Scotland Grows Show

Scotland Grows Show S11 E6: Following Her Joy: Horticulture Learner of the Year, Sarah Forbes

"You can teach skill, but you can't teach passion."
M.T O'Donnell chats to Sarah Forbes in this episode, winner of the ALBAS Horticulture Learner of the Year, who traded the corporate world for muddy boots and the historic gardens at Stirling Castle. Discover how a chance apprenticeship changed her life, leading her to literally ground herself every day by connecting with nature and Scottish history at one of Scotland’s most iconic sites.
From secret gardens and wild winds to the soul-soothing power of nature, she shares her journey and the importance of following joy in a lifelong learning career.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, thinking about a career change, or simply love stories about nature thriving in unexpected places, Sarah’s story is sure to inspire and delight...welcome to the Scotland Grows Show!
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox or letterbox 4 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

Scotland Grows Show S11 E5: A Celebration of Hellebores at Kirklands with Peter and Gill Hart

"Hellebores cope with the Scottish weather really, really well. Scottish gardening is different, particularly with the late frosts, but hellebores are robust.”
Step into the enchanting world of Kirklands with passionate gardeners Peter and Gill Hart for ‘A Celebration of Hellebores’ as we discover what makes these jewel-like winter blooms a Scottish garden essential. From their incredible resilience to the dazzling diversity that brings early-season colour to even the toughest of spots, we showcase the new Scottish Hellebore Festival in Fife.
The joy doesn’t stop though with the thousands of hellebores at Kirklands, this episode digs into how the garden has blossomed over nearly five decades, overflowing with snowdrops, rhododendrons, candelabra primulas, and wild orchids. Pick up tips on easy spring planting for a Scottish garden, composting joys, and how to encourage your garden to thrive, whatever the weather.
Get ready to meet two gardeners whose story proves that with passion, perseverance, and a little obsession, you can create something truly magical — one season at a time. 
Kirklands is open on 22nd and 23rd March 2026 between 2-4.30pm under Scotland’s Garden Scheme for ‘A Celebration of Hellebores’. 
Kirklands House, Bridge St, Saline, Fife KY12 9TS. https://kirklandsgarden.co.uk/
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox or letterbox 4 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees
 

Scotland Grows Show S11 E4: Gardening on Skye's Wild Edge with Úna Treanor

Join us on the Scotland Grows Show as M.T. O'Donnell sits down with Una Treanor, Head Gardener at the historic Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye. From battling relentless rain and storm-force winds to cultivating resilient gardens in one of Scotland’s most dramatic climates, Una shares her honest insights and hard-won gardening wisdom.
Discover the real challenges — and unexpected joys — of gardening on Skye, from managing invasive rhododendrons to nurturing world-class snowdrop displays that draw locals and visitors alike each spring. Find out how Una is future-proofing the castle’s gardens against climate change, and pick up clever advice for your own windswept patch, wherever you garden.
Whether you're an avid gardener or simply in search of a bit of green inspiration, this episode is packed with practical tips and a reminder that sometimes, the best gardens are born from resilience and creativity. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of Scotland’s most picturesque garden landscapes!
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

Scotland Grows Show S11 E3: Plan Your Perfect Garden with Joanne Evans

"There’s no point in having a patio in somewhere that’s damp and shady because who’s going to sit there?"
arden designer and Scotland Grows columnist Joanne Evans joins M.T. O'Donnell to reveal the secrets of successful garden planning. Whether you're dreaming of a brand new space this year or eager to revamp your existing patch, this episode unwraps the why, when, and how of creating outdoor areas that truly work for you.
Tune in to hear Joanne share how January is the perfect moment to start planning your garden transformation. From mastering sun and shade to budgeting wisely and making your outdoor space genuinely welcoming, Joanne explains what makes thoughtful design so transformative, and why the flow of people is just as important as the placement of plants.
As a dedicated advocate for gardens that nurture health and wellbeing, Joanne discusses her passion for community spaces and the emotional wellbeing that a great garden brings.
Whether you’re a newbie with a blank canvas or a seasoned gardener looking for fresh inspiration, this episode will leave you eager to grab your gardening journal and start planning and sketching your dream space.
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees
 

Scotland Grows Show S11 E2: Box, Blight, and Beyond with Lewis Swales

"It’s like magic. I just don’t understand how anybody can’t just love gardening because honestly, it’s like magic."
In this episode of the Scotland Grows Show, Lewis Swales, head gardener of not one but two stunning National Trust gardens in Aberdeenshire, welcomes us behind the scenes to discover the secrets of Pitmedden Garden and Haddo House.
From the intricate parterres and miles of hedging to trim, Lewis shares what makes these historic gardens so special, and the challenges of keeping them thriving in the face of changing climates and box blight.
Join M.T. O'Donnell as she explores with Lewis Swales how modern gardening practices are reshaping beloved Scottish gardens. You’ll learn how Lewis and his team are creating resilient, beautiful spaces by experimenting with plant choices, trialling new hedging techniques, and sometimes letting nature lead the way. Whether you garden on a grand estate or a city balcony, Lewis’s candid tips and lessons from success, and failure, are sure to inspire.
Tune in for a conversation filled with practical advice, fascinating history, and pure gardening passion. You’ll come away with fresh ideas for your own garden, and a new appreciation for the dedication and creativity that Scotland’s finest gardeners bring to their living masterpieces.
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

Scotland Grows Show S11 E1: An Orchid Obsession with Luke Callaghan

“It’s quite humbling actually... the realisation when I made my first hybrid, then it bloomed for the first time... it was the culmination of decades of effort and knowledge.”
 
