Frances Tophill on how to start gardening today

Adam Frost lets you know how to keep your garden colourful year-round despite unpredictable weather. He shares why plant diversity is key and they explore: how climate change is reshaping the way we garden, why good soil matters more than predictable weather, and how leaving seed heads and untidy borders can attract wildlife and extend seasonal interest. Adam also hints at plans for his next garden — one built to last for generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Step into the mystical forest of Hamnet to explore the plants chosen for the film and the powerful meanings they hold with Dr Kim Walker, medical herbalist, director of Betonica School of Herbal Medicine. As herbal consultant, Kim worked closely with director Chloe Zhao and actor Jessie Buckley, where a deep connection to land and plant lore creates a distinctive atmosphere, blending folklore, medicine, and emotional symbolism. And discover how you can grow your own Hamnet-inspired herb garden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’re after a reliable, rewarding flower to grow from seed, sunflowers are hard to beat. The seeds are big enough for even the tiniest hands to handle, so they’re perfect for getting children involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Monty explains why plants that climb are so valuable for our gardens to boost the flower display and for supporting garden wildlife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Known to many for her love of baking, Dame Mary Berry claims in another life she ‘may have been a gardener’. From spending time in the garden as a child to enjoying gardens she’s created over the years, Mary shares her love of gardening through the seasons, and the importance of connecting to nature for wellbeing. With top gardening tips, we’ll also discover her favourite plants, the people and gardens that have influenced her and how some energetic weeding is good for the soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tall and elegant, growing on upright spikes lined with individual flowers, these delicate yet regal floral towers can bring a fairytale look to a flower border. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From how to begin gardening, growing with the seasons, creating months of floral colour in borders and pots, and discovering successful plant combinations, we’ll also give your garden year-round interest, unlock the potential of your plot, give advice for what to grow in small spaces, plant for pollinators, nurture the land we grow on, find the joy in gardening, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Start your gardening year with growing inspiration in the Spring Conversations podcast from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine and hear from the UK’s most loved and well-respected gardening experts.From how to begin gardening, growing with the seasons, creating months of floral colour in borders and pots, and discovering successful plant combinations, we’ll also give your garden year-round interest, unlock the potential of your plot, give advice for what to grow in small spaces, plant for pollinators, nurture the land we grow on, find the joy in gardening, and more.Enjoy friendly gardening chat and informative discussion with the magazine team, perfect for everyone who loves gardening. With new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. Subscribe now, wherever you get your podcasts, and never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This time of year, the last thing many of us think about doing is immersing in cold water outside, but cold, open water can calm the mind, strengthen the body, and reconnect us with nature, boosting mental clarity, mood and resilience. No stranger to wild swimming is cold water swimming expert, open water coach, and wild swimming author Alice Goodridge, based in the Scottish Highlands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dainty and beautiful, Daucus carota is an ornamental variety of wild carrot that produces flowing airy flower clusters. The flowers add interest to a border, vegetable patch or meadow-style area and can encourage biodiversity to your garden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices