Gardeners' Question Time

BBC Radio 4
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  • HOME & GARDEN
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS
Gardeners' Question Time

A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week

  1. 19 HR AGO

    Crowthorne: Caterpillars, Rusty Spots and Up-Cycled Objects

    Why do my ferns have rusty spots? Any tips for stopping caterpillars eating my cabbages? Have you upcycled any objects in the garden? Peter Gibbs and a panel of plant and gardening experts are in Crowthorne, Berkshire and offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners. Joining Peter are pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage and proud plantswoman Christine Walkden. Later in the programme, house plant expert James Wong visits the Of The Oak exhibition at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, which celebrates the Lucombe oak and oak trees as a vital hub of biodiversity. He's joined by visual artist Ersin Han Ersin and arborist Cecily Withall. Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – The council have recently cleared a raised flowerbed at the front of the Morgan Centre. It previously had in it a giant prickly pyracantha. What would the panel suggest? (02'02") Matthew Smith – Callistemon rigidus, stiff bottlebrush Alstroemeria Indian Summer ('Tesronto'PBR) (Summer Paradise - Summer Series), Peruvian lily [Indian summer] Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', Balkan clary 'Caradonna' Salvia rosmarinus Prostrata Group (Ro), rosemary Prostrata Group Q - Why have my ferns developed rusty looking spots – is it caused by a disease? (06'31") Q – Any tips on growing miss Willmott's ghost? (09'08") Q – I have a bank of mature Heathers. Can I prune them as they're quite tall now or do I need to replace them as they get straggly? (13'13") Q- How do I stop caterpillars from eating my cabbages? (17’05") Feature – James Wong visits the 'Of the Oak' at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, which celebrates the Lucombe oak. He's joined by Ersin Han Ersin and Cecily Withal (21’28”) Q - How do we encourage our Camellia to flower? (25'56") Q – I would like to plant some other more interesting climbing plants in a shady spot – what do the panel recommend? (29'13") Matthew Pottage – Hydrangea petiolaris, climbing hydrangea Hydrangea petiolaris 'Silver Lining'PBR hydrangea 'Silver Linng' Hedera colchica 'Dentata Variegata' (v), ivy 'Dentata Variegata' Christine Walkden – Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Virginia creeper Dactylicapnos scandens, yellow bleeding heart vine Pippa Greenwood – Lonicera, honeysuckle Q – How often do Clematis Clematis’ flower? (34'02") Q – Can the panel recommend any other ways to repurpose objects? (36'26") Q – I’d like you to recommend plants for a red hot, south facing gravel garden? (36'25")

    43 min

  2. 30 MAY

    RHS Chelsea Bandstand Show

    How do I take care of a kokedama? How do you take care of a sedum living roof? Why won't my trollius flower? For the first time ever, GQT sets up shop at the heart of the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show, broadcasting from the charming bandstand. Kathy Clugston is joined by a panel of horticultural heavyweights, including Bunny Guinness, Matthew Wilson, and James Wong. Keep your ears pricked up for some familiar voices - among the questioners are none other than Scott Mills, David Tennant and Zoe Ball, each bringing their own garden problems to the table. Later, Peter Gibbs takes a tranquil detour to the stunning Songbird Survival Garden on Main Avenue. There, he chats with designer Nicola Oakey and dedicated volunteer Bee about how we can turn our outdoor spaces into welcoming sanctuaries for Britain’s beleaguered songbirds. Producer: Daniel Cocker Producer: Dominic Tyerman Producer: Matthew Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – I’ve got a floppy snake plant – is this because I’ve overwatered it? (01'17") Q - Why do the flower buds fall off my chameleon each year? (02'38") Q - Hello, it's David Tennant here. I've been gifted a beautiful kokedama. How do I water this? How do I not kill it? (05'26") Q – Could you recommend some pretty and low maintenance for flowers for window boxes? (07'34") Bunny Guinness – Verbena officinalis 'Bampton', vervain ‘Bampton’ Polystichum setiferum, soft shield fern Salvia rosmarinus (Ro), rosemary Matthew Wilson – Thymus vulgaris, common thyme Thymus praecox James Wong – Portulaca, porcelain Mesembryanthemum Delosperma. Q- My trollius hasn’t flowered this year. What am I doing wrong? (12’58") Feature – Peter Gibbs visits the ‘Songbird Survival Garden” on main avenue, where he meets with designer Nicola Oakey and volunteer Bee (17’22”) Q - We've got a garden room with a sedum living roof – how do we look after it? (22'20") Q – Hello! Zoe Ball here! How do I stop squirrels from eating all my plants? (32'06") Q - My trachycarpus and dicksonia antarctica. They're getting thinner and thinner each year – how do I appropriately thin them out? (28'54") Q – Hi GQT, it’s Scott Mills. How do I stop my dog’s pee from ruining my lawn? (28'54") Q – I’d like you to recommend plants for a red hot, south facing gravel garden? (36'25") James Wong – Hardy aloes Aloe polyphylla Eschscholzia californica, california poppy Bunny Guinness – Salvia confertiflora, sabra spike sage Matthew Wilson – Rosa 'Sally Holmes' (S), rose 'Sally Holmes' Dasylirion wheeleri, spoon flower Aloiampelos striatula, striped-stemmed aloe Beschorneria yuccoides, yucca-leaved beschorneria

    43 min

  3. 23 MAY

    Postbag Edition: RHS Chelsea Flower Show

    Kathy Clugston and a panel of green-fingered gurus, Kirsty Wilson, Pippa Greenwood, and Dr Chris Thorogood, explore the spectacular Chelsea Flower Show! Meanwhile on the vibrant main avenue, roving reporter Peter Gibbs explores gardens shaped by climate challenges. He steps into the thought-provoking Save for a Rainy Day Garden to chat with designer Baz Granger about clever water-saving ideas. Then, he ventures into the lush creativity of the Hospitalfield Arts Garden, where he meets celebrated garden designer Nigel Dunnett for a conversation on art, ecology, and sustainable planting. Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod and Suhaar Ali A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

    42 min

  4. 16 MAY

    From the Archives: Foliage Frenzy

    Kathy Clugston prunes through the extensive GQT archive, which includes some much needed advice on all things Foliage. With 77 years of experience in providing ample advice, our various GQT panellists are more than equipped to solve your gardening conundrums. They provide tips on the best plants for a foliage border, banana plants that can withstand the winter, and plants for a bed that never sees any sunshine. Away from the questions, Matthew Wilson heads over to Sienna Hosta nursery to speak with Chris Potts, who explains how they keep their hostas slug and snail free. Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - What would be the best plants for a foliage border? (01'07") Matthew Biggs – Euonymus fortunei f. radicans 'Silver Queen', spindle ‘Silver Queen’ Euonymus fortunei var. radicans, wintercreeper Anne Swithinbank – Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR , Siberia bugloss ‘Jack Frost’ Cornus canadensis, dwarf cornel Matthew Wilson – Hosta, plantain lily Hosta sieboldiana, siebold’s plantain lily Hosta 'Big Daddy' (_sieboldiana_ hybrid) (v), plantain lily ‘Big Daddy’ Q- Why isn't my Christmas berry 'Red Robin' in here a lovely bright colour, like others? (04'22") Q- Can banana plants stay outside during the winter? (08'10") Matthew Pottage – Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish', banana 'Dwarf Cavendish' Q – Why has my 12-year-old smoke bush has turned brown overnight? (11'19") Feature – Matthew Pottage speaks with Managing Director of Sienna Hosta Nursery Chris Potts about how they nurture their Hosta’s to be pest free (17'07") Q-  What type of ferns should I use in my fernery? (22'40") Matthew Wilson – Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance', copper shield fern 'Brilliance' Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Herrenhausen', soft shield fern 'Herrenhausen' Matteuccia struthiopteris, shuttlecock fern Pippa Greenwood – Primula vulgaris (Pr/Prim), primrose Wild violets Q - What could I plant in a bed that never sees any sunshine? (27'51") Matthew Wilson – Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign', lungwort 'Blue Ensign' Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance', copper shield fern 'Brilliance' Matteuccia struthiopteris, shuttlecock fern Deschampsia cespitosa, tufted hair grass Christine – Rheum palmatum, Chinese rhubarb Heuchera, cora bells Ligularia Q- How do I properly mow my lawn without ruining the foliage surrounding it? (32'33") Q - What can I do to take care of my 3ft Poinsettias? (37'35")

    43 min

  5. 9 MAY

    Bangor: Second Chance, Shopping Lists and Hedgehog Gardens

    How can you get a second season out of tulips grown in pots? What is the most natural and cost-effective way to add nutrients to my soil? How do you garden with hedgehogs in mind? Kathy Clugston and her team of gardening experts return to Bangor, Northern Ireland where they solve some gardening dilemmas. Joining her are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Head of Gardens at Balmoral Kirsty Wilson. Later in the programme, continuing our Edible Essential Series is Bob Flowerdew, who provides the top fruits and vegetable to add to your shopping list this season. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q- What should I do with my phalaenopsis orchid? (01'24") Q- How do I look after auriculas during the summer? (05'02") Q- How can you get a second season out of tulips grown in pots? (06’57") Q- I’ve killed four Japanese acers over the years – what am I doing wrong? (19'30") Feature – Bob Flowerdew’s edible shopping list. What fruit and veg you should grow this season (14'41") Bob Flowerdew – Asparagus officinalis, asparagus Ribes nigrum, blackcurrant Chillies Allium sativum, garlic Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, globe artichokes Helianthus tuberosus, Jerusalem artichokes Allium cepa, onions Solanum tuberosum, potatoes Raphanus sativus, radish Rubus idaeus, raspberries Ribes rubrum, redcurrants Rheum rhabarbarum, rhubarb Allium cepa var. aggregatum, shallots Fragaria × ananassa, strawberries Zea mays var. saccharate, sweetcorn Q- My soil is very much depleted of nutrients. What is the most natural and cost-effective way to remedy this? (18'44") Q – What shrubs could I grow in containers that are exposed to extreme winds and sea salt? (23'36") Neil Porteous – Grevillea rosmarinifolia, rosemary grevillea Euphorbia stygiana subsp. Santamaria, Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, sea rosemary Kirsty Wilson – Phormium tenax, New Zealand flax Hakonechloa macra, Japanese forest grass James Wong – Pinus pinea, stone pine Q - How do you garden with hedgehogs in mind? (29'38") Q - I’m just about to dig out an area for a large pond. What plants do the panel recommend I use to get me started? (31’20") James Wong – Soleirolia soleirolii, mind-your-own-business Nymphaea, waterlilies Kirsty Wilson – Iris pseudacorus, yellow iris Hosta, Plantain lily Astilbe, astilbe Meconopsis, Himalayan poppy Cyperus alternifolius L., umbrella plant Neil Porteous – Eryngium, sea holly Eryngium pandanifolium, pandan-like-leaved eryngo Q - Can you recommend some plants that are showstoppers and conversation starters? (37'21") Kirsty Wilson – Nepeta 'Blue Dragon', catmint 'Blue Dragon' Neil Porteous – Vitex lucens, puriri James Wong – Mahonia, oregon grape Daphne

    43 min

  6. 2 MAY

    Wokingham Borough: Pet Friendly Gardens, Homemade Compost and Silly Advice

    What's your recommended recipe for homemade seed compost? What makes a dog friendly garden? What is the most inappropriate piece of garden advice that you've received? Peter Gibbs and the panel offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners in the borough of Wokingham. Joining Peter are house plants expert Anne Swithinbank, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and proud plantsman Matthew Biggs. Later in the programme, for Plant Health Week, Kirsty Wilson visits the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to meet biosecurity officer Matt Elliot and discover how new pests and diseases are threatening our gardens — and what we can do to fight back. Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - Do the panel have any favourite help or design features in their gardens made by their pets? (01'45") Q- Could you give me some top tips on growing Dahlias? (05'40") Q- How do you manage a wildflower area after the first year of flowering? (10’18") Feature – Kirsty Wilson and Biosecurity Officer of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh discuss how we can protect our plants from new pests and diseases (14'20") Q- My Fatsia Bush has flowered – do I prune it back or leave the fruits for the birds? (19'30") Q - Which exciting new plants should we be looking forward to growing in the south-east of England? (22'31") Bunny Guinness – Diospyros virginiana (F), common persimmon Diospyros 'Nikita's Gift' (F), Nikita’s Gift Persimmon. Salvia involucrata 'Hadspen', rosy-leaf sage ‘Hadspen’ Matthew Biggs – Salvia officinalis 'Bicolor', sage 'Bicolor' Echium Echium wildpretii, tower of jewels Echium pininana giant viper's bugloss Anne Swithinbank – Leonotis Leonurus, lion's tail Dictamnus albus, burning bush Eriobotrya, loquat Q - What is your recommended recipe for homemade seed compost? (28'00") Q - I have a small starter allotment; can the panel advise me on how to make the most of my small plot? (32'10") Bunny Guinness – Onion Garlic Lettuce Matthew Biggs – Lettuce, fresh beetroot, fresh carrots, finger carrots Baby leaf Spinach radish courgettes French beans Runner beans Anne Swithinbank – Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum, florence fennel Q - What is the most inappropriate piece of garden advice that you've received, and did you follow it? (37'24")

    43 min

  7. 25 APR

    Braintree: Indoor Gardening, Rich Compost and Propagating

    What would be your top tips for creating compost? What's the best way to propagate Lamine raspberries? What could I grow in very dry soil? Kathy Clugston and a panel of plant and gardening experts return to Ridgewell, Essex and offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners. Joining Kathy are grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and gardener Matthew Pottage. Later in the programme, avid urban gardener Martha Swales offers advice on how to grow edibles indoors. Continuing our 'Edible Essential Series'. Producer: Matthew Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - What can I plant in my hanging baskets that would give a bright full display and will also attract bees? (01'31") Bunny Guinness - Verbena officinalis 'Bampton', vervain 'Bampton' Matthew Pottage - Delosperma Lameranthus Q- My climbing rose refuse to flower consistently, should I dig it up and cut my losses or feed the ground? (04'59") Q- Will my two large Cycas revoluta plants recover from frost damage? (09'41") Q - What would be your top tips for creating compost? (13'36") Q- What's the best way to propagate raspberry 'Tulameen'? (22'48") Q - When should I cut back my Honeysuckles? And how hard should I cut them back? (24'48") Bunny Guinness - Lonicera japonica 'Halliana', hall's Japanese honeysuckle Q- What could I grow in very dry soil? (26'45") Matthew Pottage – Ascanthus, bear's breeches Ruscus aculeatus, butcher’s broom Hydrangea petiolaris, climbing hydrangeas Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis', spindle 'Kewensis' Bob Flowerdew – Ficus carica (F), fig Vitis vinifera, grape vine Bunny Guinness – Lavandula, lavender Q - We’ve removed a Conifer hedge and replaced it with a fence. What can I plant against it? (31'26") Matthew Pottage – Pileostegia viburnoides, climbing hydrangea Bob Flowerdew – Ribes rubrum, common redcurrant Ribes rubrum 'White Grape', white currents Ribes uva-crispa, gooseberry Lathyrus odoratus, sweet pea Bunny Guinness – Ficus carica Little Miss Figgy ('Lmf01') (F), fig [Little Miss Figgy] Clematis armandi, armand clematis Q - As a legendarily useless gardener, I've always believed that gardening is a dark art into which I have not been initiated. What's the best way in? (36'14")

    43 min

  8. 20 APR

    Postbag Edition: Belfast Botanic Garden

    Why are my potatoes so floury? How do you banish lace bugs for good? And what mysterious plant has the panel stumped? Kathy Clugston and a team of gardening experts explore the various locations of Belfast Botanic Garden. All while digging into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening conundrums. On hand with their wisdom and wit are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Kirsty Wilson, Head of Gardens at Balmoral. Guiding them through the garden’s hidden corners and floral highlights is Garden Supervisor Colin Agnew. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

    43 min
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About

A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio 4
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2025
  • Show Website
    Gardeners' Question Time

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