Gardening with the RHS

June is when many kitchen gardens begin to hit their stride. Horticulturist, author, and YouTuber Huw Richards joins us to explore the joys of growing your own food, the benefits of self-sufficiency, and why gardens of every size can have a big impact on people, communities and wildlife. Huw also shares details of the Top of the Plots competition, celebrating inspiring growers across the UK. RHS Wisley's Liz Mooney reveals what you can still sow this June, from reliable favourites to more unusual edible crops. And as gardens buzz into early summer, RHS Science and Horticulture Editor Olivia Drake investigates lavender, our Wildlife Wonder Plant for June, and reveals which varieties prove most irresistible to bumblebees.

Host: Jenny Laville

Contributors: Huw Richards, Liz Mooney, Olivia Drake

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Top of the Plots competition

Lavender Wildlife Wonder plant of the month

As the UK experiences some of the hottest May weather on record, we share practical tips for helping your garden cope during heatwaves. And if the soaring temperatures have you seeking shade indoors, we’ll hear from houseplant experts about their favourite indoor plants and their advice for tackling common houseplant problems. We also catch up with Chris Potts from Sienna Hostas to discover a breakthrough in hosta breeding that has produced the first truly red-leaved cultivar Hosta RED NINJA in the genus. And with the warm weather set to continue, why not visit an RHS Garden this weekend? We head to RHS Garden Bridgewater, where curator Tracy Snell tells us more about the transformation of this remarkable historic garden as it celebrates its fifth birthday this month. Plus a tribute to horticultural legend Matt Biggs, who sadly died last week. 

 

Host: Gareth Richards 

 

Contributors: Natalia (Conservatory Archives), John (Hugo & Green), Alice (Botanica Studios), Chris Potts (Sienna Hosta), Tracy Snell, Tim Upson

The highlight of the horticultural calendar is back. This week, we’re bringing you the very best of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 

We speak to designer Darren Hawkes about The Lady Garden Foundation’s 'Silent No More' garden, and how outdoor spaces can be designed to encourage conversation and connection. Growers and exhibitors from the Great Pavilion share their favourite plants, must-see showstoppers, and expert tips on everything from getting the most out of your hostas to creating natural dyes at home.

We also meet Joe and Laura Carey, designers of Addleshaw Goddard: Flourish in the City, to explore London’s rich botanical history and discover how even the smallest urban gardens can become truly striking spaces. Plus, we take a look at the cutting-edge horticultural science showcased at the GreenSTEM exhibit.

Whether you’re heading to Chelsea this year or simply looking for expert growing advice and fresh inspiration from some of the world’s leading designers and growers, there’s something here for everyone.

Hosts: Jenny Laville, Tom Howard, Gareth Richards

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Love them or loathe them, garden gnomes are back… and this time, they’ve even got royal approval as they’ll be appearing in the Kings Foundation garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which returns next week. Fiona Davison, head of Libraries and Exhibitions at the RHS talks us through the history of the show’s infamous gnome ban. 

Science and Horticulture Editor Olivia Drake joins us to marvel at the beauty of verbascums, which are this month’s wildlife wonder plant thanks to their multifaceted appeal to all kinds of garden insects, including birds, bees and mullein moth caterpillars. And if you’ve ever been inspired by a TikTok or Instagram video to try growing your own fruit and veg from supermarket leftovers, Dr Helen Latham from the Plant Health team joins us with words of wisdom about how plants for free can sometimes come with hidden dangers.

Host: Nick Turrell

Contributors: Fiona Davison, Olivia Drake, Helen Latham

Links:

May Wildlife Wonder plant - verbascums

Gnome ban lifted

Chelsea Flower Show

Plant Health

We’re diving into the fascinating lives of moths with RHS Principal Entomologist Dr Hayley Jones. She tells us what sets them apart from butterflies, and how to set up nighttime nectar bars to give them a helping hand. 

We’re also turning our attention to a firm favorite in the garden: Hydrangeas. RHS horticulturist Jack Aldridge is a woody plant expert, and he joins us to share some of his favorite cultivars and everything you need to know about caring for your hydrangeas at home - from pruning tips to the secrets behind the brightest blue blooms. 

And finally, with RHS Chelsea Flower Show just around the corner, RHS Head of Libraries and Exhibitions Fiona Davison joins us to reveal more about the unveiling of a striking new botanical painting, known as a ‘Royal Signature’. It marks the occasion of His Majesty King Charles III becoming the charity’s Royal Patron, and celebrates his long-standing commitment to inspiring more people to experience the joy of gardening.

Host: Guy Barter

Contributors: Dr Hayley Jones, Jack Aldridge, Fiona Davison

Links:

Wild about gardens: magical moths

RHS plant guide - hydrangeas

RHS Chelsea flower show