide include: Arundel Castle, Denmans, Gravetye Manor, Munstead Wood and Sussex Prairie Garden. The book also includes a gazetteer of other important gardens in the area with location advice, to enable readers to plan a more elaborate tour of this fertile garden area. Filled with stunning, specially commissioned photographs by Clive Boursnell, Secret Gardens of the South East is a unique guide that opens the gates to the most intriguing gardens in this part of England.

In this episode sponsored by Genus Gardenwear Joff Elphick talks to Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek about his career in horticulture and his new book Hortus Curious - discover the worlds most weird and wonderful plants and fungi. We talk about his work with Thompson and Morgan where he worked on plants like the Tom-tato and the Egg and chips plant. His TV work with Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch and QVC. His latest book Hortus Curious covers a wide range of the world's most fascinating plants and fungi and we talk about Venus Flytraps, the origins of coffee, Miracle Berries, Wollemi pines, The Vulva Vine - Clitoria ternatea, peanuts (they're not a nut!), and the pyromaniac plant Dictamnus albus var purpureus.

In this episode sponsored by Genus Gardenwear Joff Elphick travels to the north of the Cotswolds to visit Harriet Rycroft, a garden speaker, consultant, writer, and an expert in container gardening. They talk about her book 'POTS' and wander around Harriet's back garden, home to nearly 800 pots.

In this episode sponsored by the amazing Genus Gardenwear Joff talks to a number of the interesting exhibitors that can be found at The Malvern Autumn Show. Dahlia BeachNational Hedge Laying Society

In this Episode sponsored by Genus Gardenwear I talk to Tamsin Westhorpe about her latest book Grasping the Nettle - tales from a modern country gardener. Tamsin is a hands-on gardener who opens her garden Stockton Bury near Leominster to the public. She had worked as a parks greenkeeper, an interior landscaper, she had her own shop, and is probably best known for holding the position of Editor at The English Garden magazine. We discuss her childhood in the 70's. Being brought up surrounded by chickens and other crestures. Her holidays to Poole in Dorset where she spent a lot of time in her Aunty Margie's garden. Her transition to gardener wasn't a lightbulb moment. We talk of catching a boyfriends while dissecting pig's hearts, art college, and summer days spent untangling Clematis at her uncle's nursery. She became a lecturer which was the most character building period of her life. The commute from Herefordshire to The English garden in Cheltenham involved a commute by scooter. (It didn't last long) During lockdown she became an international speaker talking to gardeners in America, Japan, the Uk and beyond.

In this episode sponsored by Genus Gardenwear Joff talks to Silvana de Soissons about her book Natural Skincare for all Seasons. Chapters in the book include An introduction to the skin. Plotting the skincare garden. Choosing skincare plants.The natural skincare garden through the seasons. Formulations and Techniques. Joff and Silvana discuss Joff can be found here Find out more about Silvana's business by visiting the Farm Soap Co.

In this episode sponsored by Genus Performance Gardenwear Joff talks to Sandra Lawrence author of 'Miss Wilmott's Ghosts - The extraordinary life and gardens of a forgotten genius'. They discuss Ellen Wilmott, her upbringing, and her inherited wealth. The 11th century castle and the hidden 'treasures' in its damp cellars. The legendary parties at Ellen's home Warley Place. 'Wilmott Tombola' with dead mice and silverfish. Ellen Wilmott 'snubbing' the RHS after being awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour. Ellen's complicated friendship with Gertrude Jekyll. Why every Victorian lady should carry knuckle dusters and a revolver.

In this episode sponsored by the amazing Genus Performance Gardenwear Joff taks to Kathy Slack who's book 'From the Veg Patch' was published last year by Ebury Press. They discuss the vegetables Kathy grows and the some of the deliciuos recipes in the book.

In this episode sponsored by the amazing Genus Performance Gardenwear Joff travels to the old horticultural halls in Islington, London, where he talks to the charities and businesses who attend the event. His first visit is to David Wyndham-Lewis of the horticultural charity Perennial who offer suppoert to those in the industry who may find themselves in financial difficulty for a number of reasons. He then talks to Richard Pennock of Haws watering cans, the words oldest watering can manufacturer who still make their product in the UK. Tom Willday of Willsow writes and publishes gardening books for children with pages made of handmade paper embeded with seeds that can be planted!! Chris Holden from Nemasys discusses the range of organic nematode based pest control products that the company offers. Dealing with vine weevil, slugs, and leatherjackets has never been easier. Mark Pitman is from Wildlife World who have just released a range of sustainable seed trays, root trainers, and cell trays in natural rubber that will finally enable us to rid our sheds of all those dissintegrating plastic products we've amassed over the years. Vanessa Easley is from the WFGA (Working for Gardeners Association) She tells us about the networking, support, and training opportunites they provide.

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

Joff talks to Peter Donegan, Landscape Architect, lead designer for DIY SOS Ireland, and former host of the much loved award winning podcast The Sodshow. They talk about: This episode kindly sponsored by Genus Performance Gardenwear

Joff talks to Alan Sargent about The landscape Library, an online resource for head gardeners, gardeners, landscapers, and garden consultants. Alan, a busy expert witness in horticulture related cases has been in the business since the late 60's and has over 60 show gardens under his belt. We talk about- Many thanks to the sponsor of this show MYWINDOWBOX Joff can be contacted at joffelphick@gmail.com His website is www.joffelphick.co.uk

In this episode Joff goes to the Malvern Autumn Show where he talks to Vanessa from garden boot makers Poddy and Black. He learns about traditional trug making from Robin at The Thomas Smith Trug Shop and then talks to Marsha O'Mahony who has written abook 'The Scratch of the Hop' about hop growing and picking in the midlands. At Glee he chats with Annabelle Padwick from Life at No 27. Bumps into Lee Connoly aka The Skinny Jean Gardener, before talking with Elliot Webb from Urban-Farm-it. He rounds off the show with an update from an old friend of the show Linda Petrons from the amazing children's charity Greenfingers.