Talking Dirty

East Ruston Old Vicarage January 2026

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

A new year and plenty to talk about. Join Alan Gray as he takes you and Thordis on a 'wander' through the plants wowing at East Ruston Old Vicarage this month.

PLANT LIST

Clianthus puniceus ‘Kākā King’

Lachenalia rubida

Fuchsia 'Wapenveld's Bloei'

Tropaeolum majus 'Hermine Grashoff'

Tropaeolum majus 'Margaret Long'

Tropaeolum majus 'Darjeeling Gold' syn 'Darjeeling Double'

Phlebodium aureum 'Davana'

Viola hederacea

Carex buchananii

Galanthus plicatus 'Wandlebury Ring'

Iris unguicularis

Iris lazica

Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'

Narcissus 'Pueblo'

Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'

Malva arborea 'Variegata'

Salix alba var. vitellina 'Britzensis'

Arum 'Hungarian Rhapsody'

Galanthus 'Wasp'

Galanthus 'Glimmer of Gold'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece'

Galanthus 'Primrose Warburg'

Farewell to 2025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0000

It's been a little while. Thank you for your patience.

Alan and Thordis wish you a very merry Christmas and all the best for 2026.

PLANT LIST

Anemone pavonina

Agave montana

Daphne bholua ‘Spring Beauty‘

Punica granatum var. Nana

Cordyline australis 'Charlie Boy'

Galanthus plicatus 'Three Ships'

Galanthus 'S. Arnott'

Arum pictum

Arum maculatum

Arum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Monksilver'

Musa sikkimensis 'Bengal Tiger'

Lagerstroemia indica

Weigela ‘Wings of Fire'

Euphorbia mellifera

Iris unguicularis

Iris unguicularis 'Peloponnese Snow'

Iris unguicularis 'Walter Butt'

Fascicularia bicolor

Dicksonia Antarctica

Viola hederacea

Begonia luxurians

Ilex aquilifolium ‘Nellie R Stevens’

Cyclamen persicum 'Dragon Deep Blue'

Plumbago auriculata

Bomarea caldasii

East Ruston Old Vicarage September '25

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0000

September already and East Ruston Old Vicarage is as bursting with colour as you might expect! Alan Gray brings just a few favourites for Show and Tell, while Thordis is FLOMO*ing over a very 'Alan' container she spotted on holiday!

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Brugmansia 'Shredded White Fantasy'

Brugmansia × candida 'Grand Marnier'

Tagetes ex 'Cinnabar' Great Dixter form

Ageratum petiolatum

Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India'

Lobelia tupa

Salvia regla

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'

Salvia involucrata 'Mulberry Jam'

Salvia involucrata 'Joan'

Salvia 'Tropicolor Sunrise'

Solanum laxum 'Crech ar Pape'

Catalpa fargesii

Begonia sutherlandii

Begonia sutherlandii 'Saunders' Legacy'

Cuphea 'David Verity'

Cuphea llavea

Lotus berthelotii

Salvia oxyphora

Chrysanthemum 'Julia Peterson'

East Ruston Old Vicarage August 2025

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0000

This month Alan Gray has come along with an arm full of Show and Tell, from his container-planting stalwarts to an eye-catching Crinum! I bet you'll be ooh-ing and aah-ing as much as his Talking Dirty co-presenter Thordis.

PLANT LIST

Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Sugar Stars'

Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Crème Brûlée'

Dahlia coccinea var. palmeri

Tagetes 'Cinnabar'

Amaranthus cruentus 'Hot Biscuits'

Ageratum petiolatum

Eutrochium maculatum syn. Eupatorium purpureum subsp. maculatum

Clerodendrum bungei

Cleome spinosa

Crinum moorei

Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight'

Tradescantia 'Maiden's Blush'

Oxalis vulcanicola 'Plum Crazy'

Iresine herbstii

Iresine herbstii 'Aureoreticulata'

Tithonia rotundifolia

Clematis addisonii

Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides

Bomarea multiflora syn. Bomarea caldasii

East Ruston Old Vicarage July 2025

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:00:00 +0000

From gap-fillers to planting for climate change, here's a meander through Alan Gray's latest escapades at East Ruston Old Vicarage, alongside his Talking Dirty co-presenter Thordis.

PLANT LIST

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Madame Emile Mouillère'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha'

Hydrangea 'Runaway Bride'

Amaranthus cruentus 'Hot Biscuits'

Amaranthus cruentus 'Foxtail'

Lantana camara

Ficus carica 'White Ischia'

Plumbago auriculata

Leonotis leonurus

Fuchsia 'Delta's Sara'

Fuchsia procumbens

Tagetes patula 'Konstance'

Erythrina crista-galli

Punica granatum

Malus transitoria

Salvia darcyi

East Ruston Old Vicarage June 2025

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Nearly the end of June already, past the Summer solstice and plenty to talk about at East Ruston Old Vicarage, particularly Alan Gray's latest planty purchases from their summer plant fair! Get ready to have some FLOMO*!

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Eucomis pole-evansii

Eucomis pole-evansii 'Dark Desire'

Rosa x beanii

Verbascum roripifolium

Iris tectorum

Berkheya radula

Berkheya purpurea

Puya × berteroniana

Beschorneria yuccoides

Agave montana

Phoenix canariensis

Podophyllum versipelle 'Spotty Dotty'

Abutilon 'Red Tiger'

Desmodium yunnanense

East Ruston Old Vicarage May 2025

Wed, 14 May 2025 19:00:00 +0000

No rain, but lots of other things to put smiles on our faces at East Ruston Old Vicarage, from the last of the Daffodils to punchy Pelargoniums and fab Foxglove trees!

PLANT LIST

Tulipa 'Yellow Crown'

Narcissus 'Painted Desert'

Narcissus 'Irish Linen'

Tropaeolum smithii

Piptanthus laburnifolius syn. Piptanthus nepalensis

Bupleurum fruticosum

Pelargonium 'Dark Secret'

Malus hupehensis

Paulownia tomentosa

Paulownia fortunei 'Fast Blue' ('Minfast')

Smyrnium perfoliatum

Melanoselinum decipiens

Echium pininana

Echium 'Candyfloss'

Nemophila menziesii

Primula auricula ‘Swanton Cuckoo’

East Ruston Old Vicarage April '25

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:00:00 +0000

What weather we've had! As you can imagine there's plenty to talk about at East Ruston Old Vicarage, including an exciting new planting project for Alan Gray...

PLANT LIST

Magnolia 'Vulcan'

Magnolia sieboldii

Delosperma

Cyrtanthus elatus syn. Vallota speciosa

Watsonia

Sparaxis tricolor

Hippeastrum

Tigridia pavonia

Podranea ricasoliana

Abutilon 'Fool's Gold'

Clianthus puniceus

Helichrysum petiolare

Fremontodendron californicum

Tithonia rotundifolia

Coleus scutellarioides 'Burgundy Wedding Train'

Coleus scutellarioides 'Pink Chaos'

Mirabilis jalapa

Anagallis monellii 'Skylover'

Quercus suber

Lobelia 'Kathleen Mallard'

Primula allionii ‘Broadwell Oliver’

Chionodoxa luciliae syn. Scilla luciliae

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii

Ixia

Moraea huttonii

East Ruston Old Vicarage - March '25

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

After an impromptu lurgy-induced break, Talking Dirty returns to explore the wonders at East Ruston Old Vicarage this March. Alan Gray - owner of the 32-acre garden on the Norfolk coast - shares new purchases and old 'friends' which are heightening the joys of spring. Meanwhile Thordis has some very seasonal FLOMO*!

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum Group

Hedera helix f. poetarum

Ilex 'East Ruston Gold'

Magnolia 'Caerhays Belle'

Pyrus communis 'Robin'

Cichorium intybus

Echium vulgare

Borago officinalis

Oak leaf Polyanthus

Erysimum 'Winter Passion'

Erysimum 'Winter Orchid'

Narcissus cyclamineus

Narcissus 'Rataplan'

Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'

Narcissus 'Firebrand'

Iris 'Benton Dierdre'

Iris 'Benton Olive'

Narcissus 'Bath's Flame'

Daphne bholua 'Mary Rose'

East Ruston Old Vicarage January Special

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:00:00 +0000

It's been quite a brutal start to the year, but that hasn't stopped East Ruston Old Vicarage from turning out some showstoppers this winter! From bulbs in the garden to shrubs under glass, Alan Gray shares some of the plants bringing him joy in the garden. Plus updates from behind the scenes. And, of course, some FLOMO*!

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby'

Narcissus cyclamineus 'Englander'

Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns'

Solanum laxum 'Crèche du Pape'

Griselinia littoralis

Lathyrus grandiflorus

Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins'

Pittosporum tobira 'Variegatum'

Pittosporum tobira 'West Acre Gold'

Reinwardtia indica

Scilla bithynica

Primula meadia

East Ruston Old Vicarage December Special

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray and Thordis are feeling festive and they're celebrating with some seasonal Show and Tell from Alan's 32 acre garden on the Norfolk coast, from the plants you'd expect to be dazzling in December, to some unseasonal surprises.

PLANT LIST

Galanthus 'Santa Claus'

Galanthus plicatus 'Three Ships'

Galanthus elwesii 'Peter Gatehouse'

Narcissus 'Cedric Morris'

Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'

Jasminum nudiflorum

Arum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Miss Janay Hall'

Iris unguicularis

Lonicera fragrantissima

Daphne bholua 'Darjeeling'

Viburnum × bodnantense

Sarcococca ruscifolia var. chinensis ‘Dragon Gate’

Camellia sasanqua 'Rainbow'

Camellia hiemalis

Camellia 'Sparkling Burgundy'

Camellia 'Sugar Dream'

Paeonia lactiflora 'Bowl of Beauty'

Viburnum tinus 'Israel'

Taxus baccata 'Standishii'

Griselinia littoralis 'Dixon's Cream'

Griselinia littoralis 'Bantry Bay'

Forsythia suspensa

Erysimum 'Parish's'

Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'

Salvia curviflora

Tradescantia 'Maiden's Blush

Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby'

Amarine belladiva 'Anastasia'

Helleborus niger

Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'

Euonymus

Ruscus aculeatus 'John Redmond'

Hebe 'Simon Delaux'

Abutilon 'Gerdmann'S Red'

Abutilon 'Estella's Little Bird'

Solanum laxum 'Album' syn. Solanum jasminoides Album

Solanum laxum 'Crèche du Pape'

Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca

Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina'

Hedera colchica 'Sulphur Heart'

Ilex 'East Ruston Gold'

Arum pictum 'Primrose Warburg'

East Ruston Old Vicarage November Special

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray and Thordis take a look at the plants still packing a punch, even though East Ruston Old Vicarage closed to visitors last month...from fab foliage to seasonal blooms.

PLANT LIST

Iris unguicularis

Iris unguicularis 'Mary Barnard'

Iris unguicularis 'Walter Butt'

Cestrum fasciculatum 'Newellii'

Viola 'Parme de Toulouse'

Begonia luxurians

Ilex verticillata

Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii 'Profusion'

Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Galanthus reginae-olgae

Galanthus 'James Backhouse'

Griselinia littoralis 'Dixon's Cream'

Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web'

Buddleja davidii 'Santana'

Nerine 'Hotspur'

East Ruston Old Vicarage October Special

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray and Thordis take a look at the plants stunning the visitors at East Ruston Old Vicarage this month, including some unusual foliage plants.

PLANT LIST

Lapageria rosea

Passiflora semiciliosa

Bougainvillea spectabilis

Mandevilla

Pleroma urvilleanum syn Tibouchina urvilleana

Abutilon 'Fool's Gold'

Iresine herbstii 'Brilliantissima'

Strobilanthes dyeriana

Plectranthus ciliatus 'Easy Gold

'Tradescantia 'Maiden's Blush'

Streptocarpus saxorum

Camellia sasanqua

Berberis gagnepainii var. lanceifolia 'Fernspray'

Acer rubrum 'Oktober Glory'

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'

Salvia leucantha

Dahlia 'Magenta Star'

Dahlia coccinea var. palmeri

Dahlia 'Labyrinth'

Dahlia 'Edith Jones'

Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling'

East Ruston Old Vicarage September Special

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray and Thordis look back at East Ruston Old Vicarage's starring role on BBC show Gardeners' World, plus container planting, greenhouse overhauling and Hedychiums.

PLANT LIST

Manihot grahamii

Ptilotus exaltatus

Begonia fuchsioides

Tradescantia 'Maiden's Blush'

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'

Ageratum petiolatum

Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Sugar Stars'

Coleus argentatus syn Plectranthus argentatu

Coleus argentatus 'Hill House'

Helichrysum petiolare

Osteospermum

Ricinus communis 'Carmencita'

Dahlia 'Jomanda'

Hedychium deceptum

Canna brasiliensis

Dahlia 'Ken's Rarity'

Dahlia 'Magenta Star'

Dahlia coccinea var. palmeri

East Ruston Old Vicarage August Special

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0000

From the climbers impressing Alan Gray this summer to the ways he's updating container planting, here's our latest special on the garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage.

Talking Dirty is taking a little summer break, but we'll be back with an East Ruston Old Vicarage September Special.

PLANT LIST

Helichrysum petiolare

Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Sugar Stars'

Petunia exserta

Begonia 'Erythrophylla'

Geranium 'Rozanne'

Streptocarpus saxorum

Argyranthemum 'Jamaica Primrose'

Brugmansia × candida 'Shredded White Fantasy'

Sparrmannia africana 'Variegata'

Lantana camara

Abutilon 'Ashford Red'

Passiflora caerulea

Abutilon 'Orange Hot Lava'

Punica granatum

Hydrangea 'Runaway Bride'

Podophyllum versipelle 'Spotty Dotty'

Begonia fuchsioides Red Form

Neopanax laetus syn Pseudopanax laetus

Abutilon 'Gerdemann's Red'

Passiflora semiciliosa

Tropaeolum smithii

Jasminum polyanthum

Tropaeolum ciliatum

Lonicera glabrata 'Damchin La'

Salvia ‘Phyllis Fancy’

Brassaiopsis mitis

Manihot grahamii

Ensete ventricosum 'Hiniba'

Musa nagensium

Nick Macer of Pan Global Plants (Part Two)

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Settle back and get ready for another plant extravaganza with Nick Macer of Pan Global Plants. In Part Two of his Talking Dirty appearance, he shares plants for the future, great foliage combos, beautiful bark and so much more! Your FLOMO* is sure to be off the scale!

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Pinus engelmannii

Firmiana simplex

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

Napaea dioica

Phlomis bourgaei

Phlomis fruticosa

Lindera obtusiloba

Lindera triloba

Acystopteris taiwaniana

Hedychium gardnerianum ‘Tangkhul Naga’

Marsdenia oreophila (syn. Cionura)

Dregea sinensis

Dahlia tamaulipana

Dahlia imperialis

Persea bracteata

Lagerstroemia indica 'Cedar Lane Red'

Lagerstroemia subcostata

Isodon (Plectranthus) effusus var. longitubus

Quercus alnifolia

Dendromecon rigida

Nick Macer of Pan Global Plants (Part One)

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This week it's a much-looked forward to episode with none other than Nick Macer of Pan Global Plants. From the extraordinary plants which have turned up on his nursery, to the ways he's testing hardiness, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are enthralled. More fantastic plants next week in part two.

PLANT LIST

Philadelphus 'Casa Azul'

Philadelphus maculatus

Philadelphus mexicanus

Magnolia obovata

Magnolia × wieseneri

Begonia 'Torsa'

Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana ‘Bells and Whistles’

Begonia grandis subsp. holostyla ‘Nanjiang Silver’

Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana ‘Claret Jug’

Amomyrtus luma

Amomyrtus meli

Luma apiculata

Watsonia marlothii

Indigofera heterantha

Agave montana

Agave ovatifolia

East Ruston Old Vicarage July Special

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0000

From propagation successes to exciting new container combos, here's our latest special on the garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage.

PLANT LIST

Mitraria coccinea

Beschorneria yuccoides

Agave montana

Fuchsia 'Delta's Sara'

Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana

Begonia 'Torsa'

Hedychium densiflorum 'Assam Orange'

Dahlia excelsa

Campanula medium

Melica uniflora f. albida

Dahlia 'Hadrian's Midnight'

Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Baron'

Oxalis vulcanicola 'Sunset Velvet'

Oxalis vulcanicola 'Plum Crazy'

Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Sugar Stars'

Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Creme Brulee'

Helichrysum petiolare

Begonia 'Black Knight'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Wedding Gown'

Hydrangea 'Runaway Bride'

Dendromecon rigida

Persicaria, Cuphea and Astelia with Steve Edney of No Name Nursery (Part Two)

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Part Two of our latest podcast with Steve Edney of the No Name Nursery continues with tales of the Chelsea Flower Show. Plus Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis spy more special plants in the polytunnel!

PLANT LIST

Persicaria virginiana Variegated Group

Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette'

Tinantia pringlei

Cuphea 'David Verity'

Polyscias sambucifolia

Chlorophytum saundersiae 'Starlight'

Astelia nervosa 'Westland'

Astelia chathamica

Astelia 'Red Devil'

Farfugium japonicum 'Wavy Gravy'

Trifolium pannonicum

Farfugium, Fatsia & more Fab Foliage with Steve Edney of No Name Nursery (Part 1)

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Partially recovered from taking the No Name Nursery to the Chelsea Flower Show, Steve Edney shares some of his favourite jungle plants from their display with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis.

PLANT LIST

Abutilon 'Ashford Red'

Aesculus wangii

Aesculus californica

Schefflera rhododendrifolia

Schefflera taiwaniana syn Heptapleurum taiwanianum

Brachychiton populneus

Begonia scharffii

Fuchsia 'Lechlade Marchioness'

Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum'

Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web'

Boehmeria platanifolia

Boehmeria kiusiana

Farfugium variegatum

Fatsia japonica 'Variegata'

Fatsia polycarpa 'Green Fingers'

East Ruston Old Vicarage June Special, plus Chelsea Chat

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 19:00:00 +0000

We're back for another East Ruston Old Vicarage special via a bit of belated Chelsea Flower Show chat, including some plants which caught our eye in the pavilion.

PLANT LIST

Tropaeolum majus 'Hermine Grashoff'

Tropaeolum majus 'Margaret Long'

Anthyllis vulneraria 'Dark Red form'

Papaver dubium subsp. lecoqii 'Albiflorum'

Bupleurum ranunculoides

Geranium nodosum 'Fielding's Folly'

Rhododendron ‘Daviesii’

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Madame Emile Mouillère'

Astelia chathamica

Myosotidium hortensia

Melica uniflora f. albida

Rosa 'American Pillar'

Rosa 'Jubilee Celebration'

Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas'

Thalictrum

Aquilegia

Iris germanica

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

Crinodendron hookerianum

Crinodendron hookerianum 'Ada Hoffmann'

Crinodendron hookerianum 'Alf Robbins'

Lycianthes rantonnetii syn Solanum rantonnetii

Heliotropium

Argyranthemum

Oxalis

Lysimachia

Senecio polyodon

Meconopsis betonicifolia

Joe Sharman on Roses, Lunarias and Omphalodes (Part Two)

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery returns for part two of his latest Talking Dirty appearance with Rose inspiration, lovely Lunarias and thoughts on botanical nomenclature!

PLANT LIST

Geranium 'Rozanne'

Geranium 'Jolly Bee'

Salvia rosmarinus 'Joe's Goldie'

Galanthus 'Lady Beatrix Stanley'

Erysimum cheiri 'Harpur Crewe'

Maianthemum racemosum syn Smilacina racemosa

Sarcococca

Lonicera caprifolium

Omphalodes nitida

Omphalodes verna

Omphalodes luciliae

Rosa x odorata 'Semperflorens' Syn. Miss Wilmott's double crimson china

Rosa x odorata 'Crimson Bengal'

Rosa x odorata 'Mutabilis'

Rosa 'Parsons' Pink China' syn Rosa 'Old Blush'

Rosa 'Peace'

Rosa 'Masquerade'

Rosa 'Bermuda Yellow Mutabilis'

Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge'

Veronica orientalis 'Purity'

Hemerocallis fulva 'Golden Kwanso'

Astilbe 'Chocolate Shogun'

Lunaria rediviva

Lunaria rediviva 'Partway White'

Lunaria rediviva 'Honour Bright

Deutzia gracilis 'Variegata'

Fritillaria acmopetala

Paeonia tenuifolia

Fritillaria pallidiflora

Joe Sharman on Rhodiola, Lamprocapnos and Geraniums (Part One)

Wed, 29 May 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery returns to Talking Dirty to wow Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with a stunning selection of plants, from Rhodiola to Lamprocapnos to Geraniums and Erysimums.

More next week in part two!

PLANT LIST

Uvularia grandiflora

Chrysanthemum 'Esther'

Chrysanthemum 'Dixter Orange'

Pelargonium 'Mr Wren'

Ribes sanguineum 'Pulborough Scarlet'

Ribes sanguineum 'Little Pink Buttons'

Cypripedium calceolus

Buddleja crispa 'Stone House Cottage'

Viburnum rhytidophyllum

Lamprocapnos spectabilis

Erysimum 'Ruston Royal'

Erysimum 'Ruston Copper Knob'

Helleborus niger

Lathyrus vernus

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola wallichiana

Rhodiola kirilowii

Anemone nemorosa 'Vestal'

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'White Gold'

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Cupid'

Geranium maculatum 'Copper Tiger'

Geranium maculatum 'Espresso'

Geranium maculatum 'Elizabeth Ann'

Agrostemma githago

East Ruston Old Vicarage May Special

Wed, 22 May 2024 19:00:00 +0000

We're back for another East Ruston Old Vicarage special. From the plants Alan Gray is growing from seed this year to the secrets of his Brugmansia success, this is a quick look at what's going on in his wonderful garden this May.

Ps It's possible our recording time was restricted by a tiny human ;)

PLANT LIST

Brugmansia × candida 'Grand Marnier'

Ipomoea lobata syn Mina lobata

Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Purple'

Centaurea montana 'Bella'

Catananche caerulea 'Alba'

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'

Stachys byzantina

Euphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow'

Amaranthus cruentus 'Velvet Curtains'

Borago officinalis

Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana var. alba hort.

Schizanthus x wisetonensis 'Dr. Badger's Hybrids' Mix

Persicaria orientalis

Papaver commutatum

Papaver rhoeas 'Shirley Poppy'

Tulipa 'Purple Doll'

Tulipa 'Doll's Minuet'

Rosa 'Pompon de Paris'

Luzula, Euphorbia and Paris with Ben Preston of Cliff Bank Nursery (Part 2)

Wed, 08 May 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Last week he wowed us with Anemones! Now Ben Preston shows us some of the other treasures he's stocking up at Cliff Bank Nursery, from Luzula to Euphorbia to Paris.

PLANT LIST

Delphinium requienii

Luzula pilosa 'Igel'

Primula vulgaris subsp. sibthorpii

Hakonechloa macra

Viola hederacea

Viola 'Molly Sanderson'

Euphorbia rigida 'Sardis'

Euphorbia myrsinites

Euphorbia epithymoides

Crocus tommasinianus 'Yalta'

Phlox subulata 'Fort Hill'

Papaver rupifragum

Lunaria annua 'Somerset Marble'

Syneilesis aconitifolia

Chionochloa rubra

Datisca cannabina

Paris polyphylla

Paris incompleta

Paris quadrifolia

Epimedium 'Winter's End'

Baptisia australis

Baptisia 'Dark Chocolate'

Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate'

Miscanthus 'Lady in Red'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Charm'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Dreadlocks'

Hebe x fairfieldensis syn fairfieldii

Arum italicum 'Chui'

Anemones with Ben Preston of Cliff Bank Nursery (Part One)

Wed, 01 May 2024 19:00:00 +0000

He's back! The last time we caught up with Ben Preston he was departing York Gate Garden (where he was Head Gardener) and heading for his own nursery. Now Cliff Bank is up and running and selling a crop of exquisite plants! This week we take a look at the Anemones he's been building a collection of. Next week more planty treats in part two!

PLANT LIST

Agrostemma githago

Anemone ranunculoides 'Kai'

Anemone ranuculoides 'Prinz Eugen'

Anemone flaccida

Anemone ranuculoides 'Golden Dream'

Anemone nemorosa 'Explosion'

Anemone ranunculoides ‘Sirje’

Anemone ranuculoides 'Kreet'

Anemone ranuculoides 'Dagerōt'

Anemone ranuculoides 'Leida’

Anemone nemorosa 'Salt and Pepper'

Anemone nemorosa 'Thekla'

Anemone nemorosa 'Vestal'

Anemone nemorosa 'Flore Pleno'

Anemone nemorosa 'Jummer's Fienrood'

Anemone nemorosa 'Denmark'

Anemone nemorosa 'Virescens'

Anemone nemorosa 'Viridescens'

Iris 'Russian Kavelguard'

Burghley House Head Gardener, Joe Whitehead

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This week one of the nicest men in horticulture is back on The Talking Dirty Podcast. Joe Whitehead is Head Gardener at Burghley House on the Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire border. He talks Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis through some of the changes which have been going on in the garden, and shares his favourite shade plants of the moment.

PLANT LIST

Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea'

Paulownia tomentosa

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii

Dodecatheon meadia syn Primula meadia

Lonicera involucrata

Tulip bakerii 'Lilac Wonder'

Tulipa sylvestris

Lunaria annua 'Chedglow'

Lunaria annua 'Somerset Marble'

Smilacina racemosa syn Maianthemum racemosum

Arum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Monksilver'

Lamium orvala

Epimedium 'Amber Queen'

Epimedium 'Sphinx Twinkler'

Epimedium pubigerum

Omphalodes cappadocica 'Cherry Ingram'

Lamium orvala 'John Foster'

Lunaria annua 'Corfu Blue'

Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice'

Taraxacum pseudoroseum

Crepis rubra

Toona sinensis 'Flamingo'

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Brilliantissimum'

Ficaria verna 'Brazen Hussy'

Ficaria verna 'Double Mud'

Helianthus annuus 'Teddy Bear'

Erysimum 'Parish's'

Erysimum 'Ruston Copper Knob'

Campanula medium

East Ruston Old Vicarage April Special

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Time to return to one of our happy places. The garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage on the Norfolk coast is bursting with plants at every time of year, but in April seed-sowing is underway in earnest and there are treasures to behold everywhere you look! In this week's episode the garden's owner Alan Gray shares just some of what's going on with Thordis.

PLANT LIST

Tulipa 'Yellow Crown'

Tulipa sprengeri

Amaranthus cruentus 'Hot Biscuits'

Amaranthus cruentus 'Velvet Curtains'

Anemone coronaria 'Bordeaux'

Smyrnium perfoliatum

Tropaeolum tricolor

Tropaeolum pentaphyllum

Tropaeolum hookerianum

Plumbago auriculata

Rosa 'Iceberg'

Rosa 'The Generous Gardener'

Abutilon vitifolium

Abutilon vitifolium 'Album'

Drimys winteri

Hyacinthoides non-scripta ‘Silver Cobalt’

Agapanthus 'Queen Mum'

Species Tulip Special with Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Our gardens are full of them at this time of year, but the Tulip actually originates in Central Asia. These species Tulips are varied in height, colour, foliage and the ease with which we can grow them at home and so this week on Talking Dirty, Cambridge University Botanic Garden - who hold the National Collection of Species Tulips - are along to share some of their favourites and recommendations for which to grow, and how. Plus stories of their latest adventures in Kyrgyzstan where they've been finding and protecting new varieties.

So join Alan Gray, Thordis and Simon Wallis and Kathryn Bray of the Botanics for a tantalising tour of their collection!

PLANT LIST

Tulipa sprengeri

Tulipa tschimghanica

Tulipa toktogulica

Tulipa greigii

Tulipa cretica

Tulipa 'Negrita'

Tulip bakerii 'Lilac Wonder'

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii

Tulipa acuminata syn. Tulipa cornuta

Tulipa montana

Tulipa heweri

Tulipa biflora

Tulipa turkestanica

Tulipa regelii

Tulipa tarda

Tulipa saxatilis

Tulipa linifolia

Tulipa undulatifolia syn Tulipa eichleri

Tulipa clusiana

Tulipa clusiana 'Peppermint Stick'

Tulip clusiana var. chrysantha

Tulipa aucheriana

Tulipa sylvestris

Tulipa orphanidea

Tulipa kaufmanniana

Tulipa fosteriana

Tulipa praestans 'Shogun'

Tulipa 'Apeldoorn'

Tulipa 'Ballerina'

Tulipa 'Heart's Delight'

Trollius lilacinus

Iris acutiloba

Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane'

East Ruston Old Vicarage March Special

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:00:00 +0000

With a spring in our step we bring you the March Special of our Talking Dirty series on the garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage. From the Magnolias Alan Gray wakes to see out of his bedroom window, to the Tulips he's been spending a pretty penny on, here are some of the highlights from the garden this month.

PLANT LIST

Magnolia 'Caerhays Belle'

Magnolia 'Genie'

Magnolia × soulangeana

Rosa 'Rambling Rector'

Rosa filipes 'Kiftsgate'

Rosa 'Mme. Alfred Carrière'

Rosa 'A Shropshire Lad'

Dahlia 'Hollyhill Serenity'

Narcissus 'Jetfire'

Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'

Tulipa sprengeri

Tulipa orphanidea 'Flava'

Narcissus 'Turncoat'

Narcissus 'First Born'

Narcissus 'Actaea'

Hedychium 'Tara'

Narcissus 'Articol'

Narcissus 'Rataplan'

Narcissus 'Mrs Langtry'

Tropaeolum majus 'Gleam Salmon'

Tropaeolum tuberosum var. lineomaculatum 'Ken Aslet'

Syringa vulgaris 'Princess Sturdza'

Val Bourne on Roses, Trilliums and Violets (Part Two)

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Time for Part Two of our latest episode with Talking Dirty favourite Val Bourne. The award-winning garden writer has alredy shared some of her favourite Prunus varieties. This week it's all about spring plants like Pulmonarias and Violets, plus a bit of rose inspiration...and Trillium chat to boot!

PLANT LIST

Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie'

Pulmonaria saccharata 'Leopard'

Pulmonaria rubra

Pulmonaria 'Diana Clare'

Viola odorata 'Christie's Wedding'

Viola odorata 'Baroness Alice de Rothschild'

Viola odorata 'Sulphurea'

Helleborus argutifolius

Narcissus 'St Patricks Day'

Narcissus 'Golden Echo'

Narcissus 'Winter Waltz'

Narcissus 'Beryl'

Narcissus 'Beryl's Little Sister'

Tropaeolum hookerianum

Tropaeolum ciliatum

Trillium grandiflorum f. roseum

Trillium kurabayashii

Rosa 'The Generous Gardener'

Rosa 'Mrs. Honey Dyson'

Rosa 'Rosy Cushion'

Rosa x odorata 'Crimson Bengal'

Rosa 'Pompon de Paris'

Rosa 'You're Beautiful'

Val Bourne on Cherries, Scillas and Geums (Part One)

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This week one of our Talking Dirty favourites is back! Val Bourne is an award-winning garden writer and grows all manner of treasures in her 1/3 acre Cotswolds plot. This week - in part one of her latest appearance - she shares some of her favourites Prunus and the Scilla you must grow, plus those to avoid! And as usual her coversation with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis meanders via a host of plants from Geums to Ferns.

Next week Roses, Trilliums and Violets...plus FLOMO*

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Geum 'Totally Tangerine'

Geum 'Prinses Juliana'

Amsonia

Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer'

Geum 'Bell Bank'

Geum 'Mai Tai'

Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'

Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'

Galanthus plicatus 'E.A. Bowles'

Succisella inflexa 'Frosted Pearls'

Galanthus 'Marjorie Brown'

Hamamelis

Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'

Prunus 'Kursar'

Prunus 'Okame'

Prunus incisa 'Kojo-no-mai'

Prunus 'Tai-haku'

Prunus 'Chocolate Ice'

Scilla siberica

Scilla bifolia

Scilla bithynica

Allium triquetrum

Tulipa saxatilis (Bakeri Group) 'Lilac Wonder'

Adiantum

Anemonoides nemorosa

Polypodium

Hepatica Special with David Massey of Ashwood Nurseries

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This week Alan and Thordis are excited to bring you a joyful special focussing on Hepaticas with their chief cheerleader, John Massey of Ashwood Nurseries. His book, 'My World of Hepaticas' (with Tomoo Mabuchi), is a veritable treasure trove of information (and downright divine photographs!)

In this episode of Talking Dirty, we meander through the different species (including which should tolerate a garden situation) and discuss everything from botany to John's anecdotes from years tracking them down in the wild. And of course, we detour via several other plants as well. It wouldn't be Talking Dirty if we didn't do that!

PLANT LIST

Galanthus 'Veronica Cross'

Galanthus 'Wasp'

Hepatica japonica var. nipponica f. candida

Hepatica transsilvanica

Hepatica japonica var. nipponica f. magna

Hepatica japonica var. pubescens

Hepatica japonica var. nipponica f. magna

Hepatica americana

Hepatica americana var. acuta (syn H. acutiloba)

Hepatica americana var. acuta x H. nobilis

Trillium nivale

Daphne laureola subsp. philippi

Hamamelis

Cyclamen coum

Miscanthus

Pennisetum

Lewisia cotyledon 'Harold Judd'

Hepatica 'Millstream Merlin'

Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) 'Anna's Red'

Helleborus × ericsmithii

Hepatica maxima

Sorbus 'Olympic Flame'

Hepatica insularis

Hydrangea serrata

Hepatica x schlyteri (H. nobilis 'Stained Glass’ x H. maxima)

Macodes petola

Hepatica nobilis 'Stained Glass'

Hepatica 'Louise Koehler'

Anemonella thalictroides f. rosea 'Oscar Schoaf'

Hepatica japonica 'Mori'

Shortia

Hepatica 'Millstream Pink'

Prunus 'Kursar'

Polypodium

East Ruston Old Vicarage February Special (Talking Dirty Podcast)

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:00:00 +0000

In the latest of our series looking at Alan's garden - East Ruston Old Vicarage - month-by-month, we're focussing on some fab February plants. From the Edgeworthia hardly any one can grow to Alan's latest purchases and plans for the shade planting around his north-facing front door. This is an episode packed with plants and plans!

PLANT LIST

Edgeworthia chrysantha

Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon'

Galanthus 'Alan Gray'

Polystichum setiferum ‘Green Lace’

Eranthis hyemalis 'Dooze'

Galanthus elwesii 'Daphne's Scissors'

Tulipa sprengeri

Tulipa orphanidea 'Flava'

Galanthus plicatus 'EA Bowles'

Galanthus elwesii 'Claud Biddulph'

Galanthus 'Fieldgate Forte'

Galanthus nivalis 'Anglesey Abbey'

Galanthus woronowii

Delphinium 'Alice Artindale'

Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'

Camellia × williamsii 'Saint Ewe'

Dahlia 'Brown Sugar'

Dahlia 'Creme De Cassis'

Tithonia rotundifolia

Orlaya grandiflora

Daphne bholua 'Mary Rose'

Acer 'Red Flamingo'

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'

Narcissus 'St Patrick's Day'

Buxus sempervirens 'Aurea Pendula'

Phillyrea

Griselinia

Brugmansia

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'

Daphne odora 'Rebecca'

Galanthus 'Trumps'

Galanthus 'Cowhouse Green'

Galanthus 'Trumpolute'

Galanthus 'Princess Bennie'

Cotoneaster horizontalis

Vinca, Ipheion and Buxus with Tim Fuller of Plantsman's Preference (Ep 116, pt 2)

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Tim Fuller of Norfolk nursery The Plantsman's Preference returns with beautiful flowers, fab foliage and serious FLOMO*!

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Buxus sempervirens 'Elegantissima'

Cornus sanguinea 'Winter Beauty'

Buxus sempervirens 'Aurea Pendula'

Gaultheria mucronata syn. Pernettya mucronata

Ilex aquifolium 'East Ruston Gold'

Vinca minor

Vinca minor 'Azurea Flore Pleno'

Vinca minor 'Multiplex'

Vinca minor 'Blue and Gold'

Vinca minor 'Aureovariegata'

Vinca difformis Greystone form

Vinca major

Vinca difformis subsp. sardoa

Cyclamen cilicium

Ipheion 'Rygel'

Ipheion uniflorum 'Dusky Pink'

Ipheion uniflorum ssp. tandiliense

Iris unguicularis

Geranium libani

Geranium peloponnesiacum

Lamium galeobdolon

Lamium galeobdolon 'Kirkcudbright Dwarf'

Setaria palmifolia

Saxifraga stolonifera 'Nezu Jinja'

Saxifraga stolonifera 'Hsitou Silver'

Euonymus myrianthus (ogisu 93309)

Hydrangea aspera subsp. strigosa

Snowdrops, Primulas and Ivies with Tim Fuller of Plantsman's Preference

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This week Tim Fuller of Norfolk nursery The Plantsman's Preference stuns with some inspiring Ivies, plus Primulas, Snowdrops and more!

PLANT LIST

Salvia nemorosa

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'

Galanthus nivalis 'Alan's Treat'

Galanthus 'Mother Goose'

Galanthus 'Treasure Island'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece'

Galanthus 'Wandlebury Ring'

Galanthus 'Günter Waldorf'

Galanthus gracilis

Muscari filiforme

Arum italicum subsp. italicum 'Marmoratum'

Arum italicum subsp. italicum 'Tiny'

Arum pictum 'Primrose Warburg'

Arum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Monksilver'

Arum 'Curtis Giant'

Pulmonaria mollis

Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie'

Pulmonaria 'Diana Clare'

Pulmonaria rubra

Primula 'Lady Greer'

Primula 'David Valentine'

Primula 'Garnet Cowichan'

Hedera helix 'Ceridwen'

Hedera helix 'Heise'

Hedera helix 'Kaleidoscope'

Narcissus 'Candlepower'

Hedera helix 'Buttercup'

Hedera rhombea 'Variegata'

Euonymus fortunei

Hedera helix 'Goldfinch'

Hedera rhombea 'Variegata'

Hedera hibernica

The Money-Saving Gardener, Anya Lautenbach

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis chat to Anya Lautenbach AKA Anya, The Garden Fairy. A passionate propagator, Anya is famous for making her garden from seeds and cuttings, and sharing her propagation tips with her million followers on social media. And now those skills are being captured in her new book 'The Money-Saving Gardener'.

From the healing power of gardening to the plant which has her captivated at the moment, this is a feel-good look at the power of plants.

PLANT LIST

Meconopsis betonicifolia (syn. Meconopsis baileyi)

Myosotidium hortensia

Zaluzianskya ovata

Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chomley Ferran'

Nicotiana alata

Daphne bholua

Sarcococca confusa

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Tiarella 'Spring Symphony'

Aristolochia macrophylla

Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Hosta 'Wu-La-La'

Dahlia 'Night Silence'

Jasminum sambac

Tolmiea menziesii

East Ruston Old Vicarage January Special

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:00:00 +0000

It's Happy New Year from Alan Gray and Thordis as they continue their series looking at Alan's garden, East Ruston Old Vicarage, month-by-month. From the Camellias lighting up winter to the Ferns catching their fancy and some seasonal FLOMO*

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Haworthia limifolia f. variegata

Echeveria peacockii

Camellia

Forsythia

Eucalyptus

Woodwardia fimbriata

Soleirolia soleirolii (syn. Helxine soleirolii)

Viola hederacea

Dahlia 'Café au Lait'

Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' (The King)

Adiantum

Abutilon vitifolium

Polystichum setiferum 'Pulcherrimum Bevis'

Galanthus 'Lord Kitchener'

Jasminum nudiflorum

Camellia sasanqua

Camellia japonica

Camellia 'Sugar Dream'

Eccremocarpus scaber

Galanthus 'Princess Bennie'

Galanthus 'Mother Goose'

Rosa 'Senateur Lafollette'

East Ruston Old Vicarage December Special

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 19:00:00 +0000

The latest in our series on the plants at East Ruston Old Vicarage sees Alan share some Show and Tell from his 32-acre garden on the Norfolk coast. And there's more than a little festive flair as he takes in a Christmassy Snowdrop and some top Holly varieties.

PLANT LIST

Osteospermum

Musa basjoo

Viburnum tinus

Morus alba

Morus nigra

Trachycarpus fortunei

Galanthus 'Santa Claus'

Arum pictum 'Primrose Warburg'

Nerine 'Miss Frances Clarke'

Nerine undulata

Galanthus 'Primrose Warburg'

Galanthus 'South Hayes'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Tears'

Galanthus plicatus Trym

Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Flore Pleno'

Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens'

Ilex × koehneana 'Chestnut Leaf' (Ilex castaneifolia)

Ilex aquifolium 'East Ruston Gold'

Galanthus 'Alan Gray'

Galanthus 'Green Tear'

Galanthus elwesii 'Penelope Ann'

Rosa ‘Wickwar’

Abutilon megapotamicum

Abutilon 'Estella's Little Bird'

Abutilon 'Gerdemann's Red'

Sorbus vilmorinii

Fuchsia boliviana

Eccremocarpus scaber

Eccremocarpus scaber 'Tresco' Mixed

Allium 'Party Balloons'

Allium cristophii

Allium 'Purple Sensation'

Allium schubertii

Phlox paniculata

Phlox amplifolia 'Goliath'

Phlox amplifolia 'Hercules'

Muscari comosum

David Wheeler, Editor of HORTUS (Part 2)

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Time for Part Two of our chat with HORTUS Editor David Wheeler. This week we discuss not only how the quarterly gardening journal started life in 1987, but delve into the world of David's FLOMO* and some of the plants which will be appearing in his garden come spring.

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Lindera

Erythronium

Iris sibirica

Parrotia persica 'Bella'

Acer palmatum 'Wild Goose'

Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise'

Cornus kousa ‘Schmetterling’

Cornus kousa ‘Heart Throb’

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Brave'

Enkianthus campanulatus

Peltoboykinia watanabei

Kirengeshoma palmata

Magnolia grandiflora

Magnolia grandiflora 'Double nantais'

Sternbergia

Iris pumila

Iris latifolia

David Wheeler, Editor of HORTUS

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000

If you're a fan of this podcast then you won't need telling that HORTUS is a quarterly gardening journal of the utmost quality. Its Editor, David Wheeler, founded the publication in 1987 and next week (in Part Two) we'll get stuck into its creation and what makes it so special.

This week we're 'leaf peeping' as David shares varieties he's selected for his new garden at Upland in Camarthenshire, plus heavenly Hydrangeas!

PLANT LIST

Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum 'October Glory'

Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' syn Acer rubrum 'Autumn Blaze'

Acer saccharum

Acer saccharinum

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blaumeise'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nachtigall'

Rhododendron 'Cornish Red'

Magnolia stellata

Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Parrotia persica 'Vanessa'

Parrotia persica 'Persian Spire'

Cornus kousa

Quercus rubra

Cornus kousa 'Copacabana'

Amelanchier

Iris sibirica

Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood'

East Ruston Old Vicarage November Special

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000

We're well stuck into the darker months now and, if you're looking for some plants to brighten up your plot, look no further than this podcast! In his garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage on the Norfolk coast, Alan Gray has amassed an almost technicolour array of foliage and flower no matter the time of year. From Chrysanthemums to Salvias, Tropaeolums to Nerines, he and Thordis talk through some of the wonders which have been catching his eye in the 32-acre garden this November.

PLANT LIST

Malus domestica 'Doctor Harvey'

Chrysanthemum 'Chelsea Physic Garden'

Chrysanthemum 'Killerton Tangerine'

Chrysanthemum 'Dixter Orange'

Chrysanthemum 'Esther'

Chrysanthemum 'Royal Command'

Fuchsia magellanica 'Arauco'

Fuchsia magellanica

Salvia 'Kisses & Wishes'

Salvia 'Ember's Wish'

Drimys winteri

Tropaeolum majus 'Jewel of Africa'

Tropaeolum majus 'Darjeeling Gold'

Tropaeolum majus 'Hermine Grashoff'

Tropaeolum tuberosum var. lineomaculatum 'Ken Aslet'

Tropaeolum minus 'Ladybird Rose'

Tropaeolum pentaphyllum

Tropaeolum smithii

Tropaeolum speciosum

Tropaeolum tricolor

Tropaeolum ciliatum

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'

Salvia involucrata 'Mulberry Jam'

Salvia involucrata 'Joan'

Rosa 'Lady of Shalott'

Rosa 'Jubilee Celebration'

Clematis 'Seedling from Rajasthan'

Clematis tangutica

Bupleurum

Cuphea lanceolata 'Purple Passion'

Tithonia rotundifolia

Dahlia 'Sam Hopkins'

Galanthus plicatus 'Three Ships'

Galanthus 'Walrus'

Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice'

Cuphea lanceolata 'Purple Passion'

Nerine 'Candy'

Nerine 'Lovely Lady'

Dianthus 'Chomley Farran'

Salvia microphylla 'Delice Aquamarine'

Argyranthemum 'Jamaica Primrose'

Argyranthemum gracile 'Chelsea Girl'

Exploring Eucomis with National Collection Holder, Richard Clark of Panache Plants

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Episode 113 of Talking Dirty sees Eucomis National Collection holder Richard Clark of Panache Plants join Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis. In Part One they got slightly sidetracked by the breeding work Richard's been doing with Roscoeas in particular. But this week we explore Eucomis in earnest, plus lots of FLOMO*

*FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Eucomis bicolor

Eucomis schijffii

eucomis pallidiflora

Eucomis pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii

Galanthus 'Alan Gray'

Eucomis 'Dark Star'

Eucomis aloha 'Leia'

Eucomis autumnalis

Eucomis zambesiaca

Eucomis vandermerwei

Eucomis comosa 'Pink Gin'

Eucomis comosa 'Lotte'

Eucomis vandermerwei 'Octopus'

Sarracenia

Lychnis × arkwrightii 'Vesuvius'

Abutilon 'Leila Jackson'

Abutilon 'Kentish Belle'

Tiarella

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Meifeng'

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Di Sue Shan'

Ficus carica 'Jolly Tiger'

Tolmiea menziesii

Tolmiea menziesii 'Cool Gold'

Plant Breeding from Abutilon to Roscoea with Richard Clark of Panache Plants (Part One)

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000

This week on Talking Dirty, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis catch up with a regular nurseryman on their local plant fair circuit, Richard Clark of Panache Plants. Richard holds the National Collection of Eucomis and we'll have more about the Pineapple Lily next week. But he's also got a background in plant breeding and has been using his expertise to select some very interesting new plants!

PLANT LIST

Roscoea purpurea

Roscoea 'Red Gurkha'

Abutilon 'Ashford Red'

Abutilon 'Pink Charm'

Osteospermum

Aeonium 'Velour'

Aeonium simsii

Sparmannia africana 'Variegata'

Abutilon 'Kentish Belle'

Plant Breeding from Roscoeas to Abutilons with Richard Clark of Panache Plants (Part One)

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000

This week on Talking Dirty, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are taking inspiration from their most recent episode, where they touched upon the Eucomis National Collection. This week the collection holder, Richard Clark of Panache Plants, joins them. But before the trio can discuss the Pineapple Lily, they get stuck into Richard's plant breeding past and the progress he's been making with Roscoeas in particular.

Part Two - discussing Eucomis - next week.

PLANT LIST

Roscoea purpurea

Roscoea 'Red Gurkha'

Abutilon 'Ashford Red'

Abutilon 'Pink Charm'

Aeonium 'Velour'

Aeonium simsii

Sparmannia africana 'Variegata'

East Ruston Old Vicarage October Special

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0000

As the nights draw in and the days get colder, our gardens can seem a little drab. So Alan Gray is here to share his top plants at East Ruston Old Vicarage this October, many of them specimens he's been propagating. Get ready for plenty of plant inspiration and serious FLOMO*.

*FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Hardenbergia violacea

Dahlia 'Sam Hopkins'

Ricinus communis

Eucomis pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii

Ricinus 'Blue Buddha'

Ricinus communis 'Carmencita'

'Persicaria orientalis

Dahlia 'Hadrian's Sunset'

Dahlia 'Hadrian's Midnight'

Lysimachia clethroides

Lobelia tupa

Epilobium canum (syn. Zauschneria californica)

Kniphofia rooperi

Amaryllis belladonna 'Alba'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb'

Tulipa sprengeri

Hydrangea petiolaris

Jasminum nudiflorum

Vinca major var. oxyloba

Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble'

Clematis orientalis var. orientalis

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'

Ipomoea lobata

Passiflora 'Constance Elliott'

Humulus lupulus 'Aureus'

Bomarea acutifolia F&M 130

Betula utilis var. jacquemontii

Acanthus sennii

Rostrinucula dependens

Fuchsia 'Delta's Sara'

Dahlia 'Polventon Kristobel'

Orlaya grandiflora

Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Lime'

Galium verum

Pulsatilla vulgaris

Ageratum petiolatum

Argyranthemum 'Jamaica Primrose'

Tagetes erecta 'Jolly Jester'

Tagetes patula 'Cinnabar' (Dixter Strain)

Clematis rehderiana

Rosa 'Columbian Climber'

Aeschynanthus 'Black Pagoda'

Coleus, Oxalis and Dahlias with The Frustrated Gardener, Dan Cooper (Ep 112, Part Two)

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Time for Part Two of our latest apperance by Talking Dirty favourite Dan Cooper AKA The Furstrated Gardener. This week he continues with some of the plants adding colour to his shady containers, from Coleus to Oxalis. Plus a few special Christmas decorations from Dan Cooper Garden!

PLANT LIST

Oxalis 'Plum Crazy'

Oxalis spiralis vulcanicola 'Sunset Velvet'

Coleus 'Lord Falmouth'

Coleus 'Burgundy Wedding Train'

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Wisley Tapestry'

Dahlia 'Edith Jones'

Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling'

Dahlia 'Hollyhill Serenity'

Dahlia 'Blyton Softer Gleam'

Dahlia 'Frost Nip'

Dahlia imperialis

Dahlia 'Rococo'

Dahlia campanulata

Solanum wendlandii

Iochroma fuchsioides

Fuchsia boliviana

Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides (syn. Senecio confusus)

Tithonia rotundifolia

Shade Plants and Containers with The Frustrated Gardener, Dan Cooper (Part One)

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0000

This week Talking Dirty favourite Dan Cooper returns to the podcast with some of the top performers in his garden this year, including some great choices for shade and container planting.

PLANT LIST

Dahlia 'Ryecroft Blackberry'

Dahlia 'Night Silence'

Dahlia 'Sam Hopkins'

Dahlia 'Christopher Taylor'

Persicaria 'Painter's Palette'

Boehmeria sieboldiana

Boehmeria macrophylla var. rotundifolia

Canna x ehemanii (syn iridiflora)

Pilea matsudae 'Taiwan Silver'

Begonia palmata 'Tye Dye'

Begonia 'Benitochiba'

Begonia luxurians

Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana var. alba

Begonia grandis subsp. sinensis 'Snowpop'

Touring the Jungle Garden at Sweetbriar with co-owner Steve Edney

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:00 +0000

This week Steve Edney returns with a special treat - a tour of the jungle garden he's created with fellow plant lover, Louise Dowle. Their plot is packed with inspiration and some very special plants!

PLANT LIST

Clerodendrum trichotomum

Eucalyptus pauciflora

Betula utilis var. jacquemontii

Pseudosasa japonica

Euphorbia stygiana

Griselinia littoralis

Begonia luxurians

Euphorbia x pasteurii

Euphorbia x pasteuri 'John Phillips'

Euphorbia mellifera

Plectranthus fruticosus 'Ellaphie'

Pseudopanax crassifolius

Pseudopanax lessonii 'tuatara'

Dahlia 'Bright Eyes'

Salvia 'Amistad'

Hedychium rubrum

Musa basjoo

Ensete ventricosum 'Montbeliardii'

Musa sikkimensis

Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'

Canna x ehemanii (syn iridiflora)

Persicaria orientalis

Trachycarpus fortunei

Cissus striata

Pittosporum eugenoides

Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate'

Albizia julibrissin

Polystichum setiferum

Hakonechloa macra 'Green Hills'

Fatsia polycarpa

Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis 'Ballet'

Fuschia hatschbachii

Cryptomeria japonica 'Rasen'

Polystichum setiferum 'Pulcherrimum Bevis'

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'

Manihot grahamii

Semiarundinaria fastuosa

Borinda papyrifera CS 1046

Solanum corymbiflora syn. Cyphomandra corymbiflora

Sparmannia africana 'Variegata'

Eryngium creticum

Tinantia pringei

Persicaria virginiana Variegated

Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette'

Cannas from Seed and Fab Foliage with Steve Edney of No Name Nursery

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:00:00 +0000

In part one of our latest podcast with Steve Edney of No Name Nursery, we get a glimpse of some recent purchases. Plus great foliage plants, and one of many Cannas he's grown from seed this year. Next week, we take a stroll around his garden at home for jungle inspiration!

PLANT LIST

Chlorophytum saundersiae 'Starlight'

Dahlia 'Jomanda'

Dahlia 'Sam Hopkins'

Canna 'Whithelm Pride'

Aster × frikartii 'Mönch'

Aster x frikartii 'Wunder von Stäfa'

Aster amellus 'Forncett Flourish'

Cuphea 'David Verity'

Acer negundo ssp. mexicanum

Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'

Acer negundo 'Variegatum'

September Seed Sowing Special

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:00:00 +0000

If you're keenly pouring over seed catalogues and dreaming of what you're going to grow, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old VIcarage) and Thordis share their thoughts on what to sow now and why in this Talking Dirty Special.

PLANT LIST

Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey'

Papaver rhoeas 'Shirley Poppy'

Eschscholzia californica

Briza maxima

Ammi majus

Visnaga daucoides syn. Ammi visnaga

Hordeum jubatum

Nigella papillosa 'Delft Blue'

Scabiosa stellata

Agrostemma githago

Borago officinalis

Tropaeolum majus 'Hermine Grashoff'

Tropaeolum tuberosum var. lineomaculatum 'Ken Aslet'

Euphorbia coralloides

Astrantia major 'Shaggy'

Alstroemeria 'Ligtu Hybrids'

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'

Dahlia

AsterHylotelephiumSternbergia lutea

Hesperantha coccinea 'Major'

Lettuce 'Webb's Wonderful'

Salad Rocket

Mizuna

Bok choy

Mustards

Peas

Florence Fennel

Agastaches and Lilies with Jimi Blake of Hunting Brook Gardens

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:00:00 +0000

This week Jimi Blake of Hunting Brook Gardens returns with more summer sensations from his plot, including Agastaches and Lilies. Plus reminiscences from his recent adventures in Romania.

PLANT LIST

Phymosia umbellata

Agastache 'Fleur'

Agastache 'Kolibri'

Melianthus major

Lobelia × speciosa 'Hadspen Purple'

Agave montana

Hydrangea aspera 'Koki'

Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate'

Lilium 'Scheherazade'

Lilium 'Miss Feya'

Lilium 'Chocolate Event'

Lilium 'Red Velvet'

Lilium leichtlinii

Lilium 'Red Desire'

Lysimachia paridiformis var. paridiformis

Roscoea purpurea 'Spice Island'

Eryngium guatemalense

Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue'

Astrantia

Geum

Kniphofia rufa

A Dahlia and Salvia Celebration with Jimi Blake of Hunting Brook Gardens

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:00:00 +0000

The Talking Dirty Podcast returns and with it one of our favourite guests. Jimi Blake of Hunting Brook Gardens brings some dazzling Show and Tell from his gorgeous Irish plot and we start wiht a focus on Dahlias and Salvias. Next week further floral wonders from his garden.

PLANT LIST

Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble'

Dahlia 'Cornel Brons'

Dahlia 'Sylvia'

Dahlia 'Danique'

Dahlia 'Copperboy'

Dahlia 'Ambition'

Dahlia 'Purple Flame'

Dahlia 'Burlesca'

Dahlia 'Downham Royal'

Dahlia 'Cornwall Island'

Dahlia 'Purple Fox'

Dahlia 'Kathleen Blake'

Dahlia 'Night Butterfly'

Dahlia 'Chimborazo'

Salvia 'Strawberry Lake'

Salvia curviflora

Salvia fulgens

Salvia confertiflora

Salvia 'Josh

Salvia 'Pink Pong'

Salvia involucrata 'Boutin'

Salvia involucrata 'Joan'

Salvia involucrata 'Mulberry Jam'

Salvia guaranitica 'Carines Amazing Blue'

Salvia 'Purple and Bloom'

Salvia 'Amistad'

Salvia 'Pink Amistad'

Salvia guaranitica 'Amino'

Salvia 'Blue Note'

Salvia microphylla 'Makris'

Salvia patens 'Guanajuato'

Agave Montana, Shade-Planting and Allotment Flowers (Talking Dirty Update)

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Talking Dirty may be taking a break for Maternity Leave, but Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis couldn't resist having a planty catch-up! Before regular podcasting resumes, the pair chat about the horticultural glories at EROV this year and what Thordis has managed to grow alongside her forays into Motherhood! Weekly episodes hopefully resuming in due course...

PLANT LIST

Agave montana

Nolina

Puya

Bigelowia nuttallii

Ipheion

Eremurus

Kniphofia

Agapanthus

Papaver somniferum

Atriplex hortensis

Eschscholzia californica

Eryngium giganteum

Papaver atlanticum

Papaver rupifragum

Papaver cambricum

Papaver orientale

Crepis rubra

Cyclamen hederifolium

Crocus tommasinianus

Myosotis

Acer conspicuum 'Red Flamingo'

Podophyllum versipelle 'Spotty Dotty'

Begonia luxurians

Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Begonia 'Richmondensis'

Begonia semperflorens

Pteris

Impatiens sodenii

Selaginella kraussiana

Athyrium otophorum 'Okanum'

Helleborus argutifolius

Borago officinalis

Calendula officinalis 'Indian Prince'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Earl Grey'

A Special Announcement from East Ruston Old Vicarage

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000

This week something different for our Talking Dirty Podcast as Alan Gray shares exciting news about East Ruston Old Vicarage. To help tell the story Alan and Thordis are joined by 'horticultural greats' Barbara Segall (Award-winning Garden Writer) and Paul Rochford (Joseph Rochford Gardens).

And while this week's podcast is about the garden rather than specific plants, we couldn't resist sneaking a few in...

PLANT LIST

Quercus ilex

London Plane (Platanus x hispanica)

Agave montana

Osteospermum

Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

Clianthus puniceus

Liz Zorab of Byther Farm on 'The Seasoned Gardener'

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:00:00 +0000

If growing your own and living off the land are passions and aspirations, then this week's Talking Dirty Podcast is especially for you. Homesteader Liz Zorab joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old VIcarage) and Thordis from her four-acre plot in Wales to share some of her favourite varieties plus ground-breaking methods like her Food Forest. Plus find out why Thordis and Liz are FLOMO*-ing over the same plant!

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Leycesteria formosa

Calendula

Parsnip

Rosa rugosa

Runner Bean 'Greek Gigantes'

Squash 'Spaghetti'

Runner Bean 'White Lady'

Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant White'

Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Salmon Rose'

Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Lime'

Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue'

Ammi majus

Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius)

Cosmos

Campanula medium

East Ruston Old Vicarage Spring Special (Part Two)

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:00:00 +0000

East Ruston Old Vicarage - home to Get Gardening's Founding Father Alan Gray - is back open for 2023 and celebrating a very special year! As the garden marks its Golden Anniversary, Alan and Thordis talk about plants of the moment, plus propagation tips and FLOMO*!

*FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Pelargonium 'Lord Bute'

Pelargonium 'Purple Unique'

Pelargonium papilionaceum

Pelargonium 'Babylon'

Rosa 'Colombian Climber'

Narcissus 'Candlepower'

Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle'

Eranthis hyemalis

Narcissus 'Tiny Bubbles'

Narcissus 'Canaliculatus'

Hesperantha coccinea 'Major'

Gladiolus 'Thunder'

Gladiolus primulinus

Agrostemma githago

Anthemis arvensis

Centaurea cyanus

Glebionis segetum

Papaver rhoeas

Phacelia tanacetifolia

Agave montana

Cornus kousa

Cornus Florida 'Cherokee Chief'

Trachycarpus fortunei

Ficus carica 'Jolly Tiger'

Ficus johannis subsp. afghanistanica ‘Silver Lyre’

Trachycarpus fortunei 'Variegata'

East Ruston Old Vicarage Spring Special (Part One)

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0000

As the garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage reopens for 2023, Alan Gray and Thordis sit down for a chat about how the garden is evolving in its 50th year, plus plants of the moment, from Magnolias to Violets and some top propagation tips from Alan's potting shed.

Next week Daffodils, Pelargoniums and lots of FLOMO*!

*FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Magnolia 'Caerhays Belle'

Magnolia 'Genie'

Clematis florida 'Sieboldii'

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silverme Pink'

Anagallis monellii 'Skylover'

Clematis 'Perle d'Azur'

Lunaria 'Somerset Marble'

Lunaria annua 'Corfu Blue'

Lunaria annua subsp. pachyrhiza

Dahlia 'Labyrinth'

Catalpa bignonioides

Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana'

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Liriope muscari

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Burgundy Wedding Train'

Viburnum tinus

Impatiens niamniamensis

Primula vulgaris 'Taigetos'

Primula 'Wanda Hose-in-hose'

Viola odorata 'King of Violets'

Late Winter Flowers & Scent with Tim Fuller of Plantsman's Preference (Part Two)

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Last week Tim Fuller of Norfolk nursery The Plantsman's Preference wowed Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with Ferns, Ivy and wonderful winter foliage. This week - in part two - we turn our attention to flowers, from bulbs to shrubs, most of them amazingly scented.

PLANT LIST

Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca ruscifolia

Sarcococca saligna

Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem'

Lonicera standishii 'Budapest'

Tellima grandiflora

Lonicera × purpusii 'Winter Beauty'

Anemone flaccida

Corydalis quantmeyeriana 'Chocolate Star'

Ypsilandra thibetica

Chrysosplenium macrophyllum

Ipheion uniflorum 'Froyle Mill'

Ipheion uniflorum 'Wisley Blue'

Ipheion uniflorum ssp. tandiliense

Iris unguicularis

Ipheion uniflorum 'Miss Hannah'

Ipheion uniflorum 'Hoo House'

Ipheion uniflorum 'Rigel'

Oxalis semiloba

Cornus mas

Cornus officinalis

Sarcococca bleddynii

Anemonoides nemorosa

Anemonoides ranunculoides

Anemone x lipsiensis

Ivy, Ferns and More with Tim Fuller of Plantsman's Preference (Part 1)

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0000

If you're in the market for interesting plants to bring greenery to your garden in winter then look no further than Tim Fuller's latest appearance on Talking Dirty.

The South Norfolk-based Nurseryman (The Plantsman's Preference) brings along an amazing array of Ivy, Ferns, Cyclamen and Arums to form a foil to your winter and spring flowers. Next week he's got more of a floral focus in part two and lots of scent to tempt your olfactory senses!

PLANT LIST

Pittosporum 'Irene Paterson'

Linnaea chinensis syn Abelia chinensis

Cenolophium denudatum

Farfugium japonicum 'Wavy Gravy'

Galanthus 'Trumps'

Galanthus plicatus subsp. byzantinus 'Trym'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece'

Arum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Chameleon'

Arum italicum

Hedera pastuchovii 'Ann Ala'

Hedera helix 'Buttercup'

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'

Hedera helix 'Pink 'n' Curly'

Hedera helix 'Erecta'

Hedera helix 'Very Merry'

Hedera helix 'Silver Ferny'

Hedera hibernica 'Rona'

Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'

Hedera hibernica 'Spetchley'

Agrostis gramineus 'Ogon'

Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus'

Acorus gramineus 'Yodo-no-yuki'

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Red Sky'

Cyclamen coum

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silverme Pink'

Crocus tommasinianus

Polypodium cambricum 'Oakleyae'

Asplenium scolopendrium 'Angustatum'

Asplenium scolopendrium 'Golden Queen'

Orchid Special with Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0000

There are few houses that aren't home to an Orchid. But with 28,000 species, distributed in about 763 genera, the world of Orchidaceae goes far beyond Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium.

This week we're joined by Cambridge University Botanic Garden Glasshouse Team Leader Luigi Leoni, and Orchid expert Phil Gould, to see some of the plants wowing the crowds at the moment and share amazing stories behind them. Plus their FLOMO*s for not only the Botanic Garden, but private collections at home.

FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Strongylodon macrobotrys

Coelia bella

Polystachya tsaratananae

Cattleya

Laelia

Vanda

Dendrobium

Miltonia

Cymbidium iridioides

Cymbidium tracyanum

Angraecum sesquipedale

Bulbophyllum saltatorium var. albociliatum

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis

Stapelia gigantea

Erythronium 'Joanna'

Calanthe striata

Dendrobium speciosum

Cypripedioideae

Myrmecophila tibicinis

Neomoorea wallisii syn N. irrorata

Laelia anceps

Laelia anceps var veitchiana

Coelogyne

Coelogyne cristata

Coelogyne nitida

Phalaenopsis lowii

Schoenorchis fragrans

Ludisia discolor

Phalaenopsis gigantea

Coryanthes macrantha

Phalaenopsis schilleriana

Phalaenopsis stuartiana

Tamsin Westhorpe on 'Grasping the Nettle' and Stockton Bury Gardens

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0000

This week Talking Dirty is 'Grasping the Nettle' as Tamsin Westhorpe returns to talk about her new book. Tamsin, who gardens at family plot Stockton Bury in Herefordshire has spent her life caught up professionally and personally in horticulture in almost every way imaginable - from working in Parks and Gardens, to Magazine Editor and everything in between.

Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis giggle their way through her riotous stories and indulge in good old planty chat as usual.

PLANT LIST

Geranium robertianum

Geranium robertianum 'Album'

Cobaea scandens

Eranthis hyemalis 'Pauline'

Galanthus 'S. Arnott'

Galanthus 'Little Dorrit'

Galanthus 'South Hayes'

Galanthus 'Nothing Special'

WisteriaGalanthus 'Augustus'

NasturtiumIris histriodes 'Katharine Hodgkin'

Iris reticulata 'Blue Note'

Iris reticulata 'Pauline'

HepaticaGalanthus 'Timms Hill Poë'

Galanthus nivalis 'Green Tear'

Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen'

Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara'

Galanthus 'Rainbow Yo-Yo'

Galanthus plicatus 'Wandlebury Ring'

Galanthus plicatus 'Wendy's Gold'

Galanthus 'Treasure Island'

Cyclamen coum

Lathyrus odoratus 'Earl Grey'

Lathyrus odoratus, 'Prince Of Orange'

Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Henry Eckford'

Rosa 'Tottering-by-Gently'

Rosa 'Yellow Mutabilis'

Rosa × odorata 'Mutabilis'

Rosa x odorata 'Bengal Crimson'

Rosa 'A Shropshire Lad'

Rosa 'Munstead Wood'

Galanthus 'Mother Goose'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece'

Galanthus 'Primrose Warburg'

Brian Ellis on Arums, Eranthis and Winter Garden Treasures

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 19:00:00 +0000

After last week's Snowdrop extravaganza, in part two of his Talking Dirty appearance, Brian Ellis is wowing Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with a whole host of Winter Garden plants...ideal bedfellows for this extensive Snowdrop collection.

From Arums to Eranthis, Hellebores to Hamamelis and Heuchera, there is SO much inspiration for your garden!

Our thanks to Dorset Perennials for allowing us the use of their picture of Brian's FLOMO plant. You can find it on their website here:

https://dorsetperennials.co.uk/product/wulfenia-x-schwarzii/#iLightbox[product-gallery]/4

PLANT LIST

Arum italicum subsp. italicum 'Tiny'

Arum italicum 'Monksilver'

Arum italicum 'Chameleon'

Arum italicum ‘Breiteseite’

Arum 'Hungarian Rhapsodie'

Ribes laurifolium 'Mrs Amy Doncaster'

Ribes sanguineum 'Koja'

Galanthus plicatus 'Amy Doncaster'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Orange Beauty'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane'

Hamamelis × intermedia 'Jelena'

Hamamelis vernalis 'Kohankie Red'

Lonicera elisae syn. Lonicera infundibulum var. rockii

Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill'

Rohdea japonica 'Talbot Manor'

Begonia masoniana

Galanthus 'Ophelia'

Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Flore Pleno'

Galanthus plicatus

Galanthus nivalis sandersii group ‘Woodpeckers'

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Lunaria annua 'Chedglow'

Hepatica

Ficaria verna 'Crimson Damson'

Heuchera 'Creme Brulee'

Heuchera 'David'

Galanthus 'Matt Bishop'

Arabis ferdinandi-coburgi 'Old Gold'

Carex oshimensis 'Everillo'

Sanicula epipactis syn Hacquetia epipactis

Sanicula epipactis 'Thor'

Euphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow'

Adonis vernalis

Eranthis hyemalis 'Schwefelglanz'

Crocus tommasinianus

Crocus heuffelianus 'Shock Wave'

Helleborus multifidus subsp. hercegovinus

Helleborus x belcheri 'Pink Ice'

Helleborus × nigercors

Helleborus thibetanus

Corydalis popovii

Corydalis 'Korn's Purple'

Corydalis flexuosa 'Craighton Blue'

Corydalis solida 'Gandalf'

Corydalis 'Spinners'

Eranthis hyemalis 'Winterzauber'

Eranthis cilicica

Eranthis hyemalis 'Dooze'

Eranthis hyemalis 'Lady Lamortagne'

Eranthis hyemalis 'Euan Bunclark'

Eranthis hyemalis 'Andenken an Johannes Raschke'

Eranthis hyemalis 'Schwefelglanz'

Eranthis hyemalis 'Pauline'

Galanthus nivalis 'Ecusson D'Or'

Rosa 'Catherine'

Rosa 'For Your Eyes Only'

Rosa persica

Daphne bholua var. glacialis 'Gurkha'

Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'

Dentaria enneaphyllos syn. Cardamine enneaphyllos

Wulfenia x schwarzii

Eranthis 'Lemon and Lime'

Galanthus plicatus 'Colossus'

Galanthus 'Sentinel'

Galanthus nivalis 'Green Tear'

Galanthus elwesii 'Rosemary Burnham'

Galanthus 'Trumpolute'

Galanthus 'Trym Ingram'

Galanthophile Brian Ellis on Snowdrops

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 19:00:00 +0000

It's peak Snowdrop Season and here on Talking Dirty it looks like we've all caught the fever! Alan Gray has quite the collection at East Ruston Old Vicarage, while Thordis is enjoying her first forays into growing these delightful plants in her small suburban garden.

So this week Galanthophile Brian Ellis is back on Talking Dirty to share some interesting varieties and the stories behind them. And next week he'll share great companion plants in the border, from Eranthis to Corydalis, Hamamelis to Hellebores.

PLANT LIST

Galanthus nivalis 'Anglesey Abbey'

Galanthus plicatus 'Diggory'

Galanthus 'Wasp'

Galanthus 'Lydiard Diana'

Galanthus elwesii 'Kermode Bear'

Galanthus bursanus

Galanthus nivalis 'Blonde Inge'

Galanthus 'Schorbuser Irrlicht'

Galanthus x valentinei 'Chameleon'

Galanthus plicatus 'Glenorma'

Galanthus plicatus 'Ace of Spades'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trym'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trymming'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trymposter'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trymlet'

Galanthus x valentinei 'S. Arnott'

Galanthus 'Franz Joseph'

Galanthus 'Emma Thick'

Galanthus 'Norfolk Yellows'

Galanthus 'Mother Goose'

Galanthus elwesii 'Lynch Green’

Galanthus nivalis 'Funny Justine'

Galanthus 'Lord Lieutenant'

Galanthus nivalis ‘The Alburgh Claw'

Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Walrus'

Galanthus 'Medusa'

Galanthus 'Icarus'

Galanthus 'Glenchantress'

Galanthus nivalis 'Wisp'

Galanthus elwesii 'Sybil Stern'

Galanthus plicatus 'Lambrook Greensleeves'

Galanthus x valentinei 'Compu. Ted'

Galanthus 'Arto's Secret'

Rekha Mistry on Favourite Allotment Varieties and Her New Book!

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:00:00 +0000

This week we're heading to the allotment as Rekha Mistry (author, Instagram star and Gardeners' World presenter) joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to talk about her new book 'Rekha's Kitchen Garden'.

Whether you've caught the Grow Your Own bug or not, Rekha is such a joy, as she shares the lessons she's learned and the varieties she loves to grow (plus the tasty dishes she creates with them!)

PLANT LIST

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

Calendula

Tagetes patula

Borago officinalis

Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Yin Yang'

Edamame beans

Capsicum annuum 'Aleppo'

Capsicum annuum 'Padron'

Sweetcorn 'Glass Gem'

Helichrysum bracteatum monstrosum, Mixed

Helichrysum bracteatum 'Salmon Rose'

Helichrysum bracteatum 'Purple Red'

Amaranthus 'Red Army'

Broad Bean 'Crimson Flowered'

Val Bourne on Ferns and FLOMO* for her Garden (Part Two)

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 19:00:00 +0000

In the second part of her latest appearance on Talking Dirty, award-winning garden writer Val Bourne has some fab Fern advice, including choice plants to grow. Plus an array of things on the wishlist for 2023.

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten'

Achillea 'Moonshine'

Polypodium cambricum 'Richard Kayse'

Asplenium scolopendrium syn Phyllitis scolopendrium

Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosodensum'

Adiantum raddianum 'Ultragracillium'

Adiantum pedatum

Adiantum aleuticum

Adiantum aleuticum 'Miss Sharples'

Galanthus 'Green of Hearts'

Cornus officinalis

Cornus mas

Adiantum venustum

Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana'

Anemone blanda

Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens 'Jingle Bells'

Clematis cirrhosa 'Freckles'

Lapageria rosea

Clematis napaulensis

Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica syn Clematis calycina

Amaranthus tricolor 'Early Splendor'

Seemannia sylvatica

Allium 'Lavender Bubbles'

Limonium 'Dazzle Rocks'

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Fascination'

Veronica spicata 'Christa'

Delphinium 'Alice Artindale'

Delphinium requienii

Lychnis coronaria 'Gardeners' World'

Veronica longifolia 'Marietta'

Kniphofia 'David Blake'

Stipa gigantea

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Val Bourne on Roses, Apples and Snowdrops (Part One)

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000

One of our Talking Dirty favourites is back! This week award-winning Garden Writer Val Bourne rejoins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to talk about Rose varieties and pruning, the Apples she's picked for her garden in the Cotswolds and - of course - a few choice Snowdrops!

Next week even more wonderful plants and FLOMO*

*FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Galanthus 'Wasp'

Galanthus plicatus 'Diggory'Prunus armeniaca

Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara'

Galanthus peshmenii

Eranthis hyemalis

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea'

Malus domestica 'Blenheim Orange'

Malus domestica 'D'Arcy Spice'

Malus domestica 'Pitmaston Pineapple'

Rosa 'Champagne Moment'Rosa 'Chandos Beauty'

Rosa 'Mary Berry'

Rosa 'The Generous Gardener'Rosa 'Mrs. Honey Dyson'

Rosa 'Climbing Lady Hillingdon'

Rosa 'Peach Melba'

Rosa 'Sweet Honey'

Rosa 'Bring Me Sunshine'

Hamamelis × intermedia 'Orange Grace'

Phlox × arendsii 'Utopia'

Phlox paniculata 'Bright Eyes'

Helianthus 'Lemon Queen'

Fuchsia procumbens

Barbara Segall shares Favourite Herbs & Winter Interest (Part Two)

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Time for part two of our chat with award-winning garden writer Barbara Segall. After focussing on her new book 'The Secret Gardens of the South East: A Private Tour' last week, this time we've got Show and Tell from Barbara's garden in Suffolk. And - as a Herb expert - you'll be unsurprised to hear she's got some choice Herbs to share!

PLANT LIST

Sarcococca

Salvia rosmarinus Albiflora Group

Salvia rosmarinus 'Sudbury Blue'

Salvia rosmarinus Prostratus Group

Salvia rosmarinus 'Foxtail'

Humulus lupulus 'Aureus'

Laurus nobilis 'Aurea'

Anthriscus cerefolium (Chervil)

Coriandrum sativum

Ocimum 'African Blue'

Schlumbergera

Bellevalia paradoxa (Muscari paradoxum)

Echeveria 'Mauna Loa'

Pulsatilla vulgaris

Tulbaghia montana

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'

Parrotia persica

Cedrus libani subsp. atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'

The Secret Gardens of the South East with Barbara Segall

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Our first guest of 2023 is award-winning garden writer Barbara Segall. Her new book 'The Secret Gardens of the South East: A Private Tour' is out now and packed with inspiring plots.

Alongside telling the story behind the book, Barbara shares Show and Tell from her own garden. More of that next week, plus FLOMO.

PLANT LIST

Ilex aquifolium

Ilex latifolia

Ilex × koehneana 'Chestnut Leaf'

Ilex aquifolium 'East Ruston Gold'

Miscanthus nepalensis

Malus transitoria

Happy New Year from Talking Dirty!

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000

It's a new year and before we get back to our regular podcasts, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis thought they'd share some of their thoughts as we start a new gardening year, including what excites them about 2023.

PLANT LIST

Arum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Miss Janay Hall'

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Severn Seas'

Rhaphiolepis

Dicksonia antarctica

Fuchsia procumbens

Euphorbia mellifera

Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star'

Coniogramme emeiensis

Eragrostis curvula 'Totnes Burgundy'

Agave montana

Lathyrus odoratus 'Juliet'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Romeo'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Prince of Orange'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Matucana'

Phacelia tanacetifolia

Echium pininana

Lunaria annua 'Corfu Blue'

Cleve West talks Chelsea Flower Show 2023 for Talking Dirty, Episode 100

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000

It's our 100th episode and to mark it we're celebrating the return of an RHS Chelsea Flower Show 'Great'. In 2023 Cleve West returns to Main Avenue with The Centrepoint Garden. In this instalment of Talking Dirty - our final one of the year - we hear about the garden and meticulous process involved in creating it, plus feature some of Cleve's favourite plants of the moment. And of course have a real laugh along the way!

The podcast will return in 2023, but - in the meantime - thank you for all your support over the past couple of years. Merry Christmas!

PLANT LIST

Dactylorhiza

Cytisus 'Porlock'

Thymus 'Porlock'

Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge)

Galium aparine (Cleavers)

Fatsia japonica

Quercus ilex

Sonchus oleraceus (Sow Thistle)

Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine)

Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet)

Euphorbia lathyris (Caper Spurge)

Phlomis russeliana

Eryngium giganteum

Allium nigrum

Pelargonium sidoides

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Briza media

Myosotis sylvatica

Cordyline australis

Paeonia × festiva 'Rubra Plena'

Papaver orientale

Sambucus nigra

Ilex aquifolium 'Silver Milkmaid'

Passiflora quadrangularis

Schefflera

Aloysia triphylla syn. Aloysia citrodora

Diospyros virginiana

Artemisia schmidtiana

Mespilus germanica

Codiaeum variegatum

Unusual Foliage and the 356-Day-A-Year Flower with Dan Cooper

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000

After an inspiring first instalment, packed not only with plants but Christmas gift ideas, Dan Cooper returns with some inspiring plants to light the garden up at this time of year.

There are even species Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) hasn't heard of! And some fabulous FLOMO*

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Entelea arborescens

Ochroma pyramidale

Sparrmannia africana 'Flore Pleno'

Anisodontea 'El Rayo'

Pilea 'Tasmanian Silver'

Tagetes lemmonii

Tagetes minuta

Plectranthus ciliatus 'Nico'

Plectranthus argentatus

Pteris cretica var. albolineata

Correa 'Dusky Bells Variegated'

Correa 'Marian's Marvel'

Begonia koelzii

Begonia grandis

Nerine 'Mr John'

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'

Amarine belladiva 'Anastasia'

Amarine belladiva 'Aphrodite'

Amarine belladiva 'Emmannuelle'

Christmas Gifts for Gardeners and Late Season Interest with Dan Cooper (Part One)

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Stumped for what to buy the horticulturalist in your life this Christmas, or perhaps what to put on your own list? Well, look no further! @The Frustrated Gardener: Dan Cooper has lined up a bevvy of treats to tempt you. And, talking of temptation, he's got planty inspiration aplenty from his own courtyard garden to inspire late season interest in your plot.

Next week, lots more lovely plants, covering flowers and foliage.

PLANT LIST

Setaria palmifolia

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Red Chief'

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret'

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'

Ageratum petiolatum

Fuchsia fulgens

Fuchsia boliviana

Fuchsia boliviana 'Alba'

Cyclamen and Seasonal Stars with Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 19:00:00 +0000

If you're on the lookout for autumnal stars for your garden, then look no further. Last week, in part one of the podcast, Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery wowed Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with Chrysanthemums and Snowdrops galore. And this week he returns with a host of seasonal plants from Cyclamen to Crocus, via Alliums and Asters.

PLANT LIST

Rabdosia effusa

Allium thunbergii 'Ozawa'

Oxalis europaea 'Plum Crazy'

Oxalis corniculata

Cyclamen cilicium

Cyclamen purpurascens

Cyclamen hederifolium

Cyclamen hederifolium subsp. crassifolium

Cyclamen mirabile

Cyclamen repandum

Cyclamen peloponnesiacum

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver Cloud'

Cyclamen hederifolium 'White Cloud'

Cyclamen hederifolium var. hederifolium 'Tilebarn Silver Arrow'

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Tilebarn Helena'

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Tilebarn Shirley'

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Red Sky'

Crocus goulimyi

Crocus speciosus

Crocus boryi

Crocus pulchellus

Crocus tommasinianus

Alstroemeria 'Rock 'n' Roll'

Arum

Sisyrinchium striatum 'Aunt May'

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (syn Aster lateriflorus)

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum 'Prince'

Aster 'Novemberlaan'

Aconitum carmichaelii (Wilsonii Group) 'The Grim Reaper'

Chrysanthemum 'Killerton Tangerine'

Mandragora autumnalis

Mandragora officinarum

Chrysanthemums and Autumn Snowdrops with Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 19:00:00 +0000

The nights may be drawing in and the temperatures dropping, but our gardens can still be full of treasures as Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery proves in this week's episode.

In Part One, Joe wows Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with Chrysanthemums galore, plus the lesser-spotted Autumn-flowering Snowdrop.

Next week, even more delights for the Autumn garden.

PLANT LIST

Galanthus 'Autumn Beauty'

Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Cambridge'

Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Rachelae'

Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Melvyn Jope'

Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp reginae-olgae 'Adamite'

Galanthus 'Ruby Baker'

Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp reginae-olgae 'Tessera'

Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Pink Panther'

Chrysanthemum yezoense

Chrysanthemum 'Etna'

Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China'

Oenothera fruticosa subsp. glauca 'Erica Robin'

Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky'

Amsonia tabernaemontana

Chrysanthemum 'Esther'

Chrysanthemum 'Dixter Orange'

Lobelia × speciosa

Verbascum 'Christo's Yellow Lightning'

Chrysanthemum 'Dr Tom Parr'

Chrysanthemum 'Julia Peterson'

Chrysanthemum 'Shining Light'

Chrysanthemum 'Gladys Emerson'

Chrysanthemum 'Burnt Orange'

Chrysanthemum 'Wedding Day'

Chrysanthemum 'Milkshake'

Chrysanthemum 'Golden Greenheart'

The Picton Garden's Autumn Stars

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Last week Helen and Ross from The Picton Garden dazzled us with daisies, as they shared their favourite varieties of Aster and Symphyotrichum.

This week they're wow Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with a supporting cast of Autumn treasures, from Ferns and Colchicum to Cyclamen and Succulents.

PLANT LIST

Polygonum scoparium

Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'

Kniphofia rooperi

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis

Dahlia 'Pooh - Swan Island'

Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer'

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers'

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Little Henry'

Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette'

Solidago caesia

Aralia californica

Paulownia kawakamii

Paulownia tomentosa

Alyssum/Lobularia maritima

Cuphea ignea

Salvia 'Joan'

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'

Begonia grandis

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Fairy Rings'

Cyclamen coum 'Silver Leaf'

Cyclamen coum

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Red Sky'

Colchicum speciosum 'Atrorubens'

Colchicum 'Waterlily'

Polypodium calirhiza 'Sarah Lyman'

Polypodium cambricum (Semilacerum Group) 'Jubilee'

Polypodium cambricum 'Hornet'

Polypodium cambricum 'Richard Kayse'

Polypodium cambricum 'Pulcherrimum Addison'

Cyrtomium falcatum

x Graptoveria 'Fred Ives'

Echeveria 'Mauna Loa'

Aeonium 'Zwartkop'

Aeonium 'Voodoo'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Flamingo'

Asplenium scolopendrium 'Crispum Bolton's Nobile'

Rhodia

Michaelmas Daisy Special with The Picton Garden - Part One

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:00:00 +0000

This week on Talking Dirty, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are dazzled by Daisies as Helen Picton and Ross Barbour join them with a host of their favourite varieties.

And if you're going to delve into the world of Michaelmas Daisies, who better to introduce you to them than The Picton Garden and Old Court Nurseries, who've specialised in this plant since 1906 and hold the National Collection.

No matter the height or shade you're after, this week's Show and Tell is sure to have you inspired. And next week Helen and Ross will sneak in a host of supporting cast members to accompany the Michaelmas Daisies in your garden.

PLANT LIST

Dryopteris wallichiana

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Beauty of Colwall'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Blandie'

× Solidaster luteus 'Lemore'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Sheena'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Thundercloud'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Davey's True Blue'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Rufus'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Melbourne Magnet'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Dazzler'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Rosenwichtel'

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Algar's Pride'

Aster amellus

Aster amellus 'Gründer'

Aster amellus 'Forncett Flourish'

Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia'

Aster sedifolius

Aster × frikartii 'Mönch'

Aster thomsonii

Aster × frikartii 'Wunder von Stäfa'

Aster × frikartii 'Eiger'

Aster × frikartii 'Jungfrau'

Aster peduncularis

Aster trinervius var. harae

Kalimeris

Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow'

Symphyotrichum cordifolium

Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Pink Cloud'

Gypsophila

Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Rosy Veil'

Symphyotrichum 'Jessica Jones'

Symphyotrichum turbinellum

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Orpheus'

Symphyotrichum 'Maggie May'

Kate Bradbury on the Top Trees for our Gardens

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 19:00:00 +0000

This week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are joined by wildlife author Kate Bradbury to talk about her new book 'The Tree in My Garden', plus share great planting choices for our plots. From the effects of climate change, to whether to choose a native species, Kate's bound to have you thinking differently about how and what you plant.

PLANT LIST

Paulownia tomentosa

Fagus sylvatica

Crataegus monogyna

Acer campestre

Ilex aquifolium

Hedera helix

Lonicera periclymenum

Quercus ilex

Aesculus hippocastanum

Aesculus parviflora

Koelreuteria paniculata

Euonymus europaeus

Malus × zumi 'Golden Hornet'

Parrotia persica

Malus × robusta 'Red Sentinel'

Pinus sylvestris

Pinus radiata

Rosa glauca

Creating a Crevice Garden with Paul Spriggs and Kenton J Seth (Part Two)

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Time for Part Two of our Alpine Extravaganza with Paul Spriggs and Kenton J Seth. The pair have decades of Crevice Garden experience between them, captured in their book 'The Crevice Garden' from Filbert Press.

Last week we took a look at their plots at home; this week we hear about more of their favourite Crevice Garden plants and their FLOMO*

*FLOMO = the FLower or plant that gives you a fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Eriogonum ovalifolium

Delosperma

Mesembryanthemum

Echinocereus triglochidiatus

Trichocereus

Opuntia

Moltkia petraea

Asplenium ceterach

Helichrysum milfordiae

Dionysia

Bolax (Azorella) gummifera

Silene acaulis

Pleione

Creating a Crevice Garden with Paul Spriggs and Kenton J Seth (Part One)

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Crevice Gardens are on the rise and whether you're creating a small version in a trough or Crevice Gardening on a giant scale, they provide excellent opportunities to grow some amazing plants. This week's guests joining Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis certainly know their Crevice Gardens and their Alpine Plants. Paul Spriggs and Kenton J Seth are the brains behind 'The Crevice Garden' book from Filbert Press. Join us as we not only chat about the book, but take a look at both of their Crevice Gardens at home in Colorado and British Columbia.

PLANT LIST

Arenaria montana

Acantholimon trojanum

Achillea ageratifolia

Dianthus gratianopolitanus

Dianthus microlepis

Epilobium canum syn Zauschneria californica

Hormathophylla spinosa

Globularia cordifolia

Agave parryi v couesii

Echinocereus

Sclerocactus parviflorus

Eriogonum heermannii

Achnatherum hymenoides

Festuca ovina

'No Dig' Guru Charles Dowding blows your mind!

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 19:00:00 +0000

With the publication of his much-anticipated new book 'No Dig', Charles Dowding joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to share amazing insight into the soil we grow our precious plants in, and also Show and Tell some of his favourite varieties from his plot this year.

PLANT LIST

Brussel Sprout 'Evesham Special'

Celery 'Victoria' F1

Beetroot 'Boltardy'

Tomato 'Sun Heart'

Aubergine 'De Barbentane'

Snack Pepper 'Flynn'

Apple 'Ribston Pippin'

Plum 'Coe's Golden Drop'

Tomato 'Brandywine'

Melon 'Ogen'

Radicchio '506 TT'

Amaranthus 'Red Army'

Part Two: Mike Clifford from Mike's Rare Plants

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Mike Clifford returns with a bumper crop of unusual plants. We've got leaves as big as dinner plates and flowers like ducks wearing bonnets! Plus a FLOMO* inspired by a trip to RHS Wisley.

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Pterospermum acerifolium

Aristolochia fimbriata

Ricinus communis

Hoffmannia ghiesbreghtii

Coniogramme emeiensis

Brillantaisia ulugurica Lindau

Lobelia giberroa

Dendroseris litoralis

Begonia luxurians

Phytolacca americana 'Variegata'

Solenostemon 'Redhead'

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Pink Chaos'

Solenostemon 'Fishnet Stockings'

Begonia 'Red Undies'

Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow'

Cereus jamacaru 'Spiralis'

Crassula lycopodioides variegata

Crassula perfoliata var. falcata

Aloe polyphylla

Deppea splendens

Tithonia rotundifolia

Schismatoglottis wallichii

Carex trifida 'Rekohu Sunrise'

Synadenium compactum var. rubrum

Manihot grahamii

Brassaiopsis dumicola

Brassaiopsis mitis

Brassaiopsis hispida

Eccremocarpus scaber

Part One: Mike Clifford from Mike's Rare Plants

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Mike Clifford is back on Talking Dirty. The master grower of unusual and rare plants has some fabulous things to show and tell, from rare Strobilanthes to a bleeding flower. And great propagation and plant care tips as well.

Part two follows next week with more fabulous plants and FLOMO*!

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Nesocodon mauritianus

Lobelia laxiflora var. angustifolia

Begonia luxurians

Brillantaisia

Strobilanthes gossypinus

Strobilanthes lactea

Colocasia esculenta 'Pharaoh's Mask'

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'African Gold'

Vasconcellea pubescens

Wercklea ferox

Cecropia pachystachya

Musanga cecropioides

Balsa tree - Ochroma pyramidale

Paulownia tomentosa

Special: When Alan met Jimi Blake of Hunting Brook Gardens

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Something a bit different this week on The Talking Dirty Podcast. You may have heard a couple of weeks ago Jimi Blake popped to East Ruston Old Vicarage to take a look around with Alan Gray.

Afterwards, before Jimi shot off to Beth Chatto's garden in Essex for a Symposium on Rewilding, the pair sat down to share some of their thoughts from the day.

PLANT LIST

Lophosoria quadripinnata

Dicksonia antarctica

Pteris wallichiana

Ricinus communis 'Blue Buddha'

Lobelia tupa

Romneya coulteri

Brassaiopsis mitis

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

Agave montana

Amaranthus cruentus 'Hot Biscuits'

Papaver commutatum 'Ladybird'

Salvia microphylla

Salvia confertiflora

Salvia curviflora

Meconopsis betonicifolia

Derry Watkins' Gravel Garden at Special Plants - Part Two!

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Time for Part Two of our fun-filled, plant-tastic trip around Derry Watkins' Gravel Garden at Special Plants.

Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are particularly inspired, considering the drought they've both experienced in East Anglia this summer! Look out for some of these plants at East Ruston in coming years...

PLANT LIST

Potentilla × hopwoodiana

Allium senescens ssp. montanum

Geranium incanum

Limonium latifolium

Limonium sinuatum 'Apricot Beauty'

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Stipa barbata

Morina longifolia

Nicotiana mutabilis

Eschscholzia californica coastal form

Zauschneria californica

Erigeron karvinskianus

Agastache rupestris

Tropaeolum polyphyllum

Epilobium glabellum

Lablab purpureus

Erodium 'Fran's Choice'

Scabiosa argentea

Verbascum roripifolium

Scutellaria suffrutescens 'Texas Rose'

Dianthus 'Chomley Farran'

Euphorbia rigida

Eryngium maritimum

Glaucium corniculatum

Seseli gummiferum

Allium schubertii

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues'

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation'

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton'

Romneya

Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea'

Restio

Erythrina crista-galli

Spigelia marilandica

Ficus carica 'Jolly Tiger'

Origanum 'Kent Beauty'

Derry Watkins' Gravel Garden at Special Plants (Part One)

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:00:00 +0000

The Wonder Woman returns! Derry Watkins of Special Plants is always inspiring and this week, returning to chat with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis, is no different.

Last time she appeared we took a tour of some of her garden, but we were left wanting more...we only just glimpsed the gravel garden before phone battery forced us to head inside. So this time round we're dedicating the podcast to her drought-tolerant plants...and what a list of plants it is!

Part two arrives next week with yet more inspiration!

PLANT LIST

Phlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise'

Trachelospermum asiaticum

Salvia greggii 'Stormy Pink'

Paeonia cambessedesii

Salvia rosmarinus 'Green Ginger'

Ugni molinae

Eryngium 'Pen Blue'

Eryngium × oliverianum

Eryngium bourgatii Graham Stuart Thomas's selection

Salvia yangii (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Cephalaria transylvanica

Erythrina crista-galli

Albizia julibrissin

Iochroma fuchsioides

Sonchus fruticosus

Verbascum roripifolium

Euphorbia 'Blue Dome'

Salvia 'Nachtvlinder'

Corydalis ochroleuca

Stipa gigantea

Origanum 'Kent Beauty'

Bougainvillea

Parahebe perfoliata

Geranium incanum

Part Two: Jack Wallington Shares Some of His Plants of the Moment

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Last week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis heard about Jack Wallington's new garden near Hebden Bridge. This week we're taking a trip through some of his favourite plants of the moment, from those he's grown from seed to new planty purchases.

PLANT LIST

Monarda didyma 'Panama'

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'

Astrantia

Pittosporum

Agapanthus

Eucalyptus

Foeniculum vulgare

Trachycarpus fortunei

Verbena bonariensis

Ricinus communis

Jacobaea vulgaris

Leucanthemum vulgare

Heracleum sphondylium

Vicia sepium

Geranium × oxonianum

Thalictrum Splendide White

Helenium 'Waltraut'

Dahlia 'Magenta Star'

Dahlia merckii

Dahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda'

Prunella vulgaris

Leucadendron argenteum

Ficus carica 'Jolly Tiger'

Part One: Jack Wallington on His New Garden

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:00:00 +0000

A brand new guest this week for The Talking Dirty Podcast. Jack Wallington is a horticultural powerhouse - Landscape Designer, Author and Wildflower lover - he's got heaps of enthusiasm and knowledge to share.

This week we get to hear about his new adventures near Hebden Bridge, the challenges of his new garden and how he incorporates Wildflowers into the mix.

Next week more wonders from Monardas to Dieramas and extra Wildflowers!

PLANT LIST

Allium porrum 'Musselburgh'

Allium porrum 'Saint Victor'

Pastinaca sativa

Allium schoenoprasum

Allium schoenoprasum 'Pink Bere'

Allium schoenoprasum 'Wallington White'

Allium schoenoprasum f. albiflorum

Allium stipitatum 'White Giant'

Allium stipitatum 'Mount Everest'

Brassica oleracea 'Red Russian'

Brassica oleracea 'Nero di Toscana'

Reseda luteola

Reseda odorata

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Diane'

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'

Persicaria amplexicaulis 'September Spires'

Part Two: Ben Preston on Root Cuttings, Salvias and Bargains!

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Following on from last week's exciting news about Cliff Bank Nursery, Ben Preston returns with part two of his podcast, packed with interesting plants and propagation tips!

PS: To read our Newsletter, head here: https://www.getgardeningnow.co.uk/newsletter

PLANT LIST

Hebe hulkeana

Hebe x fairfieldensis syn fairfieldii

Bergenia ciliata

Cyperus involucratus

Azolla

Salvia patens 'Cambridge Blue'

Salvia patens Giant Form

Salvia patens 'Guanajuato'

Salvia oxyphora

Salvia atrocyanea

Monarda 'Jacob Cline'

Monarda punctata

Echinacea pallida

Eryngium bourgatii

Eryngium alpinum

Romneya coulteri

Althaea cannabina

Silene 'Confetti'

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'

Heuchera 'Bronze Beauty'

Bupleurum rotundifolium 'Copper'

Impatiens niamniamensis

Impatiens kilimanjari

Dicksonia antarctica

Dryopteris filix-mas

Dahlia merckii 'Alba'

Ben Preston has exciting news!

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 19:00:00 +0000

He's back! York Gate Head Gardener Ben Preston returns to wow Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis with inspirational plants, plus some very exciting news!

Next week more wonders from New Zealand, Salvias and Monardas!

PLANT LIST

Lathyrus odoratus 'Betty Maiden'

Salvia atrocyanea

Dianthus 'Elizabethan Pink'

Geranium 'Rozanne'

Geranium wlassovianum 'Lakwijk Star'

Geranium 'Tiny Monster'

Geranium 'Dilys'

Dahlia 'Hadrian's Summerwine'

Dahlia 'Hadrian's Bubblegum'

Dahlia 'Magenta Star'

Dahlia merckii

Salvia microphylla 'Cerro Potosi'

Persicaria runcinata 'Purple Fantasy'

Rosa moyesii

Rosa glauca

Rosa 'Escimo'

Rosa 'A Shropshire Lad'

Muehlenbeckia astonii

Corokia cotoneaster 'Little Prince'

Jungle Garden Plants and Variegation with Philip Oostenbrink

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 19:00:00 +0000

He's back! Author of The Jungle Garden and Head Gardener at Walmer Castle, Philip Oostenbrink, is an authority on fabulous foliage. In this appearance on Talking Dirty he wows Alan Gray (East Ruston Old VIcarage) and Thordis with zany Zantedeschias and beguiling Boehmerias. Your FLOMO* list is sure to increase!

*FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Hakonechloa macra

Ophiopogon japonicus

Aspidistra elatior

Aspidistra sichuanensis

Convallaria majalis 'Ewa Witkowska'

Convallaria majalis 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold'

Ficus carica 'Jolly Tiger'

Sparmannia africana 'Variegata'

Yuzu

Musa 'Ae Ae'

Pilea umbrosa

Smallanthus maculatus

Smallanthus sonchifolius

Boehmeria nivea

Boehmeria platyphylla

Girardinia cuspidata/Laportea cuspidata

Oreocnide pedunculata

Manihot grahamii

Boehmeria nivea 'Solar Eclipse'

Zantedeschia 'White Giant'

Zantedeschia 'Hercules'

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'African Gold'

Actinidia kolomikta

Actinidia tetramera var. maloides

Cyrtomium fortunei var. clivicola

Brassaiopsis mitis

Brassaiopsis dumicola

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

Tetrapanax papyrifera 'Steroidal Giant'

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Di Sue Shan' BWJ12488

Trevesia palmata

Hibiscus cameronii

Persicaria virginiana 'Brushstrokes'

Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis 'Lance Corporal'

Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis 'Compton's Red'

Lobelia laxiflora var. angustifolia

Trachycarpus fortunei 'Variegata'

Brugmansias, Desert Plants & Climbers at East Ruston Old Vicarage

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Before we return to a string of wonderful guests from the horticultural world, we must take a moment to savour the treasures currently on show at East Ruston Old Vicarage, a thirty-two acre wonderland on the Norfolk coast.

From the big, bold and brilliant Brumansias to the tumble of climbers filling up the walls on the house and a look at some of the stars in the Desert Wash, owner Alan Gray is joined by Thordis for a meander through some of the best bits in the garden this summer.

PLANT LIST

Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes'

Heliotropium arborescens 'Lord Roberts'

Pelargonium 'Gazelle'

Erigeron karvinskianus 'Lavender Lady'

Petunia exserta

Verbena bonariensis

Eschscholzia californica

Lychnis coronaria

Geranium incanum

Aloiampelos striatula/Aloe striatula

Musa basjoo

Berkheya purpurea

Nolina longifolia

Echium pininana

Pelargonium 'Paul Crampel'

Lantana camara

Limnanthes douglasii

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'

Helichrysum

Lychnis coronaria 'Gardeners' World'

Astrantia 'Roma'

Astrantia major 'Ruby Wedding'

Astrantia major 'Shaggy'

Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'

Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Hosta plantaginea

Fuchsia microphylla ssp. hemsleyana 'Silver Lining'

Athyrium otophorum 'Okanum'

Blechnum chilense

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

Eragrostis 'Totnes Burgundy'

Phlebodium aureum 'Davana'

Coniogramme emeiensis

Dahlia 'Karma Choc'

Rosa x odorata 'Bengal Crimson'

Nicotiana glauca

Punica granatum

Abutilon 'Ashford Red'

Lobelia tupa

Dahlia coccinea

Cuphea ignea

Cuphea cyanea

Cuphea 'Roxy'

Vitis coignetiae

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

Salvia patens 'Giant form'

Phuopsis stylosa

Begonia rex 'Black Knight'

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Pink Chaos'

Adiantum venustum

Solenostemon Kong Series

Impatiens walleriana/Impatiens sultanii

Val Bourne Part Two: Roses, Clematis and Self-Seeders

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Award-winning garden writer and organic gardener Val Bourne returns with part two of her Talking Dirty Podcast appearance.

After a tour of the Hoverfly-friendly plants in her garden and her shoehorn method of gardening, this week we chat through some of her favourite Roses, Clematis and an array of Self-Seeders which make themselves at home in her plot.

PLANT LIST

Erigeron annuus

Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum

Linaria triornithophora

Centranthus lecoqii

Catananche caerulea

Lysimachia punctata

Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

Aconitum 'Spark's Variety'

Geranium pratense

Leucanthemum vulgare

Anthoxanthum odoratum, Sweet Vernal Grass

Cynosurus cristatus, Crested Dog's-Tail

Rhinanthus minor

Pilosella (Hieracium) aurantiaca

Lathyrus grandiflorus

Rosa 'Adélaïde d'Orléans'

Rosa 'Bobbie James'

Rosa 'American Pillar'

Rosa filipes 'Kiftsgate'

Rosa 'Goldfinch'

Clematis 'Polish Spirit'

Clematis 'Étoile Violette'

Clematis 'Prince Charles'

Clematis 'Alba Luxurians'

Rosa 'Cornelia'

Rosa bracteata

Rosa 'For Your Eyes Only'

Rose 'Chawton Cottage'

Rosa 'Bonica'

Rosa 'Astra Desmond'

Rosa 'Koko Loko'

Rosa 'Champagne Moment'

Heuchera 'Bronze Beauty'

Bupleurum rotundifolium 'Copper'

Lathyrus sativus

Buddleja davidii

Buddleja x weyeriana 'Pink Pagoda'

Escallonia 'Iveyi'

Philadelphus 'Casa Azul'

Philadelphus 'Manteau d'Hermine'

Philadelphus 'Sybille'

Crocosmia 'Miss Scarlet'

Crocosmia 'Bright Eyes'

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie'

Kniphofia 'David Blake'

Sparrmannia africana

Sparrmannia africana 'Variegata'

Val Bourne Part One: Hoverfly Plants, from Astrantias to Eryngiums

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 19:00:00 +0000

We always love welcoming award-winning garden writer Val Bourne back onto the Talking Dirty Podcast.

This week she shares some of her organic methods with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis, as she takes us on a tour through her Hoverfly friendly plants, and explains why these particular pollinators are essential in the garden.

PLANT LIST

Helianthus 'Lemon Queen'

Dactylorhiza

Orlaya grandiflora

Seseli hippomarathrum

Torilis arvensis

Eryngium giganteum

Eryngium 'Blue Waves'

Eryngium × zabelii 'Big Blue'

Eryngium × oliverianum

Astrantia major Gill Richardson Group

Astrantia major 'Shaggy'

Astrantia 'Buckland'

Galanthus plicatus 'Diggory'

Galanthus 'Wasp'

Astrantia 'Roma'

Astrantia major 'Ruby Wedding'

Astrantia 'Hadspen Blood'

Knautia macedonica

Knautia arvensis

Knautia macedonica 'Melton Pastels'

Scabiosa columbaria

Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'

Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Blue Wonder'

Drought Plants & Small Garden Trees with Matt Collins of the Garden Museum

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:00:00 +0000

If you love to sit down with articles about gardening, then you've undoubtedly read something beautiful penned by this week's guest on The Talking Dirty Podcast. Matt Collins writes for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Hortus, Toast...the list goes on and on. Somehow he also devotes his time to being Head Gardener for The Garden Museum in London and this week he's sharing his story, planting schemes from the Museum and inspiration for his own new garden, with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis.

PLANT LIST

Narcissus 'Cedric Morris'

Ribes sanguineum 'Koja'

Dahlia tampaulipana

Dahlia imperialis

Dahlia tenuicaulis

Lonicera nitida

Plantago media

Geranium palmatum

Geranium maderense

Sisyrinchium striatum

Phlomis russeliana

Digitalis canariensis

Teucrium fruticans

Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl'

Vitex

Crambe maritima

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'

Nepeta × faassenii

Sorbus aria

Pulsatilla vulgaris

Iris 'Benton Olive'

Iris 'Benton Farewell'

Iris 'Benton Evora'

Cercis canadensis

Cercis siliquastrum

Crataegus × lavalleei 'Carrierei'

Rosa 'Jacqueline du Pré'

Rosa 'A Shropshire Lad'

Abutilon 'Orange Hot Lava'

Passiflora × exoniensis

Passiflora caerulea

Passiflora × violacea 'Victoria'

Bearded Iris Special with Chris Davey of Seagate Nurseries

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:00:00 +0000

As we all swoon at the sight of Bearded Irises having their moment in the spotlight, we thought it was time we caught up with one of the specialist nurseries selling hundreds of varieties of these eye-catching plants.

Chris Davey may have only taken on Seagate in the last few years, but his knowledge and enthusiasm shine through. Get ready for a look at some very tempting varieties, plus get inspiration for ways to incorporate Bearded Irises into your planting schemes. And it's not just Bearded Irises up for discussion, we stray into sibiricas and even into completely different plant groups!

PLANT LIST

Tulipa sprengeri

Iris 'Syncopation'

Iris 'Pirate's Quest'

Iris 'Petite Monet'

Iris 'Maslon'

Iris 'Mrs Alan Gray'

Iris germanica

Iris 'Braithwaite'

Iris 'Thornbird'

Dahlia 'Café au Lait'

Iris 'Shadow of the Almighty'

Allium sphaerocephalon

Sparaxis

Iris 'Langport Storm'

Iris 'Jane Phillips'

Iris 'English Cottage'

Iris 'Dawn of Fall'

Iris 'Bethany Claire'

Iris 'Autumn Tryst'

Nerine

Amarine

Iris sibirica 'White Swirl'

Iris 'Sparkling Rose'

Iris 'Caesar's Brother'

Iris 'Bangles'

Iris 'Steve'

Salvia aurea 'Kirstenbosch'

Geranium phaeum 'Wendy's Blush'

Salvia forreri

Salvia patens 'Giant Form'

Iris 'Dusky Challenger'

Rosa 'Jacqueline du Pré'

Rosa 'Mannington Mauve Rambler'

Rosa 'William III'

Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'

Salvia concolor

Part Two: Holboellias, Fuchsias & More Fab Foliage with Crûg Farm Plants

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Talking Dirty favourites Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones of Crûg Farm Plants return to the podcast with an awe-inspiring array of plants to Show and Tell. After a first instalment packed with Rodgersias, Illiciums and Polygonatums, the pair regale us with yet more gorgeous plants and tips on how to grow them.

PLANT LIST

Lindera triloba

Lindera obtusiloba

Hylomecon japonica

Hylomecon hylomeconoides

Asarum

Saruma henryi

Aristolochia manshuriensis

Thalictrum filamentosum

Thalictrum tuberosum

Thalictrum delavayi var. decorum

Thalictrum omeiense

Berberis amurensis v. latifolia

Sorbus ulleungensis

Dystaenia takisimana

Ligularia japonica 'Rising Sun'

Disporum longistylum

Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron'

Disporum longistylum 'Green Giant'

Polygonatum zanlanscianense

Polygonatum multiflorum

Polygonatum multiflorum 'Betberg'

Fuchsia boliviensis v. luxurians

Fuchsia 'Silver Lining'

Neolitsea sericea

Viburnum awabuki

Euonymus clivicola

Engelhardia spicata

Albizia julibrissin

Schefflera macrophylla

Rubus pectinellus var. trilobus

Impatiens omeiana 'Ice Storm'

Streptopus amplexicaulis

Begonia baviensis

Fuchsia cordata

Fuchsia splendens

Artistes ecklonii

Holboellia brachyandra

Holboellia latifolia

Akebia quinata

Libertia chilensis

Holboellia latifolia subsp. chartacea dark flowered

Part One: Rodgersia, Illicium & Polygonatum with Crûg Farm Plants

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Talking Dirty favourites Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones of Crûg Farm Plants return to the podcast with an awe-inspiring array of plants to Show and Tell. Part Two has yet more treats in store from Fuchsias to Neolitsea to Impatiens.

PLANT LIST

Rodgersia podophylla 'Crûg Colossus'

Actinidia kolomikta

Actinidia kolomikta 'Tomoko'

Actinidia kolomikta 'Yazuaki'

Schizophragma integrifolium

Hydrangea petiolaris v. megaphylla

Parthenocissus

Polygonatum mengtzense f. tonkinense

Disporopsis pernyi

Viola sororia 'Freckles'

Roscoea cautleyoides

Roscoea cautleyoides 'Reinier'

Roscoea cautleyoides 'Jeffrey Thomas'

Roscoea australis

Saxifraga hirsuta

Mahonia subimbricata

Geranium sanguineum 'Jubilee Pink'

Rodgersia nepalensis

Illicium simonsii

Illicium macranthum

Geranium christensenianum

Geranium procurrens

Rodgersia sambucifolia

Rodgersia pinnata 'Crûg Cardinal'

Illicium merrillianum

Euphorbia donii

Smyrnium perfoliatum

Anemone rivularis

Anemone leveillei

Styrax formosanus

Styrax japonica

Maianthemum aff. salvinii

The Chelsea Flower Show 2022: Over 80 of our Favourite Plants

Thu, 26 May 2022 15:45:00 +0000

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the greatest flower shows on earth and a highlight of the horticultural calendar. Here on Talking Dirty we get just as excited about it as everybody else and - as you'd expect - we've been lapping up all the plants and combinations!

So, fresh from Main Avenue and the Great Pavilion, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are here to share their favourites from across the show. And, as you can see from the plant list, there was plenty to catch their eyes!

