The Gardener's Lodge

Tom Leonard, better known as the Drag Queen Gardener, joins Mykal Hoare on The Gardener’s Lodge Podcast for a frank, funny conversation about gardening, drag and challenging expectations in horticulture. From taking on an overgrown allotment after a breakup to turning heads at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show as Daisy Desire, Tom shares how growing plants changed his life and why making mistakes is part of becoming a better gardener. We talk about LGBTQ+ visibility in gardening, the realities of sudden social media attention and why skilled horticulturists deserve better pay. We also explore his campaigning against glyphosate in public green spaces, the value of connecting with nature and our shared frustration with artificial grass. An honest conversation about finding your place in horticulture, standing up for what matters and making gardening more welcoming.DESIGN STUDIOFREE BIODIVERSITY GARDEN BLUEPRINT________Episode Links:The Drag Queen Gardener Instagram ________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik Tok

Ecologist and climate activist Rhys Leighton joins Mykal to explore rewilding, biodiversity and how we reconnect with nature. We talk wildlife conservation, drought, nature’s legal rights and his work with Young Wilders—finding plenty of humour and hope along the way.A conversation about our place in the natural world and how we can help it recover.DESIGN STUDIOFREE BIODIVERSITY GARDEN BLUEPRINT________Episode Links:Rhys's Instragram Find your member of parliament Deryn Thrope Episode - Shelter belts ________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik Tok

How can gardening support mental wellbeing, strengthen relationships and help us reconnect with nature? In this episode of The Gardener’s Lodge Podcast, I’m joined by relationship therapist and author Karin Blak to explore mindful gardening, the emotional benefits of growing your own food, and how sharing a garden can bring couples and families closer together. We discuss practical ways to practise mindfulness in the garden, from observing bees and pollinators to noticing the scents and textures of plants, alongside gardening with children and finding nature in urban spaces. Discover how everyday gardening tasks can create space for deeper conversations and a more meaningful connection with the natural world.DESIGN STUDIOFREE BIODIVERSITY GARDEN BLUEPRINT________Episode Links:Karin's Website ________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik TokThe Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Professor Jeff Ollerton, leading pollination ecologist and author of Pollinators & Pollination and Birds & Flowers, joins The Gardener’s Lodge Podcast to explore the fascinating relationships between plants and pollinators. We discuss bees, butterflies, moths, birds and other pollinating animals; how climate change and hotter, drier UK summers are affecting them; the native-versus-non-native plant debate; and how wildlife-friendly gardening can provide food, habitat and nesting opportunities for pollinators.DESIGN STUDIOFREE BIODIVERSITY GARDEN BLUEPRINT ________Episode Links:Prof. Jeff's Website________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik TokThe Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

In this episode of The Gardener’s Lodge Podcast, I’m joined by Jordan from The Shed Organics to explore the world of integrated pest management, and why everything you think you know about pests might be wrong. We dive into building resilient, healthy plants, working with nature instead of against it, and why a few aphids in your garden might actually be a good thing. From soil health to natural pest control strategies, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you grow a thriving, balanced garden without relying on chemicals.Jordans Soil Building Episode DESIGN STUDIOGARDEN COACHINGFREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOADFREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD________Episode Links: Jordans Website Jordans Instagram Jordans Youtube________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, Designer of the world's most Iconic and Important landscapes, from royal palaces to evolving historic estates, uncovering how history, design, and ecology shape Britain’s most significant gardens. Todd shares insights on restoring heritage sites, balancing conservation with the need for progress, and designing landscapes that stand the test of time. Discover the philosophy behind historic garden design, the importance of long-term planning, and how cultural landscapes continue to evolve. A must-listen for garden lovers, landscape designers, and anyone passionate about history, nature, and the future of gardening.DESIGN STUDIOGARDEN COACHINGFREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOADFREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD________Episode Links:Todds Website Todds Instagram________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

I’m joined by lichenologist April Windle from The British Lichen Society to uncover the hidden world of lichens. What they are, how they grow, and why they’re vital for biodiversity, air quality, and ecosystem health. We explore lichen identification, their role as bioindicators,  and how they can even signal ancient woodlands and environmental change. We also touch on their cultural history, uses in natural dyes and medicine, and why gardeners should embrace lichens in their outdoor spaces. Plus, in Ask Mykal, I answer a common question about moss lawns and how to work with, rather than against, your garden conditions.DESIGN STUDIOGARDEN COACHINGFREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOADFREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD________Episode Links:April Instagram British Lichen Society Website ________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

In this episode, we sit down with Eddie Mordue a farmer, market gardener, and founder of Traditional Garden Growers  to explore the foundations of truly healthy gardens: the soil.We dive into the reality of modern gardening, from synthetic fertilisers and depleted soils to what’s really going on beneath our feet. Eddie shares his perspective from years of growing, and why working with natural systems is the key to long-term success.We also talk about forgotten, traditional inputs including wool!  and how materials that have been used for generations are finding their place again in modern gardens through innovations like Wooltiliser!DESIGN STUDIOGARDEN COACHINGFREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOADFREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD________Episode Links:Traditional Garden Growers WebsiteTraditional Garden Growers Instagram________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

The weeds in your local park? Some of them are dinner. This episode, I sit down with Leo Utton — the Barefoot Forager — a UK wild food expert and foraging workshop host working across Brighton and London. We dig into early spring edible plants, safe foraging practices, and the surprisingly rich history behind the wild foods growing all around us. Leo has a brilliant knack for bringing together old herbal texts and cutting-edge plant science, whether he's posting on social media or leading a group through the hedgerows. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned forager, this one's packed with seasonal inspiration.DESIGN STUDIOGARDEN COACHINGFREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOADFREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD________Episode Links:Leo's Instagram Leo's Website ________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Jessica Zander of You Can Do It Gardening is known for common sense no-frills garden advice inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the globe that they can do it themselves, and that gardening doesn’t have to be so complicated. Jessica Zander has built a booming garden coaching business from scratch after a career in finance. We chat about starting her business to Spring Garden Tips. DESIGN STUDIOGARDEN COACHINGFREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOADFREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD________Episode Links:Jessica Zander Instagram Jessica Zaner Website ________Mykal's Links:thegardenerslodge.co.ukInstagramTik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026