Scotland Grows Show

Scotland Grows Show S3 E2: Heritage & Horticulture Careers with Simon Jones, National Trust for Scotland

Simon Jones is a Gardens & Designed Landscapes Manager for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), managing gardens such as Threave, Culzean, Broughton, Greenbank, Hill House, Geilston, Crarae and Arduaine. 
 
Previously he was Curator of Plants at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland based at Edinburgh Zoo, designing and constructing over 30 exhibits during this time.
 
Look forward in this episode to hearing all about Simon's work with the National Trust for Scotland, highlighting the unique beauty and heritage of Scotland's gardens; the challenges faced by NTS gardens, from storm damage to diseases like sudden oak death, and the resilience needed to manage and restore these treasured landscapes.
 
Simon explores how horticulture offers not only a connection to nature but also mental well-being, especially for those considering a career change later in life—a trend that's seen a notable rise since the COVID pandemic. He also offers invaluable advice for new gardeners, including practical tips on starting with fruit and vegetables, and seeking local insights through visits to stunning NTS gardens.
 
Outside his role with NTS, Simon is a past Vice-President of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, member of the Incorporation of City Gardeners of Glasgow, past Director for Gardening Scotland and now a committee member with Kinghorn Community Land Association.
 
Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, 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.
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Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
 
Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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 is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Scotland Grows Show S3 E1: A Front Garden Flower Haven with Kim Light

Inspiring gardener Kim Light is well known on Instagram for her absolutely gorgeous cut flower garden, at @my_scottish_garden, but it is no regular cut flower garden that Kim has created in Wishaw, just outside Glasgow: she ripped up her traditional front garden to transform the space, and the results are just wonderful!
 
We explore Kim's favourite blooms, the evolution of her plant preferences, and her commitment to sustainable, chemical-free gardening. Kim shared invaluable tips for growing from seed in Scotland's challenging climate, from using grow lights to the importance of native perennials. Tune in to hear how gardening has not just flourished in her garden, but in her soul!
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Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published.
 
Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
--------------------------------------------
This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Scotland Grows Show S2 E6: Behind the Scenes at 'Beechgrove' with Scott Smith

With ‘Beechgrove’ in its 45th broadcasting year, Scott Smith and his team are always busy behind the scenes, and in this episode we get the secrets behind the screen from the man left in charge once the cameras are gone!
 
Scott came to Beechgrove after Head Gardener positions in Pitmedden Garden and Haddo House for the National Trust for Scotland and we discuss his favourite National Trust gardens.
 
Scott also shares invaluable advice on tailoring your garden to fit your lifestyle so stay tuned as we laugh, learn, and get inspired by the incredible world of gardening with Scott Smith.
 
Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, 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 is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
--------------------------------------------
This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Scotland Grows Show S2 E5: From Press to Petals with Theresa Talbot

Theresa Talbot, a boutique florist and garden consultant based in Glasgow, offers seasonal advice on the best blooms and vibrant foliage for your floral arrangements.
 
Following a successful broadcasting career with the BBC, and being a well-known fiction author, Theresa embarked on a new path, training with some of the best florists in Scotland and the UK, to launch Willow & Herb at the start of lockdown. 
 
Her passion for sustainable floristry, including blooms from Scottish flower farms as well as from her own plot, means she has cultivated a reputation for natural, rustic style arrangements.
 
From discussing her favourite plants to navigating weather conditions, Theresa's diverse background and love for all things green make for an engaging and informative conversation. Tune in as we explore Theresa's unique perspective on gardening and floral design.
 
Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, 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 is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
--------------------------------------------
This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Scotland Grows Show S2 E4: Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy with Stan Green of Growforth Ltd.

Stan Green is an influential voice in promoting horticulture through his long and illustrious career in Scottish horticulture, starting behind the scenes at Beechgrove Garden; serving as President and Chairman of the Horticulture Trades Association UK Board, and awarded the Scottish Horticultural Silver Medal for contributions to Horticulture.
 
Stan has always been active in the horticultural industry, working with both the UK and Scottish governments, school and higher education bodies, charities and NGOs. He is currently involved in representing horticulture as Chairman of the HTA Scotland Policy Development Group, working with Scottish ministers to develop the ‘Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy’ which you can read about in the June issue, Issue 18, of Scotland Grows magazine.
 
Stan Green is Managing Director of Growforth Ltd., the wholesale nursery he established in 1990 which serves the horticultural trade throughout Scotland and the north of England, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
 
Stan supports charities like Trellis, Scotland’s network for therapeutic gardening, and alongside Sir Andrew Cubie and Jim McColl, of Beechgrove Garden, Stan established a charity, Scotland’s Garden Trust, to create a National Garden for Scotland, which created the Calyx concept that evolved into a national Care Home initiative.
 
Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, 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 is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
--------------------------------------------
This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Scotland Grows Show S2 E3: 'Planting with Nature' with Kirsty Wilson

Kirsty Wilson is well-known to many as a ‘Beechgrove’ presenter but her day job as Herbaceous Supervisor at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh keeps her very busy where she is responsible for the team looking after various areas in the garden, including the famous 165m-long herbaceous border, the Queen Mother’s memorial garden, and the Chinese Hillside, looking after the largest collection of Chinese plants outside China for conservation, education and scientific research. 
 
Kirsty’s career has included working at Highgrove Gardens, a year at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, as part of an International Training Programme, and as Glasshouse Supervisor at St Andrew’s Botanic Garden.
 
She has also completed a Diploma in Garden Design from RBGE, winning gold for her first show garden, The Coffee Garden, at Gardening Scotland.
 
Kirsty is a panellist on BBC Radio 4 Gardener's Question Time and in 2021, she won the RHS Roy Lancaster Award.
 
And as if that wasn’t enough, she is planning an RBGE plant collecting expedition this September to Japan, and has just published her first book, ‘Planting with Nature’ which is a practical, easy-to-use guide for anyone who wants to boost nature in their patch and make the world a little greener.
 
Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, 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 is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
--------------------------------------------
This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Scotland Grows Show S2 E2: Plastic-free Gardening with Fiona Thackery, CEO Trellis

Fiona Thackery, CEO of Trellis and author of 'Plastic Free Gardening' guides us through practical ways to reduce plastic use in our gardens, exploring tips for swapping single-use plastics for sustainable alternatives, creative DIY options, and the exciting innovations in the horticulture industry driven by consumer demand. From the importance of small, consistent changes to engaging local businesses and councils in recycling efforts, Fiona's insights promise to inspire gardeners of all levels.
 
An award-winning writer, Fiona’s ‘Plastic-free Gardening’ book is a great read if you are looking to make your gardening more sustainable and less damaging to the environment. All the profits from book sales go to support the work of Trellis.
 
This book offers clear information about garden plastics and their effects on the environment. It offers help to weigh up alternative materials and marketing claims. Low-cost, fun and DIY ideas for adapting your garden and the way you garden to use less plastic. Available here: https://trellisshop.trellisscotland.org.uk/product/plastic-free-gardening/
 
Trellis is the national organisation for therapeutic gardening, supporting practitioners and their groups across the length and breadth of Scotland, and Fiona shares her decades of experience in therapeutic gardening which has taken her as far as working with students with visual impairments in Brazil, where she also helped to build Brazil’s 4th sensory garden, before returning to Perthshire to support therapeutic gardening projects all over Scotland. 
 
Fiona has pursued her interest in the natural world in Greece, working in sea turtle conservation and later in Brazil, helping on a project investigating the relationship between orchids and bees in the Atlantic Forest.
 
Fiona was awarded the Dr. Andrew Duncan Medal by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in 2019 to recognise her contribution to horticulture.
 
Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, 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 is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
--------------------------------------------
This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots
 

Scotland Grows Show S2 E1: A Garden in Sunny Joppa, with George Anderson

George Anderson, a Scottish gardening legend, known for his work on Beechgrove Garden since 2005 amongst many other things, takes us behind the garden gate to his own garden in Sunny Joppa.
 
George describes the diverse sections from dry gravel gardens to vegetable patches in his garden, highlighting his approach to pruning and plant care, as well as sharing some of his tp plant recommendations. He offers advice for anyone starting their gardening journey, stressing the importance of starting small and using practical methods to control weeds.
 
Having accrued over 50 years in the horticulture industry, George discusses the varied climate conditions within Scotland, the social aspect of garden visits, and the rewarding opportunities within horticulture. 
 
Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, 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 is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
--------------------------------------------
This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots
 
 

Scotland Grows Show S1 E6: Advice for A Beginner Gardener with M.T. O'Donnell

In this episode, M.T. O'Donnell, editor of Scotland Grows magazine, talks to Laura Frances, a beginner gardener, with advice for her north-facing garden.
 
They chat about planting for sunny and shady areas, growing tomatoes, strawberries, and other edibles, and some general gardening tips.
 
Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, 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 is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
--------------------------------------------
This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots

Scotland Grows Show S1 E5: Protecting Scotland's Gardens with Chris Wardle, National Trust for Scotland

Chris Wardle, the National Trust for Scotland's Gardens and Designed Landscape Manager for Aberdeenshire and Angus, moved to Scotland 23 years ago, and the National Trust for Scotland has become his life’s work.
 
Chris talks in this episode about the exciting developments going on in National Trust gardens, which ones are his favourite to visit, and his attempts to create a tropical jungle feel in his own garden in the north of Scotland.
 
Chris also offers talk plant recommendations, and invaluable advice on building confidence, embracing the experimental nature of gardening, and the importance of community.
 
So, whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or just getting started, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.
 
Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, 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 is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.
 
You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
--------------------------------------------
This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.
 
For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.
 
Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 
 
Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots