Grow Cook Inspire

From International Relations to RHS Shows Judging coordinator with Elle Hollingworth

In the next instalment of the Helen’s Heroines of Horticulture mini series, she speaks with Elle Hollingworth who is part of the RHS Shows Development team and is a show judge coordinator. However like so many women that Helen has interviewed a career in the world of horticulture had not always been on the cards for Elle. The global pandemic put the breaks on her travelling overseas and she had to return to her parents. Nevertheless returning home reignited a love for gardening and floral des...

In conversation with Jodie & Lorraine, the sisters behind the award winning Caley Bros.

Helen continues her summer mini series celebrating the Heroines of Horticulture, with her interview with the dynamic duo behind Caley Bros. Sisters Lorraine and Jodie join Helen on the podcast to discuss their journey to Chelsea, their heroines and how a family bereavement drove them to reassessing their career path. This change has resulted them growing mushrooms for a living and they made their mark at Chelsea this year by taking home a Gold medal. www.Caleybrothers.Co.uk. ...

Breaking boundaries in floral design with Hazel Gardiner

In the third episode of this special mini series of Grow, Cook, Inspire, Helen is joined by the creative powerhouse Hazel Gardiner, founder of Hazel Gardiner Design, the London based floral design studio. We talk about her transition from the world of fashion journalism and the gruelling schedule of TV production and talent management to the world of floristry, after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Hazel explains her drive and who influences her work as well as the challenges she ...

In conversation with the undisputed queen of herbs, Jekka McVicar

Continuing this special Heroines of Horticulture podcast, Helen is joined by one one of her own heroines. In today’s show Helen talks with Jekka McVicar. From the dizzy heights of Glastonbury as part of a rock band, Jekka has been at the helm of the UK’s largest herb farm for almost 40 years, growing over 500 different culinary and medicinal varieties just outside of Bristol. With 62 gold RHS medals under her belt Jekka is not only a wealth of knowledge but a powerhouse for good. Generous wit...

Unearthing the hidden female voices of horticulture with author & historian Fiona Davison

Women have always gardened. However their journey into the professional realm of horticulture was turbulent. However there’s were huge numbers of pioneering women who have have left a lasting legacy. Some of them well known others less so and their stories buried in the fire notes of history. To kick off this special series of the podcast celebrating just some of the remarkable women who are making waves in the world of horticulture, Helen is joined b...

Grow Cook Inspire (Trailer)

Reflections on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show & something new is brewing.

It has been well over two weeks since the dust has settled on the greatest show on earth. Now that the curtain rail has gone down for another year, Helen reflects on her highlights at this years prestigious event. She explores three of her favourite gardens; Harry Holdings School Food Matters garden, Camellia Taylor’s garden titled The Natural Affinity Garden for Aspens and Tayshan Hayden - Smith’s small but mighty garden Closing the Green Gap. You ca...

The final countdown to The RHS Chelsea Flower Show & gardens for good causes

In todays episode Helen highlights the final piece of the jigsaw as she concludes her special mini series looking at the charities which have been supported by Project Giving Back, giving them an opportunity to raise awareness about their cause at the worlds greatest flower show which gets underway next week. Helen speaks with the duo Nicola and Susan of Semple Begg who are designing their first Chelsea garden for the charity The Tea Pot Trust, a charity providing art therapy for children and...

School Food Matters with Stephanie Slater & Harry Holding

In today’s episode I speak with the founder and Chief Executive of School Food Matters, Stephanie Slater and garden designer Harry Holding. Harry is designing a garden for the charity School Food Matters, which will be on show at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May putting the charity on the map and sparking a conversation about the necessity not only to provide healthy and nutritious school meals to all children across the UK but also the need to educate children about food, and the environme...

Autism & gardening

In today’s episode Helen learns more about the charity Aspens and their garden, supported by Project Giving Back,which will be showcased at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. She speaks with the garden designer Camellia Taylor and Aspens Head of fundraising Susan Sawyer, to learn more about how the Chelsea garden will help raise awareness around the work Aspens does supporting people with autism and learning disabilities and the long lasting legacy the garden will have once relocated to Asp...

Gardens for good causes with Hattie Ghaui, at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023

In the first episode of a new mini series, leading up to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which kicks off in May, Helen speaks with the CEO of the charity organisation, Project Giving Back, Hattie Ghaui. They discuss the main drive of Project Giving Back to create gardens for good causes, which will have a lasting legacy following the prestigious event, the charities involved and what are the plans beyond 2024. To find out more about Project Giving Back visit www.projectgivingback.org.uk and to f...

The Hackney School of Food, revolutionising how we teach & inspire children.

In today’s episode Helen has headed down to London on the back of ‘turnip’ gate to visit a pioneering food and growing up in central London. Helen talks with Tom Walk, chef and food educator to find out more about The Hackney Food of School, which was established in 2019 by the LEAP Federation of Schools and with the support of the charity Chefs in Schools. With its own kitchen garden, bees and chicken, the school offers an immersive experience in growing and cooking real food. www.Hackneysch...

In conversation with herb geek & revolutionary Andrew Perry of Urban Herbs

After a short break Helen is back from her half term vacation. This week she interviews founder of Urban Herbs, Andrew Perry. Andrew has been on the show before but is back with news of a new book and much more. She and Andrew talk about the growth of the business, digging up his front garden to grow food and how to reach out to a new audience. His debut book The Herb Gardening Handbook will be published on March the 30th. For more information visit www.urban-herbs.co.uk Plus on the garden an...

I’m conversation with herb geek & revolutionary Andrew Perry of Urban Herbs

After a short break Helen is back from her half term vacation. This week she interviews founder of Urban Herbs, Andrew Perry. Andrew has been on the show before but is back with news of a new book and much more. She and Andrew talk about the growth of the business, digging up his front garden to grow food and how to reach out to a new audience. His debut book The Herb Gardening Handbook will be published on March the 30th. For more information visit www.urban-herbs.co.uk Plus on the garden an...

In conversation with the No Dig champion Charles Dowding.

This week marks Children’s Mental Health Week organised by the charity Place2Be. In this weeks episode of Grow Cook Inspire, Helen shares why gardening can have a positive impact on the mental health of children and young people. She also shares ways to incorporate ways to make your garden good for your well-being as well as news of a new RHS wellbeing training course for teachers. Plus Helen interviews gardener, author and master of no dig gardening Charles Dowding about his new book ‘No Dig...

In conversation with Kim Stoddart, the climate change savvy gardener

In this week’s episode Helen interviews the award winning journalist, author & gardener Kim Stoddart about her new book she has written with Sally Morgan, The Climate Change Garden. We discuss how the book evolved from her own experiences of climate change and the impact it has had on her own garden. The book provides guidance and help to garden with nature in mind, and provides hope for resilient and productive gardens as well as ways to tackle eco anxiety amongst children. 🪴 https://climate...

Why Women Grow? In conversation with journalist and author Alice Vincent.

Have you ever questioned why you garden and grow things? What drives you? What makes you keep returning to the soil year after year? Well, author and journalist Alice Vincent has pondered this and has been on a search for answers to discover more about why women in particular garden. In today’s show Helen talks to Alice about her third book Why Women Grow, as well as the creation of her debut podcast which is by the same name. ( 🪴 www.Alicevincent.co.uk) 📚 Plus Helen...

Alternatives to roses this Valentines Day

With Valentines Day just around the corner, Helen takes a look at just how sustainable our love for roses at this time of year really is and she also delves a little deeper into the UK’s flourishing cut flower market. This week Helen is joined by flower farmers Marianne Mogendorff & Camila Romain, who are behind Wolves Lane Flower Company in North London and they are also the authors of How To Grow The Flowers, as well as Rachel Masterton of The Pretty Wild Flo...

Celebrating National Houseplant Week

Hello and a very happy New Year and welcome back to Grow Cook Inspire. This week we are celebrating National House Plant Week, timely as outside is grim, dark and wet. This week Helen here’s from some friends of the podcast who share with us what they love about houseplants. Plus Helen interviews Sarah Gerrard Jones, author of the Plant Rescuer and all round houseplant saviour 🪴 @theplantrescurer. And she also speaks with Tik Tok & terrarium sensation Ben Newall 🪴 @worcesterterrariums. Plus w...

In conversation with Lizzie Schofield

To round up 2022 I bring you a bonus winter episode of the podcast. I’m joined by Beechgrove presenter and primary teacher Lizzie Schofield. We talk about coastal gardening on the north east of Scotland, willow weaving & being crowned Gardeners World Garden of the year. 💚 Instagram @cuthbertsbrae_garden Plus I share my top reads for 2022 and a recipe for carrot and almond cake which won’t last long! And finally a huge well done to Niall ...

In conversation with Victoria Stanton Lowe Aka Sprout Surrey

Today’s episode is the finale of series 5. I talk with the creative force that is Victoria the talent behind the Instagram account Sprout Surrey (💚 Instagram @sprout.Surrey) From studying fashion design to working in the world of PR in London, Victoria found herself longing for her green leafy roots, back home in Surrey. Like many people over the last two years Victoria has gone back to school to learn more about her number one passion in life, gardening. Settle form and grab a cuppa. I could...

In conversation with Former Sottish Ballet Principal Dancer Andy Peasgood

In today’s show I meet and talk with former ballet dancer and now dance teacher and gardening writer, Andy Peasgood. We talk about his phenomenal career, and how he has found a new creative release in gardening. Having recently moved into a new build estate in Glasgow he has transformed what is a very modest space into a haven for plants and wildlife. It just goes to show you don’t need acres of land to be green fingered. You can chart Andy’s garden adventures on his Instagram account @andype...

In conversation with journalist & author Rhiannon Batten

Today I chat with journalist and author Rhiannon Batten who has recently published her very first cook book along side Laura Rowe. The book, Rustle Up, published by Pavilion, is filled with over 80 recipes, all of which are just one paragraph long but are packed full of flavour and with minimum fuss. Tried and tested the recipes are ideal whether you are cooking for one, or feeding a growing family. 🙌 https://uk.bookshop.org/books/rustle-up-one-paragraph-recipes-for-flavour-without-fuss/97819...

In Conversation with Lucy Calder, Kilduff Farm

It is officially Autumn, which means it is time to celebrate all things pumpkins and that is the subject of todays show In todays episode we talk with Lucy Calder, one half of the husband and wife team behind Kilduff Farm in the heart of East Lothian and home to Kilduff’s Pumpkin Festival. The dynamic duo are passionate about educating inspiring people about where there food comes from. As well as the traditional carving pumpkins they have been growing culinary varieties for a number of years...

In conversation with Locavore’s community grower Carolyn Wilson

It is no secret that the waiting lists for allotments can be incredibly long and therefore very off putting for so many people itching to grow their own. However the Scottish social enterprise Locavore has come up with a great idea. Having recently taken on the lease of an old Glasgow Council Plant Nursery in Bellahouston Park, the team are looking to build an urban farm. Within this space they have also created community growing plots for those with no garden access within the city. I caught...

In conversation with Gabriella Bennett

In todays show I chat with author & journalist Gabriella Bennett (Instagram @palebackwriter) as she swaps city living for a more rural location and a change of career. After getting Covid earlier this year she decided to leave her job at The Times and embark on a new journey working in the Taybank Hotel’s kitchen garden. Quite the career change! Plus with the summer holidays here, I share five ideas to help occupy children in the garden this summer, plus I chat rhubarb and potatoes. And if th...

A Back to School Growing Special

The podcast is back after a short break. The kids are back at school so now is the perfect time to take stick and look what has worked and more importantly what hasn’t worked out in our growing spaces. I chat through my failures my agenda for the year ahead, plus I’ll be taking you on a seed safari. 💚💚💚. Grow Cook Inspire is supported by Plant Grow UK.

In conversation with Daisy Desire, aka The Drag Queen Gardener

In today’s show I chat with Daisy Desire aka The Drag Queen Gardener, live from this year’s Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. We catch up a year after she made her debut at the festival & how she is combining drag and gardening, by adding a little ‘couture to your manure’. And hear how she has dealt with the haters following her appearance on Gardeners World. 🌸 Instagram; @dragqueen_gardener Not only do we hear from a drag queen who has been positively impacte...

In conversation with, chef and food writer Claire Thomson.

Today’s episode is all about Tomatoes! I share my top tips about how to look after them plus I chat with the chef and food writer Claire Thomson, aka The 5 o’clock Apron who has just publish a brand new cook book, aptly titled, Tomato. The book is jam packed with recipes that celebrate this much loved fruit. 🍅Plus I’ll let you know about The Festival of Growing taking place in Glasgow this week and next. 💚 https://glasgowfood.net/news/2022/6/festival-of-growing https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tomato...

In conversation with food writer & chef, Gill Meller

In today’s show I interview good writer, teacher and chef Gill Meller about his fourth cook book, Outside, which celebrates everything that is great about cooking and eating in the great outdoors. We also chat about his gardening endevours. 🌾 Instagram @gill.meller Plus making the headlines this week, research by the RHS & University if Reading reveal that healthy lush, green houseplants can boost our mental well being, (www.rhs.org.uk) Ocean Plastic Pots has teamed up with Waitrose to create...

In conversation with Thomasina Miers

In this week’s show I chat with cook, writer, Co founder of Wahacca & Master Chef winner Thomasina Miers. Thomasina has just recently published her 8th cook book Meat Free Mexican. We talk about her love affair with Mexico, her journey into the food industry as well as her involvement in Chefs in Schools. Plus we chat about soil, a subject which comes up time and time again in the podcast, underlining it’s impirtance. 🌱Instagram @thomasinamiers www.thomasinamiers.com www.chefs in schools.org....

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Preview; In conversation with garden designer & TV presenter Julie Sargeant

In the final instalment of my RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 preview series I talk with Juliet Sargeant about life as a doctor before her life as a garden designer as well as the garden she has designed for Chelsea which will be the new Blue Peter Garden. The focus is on soil, the life line of our planet. She wants to excite the next generation and educate them about soil, highlighting that it is much more than dirt. The garden will be moving ti the new RHS Bridgewater Garden in Salford, follow...

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 Preview. In conversation with garden designer Lottie Delamain

In part three of my special RHS Chelsea Flower Show preview series, I chat with garden designer Lottie Delamain. The textile garden she has designed is for the charity Fashion Revolution, funded by Project Giving. It will highlight the positive power which plants have on our clothes and make us consider what is actually in our clothes and where do they come from. This is Lottie’s very first garden at Chelsea as well as her first podcast! Go listen! 🌱 www.lottiedelamain.com 🌱 www.fashionrevolu...

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 Preview. In conversation with Polly Wilkinson

In the second episode of my RHS Chelsea preview series I speak with award winning gardening designer, Polly Wilkinson. We discuss the garden she is creating for the Charity Mothers for Mothers, supported by Project Giving Back. It is titled This Too Shall Pass, and explores mental health issues and the challenges faced my women during motherhood, challenges magnified over the last two years. 🌱www.pollyannawilkinson.com www.mothersformothers.co.uk www.givingback.org.uk www.mmhla.org www.mind.o...

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Preview with Gemma Lake, RHS Show Manager

This is the first episode in an exclusive new four party mini series of the podcast where I will be delving behind the scenes of RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 and exploring three special gardens funded by Project Giving Back, which provides funding for charitable organisations to exhibit at the show. But first I caught up with RHS Chelsea Show Manager Gemma Lake, to find out what we can expect from this years show. 🌱 www.rhs.org.uk www.giving back.org.uk Supported by www.caledonianhorticulture...

In conversation with Neil Butler, Unexpected Gardens 2022

A second bonus episode this week. I chat with Neil Butler from Dandelion about the inspiring project, Unexpected Gardens, which will take place throughout Scotland. Twelve gardens will be created in the most unlikeliest of places, breathing new life into communities.🌱 www.dandelion.Scot Plus I chat all things pumpkins, as we look to get our very own pumpkin patch underway and I share what’s going on in Scotland from the Scone Garden Country Fair 🌱 www.scone-palace.Co.uk & agriculture’s show c...

In conversation with Tommy Dale from Caledonian Horticulture.

In today’s episode we get get to grips with all things soil and peat free compost as I chat with Tommy Dale, the man behind Caledonian Horticulture. Plus I’ll be looking at what to sow in the garden as well as the benefits of companion plants. And asparagus is in the spotlight in the kitchen this week. It’s a good one! Please remember to subscribe, review and share.

In Conversation with Kayleigh Love of The Wee Aird Dairy, Stranraer

Welcome back. In todays show I interview Kayleigh Love, the young Dairy Farmer who featured on the latest series of the BBC’s This Farming Life. She and her family have taken control of the milk they produce on their farm on the south west coast of Scotland, selling it straight from the farm gates. Doesn’t get much fresher. 🌱 Instagram @the_wee_aird Plus after the glorious weather of March we talk the re-emergence of colder days & snow, what to sow in the coming weeks, and how to grow dahlias...

In conversation with Lauren from Days of Dahlia

On today’s show I talk with Lauren one half of the mother and daughter team behind Days of Dahlia, a flower farm and design studio located in Scotland. We chat about her family’s roots in floristry and her move from working in the arts to growing cut flowers with her mum. If you are looking to create your own cut flower patch this year, Lauren is on hand to share her wisdom as well as some of her favourite varieties. 🌱 https://www.daysofdahlia.com/post/fieldnotes-february-2022 Instagram @days...

In conversation with…Joanna MacGregor, Farm Ness

We’ve made it into March and we’re sowing caution to the wind and sowing seeds with gusto. Today’s guest is Joanna MacGregor, one half of Farm Ness, who also features on the fifth series of The BBC Show This Farming Life. We talk about her move from the classroom to the farm yard, her farm shop endeavours & much much more. 🌱Instagram @farm_Ness https://🌱www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b094mqlx Plus I chat about what I’m sowing on the window sill now we’ve had five minutes of sunshine in Scotland fro...

In Conversation with urban Herb’s Andrew Perry.

In today’s show Helen Interviews Andrew Perry, about his journey from studying history at university to growing herbs and launching the hugely successful online shop, Urban Herbs. 🌱 https://linktr.ee/urban_herbs_ Plus we chat about the limbo month that is February, planning with a little help from Sarah Raven’s Spring/Summer collection, The Scottish Snow Drop Festival 🌱 https://www.discoverscottishgardens.org/the-snowdrop-festival/ and Kate Humble’s new cook book Home Cooked published last we...

In conversation with gardener, author & recipe writer Kathy Slack.

In todays show Helen reminds listeners about the importance of the RSPB’s big bird watch which runs from the 28th January until the 30th January. In the last 50 years the UK skies have lost 35 million birds. 🌱www.rspb.org.uk Olys Helen interviews author, writer, gardener, podcast host & supper club host Kathy Slack. They discuss Kathy’s debut book The Veg Patch and her path from the high pace world of advertising to setting up home and gardening in the Cotswolds countryside. 🌱Instagram @gluts...

In Conversation with mental health campaigner The Beardy Gardening,talking about The Giving Garden.

In today’s show we welcome The Beardy Gardener back on to the podcast. Leigh Johnstone, who is a mental health advocate and Instagram gardening sensation found solace and hope from his garden during a very difficult period in his life. He now wants to share the joy of gardening with those who don’t have their own green space through the launch of The Giving Garden. 🌱Instagram @thebeardygardener www.crowdfunder.Co.uk/p/the-giving-garden 🌱RHS new community gardening grant https://www.rhs.org.uk...

Grow Cook Inspire; In conversation with gardener, writer & Gardeners World presenter Francis Tophill

Welcome to a brand new series of Grow Cook Inspire. To kick of the New Year I am joined by gardener, author & TV presenter Frances Tophill, who’s new book The Modern Gardener is due to be published this spring. We chat about intentions for 2022, perennial veg as well as her new book. We also touch on that all important question what plant or seed would you take to a desert island?! 🌱 Instagram; @francestophill https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-modern-gardener/frances-tophill/9780857839435 ...

Grow, Cook, Inspire; with gardening & cooking at it’s core (Trailer)

Grow, Cook, Inspire; with gardening & cooking at its core (Trailer)

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 Review Special

Today I share my highlights from this years RHS Chelsea Flower Show as well as my top things to do in the garden as we slide into autumn. Plus I have a few special guests, including the Prince of gardening, Arthur Parkinson, food writer Kathy Slack and Lucy Calder of Kilduff Farm. And to round things off I have some pumpkin and blackberry recipes.

Series 4, episode 2; In conversation with Jane Mackie, Rora Dairy

In this weeks episode we head to Aberdeenshire to visit Rora Dairy, where we speak with Jane Mackie the driving force behind the no nonsense yogurt. Plus there are great ideas for things to do in the garden and I tell you more about Radio 2’s Big Bee Challenge Competition. To round things up we’ll be foraging and cooking with elderflower. {www.roradairy.co.uk, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2qk4dDdJJdsVFmcLhZ7RwmW/how-to-enter}

Series Four Episode One; In conversation with Anna Lamotte, Guardswell Farm

Kicking off a brand new series I bring you all the latest news in food, farming and horticultural, plus I will share a fantastic conversation with Anna Lamotte, who helps run Guardswell Farm and Guardswell Grows in rural Perthshire. The team in this idyllic hideaway are not only rewilding the countryside but also their guests. You can find out more about Guardswell over www.Guardswell.co.uk or follow their journey over on Instagram @guardswellfarm & @guardswellgrows. Also I’ll be sharing reci...

National Gardening Week with Ally Mitchell of Ocean Plastic Pots

In the fourth and final episode of my special mini series of Grow Cook Inspire to coincide with National Gardening Week I chat with Ally Mitchell, the driving force behind Ocean Plastic Pots. The commercial diver turns plastic waste from the sea and turns them in to plant pots! And if you can please do vote for Grow Cook Inspire in the podcast category of the Great British Growing Awards 2021. You can vote by following this link https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/awards Thank you!!