PlantNetwork Interviews
By plantnetwork
PlantNetwork interviews horticulturists about their gardens and their careers, as well as their favourite plants!
PlantNetwork InterviewsFeb 29, 2024
00:00
22:12
47. You've been here how long? An interview with Rupert Wilson and Don Murray
Two of our treasured, long-standing Trustees are leaving the Board this year. With a total of 22 years of service between them, Don and Rupert reflect on what they have done for PlantNetwork and how it has enhanced their careers.
Recommended listening for anyone who is thinking of being a trustee for a charity, or who is interested in PlantNetwork as an organisation.
Feb 29, 202422:12
46. Help with developing your career: an interview with Adrian Thorne of the Professional Gardeners' Trust
The second in our series looking at bursaries for horticulturists. We talk to Adrian Thorne, Awards Manager of the Professional Gardeners' Trust. We discuss what the Trust fund, who they are, what makes a good application and how an award can transform your career.
Learn more about the PGT at their website
Nov 06, 202314:24
45. Guest podcast: The magic of the Merlin Trust with Rebecca Slack
Rebecca interviews Sally Pettit, the Chair of the Merlin Trust, new Trustee, Lee Hales and Merlins: Michelle Woodall, Tracy Fahy and Rosie Trehan. For more information visit the https://merlin-trust.org.uk/https://merlin-trust.org.uk/ website.
Oct 31, 202326:26
44. Mustering cattle with productivity tips - an interview with Emma Mulcahy
We meet Emma Mulcahy, our new(ish) Administrator. We find out what she did before she boarded the good ship PlantNetwork and a little about what she is passionate about.
Sep 01, 202314:34
43. Flowers of the forest - An interview with Amelia Crawford
Amelia Crawford is the botanical artist behind Sylvestris Botanics. We find out more about Amelia's art, her inspirations and her wider career in conservation. Her career is almost completely unclassifiable, and her work very beautiful. You really need to visit her website!
Apr 03, 202315:45
42. Castle to garden design via fashion. Award-winning, environmentally focused garden designer, Kristin Clode
Kristina Clode is an award-winning garden designer who specialises in naturalistic planting and sustainable designs that consider, among many other things, the carbon footprint of materials and construction. Kristina has won The Society of Garden Designers 'Design for Environment Award' for the last two years. See more examples of Kristina's work at her website: www.kristinaclodegardendesign.co.uk
Feb 23, 202320:19
41: Eagles, Apostles and Arts and Crafts - revisiting Sam Hickmott.
We catch up with Sam Hickmott in our first ever follow-up interview! Sam is Head Gardener at the National Trust's Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull Garden. You can contact Sam with your questions by email or through instagram: samuelfinchhorticulture.
Feb 09, 202313:40
40: Spider plants, pelargoniums and an absence of chemistry - Mercy Morris
Mercy Morris, Administrator with PlantNetwork, tells us about her horticultural career to date. She discusses her National Plant Collection, regrets the ubiquity of her favourite tool and rejoices in the possibilities available in the sector. The sound quality isn't brilliant (we recorded in very noisy cafe) but Mercy is wonderful to listen to!
Jan 26, 202318:26
39: From horticulture to conservation - Joe Clements from the Lowther Estate
Joe Clements, Conservation Assistant at the Lowther Estate, tells us about his horticultural training and how useful that is in his conservation role, his new role as a beekeeper, regenerating farmland and the trials of growing succulents in Cumbria.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursued by horticulturists in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursued by horticulturists in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
Dec 15, 202225:46
38: 70,000 plants, over 32,000 profiles and Plant Finder - Rupert Wilson from the RHS
Rupert Wilson, Principal Data Manager with the RHS, tells us about the extensive plant information held by the RHS, the annual publication of Plant Finder and the importance of people in plant records. Can you guess what Rupert's book choice will be?!
We are continuing to explore different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursued by horticulturists in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
Nov 09, 202225:41
37: A love of woody plants and the importance of horticultural training - Misako Kasahara of Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
Misako tells us about a theatre-going Metasequoia, being inspired to explore a career in horticulture by TV gardening programmes, and some horticultural differences between the UK and Japan.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursued by horticulturists in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursued by horticulturists in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
Jul 20, 202230:04
36: Organic gardens, eighteenth century landscapes, and native orchids: an interview with Nick Fraser of the National Trust.
Nick Fraser, Senior Gardener with the National Trust, talks about caring for three very different gardens in North Yorkshire including a garden that has been organic for over 20 years. Nick also talks about his interest in native plants and insects.
