Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

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
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
On Facebook @rootsandalluk
On LinkedIn @rootsandall
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
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
On Facebook @rootsandalluk
On LinkedIn @rootsandall
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
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
On Facebook @rootsandalluk
On LinkedIn @rootsandall
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
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
On Facebook @rootsandalluk
On LinkedIn @rootsandall
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.
Please support the podcast on Patreon
And follow Roots and All:
On Instagram @rootsandallpod
On Facebook @rootsandalluk
On LinkedIn @rootsandall
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.