What if the secret to a better garden is letting go of control? This week I'm joined by gardener and conservationist Sue Mabberley from Nant-y-Bedd in the Black Mountains, where four decades of working with nature have created a thriving wildlife haven. We discuss the value of so-called weeds, gardening for biodiversity, and why even the smallest garden can make a difference.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Yellow Loosestrife Bee

Links

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Visit the Garden / Book Visits & Tours

Garden Meadows Workshop with Jo McKerr

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sue, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 194: Gardening for Wildlife

In this episode, Sarah talks to Ralph Hobbs about creating gardens that actively support wildlife. From practical habitat creation to understanding the needs of different species, it's a great companion to Sue's philosophy of gardening with nature and making space for biodiversity.

Episode 333: Designing for Habitat & Biodiversity

In this episode, Sarah speaks with ecological landscape designer Emmaline Bowman about designing gardens and landscapes that support healthy ecosystems. The conversation explores how thoughtful planting and habitat creation can benefit wildlife, making it a natural follow-on from Sue's approach to working with, rather than against, the natural world.

Can a show garden change minds as well as win medals? This week, I'm joined by Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, whose Chelsea gardens championed peatland restoration and dementia research. We discuss whether the impact of a show garden can justify its environmental cost, and explore the power of gardens with a purpose.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Jewel Wasp

Links

Martha Krempel

Bog in a Box

St Pancras

Gut-brain health research information

Tina Worboys

Iota - manufacturers of amber structures in Tina's garden

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 190: Show Gardens

In this episode, I explore the world of show gardens, discussing their purpose, their impact, and the questions they raise about value, sustainability and public engagement. It's a perfect companion to this week's discussion about whether show gardens can justify their environmental cost through the awareness and change they inspire.

Episode 230: Sensory Gardens and Autism

In this episode, Sarah explores sensory gardens with a focus on design for people with autism. Featuring Camellia Taylor, Meraud Davis and Alexis Selby, it examines how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can support wellbeing, engagement and connection with nature.

What if the key to better health, stronger communities and a more sustainable future lies beneath our feet? This week, I'm joined by author Robert Ashton to discuss his new book Down to Earth and explore our relationship with soil. From farming and education to mental health and conservation, Robert reveals why reconnecting with the land could be one of the most important challenges of our time.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Shieldbug Stalker

Links

Down to Earth by Robert Ashton

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Robert Ashton, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition

In this episode, Sam Hamrebtan explores the links between soil health, food quality and human wellbeing. It's an excellent companion to Robert's discussion of our relationship with soil and the importance of caring for the living systems that sustain us.

Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary

In this episode, Joshua Sparkes discusses innovative approaches to farming and food production, challenging conventional ideas about agriculture and land use. It's a natural follow-on from Robert's reflections on regenerative farming, sustainability and how we can build a healthier relationship with the land.

What if the secret to connecting more deeply with nature lies in the stories we tell about plants? This week, I'm joined by landscape architect and Plant Connection podcast host Lisa Cutshaw to explore how folklore, history, and careful observation can transform the way we see the natural world.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Harlequin Ladybird

Links

Website

Instagram

Plant Connection

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Lisa Cutshaw, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 53: Garden Design for Every Species

In this episode, John Little shares his approach to creating gardens that support wildlife at every level, encouraging us to think beyond purely human needs and consider our place within a wider ecological community. It's a great companion to Lisa's reflections on reconnecting with nature and building meaningful relationships with the living world.

Episode 219: The Wheel of the Year

In this episode, Rebecca Beattie explores seasonal cycles, folklore, and our relationship with the natural world through the lens of the Wheel of the Year. It's a thoughtful follow-on from Lisa's discussion of plant stories, cultural meaning, and finding deeper connections with nature.

Could a simple circular garden help solve food insecurity in some of the world's harshest climates? In this episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by Sam Evans, whose dissertation took him to Lesotho to explore keyhole gardens — ingenious compost-fed growing systems that help communities grow food sustainably in extreme conditions. We discuss how they work, the wider benefits they bring, and what they could teach us about growing food in a changing climate.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Harlequin Ladybird

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sam Evans, you might also like these conversations from the archives:

Episode 23: Esiah Levy's SeedsShare Project
A fascinating discussion about seed sovereignty, food growing and empowering communities through accessible, sustainable gardening initiatives — themes that closely connect with today's conversation about keyhole gardens and food security.

Episode 185: Food Forests for Plant Lovers
This episode explores resilient growing systems, biodiversity and regenerative planting approaches, making it a perfect companion to today's discussion on sustainable food production and climate-smart gardening.

What happens when a community garden becomes a lifeline for people, wildlife and an entire neighbourhood? In this episode, I'm chatting with Oliver Hayden from Walworth Garden about running a free community space in the heart of London, why gardening can drive real social change, and how reconnecting with nature can quietly transform lives. It's funny, thought-provoking and full of big questions about the way we live and garden.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Four Banded Flower Bee

Links

You can find Walworth Garden online here:

• Official website: Walworth Garden
• Instagram: @walworthgarden on Instagram

You can also visit the garden in person at 206 Manor Place, London SE17 3BN.

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Oliver Hayden, you might also like these conversations from the archives:

Episode 323: Wildflowers, Community & Urban Nature
A conversation exploring the importance of urban green spaces, biodiversity and the role community projects can

Episode 275: Community Gardening
This episode looks at the social value of community gardening projects and the ways shared green spaces can support wellbeing, learning and local connection, making it a natural companion to today's discussion.

What happens when the garden you love starts demanding more than you can give? In today's episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by garden writer Rhonda Fleming Hayes to explore how gardening changes as we age — from adapting high-maintenance spaces to embracing balcony gardens, community plots and slower, more meaningful ways of connecting with nature.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Rose Chafer Beetle

Links

Garden for Life: Strategies for Easier, Greener, More Joyful Gardening as We Age by Rhonda Fleming Hayes

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Rhonda, you might also like these conversations from the archives:

Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens
Benjamin Vogt explores the restorative power of gardens and the ways thoughtfully designed spaces can support wellbeing, connection and healing throughout our lives — a fitting companion to today's discussion on gardening as we age.

Episode 325: Growing in the Garden
Emma O'Neill reflects on personal growth through gardening and the many ways our outdoor spaces evolve alongside us, echoing today's conversation about adapting gardens to changing needs and lifestyles.

This episode might just change the way you grow, shop, cook, and eat. Today I'm joined by returning guest Dave Goulson to talk about his new book, Eat the Planet Well, a practical guide to eating in a way that's healthy, affordable, and better for the planet. Even if you think you know the basics — and are wondering about Dave's shift from his usual nature writing — there's plenty here that will surprise you.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Dark-edged Bee-fly

With thanks to our sponsor - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.

Links

Dave Goulson on instagram

Eat the Planet Well by Dave Goulson

Please support the podcast on Patreon

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Dave, you might also like these conversations from the archives:

Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary
Joshua Sparkes shares a regenerative, soil-first approach to growing food that challenges conventional farming — a natural companion to today's discussion on rethinking how we produce and consume what we eat.

Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition
Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital link between soil health and the nutritional value of our food, reinforcing the idea that what's good for the planet is also good for us.