May 27, 202223:13
35: Wonderful weeds and virtual ethnobotanical gardens - Yoke van der Meer, freelance horticulturist and plant blogger
Freelance horticulturist Yoke van der Meer spoke with PlantNetwork about her career and her blog, Wonderful Weeds Weekly, which seeks to make weeds more popular!
May 06, 202212:44
34: From Young Hort of the Year finalist to regional organiser - Cal Stewart of RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Meet Cal Stewart - gardener, educator, mixologist and dandelion fan! Cal has recently moved from being a full-time gardener to a full-time garden educator to better share a passion for all things plant and garden related, as well as taking on the role of Northern Regional Organiser for the YHOY competition.
Mar 08, 202227:18
33. The Tangled Bank with Beccy Middleton - Sustainability Special
To celebrate the PlantNetwork Year of Sustainability, we will be exploring sustainability issues and projects as part of the PlantNetwork podcast series. In the first of these special episodes, we find out about the challenges and opportunities posed by "The Tangled Bank" project at St Andrews Botanic Garden with curator Beccy Middleton.
Feb 25, 202219:18
32: Growing bamboos for pandas - Jess Brown of Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo
In the first podcast for 2022, PlantNetwork speaks with Jess Brown of RZSS Edinburgh Zoo about gardening for pandas among many other animals. Find out more about the working life of a zoo horticulturist - and join us in February for a webinar focusing on zoo horticulture.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursued by horticulturists in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursued by horticulturists in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
Jan 19, 202224:07
31: Den building, tomato growing, and sustainable gardens - Doug Stewart
PlantNetwork talks to Doug Stewart, a 'general practitioner' of horticulture. We discuss careers, perceptions of horticulture and sustainability as well as favourite plants…
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursued by horticulturists in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursued by horticulturists in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
Nov 30, 202127:01
30: Growing clematis, climbers and young horticulturists - Mollie Higginson of New Leaf Plants
Meet a young horticulturist who is also a passionate spokesperson for the industry! PlantNetwork talks to Mollie Higginson of New Leaf Plants and co-founder of the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA). Find out how Mollie found her way into horticulture and what she and the YPHA are doing to help other young horticulturists get the most out of the sector.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
Nov 09, 202125:41
29: Exotics in Scotland, exploration in Vietnam - Richard Baines of Logan Botanic Garden
Meet Richard Baines, the Curator of Logan Botanic Garden, author and a truly passionate horticulturist who has definitely taken his work home with him. In this episode, he tells us about curating an exotic garden in Scotland, his love of rhododendrons and his horticultural journey. Listen in to learn where to find rare gems in Logan Botanic Garden, plant exploration abroad, and the most spectacular place in the UK to see daffodils.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
Oct 05, 202125:56
28: The perks of being a trainee - Frances Porter as a Professional Gardeners’ Guild Trainee
A select few join the Professional Gardeners’ Guild Traineeship every year and if you are lucky to be one of the select, there is much to be gained from your placements. Who wouldn't want to live next door to a grand country house with access to the surrounding garden? During the three past years, Frances Porter has worked at three entirely different gardens. We speak to her just as she completes her traineeship and about to embark on a professional horticultural career.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
Sep 15, 202116:40
27: Young hort filling big shoes - Sam Hickmott of the National Trust
How did a fully booked course get Sam Hickmott into his horticultural career? Sam is a young head gardener looking after the Grade 1 listed landscape garden in a World Heritage Site, Prior Park. We hear how Sam got into horticulture and his thoughts on why more young people don't pursue a career in horticulture. Making it to the regional finals himself, making new contacts and armed with new facts, he also encourages anyone under 30 to participate in the annual Young Horticulturist of the Year (YHOY) competition.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Piers Horry, National Trust Garden and Outdoor Manager.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Piers Horry, National Trust Garden and Outdoor Manager.
Sep 02, 202117:43
26: Being a plant person in the animal kingdom - Phil Esseen of Chester Zoo
What is it like to work as the Curator of Botany and Horticulture in a zoo, where the majority of visitors are coming to see the animals? Phil Esseen of Chester Zoo tells us about a set of unique, but fascinating challenges and we hear about important collaborative conservation work both in-situ and ex-situ in places like Madagascar, Rodrigues and Chile to name but a few.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more.
