The Garden Log

Grey sedge, smuggled cuttings, a watering disaster and the new garden at Grosvenor Square

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100

How will our gardens look in the future? Ben visits the new garden in Grosvenor Square with its Nigel Dunnett planting to find out.

Also featuring: tragedy at bathtime; some borrowed seedlings; a 4000 year old stumpery and Tom Stoppard's Arcadia at the Duke of York Theatre.

And if you enjoyed any of that then of course you must pre order my book

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/463428/green-kingdom-by-dark-ben/9781847928337

Old roses, strange apples: finding beauty in the bleached bones of an English summer

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Is Thomas Knight the greatest villain in the history of fruit growing? And how does a Frenchman's marriage influence the rose gardens of England? These and other very important questions answered in an episode of The Garden Log recorded in the bleached white of a Herefordshire summer.

If you enjoyed any of this history, gardening and plants podcast then consider preordering my book here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/463428/green-kingdom-by-dark-ben/9781847928337

In praise of shadow, featuring Baroque hornbeams and Emily Brontë

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0100

We find ourselves at the mercy of forces beyond our control and hide from the wind and sun under a leafy bowers of the Baroque garden at Gammel Holtegård. A gardening podcast.

Here is the mega-discount for Americans

https://www.amazon.com/Green-Kingdom-Family-History-Plants-ebook/dp/B0H5D7H8PZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RP2TBN1HHA7K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Bo_HP2EzIae79kSPW1fmkfmTi9cnIVFFedPWaFTKxy0IhNjqQnZmyw-9-Z9S3g2jUQyqpYp_2RZl8cdrCj0pn2uM4vQuzbP_WVV8Qfhn4oqoQqDoC8jNUq0lTckYckglCI7jTvkCL2wOhWxoyDf544YrlxKILoJeqIL-hlNBtaY.JA2A3bZ2AXgmhMakyG53ufPM7AVr6d6RpTFwXDD6vsM&dib_tag=se&keywords=green+kingdom+a+family+history+of+plants&qid=1785172825&s=books&sprefix=green+kingdom+a+family+history+of+plan%2Cstripbooks%2C349&sr=1-1

Lots of love

Green Fingers are the Extensions of a Verdant Heart: Russell Page and Redcurrants

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:20:00 +0100

Just after the summer's hinge, Ben eats his neigbours' soft fruit, considers the lily and reads that all-time classic of garden writing The Education of a Gardener.

Here's the link to the Garden Collective: https://www.thegardencollective.uk/ben-dark/

Green Kingdom here:

https://www.thegardencollective.uk/ben-dark/

Green Ghosts and Fading Clones

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Welcome to season 2 of the Garden Log.

Ben says goodbye to the Danish garden and prepares to return to London. Featuring, seeds, clones and the horticultural spirits that linger when we leave.

How to keep plants alive (and other mysteries)

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0100

In this excellent episode Ben finds roses like cats, lawns like dunes and flowers like clothes pegs. Also featuring a few simple tricks to stop things dying.

Pine riots, wolf-vines and the joy of other people's gardens: A gardening podcast

Fri, 20 May 2022 06:14:51 +0100

Its a sultry spring day on the Garden Log. We muse on the kindness of strangers, advise on planting for a rubble-strewn drive and yearn for romance.

https://ko-fi.com/bendark

linktr.ee/bendark

Underrated shrubs, sweet perfumes and the art of the Garden Room: A petal strewn podcast

Thu, 12 May 2022 20:04:37 +0100

In this recreation of a lost walk Ben visits the garden of G. N Brandt (deceased) who brought the arts and crafts movement to Denmark and whose modest orchard-watergarden-woodland survives in the suburbs north of Copenhagen.

https://ko-fi.com/bendark

#100 Perfect mistakes, rhubarb, rollercoasters, tulips and timeslips: A gardening podcast

Thu, 05 May 2022 11:44:47 +0100

Its spring and Ben is gardening hard. In a special dispatch from the flowerbeds he reports on sparrows, cosmos and creeping jenny. Also featuring a trip to the fairground, tabloid libel and a woman named X

#99 Wildflowers, Tyrants and Sweet Magnolia: A Gardening Podcast

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:32:32 +0100

Ben discusses Ornithogolum, irises, poppies and golden fleece. Also featuring a trip to the Boboli gardens in Florence and a reading from The Grove: A Nature Odyssey in 19 1/2 Front Gardens - recently described by The Daily Telegraph as 'the best gardening book of 2022' and available to order from everywhere here: linktr.ee/bendark

https://ko-fi.com/bendark

#98 [On Location] The good, the mad and the hyggeligt: front gardens of Hellerup

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 19:15:44 +0100

In this special episode of The Garden Log Ben walks out one mid-spring morning in search of beauty and blossom. The pavements brings him plants, thoughts, birdsong and some sort of helicopter, all of which are lovingly reported on.

