Heritage, Innovation and the Future of Horticulture with Will Armitage
In the opening episode of Season 4, Phil and Kate discover the rich personal and professional journey of Will Armitage: agricultural and horticultural consultant, entrepreneur, and current President of the HTA (Horticultural Trades Association). From rebellious beginnings to helming his family’s sixth-generation business and ultimately championing the sector on a national stage, Will shares an absorbing story of tradition, adaptation and advocacy.This episode explores the soul of horticulture, the people who make it thrive, the quiet power of collaboration in a competitive world, and the urgent need for government recognition. Will also lifts the lid on the HTA’s vital work: from policy lobbying and business benchmarking to the power of regional networking. Plus, a surprising tale involving Victorian oil paintings, greenhouse glass, and a tree that makes Will smile every time. It’s a conversation not to be missed.https://www.linkedin.com/in/warmitage/https://hta.org.uk
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38:48
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38:48
The Underground - Why Saying Goodbye to Peat Matters - Episode 1
In this first episode of a two-part special from The Underground Podcast, hosts Kate and Phil dig into the root of the industry’s biggest environmental pivot—going peat free. With decades of dependency on this “gold standard” of growing media, why is it now so crucial to leave peat behind? And why is it proving so hard to replace?From the carbon cost of extraction to the slow regeneration of peatlands, this episode explores the environmental urgency driving the move away from peat. But this is no simple switch. Through conversations with leading scientists, manufacturers, campaigners, and trade leaders, we uncover what made peat so effective—and why sustainable alternatives must work harder to match its performance.Whether you’re a professional grower, a home gardener, or simply peat-curious, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding what’s at stake and what’s next in this growing media revolution. Episode 2 will pick up the trail, delving into the practical realities of making peat-free work.Featuring:Elaine Gotts – Research & Development Scientist, Levington / Evergreen Garden CareSimon Blackhurst – Horticulture ConsultantWill Scott – Team Leader, Heart of Eden (AHS Limited)Jane Hartley – Brand Portfolio Manager, Evergreen Garden CareSteve Harper – Chair, Responsible Sourcing Scheme & Managing Director, Southern TridentSally Nex – Environmental Gardener & Campaigner, Peat-Free PartnershipFran Barnes – Chief Executive, Horticultural Trades AssociationJane Lawler – Marketing Consultant & HTA Board MemberDan Durston – National Sales Director, Durston’sToby Thomas – Managing Director, RocketGro
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59:10
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59:10
Garden Press Event 2025
In this special episode of The Underground Podcast, Kate and Phil take you behind the scenes at the Garden Press Event 2025, held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. A key date in the gardening industry calendar, this event brings together brands, innovators, and industry experts to showcase the latest trends, products, and sustainability initiatives shaping the future of gardening.As they weave through the bustling exhibition hall, Kate and Phil catch up with a diverse mix of exhibitors, from household names like Gardena, Evergreen Garden Care, and Westland to passionate independents driving innovation in the sector. From the latest in peat-free compost and eco-friendly packaging to high-tech gardening tools and educational initiatives for future generations, this episode is packed with fascinating conversations and exclusive insights. Whether you're a green-fingered enthusiast or work in the industry, this is your chance to get the inside scoop on what’s next for gardens and green spaces.Your hosts:Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.comKate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
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35:38
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35:38
Gardens That Tell Stories: A Conversation with Peter Donegan
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate sit down with internationally acclaimed garden designer, TV presenter, and horticulturalist Peter Donegan. Known for his visionary approach to garden design, Peter shares his journey from growing plants under his bed as a child to designing breathtaking landscapes around the world. His passion for storytelling through gardens shines through as he discusses transformative projects, including a poignant garden in Melbourne honouring veterans and a hidden courtyard garden in a 13th-century French castle (links to view below)Peter also delves into the importance of biodiversity, how small urban gardens can make a big impact, and why gardens should evoke emotion rather than just tick design boxes. With his signature blend of insight, humour, and deep expertise, Peter offers a fresh perspective on what it really means to create meaningful green spaces.Don't miss Peter Donegan as he presents the APL (Association of Professional Landscapers) Awards on Friday 14th March at The Brewery, London.Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with passion, creativity, and a little bit of rock and roll in garden design!Peter Donegan: https://doneganlandscaping.comMelbourne Garden: https://doneganlandscaping.com/blog/2024/03/24/peoples-choice-award-melbourne-international-flower-and-garden-show-2024/French Garden: https://doneganlandscaping.com/blog/2022/06/28/inauguration-chateau-de-peronne-jardin-philophrosyne/Laburnocytisus 'Adamii': https://www.suttons.co.uk/laburnocytisus-adamii_MH12152Your hosts:Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.comKate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
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49:41
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49:41
Greener Homes & Wild Spaces with Neil Beamsley & Debi Holland
In this episode of The Underground, Phil & Kate continue their deep dive into the role of green spaces in our built environment. They sit down with Neil Beamsley, Group Head of Biodiversity at Bellway Homes, to uncover how one of the UK’s major housebuilders is tackling biodiversity net gain. Neil shares insights on the legal requirements for developers to improve biodiversity, the challenges of balancing nature with new homes, and why small changes—like hedgehog highways and native planting—can make a huge impact.Later in the episode, garden writer and wildlife champion Debi Holland joins the conversation to discuss how homeowners can transform new build gardens into biodiversity hotspots. From embracing No Mow May to creating habitat-rich hedges, Debi shares practical advice for making green spaces work for both people and wildlife.If you’ve ever wondered whether new housing estates can be a force for good in the natural world, this episode will challenge your perspective and offer inspiring ways to make a difference—one garden at a time.
Bellway Homes: www.bellway.co.uk
Plantlife: www.plantlife.org.uk
Debi Holland: debihollandgardening.com
Your hosts:
Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.com
Kate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
Exploring the future of garden care.
The underground podcast is a place where the disparate worlds of horticulture and marketing collide. Kate Turner, the Gardener Guru and Phil Wright, co-founder of creative agency WrightObara, team up to discover the trailblazers and innovators shaping the future of garden care in the UK.
With content that’s as relevant to start-ups as it would be to established players, we look to cover the hottest topics and trends you need to know. From plants to products, environmental concerns to legislation, we’ll dig deep to bring you the inside story.
UK