What if the secret to a better garden is letting go of control? This week I'm joined by gardener and conservationist Sue Mabberley from Nant-y-Bedd in the Black Mountains, where four decades of working with nature have created a thriving wildlife haven. We discuss the value of so-called weeds, gardening for biodiversity, and why even the smallest garden can make a difference.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Yellow Loosestrife Bee

Links

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Visit the Garden / Book Visits & Tours

Garden Meadows Workshop with Jo McKerr

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sue, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 194: Gardening for Wildlife

In this episode, Sarah talks to Ralph Hobbs about creating gardens that actively support wildlife. From practical habitat creation to understanding the needs of different species, it's a great companion to Sue's philosophy of gardening with nature and making space for biodiversity.

Episode 333: Designing for Habitat & Biodiversity

In this episode, Sarah speaks with ecological landscape designer Emmaline Bowman about designing gardens and landscapes that support healthy ecosystems. The conversation explores how thoughtful planting and habitat creation can benefit wildlife, making it a natural follow-on from Sue's approach to working with, rather than against, the natural world.

Can a show garden change minds as well as win medals? This week, I'm joined by Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, whose Chelsea gardens championed peatland restoration and dementia research. We discuss whether the impact of a show garden can justify its environmental cost, and explore the power of gardens with a purpose.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Jewel Wasp

Links

Martha Krempel

Bog in a Box

St Pancras

Gut-brain health research information

Tina Worboys

Iota - manufacturers of amber structures in Tina's garden

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 190: Show Gardens

In this episode, I explore the world of show gardens, discussing their purpose, their impact, and the questions they raise about value, sustainability and public engagement. It's a perfect companion to this week's discussion about whether show gardens can justify their environmental cost through the awareness and change they inspire.

Episode 230: Sensory Gardens and Autism

In this episode, Sarah explores sensory gardens with a focus on design for people with autism. Featuring Camellia Taylor, Meraud Davis and Alexis Selby, it examines how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can support wellbeing, engagement and connection with nature.

What if the key to better health, stronger communities and a more sustainable future lies beneath our feet? This week, I'm joined by author Robert Ashton to discuss his new book Down to Earth and explore our relationship with soil. From farming and education to mental health and conservation, Robert reveals why reconnecting with the land could be one of the most important challenges of our time.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Shieldbug Stalker

Links

Down to Earth by Robert Ashton

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Robert Ashton, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition

In this episode, Sam Hamrebtan explores the links between soil health, food quality and human wellbeing. It's an excellent companion to Robert's discussion of our relationship with soil and the importance of caring for the living systems that sustain us.

Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary

In this episode, Joshua Sparkes discusses innovative approaches to farming and food production, challenging conventional ideas about agriculture and land use. It's a natural follow-on from Robert's reflections on regenerative farming, sustainability and how we can build a healthier relationship with the land.