#rhschelsea #chelseaflowershow #gardendesign

PLANT LIST

x Semponium 'Destiny'

Aeonium 'Sunburst'

Aeonium 'Kiwi'

Aeonium 'Schwarzkopf'

x Semponium 'Sienna'

Agave univittata 'Quadricolor'

Agave victoriae-reginae

Aeonium 'Green Tea'

Aeonium tabuliforme

Clivia miniata 'Steve's Pastel Green Throat'

Clivia miniata 'Hirao'

Petunia exserta

Begonia sutherlandii 'Saunder's Legacy'

Begonia 'Regal Minuet'

Begonia 'Namur'

Begonia 'Helter Skelter'

Streptocarpus saxorum

Nasturtium 'Baby Rose'

Hosta 'Wheee!'Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Hedera helix 'Pink 'n' Curly'

Delphinium elatum 'Ruby Wedding'

Primula japonica 'Miller's Crimson'

Adiantum aleuticum 'Imbricatum'

Iris 'Mrs Alan Gray'

Selaginella kraussiana

Soleirolia soleirolii

Blechnum chilense

Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'

Anemone leveillei

Cercis siliquastrum

Lamium orvala

Digitalis 'Glory of Roundway'

Acer davidii

Lychnis fos-cuculi ‘Alba’

Rosa glauca

Baptisia ‘Twilight’

Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’

Baptisia ‘Dutch Chocolate’

Leucanthemum vulgare

Euphorbia palustris

Smyrnium perfoliatum

Nicotiana langsdorffii

Campanula patula

Verbena 'Bampton'

Acaena microphylla

Stipa gigantea

Eschscholzia californica 'Ivory Castle'

Salvia 'Violette De Loire'

Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

Eschscholzia californica 'Thai Silk' Series

Papaver somniferum 'Lauren's Grape'

Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus

Echium ‘Red Feather’

Bupleurum longifolium 'Aureum'

Centranthus ruber var. coccineus

Centaurea 'Jordy'

Rose 'Dusky Maiden'

Rosa 'Jacqueline du Pré'

Anchusa 'Loddon Royalist'

Geum 'Mai Tai'

Iris 'Blue Rhythm'

Salvia nemorosa ‘Crystal Blue’

Salvia nemorosa 'Blue Hills'

Aquilegia 'Ruby Port'

Briza media

Briza media 'Limouzi'

Peony 'Dark Eyes'

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rubenza'

Verbascum 'Petra'

Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba'

Luzula nivea

Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud'

Galactites tomentosa

Galactites tomentosa 'Alba'

Parrotia persica

Centaurea 'Purple Heart'

Lupinus 'Masterpiece'

Gladiolus colvillei 'The Bride'

Prunus lusitanica

Part Two: Camassias, Cornus & Wheel Trees with Plantsman Ian Roofe

Wed, 25 May 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Time for more wonderful plants with our Get Gardening co-conspirator Ian Roofe. He's Alan's right-hand man at East Ruston Old Vicarage and, at home, gardens a small plot in Norfolk (alongside stashing quite a lot of plants at his parents garden!)

This week we've got a wonderful mix from shrubs to bulbs to Roses...

PLANT LIST

Deutzia gracilis 'Nikko'

Camassia quamash

Camassia leichtlinii subsp. leichtlinii

Haloragis erecta 'Wellington Bronze'

Hardenbergia violacea

Acanthus sennii

Lonicera x 'Clavey's Dwarf'

Clematis viticella

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Mariesii'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus kousa 'Venus'

Cornus kousa 'China Girl'

Rosa 'Climbing Pompon de Paris'

Clematis tangutica

Dianthus 'Chomley Farran'

Trochodendron aralioides

Schefflera taiwaniana

Rhaphithamnus spinosus

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea'

Rosa moyesii 'Geranium'

Euphorbia characias

Aconitum 'Bressingham Spire'

Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'

Rosa Mundi

Trachycarpus fortunei

Ferula communis

Part One: Tulips, Wallflowers and Wisteria with Plantsman Ian Roofe

Wed, 18 May 2022 19:00:00 +0000

He's back! Our original Get Gardening co-conspirator and Alan Gray's right-hand man at East Ruston Old Vicarage, Ian Roofe, returns to Talking Dirty. As ever he's brought his floral A-Game so expect plenty of seasonal inspiration from climbers to bulbs to perennials. Next week Camassias, Cornus and super shrubs!

PLANT LIST

Holboellia latifolia

Crataegus prunifolia

Wisteria floribunda 'Black Dragon'

Wisteria floribunda 'Macrobotrys'

Wisteria floribunda 'Lipstick'

Hyacinthoides non-scripta 'Bracteata'

Tulipa 'Amber Glow'

Tulipa 'Continental'

Tulipa 'Doll's Minuet'

Smyrnium perfoliatum

Helleborus foetidus 'Yellow Wilgenbroek'

Lunaria annua 'Somerset Marble'

Lunaria annua 'Chedglow'

Lunaria annua 'Corfu Blue'

Lunaria rediviva

Erysimum 'Apricot Twist'

Erysimum 'Red Jep'

Erysimum 'Ruston Coppernob'

Erysimum cheiri 'Harpur Crewe'

Erysimum 'Lady Roborough'

Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'

Erysimum 'Ruston Royal'

Centaurea 'Jordy'

Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart'

Centaurea montana

Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

Part Two: Tom Attwood of Abi and Tom's Garden Plants

Wed, 11 May 2022 19:00:00 +0000

This week we continue our chat with Tom Attwood of Abi and Tom's Garden Plants. From the oddities being grown 'round the back' to the exotic plant Tom is deserate to have success with, it's a foray into a wonderful range of plants, from Tulips to Wallflowers to Abutilons.

PLANT LIST

Veronica gentianoides Dark Form

Papaver commutatum

Tulipa 'Gudoshnik'

Tulipa 'Valdivia'

Tulipa sprengeri

Cardiocrinum giganteum

Erysimum 'Ruston Coppernob'

Erysimum 'Ruston Royal'

Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'

Colocasia esculenta

Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'

Canna 'Durban'

Manihot grahamii

Abutilon vitifolium

Clianthus puniceus

Corynabutilon × suntense 'Jermyns'

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii

Part One: Tom Attwood of Abi and Tom's Garden Plants

Wed, 04 May 2022 19:00:00 +0000

This week on Talking Dirty we're getting to know Tom Attwood of Abi and Tom's Garden Plants (and Gardens Illustrated etc. From a childhood gardening with his Mum, to time at Kew and the creation of the Plant Centre and Nursery he runs with his wife, he shares his horticultural passion. Plus some of his favourite plants. Next week we talk Tulips and FLOMO*

*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Yakushima rhododendron

Pelargonium 'Babylon'

Cordyline indivisa

Cordyline australis

Viburnum betulifolia

Part Two: Designing with Interesting Shrubs - Annie Guilfoyle, Garden Masterclass

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Time for Part Two of our chat with Garden Designer Annie Guilfoyle. We continue her appreciation of interesting shrubs for all gardens, but also take a meander through some interesting bulbs and a naughty climber!

PLANT LIST

Gomphostigma virgatum

Rosa 'Madge'

Exochorda × macrantha 'The Bride'

Epimedium × warleyense 'Orangekönigin'

Narcissus 'Petrel'

Narcissus 'Thalia'

Narcissus 'Silver Chimes'

Narcissus 'Hawera'

Narcissus 'Rataplan'

Hyacinthoides non-scripta 'Bracteata'

Gladiolus tristis

Gladiolus dalenii

Holboellia latifolia

Hesperantha coccinea

Primula vulgaris 'Avondale'

Primula 'Wanda Hose-in-hose'

Primula 'Wanda'

Eremurus 'White Beauty Favourite'

Part One: Designing with Interesting Shrubs - Annie Guilfoyle, Garden Masterclass

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Here on The Talking Dirty Podcast we are unashamedly plant-mad! Alan Gray has filled 32 acres at East Ruston Old Vicarage with interesting varieties and combinations (and Thordis dreams of doing the same!)

In our pursuit of the beautiful and unique, certain groups of plants can get overlooked and we suspect some shrubs have been in that category. Well, no more! Because Garden Designer Annie Guilfoyle is a champion of using interesting shrubs in your garden, and practises what she preaches by growing many in her own tiny plot. This first part of her Talking Dirty appearance feature some she would recommend the highest.

In Part Two we'll cover Narcissi, a slightly naughty climber and FLOMO* of course.

*FLoral or plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Arum italicum 'Pictum'

Narcissus 'Golden Ducat'

Narcissus 'Silver Chimes'

Correa 'Marian's Marvel'

Correa backhouseana

Correa reflexa x alba 'Lemon Twist'

Olearia ilicifolia

Olearia × mollis 'Zennorensis'

Olearia macrodonta

Viburnum × burkwoodii

RHS Garden Wisley Curator Matt Pottage on his New Book and Office Plants

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 19:00:00 +0000

It's a long overdue return for Matthew Pottage on The Talking Dirty Podcast this week. Matt joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to chat about his new book, 'How to Garden when you Rent' and share some Show and Tell from his office at RHS Garden Wisley. He's sure to leave us all with FLOMO*!

*FLoral or plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Luma apiculata

Leptinella

Lobelia pedunculata (Syn. Pratia pedunculata)

Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Nanouk’

Tradescantia fluminensis 'Maiden's Blush'

Fallopia baldschuanica

Pinus coulteri

Sansevieria trifasciata 'Bantel's Sensation'

Aloe erinacea

Schlumbergera 'Norris Variegated'

Phlebodium aureum 'Davana'

Opuntia cantabrigiensis

Opuntia microdasys

Lycopodium squarrosum

Blechnum chilense

Pyrrosia sheareri

Cordyline australis 'Charlie Boy'

Lapageria rosea

Spring Pots - from Hyacinths to Tulips with Dan Cooper, The Frustrated Gardener

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 19:00:00 +0000

You know Alan Gray and Thordis adore an underloved plant on Talking Dirty - and this week's guest is the same. Dan Cooper is shining the spotlight on Hyacinths this week, plus Tulips, Narcissi and lots of other seasonal lovelies.

And, as his new business Dan Cooper Garden launches, we're keen to hear about what he's got in store for us, from tools and bulbs to some great articles packed with advice. In fact Alan is so taken with one item from the Dan Cooper range that he forgets the flowers when it comes to his FLOMO*, though don't worry we still managed to pack in lots of plants (as that plant list testifies!)

*FLoral or plant-based fear Of Missing Out

PLANT LIST

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gipsy Queen'

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Anastasia'

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Woodstock'

Hyacinthus 'Dark Dimension'

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Miss Saigon'

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Jan Bos'

Hyacinthus orientalis 'City of Haarlem'

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Carnegie'

Tulip 'Attila Graffiti'

Iris latifolia

Gladiolus cardinalis

Tulipa 'Purissima'

Tulipa 'Queen of Night'

Tulipa 'Negrita'

Tulipa 'Triple A'

Tulipa 'Exotic Emperor'

Tulipa 'Muscadet'

Spiraea 'Arguta'

Fritillaria imperialis

Tropaeolum brachyceras

Tropaeolum tricolor

Tropaeolum pentaphyllum

Narcissus 'Barrett Browning'

Narcissus 'Mrs Langtry'

Narcissus 'Insulinde'

Narcissus 'Van Sion'

Jacobinia pauciflora

Correa reflexa x alba 'Lemon Twist'

Rhododendron 'Christmas Cheer'

Spring Show & Tell from Alan and Thordis

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 19:00:00 +0000

When we prepared to launch our Newsletter and asked what Talking Dirty listeners wanted from it, there was a big call for Show and Tell from Alan Gray and Thordis. So, in a pause between our usual guest-focussed podcasts, they're talking about some of their favourites in the garden at the moment, including selections for Thordis' new raised shade bed.

From Corydalis to Ficaria, Primulas, Pulmonarias and Narcissi, there's planty inspiration a-plenty.

To read our Newsletter and subscribe, head here: https://www.getgardeningnow.co.uk/newsletter

PLANT LIST

Begonia listada

Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery'

Begonia 'Black Knight'

Cyathea brownii

Pulmonaria 'Blue Pearl'

Geranium phaeum 'Brundall Gold'

Milium effusum 'Aureum'

Eragrostis curvula 'Totnes Burgundy'

Ficaria verna 'Crimson Damson'

Ficaria verna 'Coppernob'

Ficaria verna 'Lambrook Variegated'

Cyclamen coum

Heptacodium miconioides

Ranunculus ficaria 'Blueberries and Cream'

Corydalis solida 'Beth Evans'

Anemone blanda 'White Splendour'

Corydalis 'Tory MP'

Corydalis calycosa

Chrysosplenium macrophyllum

Primula vulgaris 'Taigetos'

Primula 'Francisca'

Primula 'Barnhaven Blues'

Primula 'Tomato Red'

Narcissus cyclamineus

Narcissus bulbocodium

Narcissus bulbocodium 'Arctic Bells'

Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana'

Anemone nemorosa 'Vestal'

Salix gracilistyla 'Mount Aso'

Narcissus 'Beryl'

Narcissus 'Cantabile'

Lamium orvala

Hosta 'War Paint'

Primula 'Guinevere' or 'Garryard Guinivere'

Lunaria 'Somerset Marble'

Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'

Primula auricula 'Marie Crousse'

Primula vulgaris subsp. sibthorpii

Primula 'Tie Dye'

Primula auricula 'Blue Denim'

Primula 'Jack-in-the-Green group'

Tulipa sprengeri

Impatiens flanaganiae

Part Two of The Picton Garden - Spring Treasures (Helen Picton & Ross Barbour)

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Last week we revelled in Irises, Crocuses and Ficaria with Helen and Ross from The Picton Garden and Old Court Nurseries. This week on The Talking Dirty Podcast, it's Ferns, Epimediums, Narcissi and Spring Shrubs. It is amazing the amount of treasures the pair fit into their two acres...I mean, just check out that plant list...

PLANT LIST

Polypodium cambricum 'Richard Kayse'

Polypodium cambricum 'Pulcherrimum Addison'

Polypodium cambricum 'Semilacerum falcatum O'Kelly'

Woodwardia unigemmata

Blechnum chilense

Narcissus cyclamineus 'Beauté de Gravesend'

Selaginella kraussiana

Narcissus pseudonarcissus var. porrigens

Narcissus 'Alec Gray'

Narcissus 'Candlepower'

Narcissus 'Winter Waltz'

Narcissus 'February Gold'

Narcissus 'Snook'

Narcissus 'Papa Snoz'

Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'

Narcissus 'Medway Gold'

Narcissus 'Gale Force'

Cardamine quinquefolia

Epimedium 'Black Sea'

Epimedium 'Rhubarb and Custard'

Epimedium 'Spine Tingler'

Epimedium 'Amber Queen'

Epimedium 'Buckland Spider'

Epimedium 'Pink Champagne'

Ypsilandra thibetica

Leucojum vernum var. carpathicum

Stachyurus Praecox

Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'

Daphne bholua 'Mary Rose'

Narcissus 'Mitzy'

Hepatica nobilis 'Cremar'

Acer × conspicuum 'Phoenix'

Acer griseum

Part One of The Picton Garden - Spring Treasures (Helen Picton & Ross Barbour)

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:00:00 +0000

This week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis welcome Helen Picton and Ross Barbour of The Picton Garden and Old Court Nurseries to The Talking Dirty Podcast.

Famous for their Michaelmas daisies, Helen and Ross have added collections of Snowdrops, Ferns and Succulents to the already bountiful Picton Garden. And they have an array of Spring beauties to share in this episode, from Iris to Crocus to Ficaria. Next week we'll move onto Ferns, Epimediums, Narcissi and Spring Shrubs.

PLANT LIST

Galanthus 'Prague Spring'

Galanthus 'Veronica Cross'

Galanthus 'Lord Lieutenant'

Galanthus 'Ransom's Dwarf'

Anemone blanda 'Ingramii' CEH.626

Galanthus sandersii

Crocus tommasinianus

Crocus heuffelianus 'Silvery Wonder'

Crocus vernus

Crocus heuffelianus 'Shock Wave'

Galanthus 'Heffalump'

Galanthus 'Treasure Island'

Galanthus 'Long John Silver'

Galanthus 'Pieces of Eight'

Galanthus 'Wasp'

Ribes laurifolium 'Mrs Amy Doncaster'

Helleborus 'HGC Pink Frost'

Iris unguicularis

Iris unguicularis 'Peloponnese Snow'

Iris unguicularis 'Walter Butt'

Iris unguicularis 'Diana Clare'

Iris lazica

Ficaria verna 'Coppernob'

Ficaria verna 'Brazen Hussy'

Ficaria verna 'Double Mud'

Ficaria verna 'Crimson Damson'

Ficaria verna 'Magnum'

Arum italicum

Arum 'Monksilver'

Part Two of Super Spring Plants with Val Bourne, Organic Gardener and Writer

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 19:00:00 +0000

After a first instalment packed with Snowdrops, Primulas and Cardamine, get ready for even more early-Spring inspiration from Organic Gardener Val Bourne, including Narcissi, Hamamelis, Hellebores and Hepaticas!

In this episode we mention our new Newsletter. To sign up to it and read the first instlament which went out a few weeks ago, head here:

https://www.getgardeningnow.co.uk/newsletter

PLANT LIST

Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'

Narcissus 'Candlepower'

Narcissus 'Navarre'

Narcissus 'Jumblie'

Narcissus cyclamineus

Chimonanthus praecox

Hamamelis × intermedia 'Aurora'

Hamamelis × intermedia 'Pallida'

Prunus 'Kursar'

Ribes laurifolium

Galanthus 'South Hayes'

Helleborus 'Penny's Pink'

Helleborus 'Anna's Red'

Polypodium cambricum

Polypodium cambricum 'Richard Kayse'

Hepatica 'Kilmeston Pink'

Hepatica transsilvanica 'Elison Spence'

Hepatica nobilis

Hepatica x media 'Harvington Beauty'

Hepatica transsilvanica

Leucojum vernum var. vernum 'Green Lantern'

Leucojum vernum var. vagneri 'Janus'

Miersia chilensis

Galanthus 'Bumblebee'

Galanthus plicatus 'Diggory'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece'

Galanthus 'Treasure Island'

Galanthus gracilis

Galanthus 'Little Dorrit'

Galanthus 'Chantry Poppet'

Galanthus 'Bambino'

Galanthus 'Cherub'

Galanthus nivalis 'Lady Putman'

Cyclamen coum 'Tilebarn Elizabeth'

Crocus heuffelianus

Crocus rujanensis 'Belphoebe'

Galanthus elwesii 'Broadwell'

Part One of Super Spring Plants with Val Bourne, Organic Gardener and Writer

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 19:00:00 +0000

At a time when there's so much sadness in the world, we can count on Val Bourne to raise our spirits. The award-winning garden writer brings some inspiring later-Winter/early-Spring plants including Galanthus, Primula and Cardamine to the podcast. And she even hits upon Alan Gray's favourite Crocus!

Part Two will include Narcissi, Hamamelis, Hellebores and Hepaticas!

PLANT LIST

Crocus tommasinianus 'Bobbo'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Tears'

Galanthus nivalis 'Green Tear'

Galanthus 'Green of Hearts'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trym'

Galanthus 'Trumps'

Galanthus 'Trym Baby'

Galanthus x valentinei 'Chameleon'

Galanthus 'Midas'

Galanthus plicatus 'Wendy's Gold'

Crocus 'Vanguard'

Crocus 'Yalta'

Primula 'Barbara Midwinter'

Iris unguicularis 'Abington Purple'

Iris unguicularis 'Walter Butt'

Iris unguicularis 'Mary Barnard'

Iris 'Lady Beatrix Stanley'

Iris 'Katherine's Gold'

Iris 'Sheila Ann Germany'

Iris 'Frank Elder'

Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin'

Iris lazica

Cardamine quinquefolia

Galanthus 'Rodmarton Arcturus'

Galanthus 'Rodmarton Regulus'

Galanthus 'Rodmarton Sirius'

Galanthus plicatus 'Amy Doncaster'

Galanthus plicatus 'Augustus'

All About Houseplants with Jane Perrone, Host of 'On The Ledge'

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 19:00:00 +0000

This week it's time to shelter inside and focus on our houseplants as Talking Dirty catches up with podcasting legend Jane Perrone. Host of 'On The Ledge', the foremost houseplant podcast, Jane has been growing plants (both indoors and out) all her life. And she's learned some awesome tips along the way.

From why the plants you buy might be hard to look after, to some different varieties to try, plus propagation advice and even - heading outside - a great dry shade recommendation!

PLANT LIST

Oxalis corymbosa aureo-reticulata

Smithiantha cinnabarina

Kohleria eriantha

Achimenes erecta

Oxalis triangularis

Calathea orbifolia

Kalanchoe 'Dolly'

Sansevieria bella

× Gasteraloe

Opuntia monacantha f. monstruosa variegata

Opuntia microdasys

Aporocactus flagelliformis syn. Disocactus flagelliformis

Cleistocactus colademononis

Rhipsalis paradoxa

Medinilla magnifica

Saintpaulia ionantha

Clivia miniata

Episcia dianthiflora

Begonia soli-mutata

Begonia erythrophylla

Davallia canariensis

Aeschynanthus longicaulis 'Black Pagoda'

Platycerium bifurcatum

× Fatshedera lizei

Pileostegia viburnoides

Soleirolia soleirolii 'Aurea'

Phlebodium aureum

Blechnum chilense

Pilea peperomiodes

Cymbalaria muralis

Helleborus foetidus

Soleirolia soleirolii 'Aurea'

Viola hederacea

Awesome Aroids & Tree Fern Inspiration with Jack Ogg of York Gate Garden

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Perhaps you're already all about Aroids, but - if not - get ready to be converted with Jack Ogg, Senior Gardener at York Gate Garden. From Arum to Arisaema, Sauromatum to Dracunculus we take a tour through some of Jack's favourites, plus lots of other stunning plants he's growing at York Gate and in his own garden. There is so much inspiration for, not only new plants to try, but new ways of growing them too.

PLANT LIST

Arisaema griffithii

Arisaema intermedium

Ophrys tenthredinifera

Dactylorhiza

Miersia chilensis

Bowiea volubilis

Arum maculatum

Arum concinnatum

Arum italicum subsp. italicum 'Marmoratum'

Arum italicum 'Pictum'

Arum maculatum

Arum concinnatum

Arum pictum

Arum pictum ssp. sagittifolium

Gethyum atropurpureum

Amorphophallus titanum

Impatiens sodenii

Impatiens pseudoviola

Impatiens kilimanjari subsp. kilimanjari

Impatiens flanaganae

Impatiens arguta 'Blue Dream'

Tillandsia bergeri

Streptocarpus dunnii

Remusatia pumila

Sauromatum venosum

Sauromatum venosum 'Lake Tana'

Dracunculus vulgaris

Dracunculus canariensis

Arum dioscoridis var. syriacum

Sauromatum venosum 'Indian Giant'

Rafflesia arnoldii

Fuchsia procumbens

Symplocarpus foetidus

Sauromatum horsfieldii

Sauromatum horsfieldii ‘Lancelot’

Helicodiceros muscivorus

Snowdrops, Scilla and Teasels with Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 19:00:00 +0000

He's back! Mr Snowdrop returns with some choice Galanthus and other seasonal treasures. There are some great tips for splitting your Snowdrops and insight into chipping them as well (though he's joking about that garlic crusher!)

PLANT LIST

Cyclamen elegans

Scilla mischtschenkoana 'Tubergeniana'

Scilla mischtschenkoana 'Zwanenburg'

Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie'

Galanthus elwesii 'Barnes'

Galanthus plicatus 'Three Ships'

Galanthus plicatus 'Glenorma'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trym'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trimmer'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trymlet'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece'

Lunaria annua 'Variegata'

Lonicera elisae

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Hosoba Kokurya'/'Black Needles'

Galanthus elwesii 'Kencot Ripple'

Galanthus elwesii 'Grumpy'

Galanthus 'Curse of the Were Rabbit'

Galanthus 'Ivington Green'

Galanthus plicatus 'Diggory'

Narcissus 'Cedric Morris'

Narcissus pallidiflorus

Hedera hibernica 'Angularis Aurea'

Hedera algeriensis 'Gloire de Marengo'

Arum italicum 'Pictum'

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'

Ribes sanguineum

Tropaeolum smithii

Corydalis linstowiana

Crocus tommasinianus

Eranthis hyemalis 'Zitronenfalter'

Galanthus 'David Quinton'

Galanthus nivalis 'Fee Clochette'

Ilex aquifolium 'Joe Sharman'

Dipsacus fullonum

Dipsacus laciniatus

Dipsacus pilosus

Dipsacus strigosus

Parrotia persica

Corylopsis pauciflora

Narcissus jacetanus 'Lionel Bacon'

Narcissus 'Navarre'

Sensational Semponiums and Multi-coloured Aeoniums with Surreal Succulents (Part 2)

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 19:00:00 +0000

It's time for Part Two of our extravaganza with Dan and Mark from Surreal Succulents. In Part One we heard about the Semponium origin story and now we get to meet the whole family, including those not yet launched. Then, in a FLOMO feature quite unlike any other, we're wowed by the multi-coloured Aeoniums on wishlists the world over.

By the end of the podcast Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis had quite the shopping list. And we're sure you'll feel the same. So, as ever, here's the plant list for the episode to help you with your planty purchases.

PLANT LIST

Aloe polyphylla

Aeonium ‘Pomegranate’

x Semponium 'Sienna'

x Semponium ‘Halo’

x Semponium ‘Mrs Frosty’

x Semponium ‘Diamond’

x Semponium ‘Vortex’

x Semponium ‘Destiny’

Aeonium ‘Ice Warrior’

Aeonium smithii

Aeonium 'Velour'

Haworthia limifolia f. variegata

Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony’

Aeonium ‘Phoenix Flame’

Echeveria ‘Rainbow’

Oxalis palmifrons

Cotyledon ladismithiensis variegata (Bear paws)

Aeonium ‘Medusa’

Aeonium ‘Kilimanjaro’

Aeonium 'Meiya'

Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’

Aeonium ‘Schwarzkopf Variegata’

Awe-inspiring Aeoniums and Excellent Echeveria with Surreal Succulents

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Strap yourself in and get ready for an exhilirating ride with Dan and Mark from Surreal Succulents. Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis first met the pair at The Chelsea Flower Show and now they're ready to unleash their inspiring plants on this podcast. From awe-inspiring Aeoniums to exciting Echeveria, plus great tips on how to care for and propagate them, you're sure to be squealing with delight and laughing loudly at the lads' antics along the way!

In fact there were so many plants, and we had so much fun, we decided to make the podcast a two-parter for fear of losing any on the cutting room floor.

Next week...whisper it quietly...Semponiums aplenty!

PLANT LIST

Aeonium ‘Schwarzkopf’

Aeonium 'Voodoo'

Aeonium ‘Pomegranate’

Grammatophyllum scriptum var. citrinum

Aeonium ‘Cyclops’

Aeonium undulatum

Aeonium nobile

Aeonium tabuliforme

Aeonium glandulosum

Aeonium tabuliforme f. variegata

Aeonium tabuliforme x nobile

Brahea armata

Echeveria elegans

Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony’

Echeveria gibbiflora

Echeveria ‘Linguas’

Yucca rostrata

Yucca thompsoniana

Echeveria colorata ‘Desert Harmony’

Echeveria 'Moonshadow'

Echeveria ‘Chrissy n Ryan’ cristata

Echeveria laui

Echeveria agavoides ‘Romeo’

Echeveria ‘Pink Champagne’

Fab Foliage - from Aspidistra to Farfugium - with author of The Jungle Garden, Philip Oostenbrink

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0000

This week author of 'The Jungle Garden' Philip Oostenbrink joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to share some of the treasures from his garden. Holder of four National Collections, lover of all things variegated and a great plantsman, this podcast is an adventure through fabulous foliage plants and is packed with inspiration for your plot.

PLANT LIST

Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'

Ophiopogon japonicus

Aspidistra elatior 'Équinoxe'

Convallaria majalis 'Jentsch's Triumph'

Convallaria majalis 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold'

Fuchsia magellanica 'Alba'

Hakonechloa macra

Aspidistra zongbayi 'Uan Fat Lady'

Aspidistra elatior

Aspidistra sichuanensis

Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron'

Arum italicum 'Pictum'

Fatsia japonica 'Tsumugi-shibori'

Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum'

Farfugium japonicum 'Ryuto'

Solanum laciniatum

Aspidistra sichuanensis 'Kinboshi' syn. A. s. 'Chromatographic'

Solenostemon 'Black Dragon'

Trevesia palmata 'Micholitzii'

Brassaiopsis mitis

Schefflera rhododendrifolia

Equisetum 'Bandit'

Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata'

Hedychium 'Dr. Moy'

Hedychium 'Verity'

Hedychium 'Tahitian Flame'

Metapanax davidii

Boehmeria platyphylla

Boehmeria platanifolia

Boehmeria polystachya

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea)

Oreocnide pedunculata

Girardinia cuspidata

Rhododendron dauricum 'Mid-Winter'

Rhododendron 'Polar Bear'

Rhododendron luteum

Rhododendron 'Christmas Cheer'

Verbesina microptera

Aspidistra elatior 'Tiny Tank™'

Epimedium

Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre's Dagger'

Drought Plants, Ferns & Propagation with Garden Designer Tom Hoblyn

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0000

For the first full Talking Dirty episode of the year, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are joined by Garden Designer Tom Hoblyn. They last saw him at The Chelsea Flower Show and in this episode he shares some of the plants from that garden, alongside seasonal favourites from his two-acre Suffolk plot. His home garden sees him battle flooding at one end, while he experiments with a dry garden at the other. Then there's the kitchen garden and his propagation trials and tribulations! One thing's for sure, Tom Hoblyn has the gardening bug good and proper as the plant list attests...

PLANT LIST

Abutilon megapotamicum 'Pink Charm'

Abutilon 'Lemon Drop'

Juniperus phoenicea

Cobaea scandens

Hippeastrum vittatum

Tulipa sprengeri

Lychnis chalcedonica 'Carnea'

Acer campestre

Primula bulleyana

Iris 'Caesar's Brother'

Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen'

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Athyrium filix-femina

Dryopteris affinis

Disporum

Sarcopoterium spinosum

Euphorbia ‘Grey Hedgehog’

Pistacea lentiscus

Echium pininana

Echium candicans

Arbutus unedo

Arbutus x andrachnoides

Luma apiculata

Impatiens sodenii

Osmunda regalis

Selaginella kraussiana

Polypodium vulgare

Fuchsia hatschbachii

Fuchsia 'Hawkshead'

Fuchsia magellanica 'Lady Bacon'

Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis 'Versicolor'

Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby'

Dahlia 'David Howard'

Vinca difformis

Tropaeolum ciliatum

Tropaeolum tuberosum

Tropaeolum tuberosum var. lineomaculatum 'Ken Aslet'

Tropaeolum smithii

Rubus cockburnianus

Viburnum opulus

Rosa moyesii 'Geranium'

Rosa 'Kew Rambler'

Rosa filipes 'Kiftsgate'

Rosa 'Wedding Day'

Rosa 'Rambling Rector'

Rosa 'Madame Alfred Carrière'

Cotinus 'Grace'

Cotinus obivatus

Catalpa bignonioides

Dryopteris wallichiana

Pteris wallichiana

Daphne bholua

Daphne bholua 'Garden House Ghost'

Impatiens tinctoria

Rosa chinensis

Malus domestica 'Worcester Pearmain'

Malus domestica 'Laxton's Superb'

Malus domestica 'Laxton's Fortune'

Malus domestica 'Norfolk Beefing'

Malus domestica 'Emneth Early'

Happy New Year from Alan and Thordis

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Before Alan and Thordis return to their weekly chats with top gardeners, they've decided to sneak in a bonus Happy New Year episode. Looking both back and forwards, it covers lots of lovely plants brightening up their gardens, and some hopes for 2022.

PLANT LIST

Camellia sasanqua

Camellia reticulata

Camellia japonica

Camellia japonica 'Adolphe Audusson'

Galanthus plicatus 'Three Ships'

Rosa × odorata 'Bengal Crimson'

Cobaea pringlei

Eryngium pandanifolium

Euphorbia azorica

Victoria cruziana

Trachelospermum asiaticum

Eccremocarpus scaber

Clematis cirrhosa 'Jingle Bells'

Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens 'Freckles'

Arum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Miss Janay Hall'

Galanthus elwesii 'Barnes'

Cyclamen coum

Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea'

Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange'

Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'

Carpinus fangiana

Nicotiana langsdorffii

Nicotiana knightiana

Eranthis hyemalis 'Grünling'

Chorizema ilicifolium

Salix alba var. vitellina 'Britzensis'

Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora'

Camellias, Cornus & Coronillas (Plus Gardening Gift Ideas) with The Plant Doctor Ian Roofe

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 19:00:00 +0000

For our final episode of the year, we're injecting a little more festive spirit with our original Get Gardening co-conspirator, Ian Roofe. From stunning seasonal Show & Tell to some great gardening gift ideas, this episode is packed not only with plants, but books, tools and laughter!

Before we hand over that plant list, thank you for listening this year (and last!) - we love making the podcast, but there wouldn't be much point without you wonderful people. So thank you for showing up each week, for your feedback and questions and for loving plants as much as we do. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Gardening!

PLANT LIST

Eryngium pandanifolium 'Physic Purple'

Eryngium eburneum

Cornus capitata

Camellia sasanqua 'Narumigata'

Camellia 'Snow Flurry'

Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina'

Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca

Iris unguicularis

Iris unguicularis 'Peloponnese Snow'

Iris unguicularis 'Mary Barnard'

Fuchsia x bacillaris

Borinda papyrifera

Asplenium scolopendrium Cristatum Group

Asplenium scolopendrium 'Angustifolium'

Picea pungens

Picea pungens 'Brexit Blue'

Picea pungens 'The Blues'

Picea pungens 'Edith'

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Orpheus'

Daphne odora 'Mae-Jima'

Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill'

Daphne 'Spring Herald'

Prunus tenella 'Fire Hill'

Arum 'Monksilver'

Arum italicum subsp. italicum 'Marmoratum'

Arum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Miss Janay Hall'

Camellia japonica 'Takanini'

Camellia × vernalis 'Yuletide'

Daphne bholua 'Mary Rose'

Schefflera taiwaniana

Schefflera rhododendrifolia

Quercus cerris 'Curly head'

Salix gracilistyla 'Mount Aso'

Bulbine caulescens

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'

Daphne mezereum 'Bowles White'

Trees for Small Spaces, Fabulous Ferns and Late Flowers with The Frustrated Gardener, Dan Cooper

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 19:00:00 +0000

He's back! The wonderful Dan Cooper AKA The Frustrated Gardener returns with some of the stars from his tiny coastal plot, including the perfect trees for a small space, and choice Ferns for dry shade. Plus some exciting flowers to brighten up November into December. And we finally get to hear about Dan's exciting new venture, Dan Cooper Garden (coming Spring 2022!)

PLANT LIST

Dahlia tampaulipana

Salvia mexicana

Salvia mexicana 'Limelight'

Salvia concolor

Impatiens balansae

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'

Salvia 'Amistad'

Hedychium 'Helen Dillon'

Hedychium yunnanense

Hedychium greenii

Correa 'Marian's Marvel'

Correa 'Dusky Bells Variegated'

Tropaeolum pentaphyllum

Cyrtomium falcatum

Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Herrenhausen'

Pseudopanax chathamica

Phillyrea latifolia

Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia'

Laurus nobilis 'Aurea'

Sophora microphylla 'Sun King'

Sophora prostrata 'Little Baby'

Salvia atrocyanea

Cobaea pringlei

Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

Lycianthes rantonnetii syn Solanum rantonnetii

Chrysanthemum 'Picasso'

Chrysanthemum 'Vagabond Prince'

Chrysanthemum 'Dixter Orange'

Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China'

Chrysanthemum 'E H Wilson'

Super Seedheads, Plus Pittisporum & Plectranthus with Steve Edney of No Name Nursery

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Get carried away with plantsman Steve Edney in this plant-filled episode! From Exotics to late flowers via Plectranthus and fab foliage - this episode has it all.

Formerly of The Salutation, Steve has a new project with partner Lou Dowle, their No Name Nursery. Alongside sharing his favourite plants of the moment we get an insight into their exciting exploits over the past eighteen months. And the sparks that fly as they come up with ideas for their plot.

PLANT LIST

Trochetiopsis ebenus

Asphodeline lutea

Asphodelus albus

Asphodeline liburnica

Allium schubertii

Sorghum nigrum

Canna musifolia 'Grande'

Cynara cardunculus 'Chelsea Physic Form'

Cynara cardunculus subsp. flavescens

Papaver somniferum

Lunaria annua

Lunaria rediviva

Eryngium pandanifolium 'Physic Purple'

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Penwood'

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon'

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'

Acer rubrum 'Oktober Glory'

Heptacodium miconioides

Populus deltoides 'Purple Tower'

Pittosporum eugenioides

Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum'

Pittosporum tenuifolium

Abutilon 'Nabob'

Abutilon 'Ashford Red'

Anisodontea 'El Rayo'

Lavatera 'Bluebird'

Bidens integrifolia

Bidens aurea 'Hannay's Lemon Drop'

Fuchsia hatschbachii

Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby'

Fuchsia microphylla ssp. hemsleyana 'Silver Lining'

Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'

Salvia involucrata 'Hadspen'

Salvia involucrata 'Boutin'

Salvia involucrata 'Mulberry Jam'

Salvia concolor

Canna × ehemanii

Canna 'Brilliant'

Canna 'Golden Orb'

Dahlia merckii

Dahlia 'Dovegrove'

Dahlia 'Magenta Star'

Dahlia campanulata

Euryops pectinatus

Dahlia excelsa

Dahlia imperialis

Dahlia tamaulipana

Borinda papyrifera Stapleton 1046

Borinda yunnanensis

Plectranthus ernstii

Plectranthus ciliatus

Plectranthus fruticosus

Plectranthus parviflorus 'Limplep1'

Plectranthus verticillatus 'Pink Surprise'

Eryngium guatemalense

Strobilanthes dyerianus

Corydalis, Salvias and Fantastic Foliage with Jimi Blake of Hunting Brook Gardens

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week one of the best dressed men in horticulture, Jimi Blake of #HuntingBrookGardens, is back on The Talking Dity podcast with a mountain of plants to talk about. From the #Corydalis which have been flowering for months to the #Salvias performing well into November, plus #foliage to get real FLOMO* over - this is a #plantlovers dream episode!

*Floral/plant-based FOMO

PLANT LIST

Setaria palmifolia

Agaves

Dasylirion

Nolina

Opuntia

Echinopsis pachanoi syn. Trichocereus pachanoi

Oxalis 'Sunset Velvet'

Musa balbisiana 'Atia Black'

Musa sikkimensis 'Manipur'

Musa sikkimensis 'Bengal tiger'

Salvia involucrata 'Boutin'

Salvia concolor

Salvia atrocyanea

Salvia 'Pink Pong'

Salvia patens 'Guanajuato'

Salvia elegans 'Sonoran Red'

Salvia curviflora

Corydalis elata 'Blue Summit'

Corydalis calycosa

Corydalis 'Korn's Purple'

Corydalis 'Porcelain Blue'

Corydalis terracina

Pulmonaria 'Stillingfleet Meg'

Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'

Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei × macrophylla subsp. dealbata

Hydrangea aspera 'Koki'

Hydrangea aspera 'Hot Chocolate'

Zanthoxylum laetum

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Acer rubrum 'Oktober Glory'

Viburnum betulifolium

Phytolacca icosandra Purpurascens Group

Cordyline indivisa

Lindera triloba

Cleistocactus strausii

Schefflera shweliensis

Schefflera taiwaniana

Buddleja speciosissima

Podachaenium eminens

Viburnum wrightii

Impatiens balansae

Oreopanax capitatus

Pseudopanax laetus

Brassaiopsis hispida

Brassaiopsis dumicola

Brassaiopsis mitis

Astrantia major 'Bo-Ann'

Linaria 'Peachy'

Salvia stachydifolia

Prunus rufa

Indigofera atropurpurea

Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue'

Kniphofia caulescens 'Oxford Blue'

Borinda lushuiensis Yunnan 1

Hydrangeas, Snowdrops & Small Garden Staples with Author Naomi Slade

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week gardening author and designer Naomi Slade joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to share the top Autumn plants in her tiny Bristol plot. From an Autumn Snowdrop (which is extra special!) to some heavenly Hydrangeas, there's inspiration aplenty, no matter the size of your plot!

PLANT LIST

Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Naomi Slade'

Galanthus 'Faringdon Double'

Dahlia 'Chimborazo'

Dahlia 'Night Butterfly'

Malus x robusta 'Red Sentinel'

Malus 'Red Obelisk'

Physalis

Echeveria

Aeonium 'Schwarzkopf'

Echeveria 'Mauna Loa'

Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii Perfecta'

Cornus alba 'Baton Rouge'

Rosa 'Madame Alfred Carriere'

Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn'

Cyclamen hederifolium

Hydrangea paniculata 'Skyfall'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Madame Emile Mouillere'

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Zorro'

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'

Hydrangea aspera 'Villosa Group'

Tulipa acuminata

Tulipa humilis 'Coerulea Oculata Alba'

Tulipa clusiana

Lilium regale

Lilium 'African Queen'

Lilium chalcedonicum

Glycyrrhiza

Stipa gigantea

Magnolia campbellii

Magnolia 'Caerhays Belle'

Astelia chathamica

Impatiens sodenii

Impatiens flanaganae

Rosa sericea f. pteracantha

Great Grasses, Asters and Unusual Plants with Tim Fuller of Plantsman's Preference

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week on Talking Dirty get ready for an awe-inspiring array of grasses. Tim Fuller - National Collection holder of Molinia and owner of Plantsman's Preference Nursery - shares some of his favourites varieties, not only of Molinia, but Pennisetum, Elymus and Panicum with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis.

And that's not all - from awesome Asters to zingy variegation and some of his signature choice plants, this is a riot of seasonal treasures for your garden.

PLANT LIST

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Transparent'

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Tears of Joy'

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Les Ponts de Cé'

Molinia caerulea ssp. caerulea 'Moorflamme'

Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky'

Panicum virgatum 'Diwali'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Kaskade'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Flamingo'

Cortaderia selloana 'Patagonia'

Cortaderia selloana 'Sunningdale Silver'

Cortaderia selloana 'Icalma'

Pennisetum orientale 'Shogun'

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Pennisetum 'Fairy Tails'

Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails'

Lantana camara

Rosa 'Zéphirine Drouhin'

Tripsacum dactyloides

Elymus canadensis 'Icy Blue'

Symphyotrichum × amethystinum 'Freiburg'

Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow'

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers'

Symphyotrichum turbinellum 'El Fin'

Symphyotrichum 'Speyerer Herbstwoge'

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Les Moutiers'

Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival'

Salvia atrocyanea

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Persicaria 'Indian Summer'

Begonia grandis 'Sapporo'

Begonia grandis ssp. sinensis 'Snowpop'

Begonia grandis 'Bells and Whistles'

Zingiber mioga 'Dancing Crane'

Pilea matsudai 'Taiwan Silver'

Alstroemeria brasiliensis 'Cally Star'

Alstroemeria psittacina

Alstroemeria psittacina 'Royal Star'

Hesperantha coccinea 'Major'

Hesperantha huttonii

Hesperantha falcata

Hedera helix 'Pink 'n' Curly'

Gladiolus 'Thunder'

Gladiolus 'Ruby'

Autumn Snowdrops and Seed-Sowing Inspiration from Organic Gardener Val Bourne

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are catching up with one of their Talking Dirty favourites, Val Bourne. The award-winning garden writer and Organic Gardener shares favourite plants from her own garden this Autumn, plus the Sweet Peas she'll be sowing on November 5th and great seed-sowing advice for all kinds of plants.

PLANT LIST

Hepatica nobilis

Euphorbia griffithii 'Fireglow'

Euphorbia epithymoides/E. polychroma

Euphorbia palustris

Symphytum caucasicum

Digitalis lutea

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan'

Rosa 'Wickwar'

Cotinus 'Grace'

Cotinus cogyggria 'Smokey Joe'

Lathyrus nervosus

Euonymus europaeus 'Red Cascade'

Euonymus sachalinensis syn. E. planipes

Chrysanthemum 'E.H.Wilson'

Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China'

Colchicum autumnale 'Nancy Lindsay'

Colchicum 'Benton End'

Colchicum 'Glory of Threave'

Rosa 'Pearl Drift'

Rosa 'Pippin'

Rosa 'The Generous Gardener'

Rosa 'Gardenia'

Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie'

Galanthus elwesii 'Remember Remember'

Galanthus 'Ruby's Green Dream'

Galanthus 'Donald Simms Early'

Smyrnium perfoliatum

Arum italicum subsp. italicum 'Marmoratum'

Orlaya grandiflora

Monarda hybrida 'Lambada'

Papaver commutatum 'Ladybird'

Papaver somniferum, 'Sissinghurst White'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Henry Eckford'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Gwendoline'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Our Harry'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Jilly'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Leamington'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Mrs Bernard Jones'

Dictamnus albus

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Cassian's Choice'

Tulipa sprengeri

Amsonia tabernaemontana

Amsonia illustris

Bukiniczia cabulica

Impatiens balfourii

Erigeron annuus

Hesperantha coccinea 'Pink Princess'

Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

Colourful Cut Flowers and Rewilding with Lucy Slater of Johnny Crow's Garden

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 19:00:00 +0000

When it comes to #floralartistry, it doesn't get much more colorful and intoxicating than Johnny Crow's Garden. The creation of Devon-based grower-arranger Lucy Slater, this week she shares some of her seasonal favourites with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis. From long-lasting #CutFlowers to punchy foliage, #Euphorbias and her passion for #Rewilding, it's a joyful plant-filled chat.

PLANT LIST

Echeveria 'Mauna Loa'

Crambe cordifolia

Rosa 'Honey Dijon'

Rosa 'Belle Epoque'

Rosa 'Koko Loco'

Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin'

Euphorbia polychroma syn E. polychroma

Euphorbia palustris

Camassia leichtlinii

Euphorbia oblongata

Euphorbia palustris

Euphorbia griffithii 'Dixter'

Euphorbia griffithii 'Fireglow'

Asplenium scolopendrium

Silene dioica

Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'

Rudbeckia hirta 'Sahara'

Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy'

Zinnia elegans 'Queen Lime' Series

Zinnia elegans 'Queen Red Lime'

Geranium macrorrhizum

Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon'

Astilbe 'Fanal'

Solenostemon 'Sedona Sunset'™

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Chocolate Covered Cherry'

Tulip 'Abu Hassan'

Thalictrum 'Elin'

Rudbeckia hirta 'Irish Eyes'

Tagetes patula

Limnanthes douglasii

Sorbus 'Joseph Rock'

Verbascum 'Jackie'

Eremurus robustus

x Semponium 'Sienna'

Autumn Planting Inspiration with Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 19:00:00 +0000

On this week's Talking Dirty Podcast, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis enjoy a long-overdue return from the fabulous Rosy and Rob Hardy of Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants.

Always great at choosing plants which are perfect for a situation, they turn up some stunners for the Autumn garden - from Chrysanthemums to Strobilanthes.

PLANT LIST

Thalictrum 'Chantilly Lace'

Glandularia 'Margaret's Memory'

Zizia aurea

Veronica gentianoides 'Tissington White'

Cercis canadensis 'Eternal Flame'

x Semponium 'Sienna'

Chrysanthemum 'Dixter Orange'

Helianthus orgyalis

Vernonia arkansana

Leucanthemella

Helianthus 'Miss Mellish'

Helianthus giganteus 'Sheilas Sunshine'

Lespedeza thunbergii

Strobilanthes rankanensis

Strobilanthes attenuata (atropurpurea)

Strobilanthes nutans

Strobilanthes attenuata 'Blue and White'

Saxifraga 'Shiranami'

Chrysanthemum 'Esther'

Rhodochiton atrosanguineus

Thunbergia alata 'African Sunset'

Eccremocarpus scaber

Cercis siliquastrum

Anemone 'Frilly Knickers'

Wallflowers, Figs, Rust and Zinnias - Talking Dirty Podcast, Postbag Edition

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:30:00 +0000

The Talking Dirty Podcast is all about spreading the love of plants and some know-how for getting the best out of them. And what better way to supplement our weekly conversations with top gardeners, than by answering your horticultural conundrums! Don't forget if you have a question you can email it to hello@getgardeningnow.co.uk or message us on Instagram and Twitter - we'll endeavour to answer your question in a postbag edition.

Exploring Propagation with Georgia & Soham from The Young Propagators Society

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week on The Talking Dirty Podcast, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are diving into the world of #propagation with Young Propagators, Georgia and Soham. Alongside, explaining what the YPS is all about, the pair share the techniques they've used from softwood cuttings to #airlayering through an amazing array of Show and Tell. Just check out that plant list...

PLANT LIST

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety'

Ferocactus peninsula

Meconopsis betonicifolia

Bauhinia variegata

Bauhinia tomentosa

Bauhinia vahlii

Pelargonium 'Phyllis'

Peperomia prostrata

Zingiber chrysanthemum

Daphne mezereum

Chesneya cuneata

Cornus florida

Cornus canadensis

Trillium sessile var. giganteum

Tacca chantrieri

Pelargonium gibbosum 'Maroon'

Semponium

Kigelia africana

Claus Dalby on Containers, Companion Plants for Dahlias and Lime Foliage Love

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 19:00:00 +0000

We are so excited to bring you our latest Talking Dirty podcast with none other than Claus Dalby. The Danish King of container planting and great plantsman has tranformed his plot in Risskov over the last twenty-seven years, into an inspiring planty paradise. And his exploits are followed by Instagram and YouTube viewers the world over.

This week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis chat to him about the origins of his horticultural passion, and enjoy some beautiful Show and Tell as he shares his favourite planting combinations of the moment, with some great growing tips along the way.

PLANT LIST

Dahlia 'Eveline'

Verbena bonariensis

Thalictrum rochebrunianum

Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double'

Salvia 'Amistad'

Salvia 'Love and Wishes'

Dahlia 'David Howard'

Impatiens balfourii

Euphorbia griffithii 'Dixter'

Dahlia 'Blue Boy'

Salvia patens

Dahlia 'Blue Bayou'

Dahlia 'Happy Single Date'

Dahlia 'Happy Single Juliet'

Dahlia 'Magenta Star'

Clematis 'Princess Kate'

Dahlia 'Chimborazo'

Dahlia 'Lavender Perfection'

Physocarpus opulifolius

Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus'

Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea'

Aralia cordata 'Sun King'

Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart'

Tulipa 'Barcelona'

Tulipa 'Queen of Night'

Tulipa 'Recreado'

Artemisia lactiflora 'Elfenbein'

Senecio viravira

Escallonia 'Iveyi'

Dahlia 'Appleblossom'

Dahlia 'Apopa Beauty'

Penstemon 'King George V'

Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'

Solidago x luteus 'Lemore'

Aster × frikartii 'Mönch'

Solidaster

Centaurea montana 'Carnea'

Blue Leaves, Special Salvias and Beginner Jungle Plants with Mike Clifford (Mike's Rare Plants)

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:00:00 +0000

He's back! Grower of extraordinary plants and seller of rare seeds - Mike Clifford is a plantaholic through and through. In this return appearance to the Talking Dirty Podcast, he shows Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis his favourite fern, an amazing Sauromatum which has hybridised in his garden and some incredibly rare plants. Plus a few selections for anyone keen to introduce jungle plants to their own plot for the first time.

PLANT LIST

Echeveria 'Compton Carousel'

Aeonium 'Mardi Gras'

Musanga cecropioides

Lobelia bambuseti

Gunnera insignis

Deppea splendens

Begonia luxurians

Montanoa bipinnatifida

Trochetiopsis ebenus/Saint Helena ebony

Vireya Rhododendron

Selaginella siamensis

Begonia pavonina

Elaphoglossum metallicum

Neolepisorus ovatus variegatus

Sphaeropteris cooperi/Cyathea cooperi

Angiopteris evecta

Babaco

Vasconcellea pubescens/Mountain Papaya

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Columbus'

Salvia oxyphora

Salvia sagittata

Griffinia liboniana

Worsleya procera

Paulownia tomentosa

Fatsia polycarpa/Megafatsia macrophylla

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

Manihot grahamii

Cussonia paniculata

Solanum quitoense

Ricinus communis 'New Zealand Purple'

Ricinus communis var. zanzibarensis

Impatiens pianmaensis

Phytolacca icosandra Purpurascens

Sauromatum venosum 'Indian Giant'

Paulownia tomentosa

Fatsia polycarpa/Megafatsia macrophylla

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - Favourite Show Garden to FLOMO*

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:00:00 +0000

As we revel in what may be the only ever September RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Alan Gray of East Ruston Old Vicarage and Thordis share their highlights from the show. Having spent a glorious day perusing the Show Gardens and Floral Pavilion, they've gathered together their favourite plants from, Salvias to succulents, via a plant from Alan's childhood and something brand new this year.

PLANT LIST

Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery'

Begonia 'Joyful Blaze'

Begonia 'Curly Fireflush'

Begonia 'Rocheart'

Rudbeckia triloba 'Prairie Glow'

Rudbeckia triloba 'Blackjack Gold'

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers'

Hesperantha coccinea

Stipa tenuissima

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'

Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn'

Vernonia arkansana 'Mammuth'

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Babylon'

Crocosmia 'Emberglow'

Abutilon 'Orange Glow'

Helianthus orgyalis

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Fire Twister'

Diascia 'Lilac Belle'

Diascia 'Denim Blue'

Sempervivum 'Mulberry Wine'

Commelina dianthifolia

Gentiana scabra ‘Blue Heart’

Lychnis wilfordii 'Karafoto'

Roscoea purpurea Darcies Hybrids

x Semponium 'Sienna'

Echeveria 'Moonshadow'

Echeveria runyonii variegata 'Akaihosi'

Echeveria 'Rainbow'

Aeonium nobile

Aeonium tabuliforme

Agave potatorum 'Kissho Kan'

Fuchsia microphylla 'Silver Lining'

Impatiens sodenii

Trautvetteria caroliniensis var. japonica

Salvia uliginosa

Dahlia 'Verrone's Obsidian'

Dahlia merckii

Rosa glauca/rubrifolia

Selinum wallichianum

Tulipa sprengeri

Echinacea pallida

Echinacea paradoxa

Hakonechloa macra

Actaea 'Queen of Sheba'

Solidago x luteus 'Lemore'

Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'

Amsonia tabernaemontana

*FLOMO - Floral/Plant-based Fear Of Missing Out

Perennials from Seed & Replacing Box - Tom Brown, Head Gardener at West Dean

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Famed for many things from their Chillis to their Glasshouses and Arboretum, West Dean is an inspiring place. And this week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis catch up with its inspiring Head Gardener Tom Brown. He talks us through how planting, compost and plastic use are all changing at West Dean, and brings along some of the plants they're using to be more drought tolerant. And if you're not left wanting to grow Dahlias from seed, you're stronger-willed than us!

PLANT LIST

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'

Echinacea purpurea 'Paradiso Yellow'

Dianthus carthusianorum

Gypsophila pacifica

Althaea officinalis 'Alba'

Ilex crenata

Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn'

Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel'

Helianthus 'Capenoch Star'

Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'

Alstroemeria 'Pandora'

Dahlia 'Karma Choc'

Dahlia 'Bishop's Children'

Episcia

Anthurium Andraeanum 'Black Love'

Capsicum annuum 'Calico'

Cephalaria gigantea

Cephalaria dipsacoides

Eryngium giganteum 'Miss Willmott's Ghost'

Camellia sasanqua

Escallonia 'Iveyi'

Escallonia bifida

Scent, Succession and Shade-lovers with Crug Farm Plants (Bleddyn & Sue Wynn-Jones)

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Hold onto your hats - from big, scented blooms to unusual shade-lovers, Bleddyn and Sue are back to wow you with more of their treasures from Crug Farm Plants. We've got Cautleyas to covet, Roscoeas to revel in, Begonias, Buddleja and Bomarea...just check out that plant list!

PLANT LIST

Dahlia excelsa

Dahlia imperialis

Dahlia pteropoda

Cautleya spicata 'Crûg Canary'

Cautleya spicata 'Arun Flame'

Cautleya spicata 'Bleddyn's Beacon'

Hedychium tengchongense

Roscoea purpurea 'Brown Peacock'

Roscoea cautleyoides 'Crûg's Late Lemon'

Roscoea purpurea f. rubra 'Gurkha Redstem'

Roscoea purpurea 'Chichina Chace'

Dianthus pygmaeus

Bomarea boliviensis

Bomarea caldasii

Klasea coronata ssp. insularis

Actaea yesoensis

Actaea matsumurae 'High Rise'

Passiflora semiciliosa

Sambucus ebulus

Eryngium cymosum

Eryngium guatemalense

Phytolacca bogotensis

Phytolacca purpurescens

Aconitum formosanum

Aconitum episcopale

Brassaiopsis dumicola

Engelhardia spicata

Begonia baviensis

Begonia sinensis 'Red Undies'

Aspidistra anomala

Lilium poilanei

Gunnera killipiana

Cardiandra alternifolia

Cardiandra alternifolia × amamiohshimensis

Cardiandra formosana

Ophiopogon caulescens

Gladiolus papilio

Buddleja myriantha v. alba 'Sikkim Snow'

Hedychium tengchongense 'Trum Trom'

Hedychium villosum v. tenuiflorum 'Winter White'

Hedychium 'Helen Dillon'

Hot Border Combinations and Giant Plants with Derry Watkins of Special Plants

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 19:00:00 +0000

We've got a real treat for you this week on The Talking Dirty podcast! Derry Watkins of Special Plants is back and she's taking us for a little look around her garden! From the so-called 'Carnival' bed to the plants that dwarf her, there is inspiration a-plenty - and that's before we move to the Show and Tell part of the podcast!

PLANT LIST

Zinnia tenuifolia 'Red Spider'

Sedum Sunsparkler® 'Cherry Tart'

Zinnia elegans 'Inca'

Zinnia elegans 'Senorita'

Cosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Red'

Ricinus communis 'New Zealand Black'

Tithonia rotundifolia

Canna 'Tropicanna Black'

Coleus 'Orange and Purple'

Zinnia marylandica 'Zahara Fire'

Bidens 'Spicy Margarita'

Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Orange'

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'

Tropaeolum majus 'Margaret Long'

Tropaeolum majus 'Hermine Grashoff'

Dahlia 'Ragged Robin'

Salvia 'Amistad'

Thalictrum 'Splendide'

Dahlia 'Karma Choc'

Hedychium forrestii

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'

Crocosmia 'Limpopo'

Selinum wallichianum

Impatiens tinctoria

Dahlia merckii 'Alba'

Persicaria orientalis

Roscoea purpurea 'Purple Leaf Seedling'

Begonia 'Benitochiba'

Linaria 'Peachy'

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'

Cuphea cyanea

Cuphea 'Roxy'

Primula florindae 'Sunset Shades'

Argemone grandiflora

Patrinia scabiosifolia Patrinia aff. punctiflora

Setaria italica 'Red Jewel'

Cuphea 'Lilac Belle'

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts'

Salvia patens Giant form

Spigelia marilandica

Silene regia

Dahlias! Dahlias! Dahlias! with The Frustrated Gardener, Dan Cooper (plus Hedychiums & Tropaeolums too!)

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 19:00:00 +0000

If you thought you had enough Dahlias in your life, then think again. Dan Cooper is about to change your mind! His Dahlia-tastic show and tell wows Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis as he takes us from Cactus-types to Waterlilies via fibriated and single. Whatever colour and shape of Dahlia you want, he's got it!

Plus some terrific Tropaeolums and heavenly Hedychiums squeezed in for good measure. It's no wonder this is our longest podcast yet!

PLANT LIST

Dahlia imperialis

Dahlia 'Islander'

Dahlia 'Karma Choc'

Dahlia coccinea

Dahlia 'Chimborazo'

Dahlia 'Tour du Monde'

Dahlia 'Brown Sugar'

Dahlia 'Black Jack'

Dahlia 'Wine Eyed Jill'

Dahlia 'Josudi Andromeda'

Dahlia 'Glorie van Heemstede'

Dahlia 'Hollyhill Spiderwoman'

Dahlia 'Myrtle's Folly'

Dahlia 'Lady Darlene'

Dahlia 'Normandie Frills'

Dahlia 'Normandie Wedding Day'

Dahlia 'Christopher Taylor'

Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal'

Dahlia 'Vivian Russel'

Dahlia 'Doris Day'

Dahlia 'Magenta Star'

Dahlia 'Twyning's Revel'

Dahlia 'Honka Fragile'

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rubenza'

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Velouette'

Dahlia 'Verrone's Obsidian'

Dahlia 'Mexican Star'

Dahlia 'Hadrian's Midnight'

Dahlia 'Don Hill'

Dahlia 'Edith Jones'

Dahlia merckii

Dahlia campanulata

Dahlia tampaulipana

Dahlia 'Akita'

Dahlia 'Café au Lait'

Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff'

Dahlia 'Hollyhill Serenity'

Dahlia 'Ken's Rarity'

Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow'

Dahlia 'Purple Explosion'

Dahlia 'Nicholas'

Hedychium coccineum 'Tara'

Hedychium coccineum 'Telstar 4'

Hedychium greenii

Abutilon 'Paddy's Nephew'

Chrysanthemum 'Daniel Cooper'

Gloriosa superba 'Rothschildiana'

Tropaeolum tricolor

Tropaeolum pentaphyllum

Tropaeolum speciosum

Big Plants for Small Gardens with Conrad McCormick AKA That Botanic Guy

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week on Talking Dirty Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis delve back into the world of Exotic plants with Conrad McCormick AKA That Botanic Guy. But if you think big-leaved, tropical-looking plants are for big, expansive spaces then think again, because Conrad manages to fit all his large-leaved loves into his small garden in Northern Ireland.

From fantastic foliage to love-at-first-sight Lilies, we've got an array of plants you're going to want to add to your garden! I mean, check out that plant list...

PLANT LIST

Schefflera taiwaniana

Schefflera rhododendrifolia

Trachycarpus fortunei

Strobilanthes dyerianus

Neopanax laetus

Pseudopanax 'Chainsaw'

Pseudopanax crassifolius

Pseudopanax 'Chainsaw'

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

Crocosmia 'Hellfire'

Crocosmia 'Firebird'

Crocosmia paniculata 'Cally Sword'

Hedychium yunnanense

Hedychium densiflorum 'Stephen'

Hedychium 'Tara'

Hedychium spicatum P. Bon 57188

Hedychium 'Devon Cream'

Beschorneria yuccoides

Beschorneria yuccoides 'Flamingo Glow'

Beschorneria septentrionalis 'Bob Brown'

Chamaerops humilis 'Vulcano'

Lilium 'Robina'

Lilium 'Terrasol'

Lilium 'Mister Pistache'

Lilium 'Easter Morn'

Lilium 'Yin'

Lilium 'Kushi Maya'

Lilium 'Pink Giant'

Lilium auratum

Schefflera macrophylla

Canna liliiflora

Manihot grahamii

Bupleurum fruticosum

Wild Flower Arranging and all things Informal with Brigitte Girling (Moss & Stone Floral Design)

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 19:00:00 +0000

If you think Floral Design is all about extravagance and cutting garden favourites, then allow Brigitte Girling - the genius behind Moss & Stone Floral Design - to show you her wilder way of arranging. Using the wildflowers from her garden and some she's grown from seed, she brings a celebration of nature to her designs which is in keeping with her love of the wildlife in her plot.

As Brigitte, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis explore her favourite plants of the moment to add informal magic to designs, we also contemplate how formal lines in a garden can be softed by the planting around them.

PLANT LIST

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Bicolor Rose'

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cupcakes'

Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Beaujolais Bonnets'

Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Orange'

Tithonia rotundifolia

Lysimachia Nummularia

Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

Smyrnium perfoliatum

Impatiens balfourii

Tropaeolum smithii

Tropaeolum speciosum

Echium pininana

Eupatorium maculatum

Melilotus altissimus

Knautia arvensis

Viola tricolor

Viola hederacea

Cichorium intybus

Clematis 'Princess Diana'

Echinacea pallida

Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty'

Hedera helix 'Erecta'

Hedera helix 'Buttercup'

Hedera helix 'Pink 'n' Curly'

Hedera algeriensis 'Gloire de Marengo'

Butterflies and Top July Plants with Organic Gardener Val Bourne

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Val Bourne returns to The Talking Dirty Podcast to share some of her top plants of the moment with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis , plus bumper Butterfly chat and cracking Crocosmia care tips!

PLANT LIST

Origanum vulgare

Clematis 'Elsa Späth'

Buddleja x weyeriana 'Pink Pagoda'

Bupleurum fruticosum

Daucus carota 'Dara'

Clematis tibetana subsp. vernayi 'Glasnevin Dusk'

Clematis 'Little Bas' Crocosmia 'Hellfire'

Crocosmia 'Paul's Best Yellow'

Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

Crocosmia 'Scorchio' (Firestars Series)

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'George Davison'

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Columbus'

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Norwich Canary'

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East'

Crocosmia 'Walberton's® Bright Eyes'

Agapanthus 'Northern Star'

Agapanthus 'Alan Street'

Agapanthus 'Poppin' Purple'

Tulbaghia 'John May's Special'

Gladiolus cardinalis

Gladiolus dalenii

Gladiolus 'Ruby' (papilio hybrid)

Gladiolus 'Evergreen'

Gladiolus 'Green Star'

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'

Alstroemeria psittacina

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Summer Nights'

Kniphofia thomsonii 'Kichocheo'

Kniphofia rooperi

Kniphofia 'Prince Igor'

Kniphofia 'Little Maid'

Kniphofia 'Penny Rockets'

Kniphofia 'Percy's Pride'

Phlox paniculata 'Eva Cullum'

Geranium (Cinereum Group) 'Laurence Flatman'

Dianthus carthusianorum

Dianthus cruentus

Cephalaria gigantea

Cephalaria tatarica

Summer Containers & Planting for the Future with Joe Whitehead (Head Gardener, Burghley House)

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week Joe Whitehead takes a break from Burghley's exciting walled garden project to join Alan Gray (East Ruston Old VIcarage) and Thordis Fridriksson on this week's Talking Dirty podcast. Their conversation weaves from planting up Summer containers, to why 'common' plants deserve a place in your garden, and how water conservation and planting for the future are at the heart of Joe's plans for Burghley's Walled Garden.

PLANT LIST

Nicotiana sylvestris

Streptocarpus saxorum

Oxalis spiralis subsp. vulcanicola 'Sunset Velvet'

Albizia julibrissin f. rosea

Erigeron karvinskianus 'Lavender Lady'

Ipomoea lobata/Mina lobata

Ipomoea indicaBomarea caldesii

Ceanothus × pallidus 'Marie Simon'

Francoa sonchifolia

Sedum aizoon 'Euphorbioides'

Rosa 'Polar Star'

Erigeron annuus

Pleione formosana

Lathyrus odoratus Grandiflora 'Henry Eckford'

Crepis rubra

Taraxacum pseudoroseum

Baptisia australis

Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'

Baptisia 'Solar Flare'

Baptisia 'Cherries Jubilee'

Sonchus fruticosus

Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird'

Geum 'Prinses Juliana'

Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish'

Exotic Garden Inspiration & Climber Combinations with Ian Roofe, The Plant Doctor

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 19:00:00 +0000

He's back and he's brought ALL the plants to talk about! Ian Roofe - one of our original Get Gardening team - returns to regale us with his favourite plants of the moment, which leads into an exciting conversation about planting in the Exotic Garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage and some climber inspiration from Ian's own garden.

With thanks, as ever, to the brilliant online plant community who've supplied copious pictures to help illustrate the plants. From the Frustrated Gardener to Cotswold Garden Plants to Wanderlust Plants in Seattle (https://www.wanderlustnursery.com).

PLANT LIST

Meconopsis betonicifolia

Althaea cannabina

Nicotiana alata 'Tinkerbell'

Nicotiana langsdorffii

Dahlia excelsa

Dahlia imperialis

Dahlia campanulata

Sorbaria kirilowii var. arborea

Cotinus coggygria

Catalpa bignonioides

Ailanthus altissima

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

Magnolia delavayi

Ailanthus altissima

Decaisnea fargesii

Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'

Phygelius x rectus 'African Queen'

Paulownia tomentosa

Primula 'Francisca'

Tanacetum parthenium

Erigeron annuus

Salvia 'Penny's Smile'

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xsenia'

Catalpa x erubescens 'Purpurea'

Catalpa bignonioides 'Nana'

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'

Acer platanoides 'Drummondii'

Acer negundo 'Aureovariegatum'

Acer negundo 'Flamingo'

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'

Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel'

Salvia bullulata

Helichrysum italicum

Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton'

Diascia personata 'Coral Spires'

Sphaeralcea 'Childerley'

Sphaeralcea ‘Newleaze Coral’

Clematis x durandii

Cionura oreophila

Clematis urophylla

Stachyurus praecox

Abeliophyllum distichum

Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Golden Memories'

Hardenbergia violacea

Geranium maderense

Geranium pratense 'Summer Skies'

Geranium 'Blue Cloud'

Ballota pseudodictamnus

Stipa/Nassella tenuissima

Sternbergia lutea

Philadelphus 'Belle Étoile'

Philadelphus 'Starbright'

Ligustrum quihoui

Elaeagnus angustifolia 'Quicksilver'

Toona sinensis 'Flamingo'

Lonicera hildebrandiana

Lonicera etrusca 'Superba'

Aeonium 'Mardi Gras'

Choosing the Best Rose for Your Garden with Rosarian Michael Marriott

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 19:00:00 +0000

What better way to celebrate both our first Birthday and our 50th episode than with a podcast devoted to a beloved plant, the Rose. Most of us have at least one in our garden, they feature in bouquets, in perfume...but how do you possibly choose which one to grow? And what are the tricks to getting the best out of them?

This week Alan Gray and Thordis are joined by someone who knows his Roses inside out - Rosarian Michael Marriott. From his favourite varieties for fragrance, form and flower to tips for avoiding Blackspot and life-changing pruning advice, we've got as many bases covered as we could fit into the hour (and you'll notice we went over a little!) If you're looking to add Roses to your garden, you need look no further than this podcast and its plant list...

PLANT LIST

Rosa rugosa

Rosa 'Kew Gardens'

Rosa 'Mortimer Sackler'

Rosa 'Graham Thomas'

Rosa 'Rambling Rector'

Rosa 'The Lady of the Lake'

Rosa 'The Albrighton Rambler'

Rosa 'Open Arms'

Rosa 'Warm Welcome'

Rosa 'Francis E. Lester'

Rosa 'Wickwar'

Rosa 'Vanessa Bell'

Rosa 'Desdemona'

Rosa 'Lady of Shalott'

Aster x frikartii 'Mönch'

Rosa 'Buttercup'

'Aspirin® Rose'

Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Dracunculus vulgaris

Rosa 'Adélaïde d'Orléans'

Rosa 'The Generous Gardener'

Rosa 'Eustacia Vye'

Rosa 'The Shepherdess'

Rosa 'Phyllis Bide'

Rosa 'Maigold'

Rosa 'Koko Loco'

Rosa 'Munstead Wood'

Rosa 'Florence Mary Morse'

Rosa 'Climbing Pompon de Paris'

Rosa 'Gloire de Dijon'

Small Garden Inspiration with Mr Plant Geek and Ellen Mary

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

If you've got a small garden and worry that it can't have the same impact has a bigger plot, then listen up for some great planting ideas! In this edition of Talking Dirty, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis catch up with fellow podcasters Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) and Ellen Mary of @ThePlantBasedPodcast and three of the four have small gardens at home.

Alongside chatting about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of gardening in a small space, the quartet also cover allotment life, some zany planting combos and living a plant-based lifestyle.

PLANT LIST

Thunbergia alata 'Arizona Brownie'

Thunbergia alata 'African Sunset'

Echium pininana

Mathiasella bupleuroides 'Green Dream'

Vaccinium corymbosum

Vaccinium 'Pink Lemonade'

Acanthus mollis

Lapageria rosea

Camellia rosthorniana 'Cupido'

Puya berteroniana

Puya coerulea

Radish, 'Watermelon'

Kalanchoe 'Dolly'

Calibrachoa

Petchoa 'Beautical'

Begonia 'Glowing Embers'

Oxalis vulcanicola 'Molten Lava'

Talking Dirty: How to Grow the Best Sweet Peas with Easton Walled Gardens

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Some places are synonymous with certain flowers, and at Easton Walled Gardens that flower is the Sweet Pea. For years they've tried different varieties and ways of growing them and shared their discoveries with their garden visitors.

As this year's Sweet Pea Season begins, Lady Ursula Cholmeley joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to talk through the history of both the gardens and their association with Sweet Peas. Plus plenty of tips and tricks and top varieties.

And, as if all the Sweet Pea Show and Tell wasn't enough, there are also some lime-tolerant lovelies, which Ursula has been trying in their delightfully named 'Pickery' (or cutting garden!).

If you're not already swooning of Sweet Peas, get ready for some serious FLOMO (Floral FOMO) in this episode.

PLANT LIST

Iris sibirica

Geranium x oxonianum

Campanula medium

Campanula pyramidalis

Lathyrus odoratus 'Henry Eckford'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Painted Lady'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Erewhon'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Almost Black'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Route 66'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Watermelon'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Kingfisher'

Lathyrus odoratus 'America'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Cathy'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Border Beauty'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Toffee Apple'

Rosa 'Columbia'

Gilia tricolor

Omphalodes linifolia

Omphalodes cappadocica 'Cherry Ingram'

Gypsophila elegans 'Covent Garden'

Linaria Rhythm & Blues

Nectaroscordum siculum

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'

Kolkwitzia amabilis

Jasminum polyanthum

Diascia personata

Diascia personata 'Coral Spires'

Mathiasella bupleuroides 'Green Dream'

Buddleja alternifolia

Talking Dirty: Pushing Propagation to its Limits with Plantsman Joe Sharman (Monksilver Nursery)

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Once you fall in love with plants, you generally find you want to make more from what you've got. Propagation is addictive and magical, but how do you master it? And exactly how far can you take a method when you figure one out? In this episode of The Talking Dirty Podcast, plantsman Joe Sharman shares some of the secrets he's learned from a lifetime loving plants. Plus he, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old VIcarage) and Thordis discuss how we trigger a horticultural spark in others and share some unusual plants, sure to get you reaching for your pen to add them to your ever-growing wishlist! Talking of which, there's some great FLOMO as well - Fear Of Missing Out on a fabulous plant. And insights into where a love of gardening started for this trio of plantaholics.

PLANT LIST

Fuchsia 'Lena'

Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'

Geranium psilostemon

Primula denticulata 'Karryann'

Verbascum creticum

Rhodiola fastigiata

Phacelia tanacetifolia

Phacelia bolanderi

Kniphofia 'Atlanta'

Kniphofia caulescens

Linum narbonense 'Heavenly Blue'

Allium schubertii

Hibiscus sino-syriacus

Ornithogalum magnum

Dianthus 'Enid Burgoyne'

Dianthus 'Chomley Farran'

Tropaeolum majus 'Hermine Grashoff'

Verbascum 'Blue Lagoon'

Pelargonium 'Paul Crampel'

Pelargonium 'Mr Wren'

Pelargonium 'Frank Headley'

Hymenocallis 'Sulphur Queen'

Talking Dirty (Luke Whiting - D'Arcy & Everest Alpine Specialists, Episode 46)

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

They say the best things come in small packages...well that couldn't be more true of Alpines. And this week - if you needed convincing - Luke Whiting of Alpine Specialists D'Arcy & Everest is along to prove how wonderful they are. From their hardiness, to the range of situations you can grow them in, and of course their stunning flowers and foliage, Luke shares just a smidgen of the treasures they grow and sell. Plus how a Spiderweb came to his rescue on a mission to get Habranthus seed and why a Baked Bean Alpine is a winner!

Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are building up their wishlists. By the end of the episode, we're sure you'll have a few FLOMOs as well! Talking of which, check out that plant list...

PLANT LIST

Calceolaria fothergillii

Camassia quamash

Delosperma 'Beaufort West'

Clematis 'Pixie'

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Foxtail'

Delosperma nubigenum

Habranthus tubispathus

Habranthus gracilifolius

Habranthus caeruleus

Rhodohypoxis 'Kiwi Joy'

Rhodohypoxis baurii 'Mars'

Rhodohypoxis 'E.A. Bowles'

Rhodohypoxis 'Jupiter'

Cephalaria gigantea

Allium insubricum

Lewisia tweedyi

Calceolaria paralia 'Lemon Drops'

Calceolaria 'Sunset Orange'

Calceolaria arachnoidea 'Darcies Velvet'

Delphinium nudicaule 'Fox'

Delphinium 'Just Peachy'

Delosperma 'Darcies Smile'

Verbascum 'Golden Wings'

Erigeron scopulinus

Soldanella montana

Allium chrysanthum

Salvia candelabrum

Talking Dirty (Jane-Ann Walton - Auricula Special, Episode 45)

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Sometimes they're so perfect, it's hard to believe they're real - In this week's Talking Dirty podcast it's ALL about Auriculas as grower Jane-Ann Walton explains the different types and how to grow these Diva plants. From compost mixes, to dealing with pests like root aphid and red spider mite, the best pots to use, overwintering, where to start if you're a beginner and even helpful tools - Jane-Ann bring over thirty years experience to the podcast. Plus she wows Alan Gray and Thordis with some stunning varieties.

And it's not quite all Auriculas. The trio can't stop themselves getting carried away with a few other horticultural treasures as well, as the plant list shows!

PLANT LIST

Primula auricula 'Lavender Lady'

Primula auricula 'Helen Ruan'

Primula auricula 'Sanctuary Wood'

Primula auricula 'Edith Major'

Primula auricula 'Andrea Julie'

Primula auricula 'Eden Blue Star'

Primula auricula 'Night and Day'

Primula auricula 'Argus'

Primula auricula 'Brick Lane'

Primula auricula 'Mrs Robinson'

Primula auricula 'Crinoline'

Primula auricula 'Seen A Ghost'

Primula auricula 'Nantenan'

Primula auricula 'Holyrood'

Primula auricula 'Brookfield'

Primula auricula 'Starling'

Primula auricula 'Crimple'

Primula auricula 'Blue Chip'

Primula auricula 'Kingfisher'

Tulipa 'James Wild'

Myosotidium hortensia

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea'

Chaenomeles speciosa 'Kinshiden'

Viola odorata 'King of Violets'

Talking Dirty (Ben Preston - Head Gardener at York Gate, Episode 44)

Wed, 26 May 2021 19:00:00 +0000

From bubblegum scent to the 'eleven-month-a-year' plant, this week's instalment of The Talking Dirty Podcast is full of surprises and must-haves for the garden. And it's no surprise as the ever-inspiring Ben Preston of #yorkgate is the guest this week. Despite his young years, he's already making a stir in the horticultural world with his vast plant knowledge and exciting gardening endeavours at York Gate, where he's Head Gardener. This week he's sharing some of their successes (and failures!) with Alan Gray and Thordis, plus the ideas he's picked up from visits to The Laskett Gardens and Stonehouse Cottage. All that alongside eye-catching Aroids, a succession of Primulas and some seriously charismatic Corydalis.

PLANT LIST

Uvularia grandiflora

Smyrnium perfoliatum

Ornithogalum umbellatum

Dicentra spectabilis

Fritillaria acmopetala

Papaver cambricum, synonym Meconopsis cambrica

Tulip 'Doll's Minuet'

Fritillaria persica

Primula pulverulenta

Primula secundiflora

Primula japonica 'Miller's Crimson'

Primula florindae

Primula beesiana

Primula bulleyana

Primula sieboldii

Primula muscarioides

Primula bellidifolia

Salvia leucantha

Salvia confertiflora

Corydalis 'Korn's Purple'

Geranium pyrenaicum 'Bill Wallis'

Lunaria annua

Corydalis flexuosa 'Golden Panda'

Corydalis 'Wildside Blue'

Corydalis solida 'Purple Bird'

Hacquetia epipactis 'Thor'

Paris quadrifolia

Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

Phlox paniculata 'Mount Fuji'

Cenolophium denudatum

Erigeron annuus

Miscanthus Sinensis 'Cosmopolitan'

Pinellia cordata

Pinellia pedatisecta

Arisaema sp.

Sauromatum

Stapelia sp.

Amorphophallus konjac

Rhododendron luteum

Fothergilla major

Polygonatum hybridum 'Betberg'

Disporum longistylum 'Night Heron'

Meconopsis horridula

Talking Dirty (Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker - Talking Heads Podcast, Episode 43)

Wed, 19 May 2021 19:00:00 +0000

It's podcasters unite in the latest edition of Talking Dirty, as Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis catch up with Talking Heads podcasters, Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker.

Both professional Head Gardeners, Lucy and Saul have built a loyal audience of fans, sharing their gardening adventures both at work and at home.

Lucy is the #crazytomatolady and Saul is big into his Exotics - unsurprisingly they both live up to their reputations when it comes to Show and Tell! This week's podcast is a wonderful mix of Edibles, Exotics and everything in between!

Plant list - 'Ornamental'

Clarkia amoena

Banksia blechnifolia

Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset'

Leucadendron argenteum

Oxalis corymbosa aureo-reticulata

Brassaiopsis hispida

Brassaiopsis mitis

Brassaiopsis dumicola

Impatiens tinctoria

Impatiens arguta

Hedychium 'Devon Cream'

Thladiantha dubia

Plant List - 'Edible'

Portulaca oleracea - Summer Purslane

Claytonia perfoliata - Winter Purslane

Atriplex hortensis

Cucurbita ficifolia - Figleaf Gourd

Tomato F1 Honeycomb

Tomato Tomande

Tomato 'Ferline' F1 Hybrid

Salsola soda

Melothria scabra - Cucamelon

Cyclanthera pedata - Achocha

Momordica charantia - Bitter Gourd

Tromboncino Squash

Talking Dirty (Dan Cooper - The Frustrated Gardener, Episode 42)

Wed, 12 May 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are treated to a chat with The Frustrated Gardener, who's blogging exploits and enthralling Instagram are such an inspiration. From the trials (and triumphs) of container gardening, to stinky Geraniums, sexy Tulips and rampant Impatiens, this is a joyful exploration of Dan's plants of the moment.

PLANT LIST

Streptocarpus saxorum

Streptocarpus 'White Butterfly'

Tulip 'Labrador'

Geranium maderense

Nicotiana sylvestris

Tulipa 'Lasting Love'

Hyacinth ‘Dark Dimension’

Stachys Lanata

Tulip 'Continental'

Tulip 'Attila Graffiti'

Tulip 'Slawa'

Tulip 'Exotic Emperor'

Tulip 'Rococo'

Tulipa 'Poco Loco'

Tulip 'Design Impression'

Tulip 'Princess Irene'

Dahlia ‘Fantasie Du Cap’

Dahlia 'Mel's Orange Marmalade'

Dahlia 'Lady Darlene'

Narcissus 'Lemon Beauty'

Narcissus 'Banana Daiquiri'

Narcissus 'Salome'

Narcissus 'Cotinga'

Narcissus 'Sun Disc'

Narcissus 'Misty Glen'

Narcissus 'Carlton'

Narcissus 'Feu de Joie'

Brugmansia sanguinea

Geranium maderense 'Guernsey White'

Cypripedium 'Sabine'

Impatiens omeiana 'Pink Nerves'

Impatiens omeiana

Impatiens arguta

Impatiens tinctoria

Olearia 'Henry Travers'

Leucadendron argenteum

Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chomley Farran'

Malmaison carnations

Rosa 'Columbia'

Talking Dirty (Val Bourne - Award Winning Garden Writer & Organic Gardener, Episode 41)

Wed, 05 May 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Val Bourne will always be one of our absolute favourite guests on the podcast - never failing to deliver a real plantswoman's crop of treasures for us all to grow at home. This week she's sharing her love of bulb lawns with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis, including some of the varieties she's naturalised in her own miniature meadows at home. Plus the monocarpic tendencies of some plants (don't worry - it's not catching!), the patience needed to grow Trilliums from seed, and Thordis and Val share their experiences of 'the one that got away'!

PLANT LIST

Erigeron karvinskianus

Erigeron karvinskianus 'Lavender Lady'

Erythronium oregonum x revolutum

Erythronium californicum 'White Beauty'

Erythronium 'Pagoda'

Erythronium 'Joanna'

Trillium sessile var gigantium

Trillium kurabayashii

Euphorbia rigida

Primula veris hose-in-hose

Fritillaria pyrenaica

Fritillaria acmopetala

Fritillaria pontica

Fritillaria elwesii

Tulipa 'Queen of Night'

Narcissus 'Thalia'

Tulipa sylvestris

Tulipa sprengeri

Scilla siberica

Scilla bithynica

Scilla bifolia

Melica uniflora f. albida

Teucrium scorodonia 'Crispum'

Scilla lingulata

Acis autumnalis

Crocus goulimyi

Cyclamen coum

Galanthus nivalis sandersii

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Scabiosa graminifolia

Geranium harveyi

Saxifraga 'Tumbling Waters'

Rosemary 'Foxtail'

Crocus chrysanthus

Dierama

Miscanthus nepalensis

Paeonia tenuifolia

Stachys byzantina 'Primrose Heron'

Matthiola incana 'Alba'

Lunaria 'Somerset Marble'

Narcissus 'Blushing Lady'

Sanguisorba minor 'Little Angel'

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Martin's Mulberry'

Sanguisorba 'Red Busby'

Phlox paniculata 'Norah Leigh'

Talking Dirty on Tour (Plantsman Richard Hobbs at Home, Episode 40)

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 19:00:00 +0000

The Talking Dirty podcast heads on tour for the first time ever, visiting the garden of extraordinary plantsman and Botanist, Richard Hobbs. Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are wowed by his amazing Muscari (he holds the National Collection), plus Scillas, Anemones, Pulsatillas and so much more!

PLANT LIST

Muscari Maxibell

Muscari azureum

Muscari aucheri

Pseudomuscari pallens 'Morganhimmel'

Muscari macrocarpum

Muscari armeniacum 'Venus'

Muscari armeniacum 'Peppermint'

Allium ursinum 'Golden Fleece'

Allium triquetrum

Narcissus assoanus

Narcissus 'More and More'

Tropaeolum tricolor

Tropaeolum smithii

Tulipa 'Little Princess'

Tulipa 'Persian Pearl'

Tulip orphanidea 'Flava'

Dodecatheon meadia/Primula meadia

Primula auricula 'Helen Ruane'

Pulsatilla vulgaris ´Papageno´

Pulsatilla vulgaris subsp. grandis 'Budapest Blue'

Lathyrus vernus

Lathyrus vernus 'Alboroseus'

Scilla bithynica

Alliaria petiolata - garlic mustard

Narcissus poeticus

Scilla cilicica

Scilla peruviana

Scilla liliohyacinthus

Scilla amoena

Scilla armenica

Scilla sibericaScilla autumnalis

Corydalis solida

Corydalis 'Tory MP'

Corydalis flexuosa ‘Golden Panda’

Corydalis 'Spinners'

Anemone nemorosa 'Yerda Ramusem'

Anemone nemorosa

Anemone apennina

Anemone nemorosa 'Monstrosa'

Arum creticum

Arum creticum 'Album'

Talking Dirty (Postbag Edition - Episode 39)

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 19:00:00 +0000

With lots of questions to answer, Thordis and Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) host a Postbag edition of the podcast, plus plenty of seed-sowing tips and Alpine trough advice with a focus on special plants that you could try.

If you want to ask a question of the team you can email hello@getgardeningnow.co.uk, contact them on social media or comment on the Get Gardening YouTube channel.

PLANT LIST

Lunaria annua 'Chedglow'

Eschscholzia californica

Papaver dubium 'Albiflorum'

Papaver commutatum 'Ladybird'

Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey'

Saxifraga burseriana

Gentiana asclepiadea

Calceolaria paralia 'Lemon Drops'

Calceolaria Herbeohybrida Group 'Sunset Orange'

Aloe aristata

Clematis 'Pixie'

Narcissus cantabricus

Betula nana

Forsythia ovata 'Paulina'

Saxifraga longifolia 'Tumbling Waters'

Viola odorata 'King of Violets'

Nicotiana x hybrida 'Tinkerbell'

Fritillaria meleagris

Geum 'Mai Tai'

Geum 'Mrs J Bradshaw'

Geum 'Lady Stratheden'

Geum 'Coral Tempest'

Geum 'Totally Tangerine'

Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China'

Chrysanthemum 'Tula Improved'

Talking Dirty (Brigitte Girling - Moss & Stone Floral Design, Episode 38)

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 19:00:00 +0000

The wonderful floral artist Brigitte Girling of Moss and Stone Floral Design is back to share her botanical stars of the season with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis - from Ranunculus to Narcissi. Plus top tips if you're thinking of growing flowers for a wedding.

PLANT LIST

Edgeworthia chrysantha

Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon'

Ceanothus arboreus 'Trewithen Blue'

Lathyrus nervosus

Dicksonia antarctica

Sparrmannia africana

Erysimum 'Lady Roborough'

Erysimum bicolor 'Bowles's Mauve'

Erysimum 'Jacob's Jacket'

Primula 'Francisca'

Ranunculus Butterfly 'Theseus'

Anemone coronaria

Anemone coronaria ‘Bordeaux’

Anemone coronaria 'The Bride'

Anemone 'Fullstar Albino'

Anemone 'Mistral Edge'

Ammi majusAkebia quinata

Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer'

Epimedium x warleyense 'Orangekonigin'/Epimedium warleyense 'Orange Queen'

Epimedium 'Royal Purple'

Epimedium 'Domino'

Rhododendron cinnabarinum

Rhododendron 'Lady Alice Fitzwilliam'

Talking Dirty (Mike Clifford - Mike's Rare Plants, Episode 37)

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:00:00 +0000

If you love exotic plants - or just plants in general - then chances are you follow the adventures of Mike Clifford on social media. This week the self-confessed plantaholic and seller of extraordinary seeds joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis for a foray into his collection, from the Impatiens which have been flowering all Winter, to the enormous plants he's grown from seed. Plus insight into how he keeps his plants so healthy and gets such propagation success.

PLANT LIST

Vasconcellea pubescens

Lobelia fistulosa

Lobelia bambuseti

Lobelia giberroa

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Columbus'

Hedychiums

Impatiens 'Kilimanjari'

Impatiens kilimanjari x pseudoviola

Impatiens niamniamensis 'Congo Cockatoo'

Impatiens walleriana (syn. Impatiens sultanii)

Impatiens auricoma x bicaudata

Cyphomandra betacea/Solanum betaceum

Welwitschia Mirabilis

Dendroseris litoralis

Manihot grahamii

Sonchus pinnatus

Sonchus fruticosus

Brugmansia x flava 'Mobisu'

Brugmansia x rubella

Podachaenium eminens

Begonia luxurians

Hibiscus coccineus

Hibiscus coccineus 'Alba'

Musanga cecropioides

Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant'

Gunnera insignis

Gunnera manicata

Correa backhouseana

Correa reflexa var. Nummulariifolia

Aeonium tabuliforme

Setaria palmifolia

Muehlenbeckia complexa

Actinidia kolomikta

Talking Dirty (Bleddyn & Sue Wynn-Jones - Crug Farm Plants, Episode 36)

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week it is a true extravaganza of extraordinary plants on the podcast as the utterly inspiring Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones of Crug Farm Plants join us to talk through some of their favourites at the moment. Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are left astonished by their tales of plant hunting all over the world, from Vietnam to Colombia, and the amazing plants they've discovered - and saved - along the way.

PLANT LIST

Schefflera macrophylla

Pachysandra axillaris

Cardiandra

Begonia baviensis

Begonia versicolor

Illicium macranthum

Rubus pectinellus var. trilobus

Asparagus aff. meioclados

Aspidistra daibuensis 'Totally Dotty'

Aspidistra attenuata

Zanthoxylum piperitum

Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Sichuan Pepper)

Polyspora longicarpa

Acer serrulatum/ Acer oliverianum ssp. formosanum

Ophiopogon 'Ogisu'

Phytolacca purpurescens

Ruscus × microglossus

Polygonatum mengtzense

Schefflera trevesioides

Geranium clarum

Bidens triplinervia 'Sunny Days'

Engelhardtia spicata

Talking Dirty (Adrian Scamp - Scamp's Daffodils, Episode 35)

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Adrian Scamp of the Award-winning Scamp's Daffodils, joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old VIcarage) and Thordis to chat all things Daffodil, from exploring the thirteen divisions to sharing favourite varieties, plus tips for naturalising Narcissi in your lawn and the new varieties that might be heading to your garden soon. It's a riot of absolute stunners, which will leave you with a wishlist longer than you ever imagined!

PLANT LIST

Narcissus 'Saint Mary Immaculata'

Narcissus 'Nickelodeon'

Narcissus 'Bravoure'

Narcissus 'Belize'

Narcissus 'Rebekah'

Narcissus 'Doublet'

Narcissus 'Rose Mullion'

Narcissus 'Rose of May'

Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus

Narcissus poeticus 'Actaea'

Narcissus 'Bath's Flame'

Narcissus 'Argent'

Pseudonarcissus lobularis

Narcissi Bulbocodium

Narcissus cyclamineus

Narcissus 'Paper White'

Narcissus 'Royal Connection'

Narcissus 'Avalanche'

Narcissus 'Warbler'

Narcissus 'Innovator'

Narcissus 'Erlicheer'

Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle'

Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'

Narcissus triandrus

Narcissus 'Ice Wings'

Narcissus 'Beryl'

Narcissus 'Jenny'

Narcissus 'Jetfire'

Narcissus jonquilla

Narcissus 'Hugus'

Narcissus 'Green Lawns'

Narcissus poeticus praecox

Narcissus 'Caramel'

Narcissus 'Fashion'

Narcissus 'The Godfather'

Narcissus 'Medway Gold'

Narcissus 'Rataplan'

Narcissus 'Firebrand'

Talking Dirty (Emma Bridgewater - Founder of the British pottery brand, Episode 34)

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 19:00:00 +0000

She's the woman behind one of the most famous of British brands - this week Emma Bridgewater joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis Fridriksson, to talk about the botanical inspiration behind the pottery. Plus why Dandelions are front and centre of their latest collection, the people in her life who sparked a life-long love of plants, lockdown gardening endeavours with limited supplies, and a recent discovery she's very excited about.

PLANT LIST

Chimonanthus praecox

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'

Daphne odora f. alba 'Sakiwaka'

Carex oshimensis 'Everlime'

Rosa x odorata 'Bengal Crimson

Rosa 'Mortimer Sackler'

Leucanthemum vulgare – Oxeye Daisy

Populus × jackii

Crocus tommasinianus

Eccremocarpus scaber

Pelargonium

Carex oshimensis 'Everlime'

Talking Dirty (Joe Sharman aka Mr Snowdrop - Monksilver Nursery, Episode 33)

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 19:00:00 +0000

If you've ever wondered how some plants come into existence, then wonder no more as plant breeder Joe Sharman gives us a fascinating insight into the labour of love behind many of the plants that fill our gardens.

Join Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis Fridriksson as they hear about Joe's dreams for Galanthus breeding, plus the work he's doing with Eranthis (Aconites) and Celandines (Ficaria). There are also dreamy, dinky Narcissi, and an elusive Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) and lots of laughs along the way.

Talking Dirty (Alex Summers - Glasshouse Supervisor at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Episode 32)

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Across the world Botanic Gardens are doing amazing work. And at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, there are wonders to behold in every corner of its 40 acres. But the glasshouses are perhaps the most memorable, packed with exotic plants which will stay in your memory forever.

This week on the podcast, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis Fridriksson are joined by Alex Summers, Glasshouse Supervisor at the Botanic Garden, for a chat about everything from his love of parasitic plants and epiphytes, to plant-collecting trips, the garden's amazing Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) and database!

Plus an exciting gift courtesy of Mike Clifford (@mikesrareplants on Instagram - go follow him, he's amazing!) and a potential Birthday present for Alan!

PLANT LIST

Strongylodon macrobotrys (Jade Vine)

Vasconcellea pubescens

Lachenalia viridiflora

Ixia viridiflora

Magnolia Sapiensis

Magnolia insignis

Huodendron tibeticum

Polyspora

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'

Euphorbia horrida

Viscum minimum

Viscum crassularae

Cyphostemma juttae

Cyphostemma currorii

Portulacaria afra

Rafflesia

Lathraea clandestina

Amorphophallus titanum

Cinnamomum camphora

Furcraea macdougallii

Furcraea longaeva

Tulipa sprengeri

Stapelia

Talking Dirty (Charles Dowding - 'No Dig' Author and Teacher, Episode 31)

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

The name Charles Dowding has become synonymous with 'No Dig' techniques, but what exactly does 'No Dig' involve? And why is it such a successful and popular method of gardening? This week on the podcast, Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are joined by Charles to talk about the lattice of ideas that make up the method, plus loofa antics and some Show and Tell that looks good enough to eat!

It's a podcast jam-packed with revelations about everything from soil to slugs, paths to weeds - with plenty of ideas for your allotment, potager or kitchen garden.

Charles even shares some of his favourite Winter salads for those of you growing your own at home.

Talking Dirty (Brian Ellis & Val Bourne - Galanthophiles, Episode 30)

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Calling all Galanthophiles, this week Alan Gray (a self-confessed Snowdrop addict) and Thordis (doing her best to resist!) are joined by two gardeners who long ago succumbed to Galanthamania.

Award-winning Garden Writer, Val Bourne, shares her experiences of growing Snowdrops in the Cotswolds, while Brian Ellis, who sells many special varieties of Galanthus talks from the Norfolk perspective.

The conversation winds from the extraordinary people who make the Snowdrop community so special, to the varieties Val and Brian hold most dear. And while the gang didn't get to mention all the things they wanted to, there's certainly no shortage of specatular Snowdrops to set your heart racing.

PLANT LIST

Galanthus lagodechianus

Galanthus 'S. Arnott'

Galanthus 'Primrose Warburg'

Galanthus plicatus 'Priscilla Bacon'

Galanthus plicatus 'Joe Sharman'

Galanthus 'Phil Cornish'

Galanthus 'Matt Bishop'

Galanthus plicatus 'South Hayes'

Galanthus elwesii 'Kite'

Galanthus 'Green Tear'

Galanthus 'Dryad Gold Sovereign'

Galanthus 'Dryad Gold Medal'

Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Lady Elphinstone'

Galanthus plicatus 'Sarah Dumont'

Galanthus x valentinei 'Belvedere Gold'

Galanthus plicatus 'Golden Fleece'

Galanthus 'Lapwing'

Galanthus plicatus 'Yaffle'

Galanthus valentinei 'Saraband'

Galanthus nivalis 'Alan's Treat'

Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen'

Galanthus plicatus 'Diggory'

Galanthus elwesii 'Mrs Macnamara'

Galanthus elwesii 'Margaret's Star'

Galanthus plicatus 'Amy Doncaster'

Galanthus 'Hans Guck in die Luft'

Galanthus × valentinei 'Wind Turbine'

Galanthus ‘Anglesey Double Spikey’

Galanthus nivalis 'Alburgh Claw'

Galanthus 'Onkel Oskar'

Galanthus nivalis 'Trois Jardins'

Galanthus 'Percy Picton'

Galanthus nivalis 'Magnet'

Galanthus 'Long John Silver'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trym'

Galanthus plicatus 'Trimmer'

Galanthus elwesii 'Margaret Biddulph'

Galanthus elwesii 'Claud Biddulph'

Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Blewbury Tart'

Galanthus 'Ding Dong'

Galanthus 'Green of Hearts'

Galanthus 'Washfield Colesbourne'

Galanthus 'E.A. Bowles'

Galanthus 'Ailwyn'

Galanthus 'One Drop or Two?'

Galanthus nivalis 'Kirtling Tower'

Talking Dirty (Ben Preston's back - York Gate Garden, Episode 29)

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Three months after his last appearance, Ben Preston is back with Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis Fridriksson for another plant-filled appearance on the podcast.

From the regimental precision of seed-sowing at York Gate Garden, to the sad demise of their favourite Galanthus, he brings us all up to date with what's been going on in his patch.

Plus an impressive Lobelia grown from seed, grass inspiration, a diminutive darling of a Narcissus, and a show-stopping Prunus!

Talking Dirty (Jimi Blake - Hunting Brook Gardens, Episode 28)

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

If you've never been to Hunting Brook Gardens in Ireland, get ready to be transported by its owner Jimi Blake. He tours us through his favourite plants for structure and foliage, plus his newer forays into houseplants and the latest additions to his Snowdrop collection.

As usual Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis share their FLOMO (the plants at the top of their wishlists) and it turns out Jimi has quite a few as well!

PLANT LIST

Lindera triloba

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Moa's Toes'

Pseudopanax crassifolius

Pseudopanax laetus

Schefflera delavayi

Schefflera Rhododendrifolia

Schefflera taiwaniana

Schefflera alpina

Musa basjoo

Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'

Daphnephyllum

Fatsia polycarpa

Pseudopanax lessonii 'tuatara'

Galanthus plicatus 'Lucy'

Galanthus 'Phantom'

Galanthus elwesii 'Godfrey Owen'

Galanthus plicatus x rizehensis 'Tryzm'

Podophyllum difforme 'Starfish'

Pseudopanax 'Fiddlesticks'

Musa 'Siam Ruby'

Dahlia 'Brown Sugar'

Talking Dirty (Matthew Pottage - Curator, RHS Garden Wisley, Episode 27)

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This week Matthew Pottage - the man behind one of the UK's five gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society - shares his love of conifers, variegated plants and houseplants. We get a tour of his collection of plants in his house plus a peek at his London garden at home. Get ready for FLOMO galore!

Talking Dirty (Ian Roofe - The Plant Doctor, Episode 26)

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Get ready for an avalanche of evergreens from variegated wonders to a cacophany of conifers ((Ilex and Cryptomeria to Griselinia and Astelia). The Plant Doctor brings some serious show and tell to the table for his latest appearance on the Podcast. And, not to be left out, Alan Gray shares some of the treasures found in his garden.

Also including a fantastic tip to help with your forced Hyacinths, a must-have plant for scent and some exquisite Irises!

Talking Dirty (Prof Jane Rickson - Soil Scientist, Episode 25)

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Hear the nitty gritty of what's in our soil, from the minerals to the earthworms and everything in between, all in the company of Soil Scientist, Professor Jane Rickson. She joins Alan Gray and Thordis Fridriksson to share her knowledge and enthusiasm about how we can best look after our soils and what's in them. Plus some FLOMO and Show and Tell.

Talking Dirty (Matthew Wilson - Garden Designer & GQT panellist, Episode 24)

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Top Garden Designer and Radio 4 'Gardeners Question Time' panellist Matthew Wilson joins Alan Gray and Thordis Fridriksson to talk about his busy year designing gardens, the joys of Wildflower mixes, a houseplant he holds very dear and other plants he holds less so (get ready for Anti-Flomo!)

Talking Dirty (Happy New Year Bonus Episode)

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 18:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray and Thordis wish everyone a Happy New Year and look back on some great gardening gifts received this Christmas. Plus of course, a spot of FLOMO because there's always FLOMO (Fear of Missing Out on a Fabulous Plant!)

Talking Dirty (Tamsin Westhorpe - Stockton Bury Gardens & 'Fresh From the Pod', Episode 23)

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 19:00:00 +0000

The super-talented Tamsin Westhorpe joins Alan Gray and Thordis to Talk Dirty! RHS judge, Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild, writer of new book 'Diary of a Modern Country Gardener' and much more besides, Tamsin shares stories from the historic family garden at Stockton Bury. Plus air kisses under the Mistletoe, thermal underwear and the double-flowered Nasturtium that got away!

Talking Dirty (Val Bourne's back - Organic Gardener & Writer, Episode 22)

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Organic gardener and recent award winner Val Bourne joins Alan Gray and Thordis Fridriksson to share some of her favourite plants...from her top picks for easy Galanthus to an unusual umbellifer, cracking Clematis for Winter, Sassy grass and a rose that's caught Val's eye.

Talking Dirty (Rosy & Rob Hardy - Hardy's Plants, Episode 21)

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Get ready for loads of laughter and planty inspiration! Rosy and Rob Hardy are greats of the gardening world, the brains behind Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants.

In this podcast, they tell Alan Gray and Thordis Fridriksson about their final Chelsea Flower Show next year, plus share their own FLOMO (Fear of Missing Out on a Fabulous Plant), why you mustn't buy Rosy an Orchid, and why you must say yes to yellow!

Talking Dirty (Ian Roofe returns - Plant Doctor, Episode 20)

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Alongside serious seasonal Show & Tell, Ian Roofe returns to the podcast to help Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis Fridriksson come up with some great gardening gift ideas, particularly if you're looking for something different, or on a budget.

There's Miscanthus, Cornus and Sorbus appreciation; vintage tools; plus tree-tastic FLOMO and a LOT of laughter!

Talking Dirty (Tamara Bridge is back - Garden Designer, Episode 19)

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Garden designer Tamara Bridge joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis Fridriksson to chat about the increasing demand for designers, plus her go-to plants for instant impact and how aquascaping has captured her imagination this year.

If you've got a question for the team, don't forget you can email it to hello@getgardeningnow.co.uk.

Talking Dirty (Alexander Laver - Master Arborist, Episode 18)

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray and Thordis Fridriksson catch up with another of their horticultural pals, this time focussing on trees and hedges with Master Arborist Alexander Laver.

From his go to book for choosing and managing trees in his garden, to a tiny FLOMO, via mixed hedges, topiary and cloud-pruning.

Talking Dirty (Derry Watkins -Special Plants, Episode 17)

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Purveyor of particularly Special Plants, Derry Watkins, joins Alan Gray & Thordis to share a whole host of wonders, from prairie plants as you've never seen them before, to a portable Isoplexis, serious Salvia envy, fabulous FLOMO, and Nerines on steroids!

Don't forget if you've got a gardening question you can email hello@getgardeningnow.co.uk and the team will try to answer on a future podcast.

Talking Dirty (Jane-Ann Walton -Auricula specialist, Episode 16)

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 19:00:00 +0000

If you've ever fallen under the spell of a magical Auricula, then this is the podcast for you. Jane Ann Walton grows hundreds at her home in Norfolk, where she also has Snowdrops flowering for months a year and a whole host of unusual plants.

She joins Alan Gray and Thordis Fridriksson to chat Auricula care, beautiful berries, Tassel Hyacinths, and share a top tip for Delphinium staking! There's FLOMO galore so get your wishlist ready for an update!

Talking Dirty (Ben Preston - Head Gardener at York Gate, Episode 15)

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Wow, where to start! There's so much in this podcast - as Ben Preston, Head Gardener at York Gate Garden, tells Alan and Thordis about the Perennial garden there. Plus has a real love-in with Alan Gray as they share plants they've grown from each other.

Get set for everything from amazing and unusual Salvias, to exotic Echiums, self-supporting Delphiniums and an elusive Abutilon.

We've also got a question about Clematis cuttings and growing bulbs in Finland! Don't forget if you've got a question for the team, you can email hello@getgardeningnow.co.uk.

Talking Dirty (Ian Roofe - The Plant Doctor's back, Episode 14)

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray and Thordis Fridriksson are joined by their Get Gardening co-conspirator Ian Roofe for a whole host of inspiring Autumn plants - from Red Hot Pokers, to Michaelmas Daisies, Fastigiate trees, and foliage plants for Autumn colour. Plus some top tips for taking hardwood cuttings.

Talking Dirty (Vanessa Scott - Chef & Gardener, Episode 13)

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Culinary Goddess Vanessa Scott joins Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis to chat about gardening projects during lockdown, home remedies for mildew, and terrific tomatoes. Plus a flamboyant FLOMO, tips for meadow planting in a moist area of the garden, Caladiums, Hebes and much more!

Talking Dirty (Joe Whitehead - Head Gardener, Burghley House, Episode 12)

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray and Thordis Fridriksson catch up with one of their favourite gardening chums, Joe Whitehead, to chat about his job as Head Gardener at Burghley House. From their exciting plans for the walled garden to his desire to track down an elusive peach, it's a brilliant insight into a Head Gardener's life.

Plus apple appreciation, scented plants, Dahlia lifting and FLOMO!

Talking Dirty (Val Bourne - Writer and Organic Gardener, Episode 11)

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Plantswoman, garden writer and Organic gardener Val Bourne is the latest guest on Talking Dirty. She shares with Alan Gray and Thordis how she caught the gardening bug in childhood, plus a passion for Dahlias, Roses, Anemones (and everything between!) Plus FLOMO and the relevance of undersized underwear to a good garden!

Talking Dirty (Margaret Hope - Artist & Gardener, Episode 10)

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray and Thordis catch up with Norfolk-based gardener and artist Margaret Hope. A former fashion designer, she learned to garden by colour first of all. And has a love of texture in her planting.

A jubilant chat about planting combinations, FLOMO and Joy in a Box!

Talking Dirty (Brigitte Girling's back - Moss & Stone Floral Design, Episode 9)

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 19:00:00 +0000

One of our favourite gardening friends is back!

Brigitte Girling, the genius behind Moss & Stone Floral Design has launched an online flower school, though you've got to hurry. Enrolment is only until 20th September (www.mossandstoneflowerschool.co.uk).

In this video we hear a bit about the course, plus inspiring Show & Tell from Brigitte's garden, serious FLOMO, and the team get carried away answering a question about what to plant on, and in front of, a North-West facing wall!

Talking Dirty (Postbag Special)

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 20:00:00 +0000

A bonus edition of our podcast for plant lovers, as Alan Gray and Thordis Fridriksson take on your questions.

To get in touch email hello@getgardeningnow.co.uk and the team will try to answer your horticultural conundrum in a future episode.

Talking Dirty (Nick Bailey, Episode 8)

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 19:00:00 +0000

In the latest podcast Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis catch up with old friend Nick Bailey, to chat about Gardeners' World, designing at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, plus choice plants from Phlox to Lobelia - but neither as you may expect.

Talking Dirty (Bunny Guinness, Episode 7)

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Alan Gray (East Ruston Old Vicarage) and Thordis are joined by Bunny Guinness of Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time to chat choice plants.

From Bunny's go-to plants in any garden to why she's not a fan of Heucheras, plus FLOMO (Fear of Missing Out on a Fabulous Plant), alternatives to Box hedging, and your questions.

Talking Dirty (Steve Coghill - King's College, Cambridge, Episode 6)

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 19:00:00 +0000

In the latest of our podcasts for Plant Lovers, Alan Gray and Thordis are joined by the Head Gardener at King's College, Cambridge - Steve Coghill.

From the college's headline-grabbing wildflower meadow, to a stunning bit of companion planting for your roses, FLOMO, grafting and a brilliant plant for dry shade, there's certainly something for everyone!

Talking Dirty (Tamara Bridge - Garden Designer, Episode 5)

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Join Thordis Fridriksson and Alan Gray (of East Ruston Old Vicarage gardens) in our Podcast for Plant Lovers, as they catch up with their plant-a-holic pals.

This week it's award-winning garden designer, Tamara Bridge who talks about the importance of throwing caution to the wind in your garden, and brings serious envy-inducing flowers for Show and Tell! Plus FLOMO (Fear of Missing Out on a Fabulous Plant) and your questions on air pots and earwigs!

Talking Dirty (Ben Potterton - Shorelands Wildlife Gardens, Episode 4)

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Join Thordis Fridriksson and Alan Gray (of East Ruston Old Vicarage gardens) in our Podcast for Plant Lovers, as they catch up with their plant-a-holic pals.

This week it's Ben Potterton of Shorelands Wildlife Gardens in the guest chair who's definitely just as much naughti-cultural as horticultural! From Campsis to Eryngiums via pears and tortoises, this is a truly eclectic mix of gardening chat!

Plus - of course - some FLOMO(Fear of Missing Out on a Fabulous Plant!)

Talking Dirty (Brigitte Girling - Moss & Stone Floral Design, Episode 3)

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Join Thordis Fridriksson and Alan Gray (of East Ruston Old Vicarage gardens) for our Podcast for Plant Lovers, as they catch up with their plant-a-holic pals.

This week it's Brigitte Girling of Moss and Stone Floral Design in the guest chair and boy oh boy does she bring her floral A-game! From Phlox to Coreopsis, via Cosmos, Rubeckia and a whole lotta Dahlias, this is a joyful half hour of horticultural chat.

Plus - of course - some Floral FOMO (Fear of Missing Out on a Fabulous Plant!)

Talking Dirty (Ian Roofe - The Plant Doctor, Episode 2)

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Join Thordis Fridriksson and Alan Gray (of East Ruston Old Vicarage gardens) in our Podcast for Plant Lovers, as they catch up with their plant-a-holic pals.

In this episode the plant doctor, Ian Roofe, their Get Gardening co-conspirator brings show-and-tell from his garden which inspires some Fuschia fan-girling! Plus more Floral FOMO - the fear of missing out on a fabulous plant!

Talking Dirty (Episode 1)

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Join Thordis Fridriksson and Alan Gray (of East Ruston Old Vicarage gardens) as they catch up with their plant-a-holic pals to chat choice plants.

In the first episode it's introductions all round - from when they caught the gardening bug to the next job on their to-do list.