the happy garden podcast

A jolly podcast this week! We head down Darren's larder and get tips on cooking with your Christmas tree. It's a bit dank down there and the ceiling is still leaking but we make the best of a bad situation. Jobs for the week ahead, a couple your gardening questions answered, a few money saving tips....and all rounded off with a sing song. Hay nonny noo!

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Mollie and Darren are back for a brand new year and a very warm New Year welcome! Mollie chats with weatherman and author Jim Dale about the weather that gardeners have had to endure during 2025 and has a look ahead to the snow on the forecast. Always lovely to chat to Jim. Darren gives us top tips on disposing of your Christmas tree in an environmental way. As always, there are plenty of laughs and a bit of singing to welcome in the New Year.

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Well we couldn't not say a quick hello at Christmas! We hope you had a gorgeous day. Darren and I met up to exchange gifts and have a coffee on Christmas Eve. The only place we were both passing was Corley Services on the M6. Yes, there was a sing song! Merry Christmas. Mollie x

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An hour of merriment! Mollie meets Dani from Bunches.co.uk and talks about festive flowers and the ethos of the business. We also find out why some roundabouts are called "A Titchmarsh". Darren teaches us how to propagate mistletoe, and we have a jolly good Christmas sing song and plenty of smiles along the way. Come and join us...x

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A festive catch up with Pete Waterman. Lots of tips for keeping poinsettia and a guide to extending the life of your Christmas tree once it's in your house too. Beer and vodka are both involved! Festival giggles and a sing song are a given.

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The fabulous Tony Hadley joins Mollie for a pre Christmas chat. Find out about his Christmas tree, his favourite flower and how much he loves his garden lights! What do you think about Tesco removing the work Christmas from some of their trees? Darren gives us his view. Darren also has his gardener's gift guide, which this week will leave you speechless...

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Back in the summer, lovely listener Coral won "An experience with Darren Rudge" on the podcast! Join us as Darren takes Coral, Leslie and Mollie on a guided tour of the fabulous Winterbourne gardens in Birmingham.

Originally designed as a small country estate with rustic outbuildings and large gardens, Winterbourne followed the style of the Arts and Crafts movement with examples of local craftsmanship throughout the house. Margaret Nettlefold designed the garden, inspired by the books and garden designs of Gertrude Jekyll. After a period of restoration, the garden was Grade II listed by English Heritage i...

James May joins Mollie for a chat about his new TV series 'James May's shed load of ideas'. Darren explains the world of elecroculture and why some people interestingly think it's nonsense. Also, it's that time of year! We have the first instalment of Darrens crap Christmas present gift guide...

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An all sorted bag of topics on today's podcast! Are cyclamen indoor or outdoor? Can you use human ashes in the garden? Why did Darren get in from the Collegiate social club gardening evening at 2.30am? So many things to discuss!

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Lovely Fergus the forager joins Mollie for a cosy Autumn chat. Who would have thought acorn ASMR was a thing?! Paul from Buglife gives us our final chat of the year, looking at a bit of entomological news. Lots of advice from Darren about planning for spring and getting the garden ready for a winter nap. Oh, and of course, a ridiculous amount of laughter...

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Join us for Halloween garden giggles. Darren has lots of advice on putting the garden to bed for the Autumn and winter, along with making preparations for the Spring to come. Reality royalty Gemma Collins joins Mollie for a chat. She loves her garden! An inordinate amount of laughter comes as standard. Press play...if you dare...

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Join us for a cosy Autumn podcast. If you have leaves everywhere, Darren gives us his composting guide as well as talking us through saving seed for next year. Mollie meets Eco Crops, an award winning company that offer a range of woodland management and perennial SRC Willow wood crop services & products throughout the UK.

Laughing and singing is a given...

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We speak to the fabulous Kevin McCloud as Grand Designs Live came to Birmingham and this year there was a giant garden hub. Kevin himself loves his garden and he's a dab hand at jam making!

Mollie went to both the National Hedge laying and the National Ploughing Championships, showcasing the best in vital country skills. Hear about both this week. As always there's a few giggles and a sing song along the way...

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So much to cover this week! Darren reviews Genus gardening wear and Mollie talks to Sue O'Neil, founder of the company. Sue couldn't find decent gardening wear but instead of moaning, she started her own business! Buglife Paul joins us to talk about the insects we'll see in October both in the house and out in the garden. Darren looks at the pros and cons of robot lawn mowers and we have a jolly good giggle along the way. Come and join us...

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It's a mast podcast! A super abundance of fascinating people. Our good friend Paul Woods AKA The Street Tree joins Mollie for a chat about 2025 being a mast year, especially for our oak trees. If you don't know why trees do it, listen in, you will be blown away by Mother Nature. Darren answers a bumper crop of your gardening questions and Mollie has lots of results from last week's giant veg shed at Malvern. We meet more giant veg growers too. Get that kettle on...

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Mollie has the pleasure of chatting to Neil Hands, a world champion giant vegetable grower. We get some tips and tricks should you want to have a go at it yourself! Jane Edwards from the three counties show ground also joins us as we look ahead to the Malvern Autumn Show.

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A really interesting episode this week - as always! We meet Adam who sells artificial grass. Many people hate the stuff, many people love it. We talk through some of the pros and cons. Darren brings us a bulb special, it's a great time to be planting them for spring colour. Mollie meets Leigh from the Bedworth seed swap. Oh and there's a great get together idea brewing...

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We forgot to celebrate last week, so here is to another year of hilarious horticultural podcasting! Buglife Paul joins us to talk about the abundance of wasps this year and the onward march of the Asian hornet. Another chat with Pickling Paul, this time about his cucumbers. Listener Dave asks about mood lifters and Darren talks us through how plants can help through sight, smell, touch and taste. Come and join us!

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Join Mollie in the fruit basket of England. We head to Pershore to pick plums in a heritage fruit orchard with fabulous farmer Steve. Find out how independent fruit farmers cope in an ever changing world and hear about some of the old varieties and how they were used. The Shit Smock plum caused a few giggles!

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Gardener's World presenter Frances Tophill chats to Mollie about how the garden has coped with the weather so far this year and also looks ahead to the fabulous GWL event at Kew Gardens on the 6th September. Darren profiles 5 things to do with basil, should you have a glut on your hands. We also meet the lovely Anna who is head gardener at Weston Park in Staffordshire. What a passionate lady! Your chance to win tickets to Weston Park and gardens too. Listen in to find out how!

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Lots of bits on the podcast this week! One of our last conversations with the wonderful George Plumptre, CEO of the National Garden Scheme. (he steps down next month) He tells us all about applying for a community grant. Mollie met a lovely man at a boot sale we have loving called Pickling Paul, you can find out more about his pickles. Steve Backshall also has some advice on getting kids involved with nature on car journeys, oh and he advices jotting down notes on Darrens life. Before he dies.

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We had the pleasure of a lunch invite from Fothergill's. Fothergill's has become one of the most successful seed companies in the UK, known for the high quality of their seed and huge range of vegetables, herbs and Flowers. We were shown the trial fields and polytunnels where thousands of varies are grown and tested every year before coming to market. We also had the great pleasure of becoming firm friends with Bob Flowerdew over lunch. Hop in the back seat and come along on our road trip!

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The 100th episode of the podcast! We head down to Mollie's pickling parlour to discover what on earth to do if you have a glut of courgettes. Darrens answers lots of your gardening questions and we catch up with Keith from the botanic gardens in Gibraltar. Oh, and find out why Darren spent 6 hours in the local hospital the night before recording. Come and put on a party hat and join us...

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Another giveaway! The fabulous candle company Dark Foundry No.8 join Mollie for a chat about their new Garden Range. Four candles up for grabs too! We head down Darren's larder for a great recipe with blackberries which are just now coming in to season.

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Parts of the UK are now officially in drought. How to earthworms cope? You might be surprised at the answer! Mollie chats to the leading expert on worms - Dr Kevin Butt. Darren also talk waterbutts. Why they are so important and how to choose one for your garden. Come and join us, it's a butt fest!

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A lawless hour of a podcast this week. From tree hunting with the fabulous Paul Wood to Louie Spence talking gardens, it's an eclectic mix. As always!

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What a mix! Billy idol, the world snail racking championships and a ticket giveaway for Kew Gardens. What more could you want? Well if you want more, more, more, then there's also a slot on carnivorous plants, a bit of poetry and a bit of singing. Oh and Paul from Buglife joins us for a chat about which insects you'll see in your gardens in July. It's a nice day for some... light weeding!

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It seems the ants are talking to the skies! Buglife Paul tells us why it is vital that the ants successfully fly and Monty and Alan have their say with us too. We also meet Paul Wood AKA The Street Tree. We hear about Paul's new book and some of the guided tree walks he has coming up. Darren attempts some poetry - which Mollie promptly stops and we also tackle an interesting problem about a bird nesting in a hanging basket - to water or not to water... Press play and come and join us!

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Gardener's World presenter and author Mark Lane joins Mollie for a chat about his new book The Future of Gardens, a fascinating look in to how tehnology could transform the way we garden. Darren gives us a guide to looking after our gardens in this heat too! Essential advice from choosing and positioning plants in your garden, to watering and pruning in a heatwave. Lots of your gardening questions answered too!

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If you've never been to Gardeners World Live, let Mollie and Darren bring the show to you!

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Mollie chats to Simon Akeroyd, author of 30 gardening books and previously a garden manager for the National Trust. Simon is sharing tips on how to increase your house's value by up to 20%, simply by making your garden space look attractive to buyers, and it doesn't have to costa fortune to do so! Loads of advice on the subject from Darren too who has spent over 30 years making gardens look beautiful for homeowners. Lots of gardening chat and giggles along the way too.

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Meet Lorraine from Caley Bros mushrooms. They won gold at Chelsea and are running workshops at Gardener's World Live at the NEC in June. Why are they called brothers when they are two sisters? Find out! We hear from Adam Frost too as Mollie nabs 5 minutes with him at Chelsea and we also announce the lucky winner of the GWL tickets.

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Find out how to win 2 tickets to GWL for free! Mollie meets the designer of the gold medal winning Seawilding garden at the Chelsea flower show. Lots of chat with Darren about how to look after your hanging baskets in June, how to grow strawberries from scratch and we also find out about this year's Bugs matter survey, run by the charity Buglife. It involves a splat-o-meter - find out more!

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After a month apart, Mollie and Darren are reunited to bring you this week's episode! After a 4 hour delay while Mollie tried to sort the technicalities of the podcast equipment out, they are back in the swing of things. Mollie chats to David Austin on the gold award winning stand at the Chelsea Flower Show. Hear his reaction when she confesses to him that it was her who fell in to the rose display at Chelsea last year! Hear a chat with Chris Baines at Chelsea too as he was the special guest of the RHS this year honouring...

Mollie sits down for a chat with Nick Bailey, designer of this year's headline show garden at Gardener's World Live at the NEC in Birmingham in June.

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Meet Paul Walton, the head gardener at the fabulous Biddulph Grange Stumpery. Mollie spends an hour with Paul finding out about the history and concept of the garden. We also find out what it takes to keep this garden going, both physically and financially.

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The first in a trilogy of specials on the podcast. Mollie catches up with Chris Baines, one of the leading environmentalists in the UK. A trailblazer. Decades ahead of his time when it came to protecting wildlife and caring for the natural world. 2025 is a huge year for Chris, find out why...

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Mollie has a special announcement to make. We have to congratulate Darren on quite an achievement...

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Mollie chats to Bob Hendrikx, CEO of Loop-Biotech, a company who produce living coffins made from mushrooms. A product that becomes one with nature in 45 days, enriching the earth and not polluting it. As the funeral industry becomes more environmentally conscious, could this be the way forward?

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Mollie gives Chesney a bell to see how his new garden is growing. Darren announces the winner of the £100 voucher, thank you if you entered! A few gardening questions answered and as always, lots of laughter along the way.

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Lots to get through on the pod today! The gang is back together. Gok Wan reviews Darrens poetry, Andy Lound has the horticultural history of the swede, Buglife Paul rounds up the insects you'll see in the garden (not literally) and Mollie and Darren have their usual giggles. Not forgetting a bit of gardening too.

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Mollie talks to Catrina Fenton from The Heritage Seed Library. They have a new project underway looking for seeds from across the UK which may be long lost family varieties. We get an update from Darren as his pocket parks for the National Trust near completion. There's a bit of health and safety talk which will no doubt surprise you! Historian Andy Lound also has a look at technology used in the garden. Come and join in some happy garden talk...

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Mollie has a natter with good friend of the podcast Adam Frost. Find out all about Adam's UK tour and about his new book entitled 'For the love of plants'.

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Welcome to another happisode! Mollie chats to Thrive to find out how they help both mental and physical health through gardening. Also hearing about their new app "Cultivating Wellbeing". Darren answers some of your gardening questions on organic fertilisers and a frankincense tree! We get an update on Darren's pocket parks for the National Trust too, all this whilst he's developed a nasal drip...

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Mollie recently visited Gibraltar and had the pleasure of a tour of the Botanic Gardens with the lovely Keith Bensusan who is the director of this spectacular space. The beautiful Alameda Botanic Gardens are on the Upper South-West side of the rock. A haven for flora and fauna and as you'll hear, THE garden for the residents of Gibraltar.

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Press play if you need a pick me up, this episode is full of smiles. There is a bit of gardening too - Andy has the fascinating history of the bridal bouquet, you'll hear a sneak preview of Mollie's Gibraltar special and Darren answers lots of your questions including how to take rose cuttings and the best way to grow swedes. Be warned - there is laughter from the outset...

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We explore lunar gardening with Andy Lound. Mollie chats to Gwen Hines, the CEO of Plant Heritage to find out how we could all potentially have an award winning plant in our garden. Lots of gardening questions answered with Darren along side a bit of snowdrop poetry too. Join us for a giggle...

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Possibly the sexiest episode to date! We profile vegetables with allure and delve in to the horticultural history cupid's garden. Dan has an update on the allotment he has taken on. Does he regret taking it on now it's cold and wet? Find out how he is getting on...

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Mollie is back from Gibraltar with exciting tales to tell and a podcast about their beautiful Botanical Gardens now in the bag. Darren has lots of your gardening questions to answer and some great advice on how the potential snow on the forecast might affect your garden. Andy Lound has the history of decking in this week's episode and we'll also hear from Buglife Paul about which insects we might see in the garden this month. Lots to pack in to this episode! Come and join us...

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Mollie chats to Andy Lound. Settle in for an hour to find out about the history of the man behind the horticultural histories...

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Not everyone has their own garden space. Mollie chats to Suze Carter from Dawberry Corner Community Garden, a space which was derelict, overgrown and unloved. Hear how it was secured and transformed in to a wonderful community area. Darren answered lots of your gardening questions including what to do with hyacinths after they have flowered, poinsettias dropping leaves and tips on how to stop slippy algae on paths with pasta water. Andy Lound also has the history of gardening gloves! Come and join us...

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Mollie chats to Dan Asaw from the Field Studies Council. They are conducting a UK wide citizen science survey looking for early signs of Spring. Find out why and how you can get involved. Andy has the history of Wassailing and Darren answered lots of your gardening questions including which types of household waste water you can use on your plants and what to do with hyacinths after they have flowered.

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A very cold week in the garden! Darren has some advice on outside taps and pipes as well as a rather beautiful poem to read us, entitled "The gardening year ahead" written by his own fair hand. Mollie chats to Buglife about how the charity has grown in 2024 and what they hope to achieve in 2025. Andy Lound brings us the history of some inspirational gardeners and as always, there is a chuckle or two to be had here and there.

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Mollie chats with the National Trust about the measures they are putting in place in order to cope with the frequent floods, drought and gales that the UK is now getting. Their gardens and gardeners are having to adapt to the ever changing weather patterns. We reveal the winner of the Winterbourne Gardens competition, one lucky podcast listener wins an experience with Darren! Andy Lound has the potted history of the snowdrop and you'll hear the usual laughter as we enter 2025 together...

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After the podcast Christmas lunch last week at The Pod in Coventry, Mollie headed to the allotment that grows the food for the cafe. There was a beautiful winter solstice celebration. A gathering with food, fire and singing. Andy Lound has the history of the sprout, broadcast from the pub! Darren has lots of jobs for you to be getting on with if you need a festive escape to the garden. Can we also take this moment to thank you all for supporting this podcast in its first full year. We still don't know exactly what we're doing but...

Come along with us to the podcast Christmas party! We begin in the most beautiful medieval vegan cafe in Coventry. Then move on to a visit to the Sgt. Bilko Museum. We do a bit of singing in the cathedral, and then go and get bladdered. There is still a bit of gardening. Merry Christmas x

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Yes, you read it correctly! Listen in for a chance to win a tour of Winterbourne Gardens in Birmingham with Darren. He'll also get you lunch! The prize is for two people, details in the pod. Mollie chats to Andrew Poad, the general manager of the National Trust about the distribution of the 49 Sycamore Gap tree saplings. Andy Lound has the history of several Christmas spices. We find out about the insects in the garden in December. There's singing, a LOT of laughing and a bit of gardening along the way :0)

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We meet The Birmingham tree People. A fantastic group of nature-loving urban forest volunteers with the aim to plant, protect and promote trees and the urban forest. Darren also has a slot on choosing and caring for your real Christmas tree. Andy has the history of holly and ivy and it's time for a December forage too!. Lots of festive giggles in this week's pod. Grab a mince pies and settle in...

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It's beginning to feel like Christmas! Mollie chats to loveachristmastree.co.uk about the ins and outs of hiring a tree for the festive season and Andy Lound brings you the fascinating history of the Christmas tree. Darren has a shed load of gift ideas for Christmas, from experiences and memberships to subscriptions and allotment rental. We also hear from listener Karen who puts up a memory tree at the bottom of her drive so the community can claim a bauble to remember someone who will be missing this Christmas, both human and animal x Loads of your gardening...

We meet a family who manufacture candles that smell of local landmarks - Cannock Chase being one example, along with local apples and bluebells. Andy Lound brings us the history of Cannock Chase too. Lots of gardening, laughing and singing. An hour of smiles with Mollie and Darren..

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Get cosy with us for an autumnal show. Mollie chats to Jim from the National Vegetable society and we hear how newby Dan is getting on having had his new allotment for a month now. Andy Lound has the history of the potato and Darren has lots of gardening advice as the cold weather sets in. All that mixed with poetry from listener Paul, Mollie's singing attempt and a huge amount of laughter. It's gardening, but not as you know it...

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The nicest guy in showbiz joins Mollie for a chat. The one and only Chesney Hawkes. Hear about how his Dad and Grandad inspired his love of horticulture and the beautiful reason for his favourite flower. Darren has his foraging slot for the month of November. Horticultural histories with Andy Lound and a few of your gardening questions answered to boot. Settle in and press play...

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My goodness we cover a lot in this episode! Mollie has a fascinating conversation with Joe from the Bat Conservation Trust, finding out why it is so important to help and protect these beautiful creatures. Pumpkins are still on the agenda this week and feature in Darren's money saving tips and we go down the larder to get a recipe for pumpkin dog biscuits. Andy Lound brings us the history of All Hallows day, and we hear from a lady who has married a ghost. Oh, and almost forgot to mention that we get a few of your gardening...

In the run up to Halloween there's a slightly spooky feel to this week's episode! Andy Lound has a fascinating history of the pumpkin, we talk alternative uses for a pumpkin and Darren has even penned an original poem about the humble fruit. Yes, it's a fruit! Mollie brings us the latest news on the cheating saga in the world conker championships. Was King Conker cleared of cheating having been found with a steel conker in his trousers? Also news this week that some pick your own pumpkin patches actually buy in their pumpkins! Lots of your gardening questions...

An episode full of spikes and scandal! Mollie finds out about a new national strategy to save our beautiful hedgehog and the fabulous Andy Lound brings us the history of the hedgehog, did you know they originated from shrews? Darren brings you a guide to taking semi hardwood cutting this time of year and would you believe there has been an enormous scandal that has rocked the world of conkers? One of the winners of the world championships has been accused of harbouring a steel conker in his kegs...we speak to a man who took part to see...

A celebration of conkers! Mollie finds out all about the World Conker Championships. Do you know they have a section for the blind? We find out if it's been a good year for conkers too and share some of your memories of playing as a youngster - before health and safety!

Andy Lound has a fascinating history of conker playing, did you know the Spanish used to play with snail shells?

Darren also brings us a wholly inadequate solitary conker joke, for which we must apologise...but redeems himself by bringing us "10 things...

Meet 2 amazing giant vegetable growers at the Malvern Autumn Show! Dave had the 2nd biggest cucumber and he was very proud of it. Is there a knack to growing huge veg? Find out. Darren answers a great question on when and how to plant bare root roses and why they might be a better purchase than buying a rose in a pot. He also brings you his October foraging slot. Mollie talks to Buglife to find out which insects you might find in the garden this month. Gather round...

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Another bumper episode this week. From making chilli jam to finding out about this year's Malvern Autumn Show, there's lots to discuss! Darren profiles how to make pots and baskets full of Autumn colour and we have our first chat with Dan who has just taken on an allotment for the first time and needs to know where to start. Loads of your questions answered too. Get the kettle on and join us...

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Released on the Autumn equinox! We meet Martin Fish, an RHS judge who will be judging at this year's Malvern Autumn show and also hosting the Potting Shed stage too. Darren answers lots of your autumn gardening questions including how to prepare your olive trees for winter and how to stop the squirrel nicking your plums! There's something a little different from Andy Lound this week too. Go on, press play...

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Another bumper episode. This week Mollie chats to BHWT. The British hen welfare Trust have just re-homed their one millionth hen! She's gone to live in one of the most famous gardens in the UK. Darren has a regal announcement his teabags, bras and tights talk and he also answers lots of your gardening questions. Horticultural histories focus on the wheelbarrow, courtesy of Andy Lound. We also meet Carolla Puddy-Henry who runs a sunflower farm, a very happy job indeed! So lots of smiles to be had, come and join us...

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Mollie here. I was going to put together some bits from our first year of podcasting but I only got as far as Christmas! So many giggles had. Thank you for all of your support over the last year, all of your encouragement and interaction. We do do lots of gardening, but we also have a laugh along the way, which we consider VERY important in life. Let's celebrate some silliness and look forward to another year of horticultural happiness x

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Where are the wasps? Mollie asks Seirian Sumner, (AKA The Wasp Woman) a British entomologist and behavioural ecologist. She is a professor at University College London and is an expert in social wasps, she’s also written a book on wasps, so she's quite the expert on the subject! Find out why there are so few to be seen and how that will impact future generations of wasps.

As it is our first birthday next week, Andy Lound has the history of paper, a traditional first birthday gift. Darren answers another bumper crop of your gardening qu...

We're joined in conversation by Professor Rob Mckenzie, director of the Birmingham institute of forest research at Birmingham University. Research has found that mature trees are able to increase their storage of greenhouse gases as levels rise, offering hope to the world. We get a fascinating insight in to the project. Historian Andy Lound also talks us through the history of ancient trees. It's a one week only return for Darren's joke slot, and a huge crop of your gardening questions get answered too.

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So much gardening in one podcast episode! We meet Lizzy from Gloucester Cathedral and she tells us about some of the amazing work the cathedral and community are doing to re-wild the city. Andy Lound has a brilliant horticultural history this week - he takes a look at the humble hoe. We profile free stuff to do with the children in the garden during the summer holidays, plus lots of NGS gardens you can visit. A bumper crop of your gardening questions answered too. Come and join us...

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Andy Load, the general manager of The National Trust joins us with great news. The felled Sycamore Gap tree has started to regrow! After a nail biting 10 months, it seems nature will out. Darren answers a bumper crop of your gardening questions. Find out the best position for a greenhouse, how best to grow potatoes and why you get different coloured heads on a hydrangea. Andy Lound brings you the history of the gardens of Pompeii too. Lots of laughs along the way, come and join us...

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August is one of the most beautiful times in the garden. So full of colour and produce. We take a look at some of the insects that you may see in your garden during August and Darren profiles what you can forage this month - food for free! Andy Lound brings us the history of the humble cherry and a few of your gardening questions answered too.

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A fascinating episode! We talk flying ants. How do they all know when to fly? Why do they mate on the wing? We find out the answers. Darren talks about his huge landscape project which is nearly at the end - three show gardens in one, amazing work. Mollie chats with Butterfly conservation about this year's Big Butterfly Count, why it is important and how to get involved. Andy Lound has his horticultural histories, this week he looks at the pear. Darren answers lots of your gardening questions. Oh, and there is an inordinate amount of laughing towards the...

We chat to Matthew Ingram, a wonderful beekeeper who passion for bees has turned in to his business. Matthew started and runs Holt Hall Apiary in Staffordshire. We find out what beekeeping entails and ask if it is easy to start. We also talk to Plant Heritage who are seeking gardeners to become the custodians of national plant collections. You may be surprised that we are all eligible! Andy Lound has the history of the first ever TV gardener Cecil Henry Middleton. Also, a few gardening questions answered and a good catch up to boot, just press play!

Mollie chats with the lovely Roger Parsons who is President of the Sweet Pea Society and also keeper of the national collection of sweet peas and other lazaruth. Roger has a Seed bank of around 1400 varieties from around the world and has been growing and conserving sweet peas for 40 years. Andy Lound also brings us the history of the sweet pea. Darren will be answering some interesting questions on withering courgettes and planting in pots. Lots of laughs along the way too, come and join us!

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Meet James Carnell. He is the head gardener at Wightwick Manor which is a National Trust property near Wolverhampton. Hear about his passion and vision for the magnificent gardens and find out about his team and how the gardens help so many people in so many different ways. Andy Lound brings us the history of the National Trust too.

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Mollie and Darren are back together! Mollie spends a few hours at David Austin Roses in Shropshire and finds out all about the history and heritage of the roses, whilst walking amongst the beautiful show gardens. Andy Lound has the history of the BBQ and lots of your gardening questions are answered. Darren also profiles a few NGS gardens for you to visit this week.

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We talk with Mike Griffin, the CEO of Tools With A Mission. TWAM is a Christian charity that collects unwanted usable tools, refurbishes them, sorts them into trade tool kits and sends them to the developing world for livelihood creation. The work they do is amazing. Andy Lound brings us the fascinating history of pea genetics. We explore PotWatch, set up to detect non native species coming in to the UK via plants and pots. Apologies this isn't a pod discussing David Austin roses and looking back at Gardeners World Live (That will be next week) Life overtook us t...

Welcome to an episode covering the magnificent show which is BBC Gardeners' World Live 2024. You'll hear from Adam Frost who has designed the headline show garden at this year's show. Also from Ade Sellars, the Good Life gardener who is hosting the new Urban Gardening stage. Kevin Smith, Editor of Gardeners' World Magazine tells us about the talks in the theatre. There are lots of other people to meet and gardens to see. If you can't get to the NEC, we'll bring it to you!

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An allotment special on the happy garden podcast! There are around 330,000 plots in the UK. We talk to the Allotment Society about why plots are so vital to this country in terms of food security, as well as mental and physical health. Andy Lound provides the history of the allotment and we meet Bob who has been on the same plot for nearly 60 years! Lots of you getting in touch with stories and photos too, so do check out the happy garden podcast Facebook page.

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We meet listener Karen who is opening up her garden for The Nation Garden Scheme for the first time this year. Hear how she's getting ready and why she's so nervous! We catch up with Craighouse Cacti who scooped gold at Chelsea to see how they are feeling and also chat to Buglife to discover which insects we will find in our gardens in June. Questions on non flowering wisteria and bedding plants are answered too. Planting up old underwear also features!

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The Chelsea Flower Show 2024 - what an exceptional show! Mollie went along to see the show gardens, the show displays, and the floral marquee. She chats to Miria Harris who designed the Stroke Association's Garden for Recovery. Hear about Miria's journey. She herself suffered a stroke and the journey to recovery, which is ongoing, is reflected in this wonderful space.

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Horticulturalist Chris Baines talks about his own garden and attracting wildlife. He also discusses his show garden at Chelsea - the first ever wildlife garden 40 years ago - it had a strange reaction from people who didn't quite understand it at the time. Darren has a hanging basket masterclass. Andy Lound has a VERY sexy horticultural history this week! We'll be answering your gardening questions and having a jolly good giggle too.

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An awful lot to cover in this episode! We find out about RHS Malvern Spring Show. Listener Penny tells us all about her hydroponic growing system. We find out about the catastrophic results of the Bugs Matter Splatter UK survey and ask what we can do about it. It's national hedge week, so Andy Lound has the history of the hedge. Darren's jokes will have you rolling in the aisles this week...oh and we also discuss the poor crane fly. No mouth. They can't eat, can't speak and their legs fall off very easily. Makes you grateful for...

May is such a beautiful month in our gardens. This weeks we look at which insects we'll see in our gardens in May and what can be foraged. Chris Baines, one of the UK's leading environmentalists will be joining us to tell us all about International Dawn Chorus Day which he founded as a way to celebrate his birthday! Andy Lound has the horticultural history of the apple and we discuss World Naked Gardening Day. All that and a few giggles too, we look forward to joining you.

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A very important episode this week. After a listener got in touch with a cautionary tail of how a blackthorn thorn in his finger resulted an overnight hospital stay, we talk garden safety. ROSPA join us to tell how we can all keep safe. Darren also discusses the subject of plants responding to music. We find out which plants enjoy which type of music! Lots more, included growing vegetables in small spaces, jobs for the week ahead and Andy Lound has the horticultural history of rhubarb. Lots to enjoy!

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Another jam packed episode. Mollie talks to the RSPB who reveal this years results of the Big Garden Birdwatch - who has done well this year? Darren explains the ins and outs of being buried in your own garden, you'll be surprised at what he has found out!

Jimmy the mower talks to us about lawn care in this dreadful wet weather and Darren continues his seed sowing master class. Jobs, jokes, money saving tips and lots of other gardening titbits for you to enjoy.

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We do like to introduce you to fascinating people and this episode is no different! We meet Jimmy the Mower, who, thanks to one tweet that went viral, is now a turf influencer. The passion Jimmy has for his job is inspirational. Darren continues his series on getting plants started at this time of year. LOTS of reaction from last week's conversation about composting human bodies. Jobs, jokes, a bit of garden poetry, history of the watering can and hose....usual fascinating things! Come and join us.

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A fascinating episode. Mollie talks to the founder of a facility in America that composts human bodies. How? Why? We found out...

Darren continues his series in profiling how to grow and prick out seedlings and answers your gardening questions. We also start a monthly foraging slot in an effort to save you some money. Andy Lound has the history of the tulip and we shall have some smiles along the way. Join us!

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Well, we're still dodging those showers, but plenty to be getting on with! Darren has his April edible foraging guide, his seed growing masterclass continues and he also answers your questions. Mollie chats to charity Froglife about their campaign "Stop Spawn Sales" raising awareness of selling wild caught spawn and tadpoles illegally. Andy has the horticultural history of carrots and there are plenty of jobs, jokes and smiles along the way. Join us for easter fun!

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At last, it is officially Spring! The wonderful charity Froglife join Mollie for a chat to discuss how frogs and toads have fared after what was the wettest February on record. Have they come out of hibernation early? What will that mean for them? Find out in this episode. Darren answers lots of your gardening questions and has a brilliant beginners guide to seed sowing. Lots more on this packed episode to enjoy too. Come and join us!

For more information on Froglife, visit froglife.org

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We chat to the Daffodil Society about these sunny beauties and find out about their annual show. Andy Lound brings us more horticultural history with the fascinating history of the greenhouse! Darren answers your questions and profiles exactly what we can be sowing and growing this week.

For more info on the Daffodil Society, visit www.thedaffodilsociety.com

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Well, we've had a bit of sunshine this week so we've been inspired to look ahead to the flower shows of 2024. Mollie talks to NGS who are getting ready for their second only show garden at Chelsea and Craighouse Cacti who will also be hoping for another Chelsea gold medal with their stand. Darren proudly profiles his workplace - the amazing Winterbourne gardens in Birmingham. He also answers some of your gardening questions, oh, and there is a surprise appearance too from The House Plant Band :-)

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Hear from Caroline Quentin as she talks us through creating her fabulous new book Drawn to the garden. Her passion is amazing. Andy Lound guides us through the history of using manure on our gardens. Darren explains care for air plants and lots of other horticultural tit bits to enjoy too!

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Welcome to another pod! We hear from Kaleb Copper from Clarkson's Farm about some of the finds that have come up with the plough. Darren answers some of your gardening questions and Monty Don tells us why we must tolerate badgers and share our garden space. All the usual podcast horticultural bits and bobs thrown in too, thank you for joining us.

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We are joined by the wonderful Pete waterman to discuss a bit of horticulture. He talks about King Charles' garden at Highgrove, trying to keep royal lavender alive and his favourite plant. Darren answers some of your gardening questions. A bit of horticultural history comes from Andy Lound. And there is a bit of laughter :-)

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