Aug 12, 202126:35
25: Network to broaden your expertise - Philip Turvil of the Field Studies Council
How often have you heard that you need to specialise, become more focused? Philip Turvil, the Eco Business Director at the Field Studies Council, is living proof that this old saying can be taken with a pinch of salt. With a dash of networking and curiosity, he has been able to find a career that merges his passion for horticulture, environmental communication and management.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Rebecca Slack, PlantNetwork Coordinator.
Jul 27, 202120:48
24: Plants, people and photography - Lettie Irving of RHS Garden Wisley
In her job as a Senior Community Outreach Advisor at the RHS, Lettie Irving found a position she didn’t know existed. Hear how it allows her to combine working with people and plants, using Zoom to engage with communities, and the importance of photography in the garden.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more.
We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens in this series from PlantNetwork – An interview with.... Visit plantnetwork.org to learn more.
Jun 30, 202121:09
23: Interview with Kate Hughes of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Kate is a horticulturist with a very international perspective. We find out more about Kate's varied role and how it all started in a bonsai shop!
Jun 10, 202124:27
22. Interview with Piers Horry of the National Trust
We talk to new PlantNetwork Trustee and National Trust Garden and Outdoor Manager, Piers Horry, about his role, his career in horticulture and trees.
May 12, 202119:03
21. Special episode: Biostimulants with Julian Ives and Neil Procter
Our March webinar focused on biostimulants - if you registered to attend or you are a PlantNetwork member, you can catch-up with the webinar at: plantnetwork.org/meetings/webinar/biostimulants-and-plant-health/
This podcast episode carries on the discussion from the webinar and we learn more about the potential of biostimulants for improving plant health and resilience to pests and diseases with Julian Ives from Dragonfli and Neil Procter from Koppert Biological Systems.
This podcast episode carries on the discussion from the webinar and we learn more about the potential of biostimulants for improving plant health and resilience to pests and diseases with Julian Ives from Dragonfli and Neil Procter from Koppert Biological Systems.
Apr 07, 202122:31
20. Interview with Matthew Oliver of RHS Garden Hyde Hall
This year is the International Year of Fruit and Vegetables so we talk to someone who is passionate abut growing vegetables. So much so that when Matt isn't caring for Global Growth Vegetable Garden at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, he is looking after multiple allotments...
Mar 30, 202127:40
19. Interview with Imogen Jackson of Horatio's Garden
With growing recognition of the health and well-being benefits of gardening, PlantNetwork speaks with horticultural therapist, Imogen Jackson, about her role at Horatio's Garden. Imogen introduces us to her Horatio's Garden and the work she does with patients with spinal cord injuries, as well as how she became a horticultural therapist (and head gardener!)
Mar 08, 202130:31
18. Interview with Shiona Mackie, Friends of Botanic Gardens Forum
Volunteers are crucial to many, if not most, public gardens, with Friends' groups often providing considerable support to gardens and their horticultural teams. We hear from Dr Shiona Mackie who has been instrumental in establishing the Friends of Botanic Gardens Forum, linking and supporting Friends' groups across the UK. We also find out about garden guides, the importance of inspirational teachers and ballet.
Feb 17, 202123:54
17. Interview with Lucy Bell of Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
In this episode, we talk with Lucy Bell, Botanical Horticulturist at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, finding out about her responsibilities for the Broad Walk, her love of herbaceous perennials, and her plant-related modelling career! We also hear about Lucy's experiences of being on furlough during the first COVID-19 lockdown and how she feels now she is back at work.
Feb 03, 202130:16
16. Interview with Juliet Sargeant, garden designer
We start 2021 with a chat to Juliet Sargeant, RHS Chelsea gold medal winning garden designer and founder of the Sussex Garden School. Find out more about Juliet's design ethos and her secret mission as well as her surprising confession regarding her own garden. Juliet also has advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in garden design.
Jan 20, 202130:53
15. Interview with Waheed Arshad of Candide Gardening and Botanical Software
In our final episode of 2020, PlantNetwork takes a slightly different tack and talks to a botanist, Dr Waheed Arshad. We find out more about his role as a botanical data specialist, how he first became interested in botany and plants as well as writing to the Queen (on home-made paper) among many other things.
Dec 30, 202023:23
14. Special edition - my favourite tree(s)
In this short special edition for Christmas, recorded during National Tree Week in November, we hear from a small number of PlantNetwork members willing to share their favourite trees.
Dec 22, 202013:02
13. Interview with Mark Ballard of Westonbirt, the National Arboretum
Simon Toomer, Chair of PlantNetwork, interviews Mark Ballard, finding out more about his role at Westonbirt, the National Arboretum. Simon asks Mark about his career, developments at Westonbirt and plans for the future. If you are considering a career change to horticulture, this episode is definitely one for you.
Dec 10, 202020:35
12. In conversation with Christopher Weddell and Rob Brett
In a change to the usual format, this podcast episode features Christopher Weddell, Senior Gardens Advisor at English Heritage, speaking with Rob Brett, Curator at RHS Garden Hyde Hall. The conversation ranges across career pathways, chats with Charles Darwin, Mick Jagger and orchids, and the importance of baobabs and asparagus on deserted islands. Curious? Dive in!
Nov 04, 202039:01
11. Interview with Andy Spetch of British Sugar TOPSOIL
Cards on the table - Andy isn't a horticulturist. He does, however, work with horticulturists through his role as National TOPSOIL Manager, supplying topsoil and soil-based products to horticulture and other land-based industries. We hope the interview shows that there are a range of occupations out there that link to horticulture.... It was also an opportunity to find out a little more about one of key supporters and sponsors.
Oct 05, 202019:30
10. Interview with Shelley O'Berg of Cambo Gardens
In this episode, PlantNetwork talks with Shelley O'Berg about her diverse and varied role as First Gardener and Horticultural Training Officer at the beautiful Cambo Gardens. We also hear about her work experience on Ascension and St Helena Islands and what it is like to learn the flying trapeze.
Sep 09, 202020:17
09. Interview with Daniel Jones, RHS Garden Wisley Diploma Student
PlantNetwork speaks with Daniel, a Level 4 Diploma student, ahead of his graduation on 27 August from the RHS School of Horticulture. We find out about his experiences as a student at RHS Garden Wisley as well as his training at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, a growing interest in montane flora and hopes for the future. Jazz trumpets at the ready!
Aug 25, 202019:24
08. Interview with Katy Merrington of The Hepworth Wakefield
The gallery at The Hepworth Wakefield reopens on Yorkshire Day - 1st August - so to celebrate we talk to The Hepworth Wakefield's Cultural Gardener, Katy Merrington, about this very new garden, being open during lockdown (despite the gallery being closed) and why this garden offers something different to visitors.
Jul 30, 202019:21
07. Interview with Gary Long of Trewithen Gardens
The latest episode takes a much needed visit to Cornwall in the excellent company of Gary Long, Head Gardener at Trewithen Gardens. Gary tells us about the exciting projects taking place at Trewithen as well as a career that has so far involved the planting of a tea plantation and an unofficial competition to become the longest serving head gardener at Trewithen.
Jul 22, 202018:60
06. Interview with Stephen Herrington of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
We hear from Stephen Herrington, Head Gardener at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex, who introduces us to Leonardslee and other gardens he has worked in, in the UK and elsewhere. Not many people have discovered a new plant species!
Jul 07, 202020:48
05. Interview with Tamsin Westhorpe of Stockton Bury Gardens
It was a privilege to speak with podcaster, writer and gardener Tamsin about her portfolio career and her gardening aspirations. Find out how Tamsin came to have a number of strings to her horticultural bow... Being a horticulturist can open a whole raft of opportunities.
Jun 24, 202026:00
04. Interview with Pamela Smith from the National Trust
Pam Smith continues our series of interviews with horticulturists. It was a particular treat for PlantNetwork to speak with Pam as until 18 months ago, Pam was the PlantNetwork Administrator and hence knows a great deal about the PlantNetwork community! Pam is a very experienced horticulturist - find out more about her career, favourite gardens and the plants she can't garden without. Be warned - her enthusiasm is infectious!
Jun 08, 202018:23
03. Interview with Will Ritchie of the National Botanic Garden of Wales
In this third episode, which falls just after the 20th birthday of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, PlantNetwork speaks to curator Will Ritchie about the garden, future plans and what plants he might take to a deserted island. Find out more about gardens and the people behind these gardens in this series - new episodes added every few weeks.
May 26, 202017:02
02. Interview with Simon Toomer from the National Trust
In the second episode in our series of 'Interviews with...', PlantNetwork speaks with Simon about his role with the National Trust, his career, future aspirations, favourite gardens and desert island plants.
May 06, 202021:51
01. Interview with Nick Lightfoot of Ness Botanic Garden
As part of the PlantNetwork 'Interviews with....' podcasts, PlantNetwork speaks with Nick about his current role, his career in horticulture, horticultural inspirations and desert island plants....
Apr 28, 202019:36