Chloe Foster on her book The Rookie Gardener, prickly grevilleas and growing gardeners
Horticulturist and author Chloe Foster joins Cass Dowding on The Sentimental Gardener podcast to talk about what it really takes to become a gardener — and why starting without a clue might be the best way in. They chat about Chloe’s new book The Rookie Gardener, her early days pulling carrots straight from the ground, and her love of Australian natives (even the prickly ones). Along the way, they explore why gardens have become intimidating, how failure is part of the joy, and why humans need to get their hands back in the dirt. A warm, funny, and quietly motivating conversation for anyone who’s ever looked at a plant and thought: “I have no idea what I’m doing.” // Show notes // Follow Chloe on Instagram @fosteryourgarden Follow Cass on Instagram @the_sentimental_gardener Buy Chloe's book 'The Rookie Gardener' out September 2nd 2025 at your local bookstore or online Read more about Chloe's work on her website Read show notes about guests and access the full transcript by visiting thesentimentalgardener.com/podcasts Credits: Music: Hayden Schueler from @vereyagardening Audio Engineering: Tom Dowding Production and editing: Cass Dowding See libsyn.com/tos-policies/privacy-policy for privacy information.
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1:16:27
Deb Collett on dahlias, the sport of flower competitions and designing a garden with memories
Deb Collette is a dahlia grower, exhibitor, floral art judge, and dahlia show judge based in Victoria. She grew up in rural New Zealand, where she gained early experience in gardening and exhibiting flowers. An active member of the Dahlia Society of Victoria and regular contributor to its magazine, Deb focuses on breeding new dahlia varieties, maintaining heritage lines, and supporting competitive exhibiting. She has won multiple championships and mentors new growers. In this episode you'll hear: How Deb's great-great-great-grandfather carried dahlia tubers from England to New Zealand in 1841, starting a family tradition that flows through generations Her journey from chemistry labs to becoming one of Australia's most trusted voices in the dahlia world Growing a "collector's garden" How specialist plant and flower societies create community and belonging around shared passion The fascinating world of dahlia genetics, where every seed creates a unique individual Her approach to breeding dahlias and what makes the "cut" in her garden The stories behind dahlia names and the heritage she's helped preserve through research Pre-rational plant memories: the violets, daphne, and New Zealand natives that anchor her to childhood Why she believes it takes just as much effort to grow a bad dahlia as a good one Plus answers to burning dahlia questions from listeners Follow Deb on Instagram @debsdahlias Follow Cass on Instagram - @the_sentimental_gardener. Links to social pages and more are available at bio.site/thesentimentalgardener. Read show notes about the guests and access the full transcript by visiting thesentimentalgardener.com/podcasts Credits: Music: Hayden Schueler from @vereyagardening Audio Engineering: Tom Dowding Production and editing: Cass Dowding See libsyn.com/tos-policies/privacy-policy for privacy information.
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Jocelyn Bennett on Australian native garden design, paying attention and dreaming of French gardens
In this episode, host Cass Dowding talks with landscape designer Jocelyn Bennett from Earthcore Landscapes about designing award-winning Australian native gardens, why she lasted only six weeks in engineering, and how her "Re-Set" garden proved that texture-first design can make even Australian native plant sceptics fall in love. Though Jocelyn grew up collecting flower cuttings with her mum and playing the tulip tree spotting game with her arborist father, she never expected to become a landscape designer. Her winding path from horticulture diplomas to winning first place at Melbourne International Flower Show shows what happens when you trust what your body tells you it needs … even when that means needing green spaces to feel grounded. If you've ever felt called to follow an unconventional path, believe that Australian natives can be both beautiful and calming, or want to understand how childhood experiences shape the spaces we create, this conversation is for you. Follow Jocelyn Bennett and Earthcore Landscapes on Instagram @earthcorelandscapes Follow Cass on Instagram - @the_sentimental_gardener. Links to social pages and more are available at bio.site/thesentimentalgardener. Read show notes about the guests and access the full transcript by visiting thesentimentalgardener.com/podcasts Music written and performed by Hayden Schueler from @vereyagardening. Podcast produced and edited by Cass and Tom Dowding See libsyn.com/tos-policies/privacy-policy for privacy information.
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Linda Pottage on making beautiful pictures, building a new 'old' house and intuitive design
In this episode, host Cass Dowding talks with photographer and creator Linda Pottage about building an "old house" that looks like it's always been there, and creating gardens as extensions of interior design, inspired by a childhood of reading fairy and woodland tales. Though Linda grew up in 1950s suburban Bentley surrounded by neat rows of orange marigolds, her soul longed for something "more flowing and messy and organic." A pivotal trip to England at age 11 made her feel she'd found where she belonged, thinking, "this environment is right. This is where I belong." If you've ever felt called to create beautiful spaces, trusted your instincts over conventional wisdom, or believe that home is something you build rather than find, this conversation will inspire you. Follow Linda Pottage and find out more about hiring The Potterage on Instagram and Facebook Follow Cass on Instagram, Facebook, or Threads — @the_sentimental_gardener. Links to social pages and more are available at bio.site/thesentimentalgardener. Read show notes about the guests and access the full transcript by clicking here or visiting thesentimentalgardener.com/podcasts Music written and performed by Hayden Schueler from @vereyagardening. Podcast produced and edited by Cass and Tom Dowding See libsyn.com/tos-policies/privacy-policy for privacy information.
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Emma Cutting on street gardening, the Melbourne Pollinator Corridor and a bag of Maltesers
In this inspiring episode of The Sentimental Gardener, host Cass Dowding speaks with Emma Cutting, founder and CEO of Heartscapes. This Melbourne organisation connects, strengthens, and deepens urban communities of humans, flora, fauna, and fungi through regeneration and conservation. Emma shares her story of overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome and developing Australia's (possibly the world's) first urban wildlife corridor, the Melbourne Pollinator Corridor. Cass and Emma discuss Emma's early memories of gardening on her family's farm, her journey through chronic fatigue syndrome, and how street gardening became a transformative force in her life. They also delve into the challenges and successes of managing public realm gardens, the importance of community involvement, and Emma's vision for connecting urban spaces through nature. This episode highlights the power of small acts of care, the resilience of both people and plants, and the potential for urban spaces to foster human and ecological connections. You can donate to Heartscapes at https://theheartgardeningproject.org.au/donate and follow them on Instagram @theheartgardeningproject. Follow Cass on Instagram, Facebook, or Threads — @the_sentimental_gardener. Read show notes about the guests and access the full transcript by visiting thesentimentalgardener.com/podcasts Music written and performed by Hayden Schueler from @vereyagardening Podcast produced and edited by Cass and Tom Dowding See libsyn.com/tos-policies/privacy-policy for privacy information.
Join Cass Dowding, an enthusiastic everyday gardener, as she has conversations with fellow plant lovers about the gardens and plants that shape our stories and connect us to what matters most.
Australia