In this fascinating episode of the Scotland Grows Show, M.T. O'Donnell welcomes Luke Callaghan, expert orchid grower and passionate plant enthusiast, for a conversation that travels from a childhood sparked by the breathtaking World Orchid Conference in Glasgow to the unique drama of nurturing rare Odontoglossum orchids in Scotland’s cool climate.
 
Luke shares his remarkable journey, revealing how scientific curiosity and sheer perseverance led him to become one of Scotland’s foremost orchid hybridisers. From laboratory-style experiments in glove boxes to swapping pollen with fellow enthusiasts across the UK, he uncovers the secrets to keeping delicate orchids thriving, and offers top tips for beginners to succeed with the the more common Phalaenopsis orchids.
 
You'll also get bonus insider tips for cultivating exotic edibles like melons, watermelons, and citrus fruits on Scottish soil.
 
Whether you’re an orchid enthusiast, a fruit grower, or just interested in what we grow well here, listen in for hands-on advice, stories of orchid growing, and strong encouragement to “kill a few plants”… because every top grower has!
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees
 

Scotland Grows Show S10 E6: Growing Success in Peat-Free Compost with Scott Smith

"Manufacturers and the government have a duty to us as the amateur gardener, to really try and help us with this transition to peat-free." 
 
Horticulturist Scott Smith returns to the Scotland Grows Show to share the results of his hands-on trial comparing three peat-free composts with a traditional peat-based mix.
 
Conducted in real-world home conditions in the northeast of Scotland, Scott’s project demystifies the challenges and surprises of switching to peat-free growing media, revealing what works, and what doesn’t, for everyday gardeners.
 
Whether you're struggling to get your tomatoes thriving, confused by the ever-changing labels in the garden centre, or keen to help protect Scotland's precious peatlands, Scott offers practical advice and data-backed recommendations you won’t want to miss.
 
Tune in for honest insights on watering and feeding plants growing in peat-free compost, which composts delivered the best yields, and why clearer packaging and guidance matter more than ever for home gardeners. Plus, learn about Scott's new book (OUT NOW)!
 
If you’re ready to get reliable results from peat-free gardening, this episode is packed with tips, discoveries, and stories that will make your next growing season your greenest yet!
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

Scotland Grows Show S10 E5: Uncovering Scotland’s Living Plant Records with Dr. Anna Florence

In this episode of the Scotland Grows Show, host M.T. O'Donnell welcomes Dr. Anna Florence from the National Trust for Scotland to unravel the massive PLANTS Project, a three-year botanical deep dive that’s reshaping how Scotland’s most treasured gardens are protected, understood, and shared.
 
Discover how an ambitious team travelled Scotland’s length and breadth to record 86,000 living plants, revealing treasures hiding in plain sight, from critically endangered rhododendron species to a unique apple tree with an unmatched genetic fingerprint.
 
This episode shines a light on the exciting challenges of plant heritage conservation for the National Trust for Scotland, and why keeping accurate, living records matters for generations to come. 
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees
 

Scotland Grows Show S10 E4: Cambo Gardens' Composting Masterclass with Callum Halstead

“Getting your hands dirty in a compost heap - there’s not a lot that’s better than that in my mind.”
 
Head Gardener Callum Halstead shares the secrets from Cambo Gardens’ Festival of Compost, practical advice for composting at home, and lessons learned from a challenging Scottish summer to inspire resilient, beautiful gardens all year round.
 
Callum’s expert advice will make you to look at soil, mulch, and biodiversity in new ways. Plus, find out what makes Cambo’s season-long plantings and National Snowdrop Collection a must-see, even in the heart of winter.
 
If you want fresh ideas for your garden, this episode is a treasure trove you won’t want to miss!
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees

Scotland Grows Show S10 E3: Exploring Scotland's Rich Plant Hunting Heritage with Author Ann Lindsay

It is high time we spoke more on the Scotland Grows Show about the legacy the great Scottish plant hunters left on our shores, through the most intrepid and life-threatening plant-hunting expeditions.
 
Acclaimed writer Ann Lindsay has uncovered the stories of the Scottish plant hunters who shaped the nation's gardens and in this episode, we’ll look at the legacies of famous explorers like David Douglas, Francis Masson, and Robert Fortune, and the remarkable plants from Douglas firs, lupins, pelargoniums, Californian poppies, camassia, and phlox - and so many more - that transformed our landscape and filled our gardens with beauty. 
 
Whether you're a garden enthusiast or just love a great story, Ann shares captivating tales of exploration, peril, resilience, and the courage of those who brought them across continents, giving us a deeper appreciation for the blooms we enjoy today, in a tribute to the plant hunters whose spirit still grows in Scotland's soil.
 
Find out more about Ann's work HERE.
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The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.
Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there!
And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.
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This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland’s woodlands.
You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They’ll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland.  
Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you’ll help nurture and protect Scotland’s wonderful woodlands for generations to come. 
Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees