Exploring the future of garden care.
The underground podcast is a place where the disparate worlds of horticulture and marketing collide. Kate Turner, the Gard...
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
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
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
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55:50
The Spaces In Between: Rethinking Forgotten Green Spaces with Tom Angel
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate dive into the often-overlooked green spaces that weave through our urban environments—verges, car park borders, roundabouts, and other ‘in-between’ spaces. These utilitarian landscapes may seem insignificant, but as horticultural consultant and garden designer Tom Angel explains, they have an enormous role to play in biodiversity, social wellbeing, and urban resilience.Tom brings his unique perspective, shaped by his background in geography, landscape contracting, and garden design, to highlight how these neglected areas could be transformed into thriving green assets. He shares fascinating insights into the challenges faced by the grounds maintenance industry, the missed opportunities in urban green infrastructure, and the urgent need to bridge the gap between landscape architects, property managers, and contractors. From mulching and maintenance to the power of perception and policy, this conversation will change the way you look at the spaces around you.Tune in to discover why the green patches outside your local supermarket might just be the most important landscapes of all.
Tom Angel: https://www.tomangel.co.uk/
Your hosts:
Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.com
Kate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
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47:51
The Future of Garden Centres with Peter Burks
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate are joined by Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), to dig into the evolving landscape of garden centres. With over 40 years in the industry, Peter shares his fascinating journey from growing up on a farm to leading the GCA, offering insights into how garden centres have adapted to challenges and consumer trends.
They explore the shift to peat-free compost, the rise of garden centre cafés and farm shops, and the crucial role of education and industry collaboration in keeping garden retail thriving. Plus, Peter reveals his favourite plants, gardening habits, and the best garden centre treats (spoiler: he’s a mince pie connoisseur!). This episode is packed with knowledge, inspiration, insight and character, a must listen for anyone working with garden centres.
Garden Centre Association: https://gca.org.uk
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