Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

What if the biggest barriers to experiencing nature aren't natural at all? Today, I'm joined by author, poet and disability activist Bethany Handley to explore accessibility, belonging, and how redesigning our landscapes could create richer places for both people and wildlife.
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Cinnabar Moth
Links
Bethany's website
My Body is a Meadow The Book
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 Bethany, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens
In this episode, Sarah talks to Sandra Schwarz about the restorative power of green spaces and the qualities that make gardens welcoming, supportive and healing. Together they explore how thoughtful design can help people connect with nature, making it an ideal companion to Bethany's conversation about accessibility, belonging and creating landscapes that work for everyone.
Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity
In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Bethany's discussion of designing landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.

What happens when you stop trying to control a garden and start working with nature instead? This week, I'm joined by Charlie Harpur, head gardener at Knepp, to explore rewilding, biodiversity, and why careful observation and systems thinking can transform the way we garden.
Benny's Insect of the Week: The Pantaloon Bee
Links
Website
A link to all the garden tours and workshops
And a link to the Knepp garden blog which, written by Moy
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 Charlie, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:
Episode 376: From Rewilding to Renaturing
In this episode, Sarah talks to writer James Canton about *Renaturing* and his two-acre biodiversity project in Essex. Together they explore the differences between rewilding and renaturing, the value of close observation, and how thoughtful, small-scale interventions can help restore nature—making it an ideal companion to Charlie's discussion of rewilding in a garden setting.
Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity
In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Charlie's ideas about designing and managing gardens with biodiversity at their heart.

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
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 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
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.