For more of this sort of thing try The Grove: Available to order now:

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-grove/ben-dark/9781784727383

#97 Of oligarchs, snowberries and other shade lovers: A gardening podcast

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 12:32:38 +0100

The garden log comes out in favour of seed heads, weeds some beds, throws some droops, sees some shoots - you know, gardening stuff!

For events tickets go here - https://linktr.ee/bendark

#95 Rose pruning with King Midas: A gardening podcast

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 10:47:01 +0100

What's more tangled: a neglected climber or or human morality? The Garden Log sticks its head into thorns and finds out.

https://ko-fi.com/bendark

http://linktr.ee/bendark

#94 Sowing Eupatorium, seeing Sorbus and reverting Picea + The Grove, the wind, the snow and the seagulls

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 08:04:55 +0100

Ben takes to the seed compost, hunts cactus through the snow and talks about his new book, which, by the way, is available to buy here! https://linktr.ee/bendark

#93 The surprising speed of Arum italicum: featuring Proust's Asparagus, Mahonia x media and the Aucuba fertilisation frenzy of 1865

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 16:59:12 +0100

Celebrate the return of the Garden Log with some of your favourite shrubs!

Plus mulch shovelling, cotinus and some dodgey but lovable carex

#92 [On Location] Life in the Ruins: Mutant brambles and runaway figs in the deserted village of Campo di Brenzone

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 05:59:53 +0100

In this starling-squalled episode of the Garden Log Ben is turned away from the botanic garden and makes his way to the mountains of Italy to talk about vegetables, olives and the Villa Cimbrone

https://ko-fi.com/bendark

#91 [On Location] Kitchen Garden Confidential

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Ben tours the fruit trees of Bernstorff Slotshave, discovers a nuttery and uses it to muse on pruning, ivy, bees, wasps, dogs, figs, cliffs and trees.

https://ko-fi.com/bendark

#90 [On Location] Bernstorff Slotshave 1: A good walk foiled

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:29:33 +0100

In Ben's first ever outdoor recording for the Garden Log he is driven from a historic kitchen garden to wander in search of euonymus, yew trees and friendly dogs.

https://ko-fi.com/bendark

#89 Copenhagen: city of roses (A gardening podcast)

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 04:30:00 +0100

In this northerly episode of The Garden Log Ben discusses lime trees, hollyhocks, hedge heights and salsify and is refreshed by the Scandinavian approach to Japanese Knotweed.

#88 Goodbye to all that

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 08:29:02 +0100

In the last episode of the Garden Log's three-and-half-year 'season 1' Ben reflects on the garden and looks forward a new chapter…

www.ko-fi.com/bendark

#87 Acer griseum, Crocus chrysanthus, frost reports and water fountains: a gardening podcast

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 06:49:29 +0100

Spring breezes blow the daffodils as Ben reports on the damage that winter hath wrought and the beauty of new growth

www.ko-fi.com/bendark

#86 New discoveries, old adversaries and very strong coffee: A gardening podcast

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 02:00:00 +0100

In this midwinter episode of the Garden Log Ben plays dice with the Gods of Winter, prunes ground cover roses and discusses the newty beauty of psuedopanax

www.ko-fi.com/bendark

#85 Russian sage, British mud, almond puddings: A gardening podcast

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 02:00:00 +0100

Ben discusses snowdrop planting, creates a forget-me-not dream screen and warns of the dangers of the plum bun.

www.ko-fi.com/bendark

#85 How to rehabilitate an olive, revive a flowerbed and restore a rockery

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:00:00 +0100

www.ko-fi.com/bendark

Hello! Ben here. It's wet. The garden is half-flooded and really only good for eels and starfish. But never mind! We're planting bright yellow achillea to cheer everybody up. All aboard for another voyage on H.M.S Horticulture.

#83 Hard edges, cold winds and twelve thousand little droplets of hope: A gardening podcast

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 04:00:00 +0100

In this season-straddling episode of the Garden Log Ben discusses the art of horticultural gossip, rides a new machine, names many beetles and get the business of bulb planting under way.

ko-fi.com/bendark

#82 Scything for beginners, rose pruning for experts and lawn mowing for everyone

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 02:30:00 +0100

n this hot and humid episode of Britain's Best Gardening Podcast Ben deals with a rambling rose, learns a new technique and tries to hide the damage of midsummer heat.

https://ko-fi.com/bendark

#81 Yellow trees, purple trees and Isabella Trees + naked calendars, shredded perennials and a new vegetable garden.

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 10:36:55 +0100

In this wind buffeted episode of the Garden Log Ben takes a risk in the compost heap, plants some very special trees and batters the hedges.

#80 How to choose bog plants for dry gardens, plant a wild urn and massively amplify astrantias

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 06:47:44 +0100

This week the gardeners spread outrageous herbaceous perennials to all corners of the garden and report from the meadow.

Ligularia 'Zepter' Centranthus ruber 'Albus' Rodgersia aesculifolia Astrantia major 'Gill Richardson' Iris 'Dusky Challenger' Geranium 'Sirak' Cynara cardunculus Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunray'

The Albertus Oak Mysteries: Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0871XW1HC

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B084TRFVNF

Ko-fi.com/bendark

#79 The economy of beauty: tree ferns, aconites, thermopsis and frost

Fri, 15 May 2020 06:50:19 +0100

In this daring episode of Britain's favourite gardening podcast Ben comes up the wrong side of the weather, explains how to divide dahlias and encounters an exciting new plant.

www.ko-fi.com/bendark

#78 Creative weeding, lily beetles and impossibly clashing shades of tulip

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 09:05:23 +0100

In this episode of the Garden Log Ben returns after three weeks in lockdown to find the grounds more beautiful than ever. Also: aphids, cleomes and the hart's tongue fern. https://ko-fi.com/bendark

#77 How to argue about tulips, judge front gardens and appreciate euphorbia

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 01:30:00 +0100

In this locked-down edition of the Garden Log Ben takes a horticultural stroll, makes a case for blowsy tulips and reconsiders the London amelanchier.

Soothing noises for troubled times

thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

bendark.com

#76 How to make a very new tree look old and beautiful, plant a heather canyon and measure a life in rosebuds

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 02:00:00 +0100

Ben modifies a large pinus sylvestris, plants green mondo grass and develops a nostalgic new form of gardening. All this and more in horticultures most discursive podcast.

#75 How to select hardy geraniums, fake the wild look and survive two storms in a week

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 01:30:00 +0100

In this blustery episode of the Garden Log Ben and the team carry out some subterranean demolition, find a tree corpse, and plant 458 herbaceous perennials

#74 Training figs, burying barns under clematis montana, and cutting back hybrid hellebores: A gardening podcast

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 02:30:00 +0100

In this January episode of The Garden Log Ben ties in fruit trees, makes a bet on a daffodil and rescues some asters from a heap of dumped clay. Also, musings on the season to come, general plant chat and very nice sunrise. All this and more on England's finest horticultural podcast!

#73 Twenty-three thuja, two-hundred-thousand worms and one almighty disaster - happy new year everybody!

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 11:22:56 +0100

In this episode of the Garden Log Ben celebrates very happy news, makes some awful horticultural mistakes, plants roses and talks of irrigation.

#72 How to lift dahlias, grow summer fruiting raspberries, naturalise scilla and be a horticultural vigilante

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 01:30:00 +0100

In this early December episode of the Garden Log Ben plants bulbs at three per second, worries about citrus trees, looks into the rooting capacity of autumn soil and encounters mob justice in Finsbury Park

#71 Gardeners' wages, frozen toes and martagon lilies: A horticultural podcast

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 02:00:00 +0100

In this November episode of the garden log Ben rescues a flopped wisteria, plants vast quantities of spring bulbs, starts the mulching and discusses the best technique for clearing leaves from saturated soil.

#70 Agapanthus and autumn flowering snowdrops

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 02:00:00 +0100

In this blazing autumnal episode of the Garden Log Ben takes a trip to Mottisfont Abbey and RHS Wisley. Also, hellebores, peonies, variegated yew, mud eating and much much more

#69 Hot tea and rainclouds: a week in an English garden

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 02:00:00 +0100

Head Gardener Ben Dark considers the dock, rejects time travel, splits bananas and plants cyclamen

#68 Slug life, magnolia death and a ground elder invasion: A gardening podcast

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 02:00:00 +0100

This week the Garden Log gets into the weeds. Barrowloads of brambles, some nettles, wood avens, ground elder, dandelions and purple cherry plum.

Also! Dog's tooth violets, camassias, water pipes and flooded lanes.

#67 Three-thousand true blue pansies, playing with epimedium and finding the right path for candelabra primulas: A gardening podcast

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 01:30:00 +0100

In this sun-kissed episode of the garden log we mix bedding plants with grasses, plant up an ancient stone trough and slander Edwardian sailors. A podcast for people who like gardens and the people who garden them.

#66 The trouble with dahlias, meadow mowing and stylish underplanting for the stylish gardener

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 01:30:00 +0100

In this episode of the Garden Log we scythe the last sweet grass of summer, spread fine mulch and sings a cricket's song.

As mentioned on the podcast, to see me at the landscape show register here: http://www.landscapeshow.co.uk/register

#65 Planting a pagan yew grove, playing the delphinium blues and preaching the wallflower gospel: a gardening podcast

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 01:30:00 +0100

In this episode of the Garden Log Ben summons the Elder Gods, meets a canary fancying diamond magnate and trims the wisteria.

Solomon Joel's garden party - https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-foxhill-estate-1926-online

Hampton Court: Our growing year - https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/hampton-court-gardens/our-growing-year/#gs.xkd84m

Gherado Cibo's plantain - https://www.moleiro.com/en/books-of-medicine/dioscorides-by-mattioli-and-cibo/miniatura/broadleaf-plantain-dioscorides

If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a review and sharing on social media!

#64 High summer meadows, the hottest day on record and falling in love with a saxifraga: A gardening podcast.

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 01:30:00 +0100

In liquidating heat Ben plants, digs, sweats and chops when he should be drinking in the shade - all in the name of Beauty! Also, how to look at a familiar garden in a totally new light. This and much more in episode 64 of the award winning Garden Log podcast.

#63 Poppies, roses, wood sorrels and willow herbs: A gardening podcast

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 01:30:00 +0100

Weeds take centre stage in high summer as Ben turns farmers wife and chops off their roots with a carving knife.

Thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

#62 Acanthus out, clematis up, lawns in a horrible yellow mess: A gardening podcast

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 02:00:00 +0100

In this week's heat-drenched episode of the Garden Log Ben makes a terrible mistake, battles powdery mildew and coats himself in a layer of thorns, twigs and earwigs. No other half-hour contains more gardening - fact!

Thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

Twitter: @bensgarden

Instagram: ben_dark_

Facebook: The Garden Log Podcast

#61 Spent delphiniums, silver ragwort and prehistoric planting: A gardening podcast

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 07:34:08 +0100

In this episode of the Garden Log Ben cuts back the mint in preparation for mojito season, erects a rhomboid arch and talks extensively about stinging nettles. Enjoy!

#60 Adventures in the cosmos hole: red thread, ranunculus, obelisks and chalk

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 07:52:18 +0100

In this weeks episode Ben ruins a York stone path, heaves some iron and reflects on horticultural lessons learned.

#59 Houttuynia (tastes like fish) bracken (gets stamped on) and Uvdale Price (is full of regrets): A gardening podcast!

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 02:00:00 +0100

A full smorgasbord of horticulture - served rain-soaked and half-composted. In this episode we discuss when and why to cut back long-flowering perennials, look at some ferns and make preparations for the summer we wish we had. Enjoy!

#58 Pitching for TV, the cool green cave and fighting the orange fire: a gardening podcast

Thu, 30 May 2019 08:31:44 +0100

This week Ben completes the woodland garden, rediscovers a gardening archive and sends the herbaceous borders off in a blaze of glory

#57 A week in the garden

Fri, 24 May 2019 02:00:00 +0100

Ben works on woods, weeds and walks. Also on his tan.

The Garden Log is an award winning podcast all about a head gardener and the plants he works with.

#56 Potting lemons, splitting day lilies, paranoia, drunkenness and burning down the Hyde Park Pagoda

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 01:00:00 +0100

In this Episode of the Garden Log Ben talks tulips, talks with two lips, walks with two hips, speaks of new tips and cuts the grass.

Also, optical illusions for lawnmowers, the family Ranunculacea and seasonal weeding.

thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

#55 How to take risks, unwrap ferns and apply for gardening's most prestigious job

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 01:30:00 +0100

Welcome to Episode 55 of the garden log in which we shunt bulbs, buy trees and gossip about UK horticulture.

Feel free to email me about plants you have known: thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

The National Trust's Sissinghurst video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbm14Q-teLo&feature=youtu.be

#54 Molasses lawn-soup, foaming scilla and how to hire a pliant gardener

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 10:32:39 +0100

Sap rises in this long anticipated episode of the Garden Log. We take a trip to see the gurus of grass, move a statue without the help of helicopters and get excited about spring bulbs.

A podcast for people who like people who like plants!

#53 Frosted five fingers, Taxus soufflé and the sweet smell of sunrise

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 10:08:56 +0100

Sarcococca scented signs of spring to come. This week verges are repaired, hedges replanted and strange sights spotted in the trees.

Very much a gardening podcast from the makers of the Garden Log episodes 1-52

#52 Magnolia grandiflora, mud soup and flowers from beyond

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 10:08:36 +0100

This week snow melts and rain pelts, trees rise and deer subside and we find thorny new ways to ornament walls

Thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

@Bensgarden

Featured blog: https://www.oxoniangardener.co.uk

#51 Training a climbing rose, mistimed bulb planting and planning your perfect grave

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 09:29:10 +0100

This week on the Log we bring order to thorny chaos, yearn for the perfect snowdrop and careen down hills in the snow.

Your money back if you find a more horticultural half hour!

#50 How to prune an apple tree, date a horticulturalist and see compost in all you survey

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 10:06:27 +0100

For the Garden Log's half century we take a trip up a tree, visit Kew Gardens and look at the hosta bed. We also learn how prune fruit trees and how to live for ever. Happy listening!

#49 Heretical hellebores, scarecrow grass and building a satellite compost heap

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 02:00:00 +0100

In this brave new podcast we discuss grass, gravel and the gardens of Queen Anne. Also horticultural drunks, what and when to cut back and a bumblebee.

Gertrude Jekyll, Dianella and the Garden Media Guild

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this rain-drenched episode we discuss Arts and Crafts gardening, plant a happy-morning garden and plant a field of white camassia.

#47 Tea, textiles and the wetting winds of winter

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this episode mulch is spread and coats are donned. Also, the philosophy of winter lawn care. Podcast best paired with some spiced herbal infusion.

#46 Tasteful jackets for tender plants - distasteful cocktails for dissolute gardeners

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 11:38:57 +0100

In blazing autumn Ben plants an eccentric new foliage garden and worries if he has made a huge mistake. Also, massed ranks of hellebores, planting a hula-hedge and how to wrap your tree fern.

New plants for new borders, camellia sasanqua and next year's hottest wildflowers

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 19:53:31 +0100

October 2018. A wet sunny week full of plants and talking about plants. We plan the new borders for 2019 and start sourcing herbaceous and woody material

Chilean guava, bulb migraines and hot benches - its season two of the Garden Log

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 04:00:00 +0100

Season two. The Garden Log celebrates its first birthday with wit, wisdom and a day trip to Hampton Court.

#43 How to prune lavender with a tractor, plant a disease resistant elm and effectively ruin your lawn

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:30:27 +0100

In this episode we cut back on the lavender, discuss favourite plants and tragically find out why its never a good idea to rush things in the garden.

#42 Melianthus cuttings, luxury weeding and the orchid factor

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 09:40:27 +0100

September arrives with cold mornings and new smells. We start propagating next year's superstars, indulge in luxury weeding and discuss why now is the time for new gardening projects.

Thirty minutes of horticultural reflection and comment. Contentment guaranteed

#41 How to batter your hedge, break your mower and grow cabbages with George Orwell

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 09:25:54 +0100

In this literally groundbreaking episode of The Garden Log Ben experiments with home remedies for powdery mildew, cuts hedges, talks about flowers and drives into a fox hole.

The Garden Log. A podcast for people and plants

#40 Attack of the box tree caterpillar, bright plants for brick walls and other gardening nightmares

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:29:41 +0100

This week the Garden Log is infested. Not that we let it stop us creating a beautiful new border or taking a trip to Oxford. No crying please, lets all talk about flowers

#39 Sacrifice and scarification: A gardening podcast

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Garden Log we drop in on a suave french landscape architect, rip out some grass, laugh in the face of ugliness and soak our eyes in beauty. Not since Eden have plants and people been in such perfect harmony.

#38 Wisteria's summer prune, ordering spring bulbs and heaps of steaming compost

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:04:45 +0100

In this episode wisteria is tamed, lawnmowers are ridden like chariots and rain falls like an upturned river. Also, advice on how to steal ideas and a discussion of the horticultural tasks that every good gardener should master

#37 Under the old oak tree: Forget-me-nots, enchanters nightshade and beetles everywhere

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 21:34:22 +0100

In this cheese-wine charmed episode of The Garden Log we talk meadows, short lived perennials, lilly-beetles, and acorns. We also pay a visit to a National Trust garden and travel back in time to meet a Victorian head gardener

#36 Scything meadows, cutting dahlias and battling Cthulhu weed

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 06:55:12 +0100

This hottest day of the year coincides with the wildflower orchard's annual hay cut. I harvest dahlias for garish, smile-inducing vases of midsummer joy and we discuss whether its possible to imbue certain flower beds with a profound aura of cosmic dread.

All in a weeks work on The Garden Log!

Decorative grass, Edwardian fuss and sun-bright pots of summer zinnia

Sat, 28 Jul 2018 21:41:47 +0100

In this episode we go garish for a garden fiesta, learn how to use ornamental grass to soften harsh borders and go scrumping for black mulberries. All this and more in the latest episode of Britain's most addictive gardening podcast.

#34 Mashed wallflowers, orange echinacea and the Willow of Babylon

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 20:27:09 +0100

In hazy midsummer Ben Dark tells stories about trees and recommends some border-filling plants for mid-summer swaps

#33 Hot rocks, head gardeners and hydrangea vines

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this hot episode of Britain's favourite horticultural podcast we labour in desperate pursuit of beauty. Also, tips on how to NOT boil your plants, which bacopa is not worth the seed price and staying safe with cycads.

Have fun gardeners!

#32 Weeds, wounds and weddings

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 01:00:00 +0100

In this episode we learn the subtle art of deadheading, learn when not to weed and eat some wild carrot. All in a week's work for The Garden Log

#31 Wisteria standards, insect shoes and the woeful washing-line tree

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 12:45:45 +0100

Welcome to episode 31 of the garden log. This week we are firm but fair to wisteria, we are filling our boots with ants and we are dissing some bugle. An unmissable feast for your horticultural imagination

#30 The hairiest flower bed in London

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 20:54:16 +0100

In this episode we visit a disgusting flower bed, learn how to start a hospital for orchids and wax on about oriental poppies.

Also, aphid control, plant buying and Derek Jarman

thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

#29 Bad choices, royal molluscs and tree fern tips

Thu, 31 May 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this episode we review some gardening mistakes I made in the first half of 2018.

#28 Sharp hedges, red beetles and perfect compost

Thu, 17 May 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this episode we lean how to pop lily beetles, prune box hedging and mix the perfect compost

#27 Globe flowers, half-eaten hydrangeas and planning a cut-flower garden

Thu, 10 May 2018 02:00:00 +0100

Tonight I'm gonna garden like its 1979. We take a nostalgic tour of that decade's eccentric gardens and root up some tree stumps with a big digger

Top class grass and brilliant Bartzella

Thu, 03 May 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this episode we reveal the scientific secrets of the perfect croquet lawn and chuck a load of plants in on the compost heap for being the wrong shade of white. Also, weeding, feeding, reading and seeding.

Spring is here. Gloves on, headphones in - time for another episode of The Garden Log!

thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

#25 Sun, slugs and soil

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 03:30:00 +0100

In this episode we consider the daffodil munching meadow slug, contemplate the effects of house-fires on wisteria vines and try out new stripes for the lawn

It's a blazing bonanza of horticulture and anecdote!

thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

#24 Nerine dreams

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 17:46:51 +0100

In this episode we scoop holes in the mud and smear in fabulous summer bulbs

Also, how to pot nerines and writing better by knowing less

#23 Snake oil, shams and the hell that man hath wrought: A week in the garden with The Garden Log

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this episode we do muddy battle with a pine tree, try some new shade lovers and take a trip to the nursery for coffee and carrot cake

#22 Tree circles, espaliers for uninspiring spaces and how to build a rugged rockery

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this episode we explore the art of shrubby bondage, get bold with big boulders, take a trip to Kew gardens and cut some turf

A momentous week for gardening and gardeners alike

#21 How to pot dahlias, protect your orchard roses and generally be a much better gardener

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 06:10:45 +0100

In this episode we learn the arcane arts of the dahlia fancier, build a wall around the Malvern Hills and sow seeds of coming summer's army.

No podcast has muddier boots

#20 The Beast from the East

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In which I talk about sweet peas, fall off my bicycle and get snowed on.

#19 Designing with bulbous bedding, pricking out and dividing deciduous ferns

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 02:00:00 +0100

In this episode we talk out pricking out, split a male fern, prepare for artic blasts and admire a mushroom cloud of hazel. Its just bursting with info-microbes!

#18 Cold Comfort

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 22:29:53 +0100

A blue fingered tale of citrus pruning and acer potting. Featuring Wilson 'Snowflake' Bentley and William 'Bury Me In My Tree' Lucombe

#17 Shade grass, Nairn's London and semi-digested tulips

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 20:37:21 +0100

We're getting shady with hakonechloa, geums and liriope. Also Nairn's London, and a load of half eaten tulips

The important thing to remember about this episode is that every time I say Tangerine Dream I actually mean Totally Tangerine

#16 To the treehouse

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:37:44 +0100

In this week's episode we discuss the Felco fetish, winter prune wisteria, plant parrotia and have a seedy talk. All plants, all gardens, all recorded in a treehouse.

#15 Hangovers, horti-talk and hardy geraniums

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 01:00:00 +0100

We go shopping for specimen trees, drink lots of tea and cut back epimediums. There's also info on dividing hardy perennials and advice on how to stop gardeners destroying gardens.

#14 The Diet of Worms

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:24:16 +0100

In this episode of the gardening podcast Ben talks about worms, foxgloves and the art of the Japanese garden. A wriggly, wiggly horticultural treat.

#13 Breaking new ground

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 11:33:06 +0100

In this episode we talk deadwood, Pope, bonsai and hope. With excitement and worry the ground is broken on a new area of the garden. Ben surveys the damage wrought by winter and fails to clean the greenhouse.

Episode 12: There's no business like snow business

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 08:02:10 +0100

It's bare root hedges with Philip of Macedon and thick-headed gardeners with Mr Kipling in this barnstorming episode of The Garden Log

Episode 11: Himalayan nutmeg, protecting tree ferns and freezing half to death on a small tractor

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 04:00:00 +0100

This wintery broadcast investigates how to put the garden to bed for winter and debunks some ancient Chinese wisdom. Also, green alkanet, blackbirds, foxgloves and hylotelephium.

Maybe a hot cup of tea would go well with this episode?

Episode 10: How to pot paperwhites, prune figs and scandalise your great great great grandmother

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 04:00:00 +0100

In this episode we take to the waves with a question from the canal-side. I'm talking the language of flowers and giving evergreen advice for early December.

Join me for another muddy-kneed tour of the English garden.

Thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

@bensgarden

Episode 9: If dandelions were hard to grow

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 04:00:00 +0100

This was a windy, thrifty, rotten sort of week. I'm talking medlars, erotic Persian gardening, phytophthora and robin training. Just November things.

@Bensgarden

thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 8: Compost leeching, Iris psuedacorus and psychological tips for leaf collection

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 04:30:00 +0100

Now back in England, hands firmly in the soil, head high in the clouds.

Its time to talk compost. Also, I'll be flagging some issues with Iris pseudacorus and conducting a survey of the flowering plants still braving the November chill.

As always, questions and feedback to thegardenlogpodcast@gmail.com

@Bensgarden

Happy gardening!

Episode 7: Dystopian flower beds made easy!

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 14:04:42 +0100

This week's special edition focuses on planting a spectacular, long flowering border to keep you radioactively warm all winter.

Plants used for this project:

Allium moly

Erigeron karvinskianus

x Heucherella 'Kimono'

Hylotelephium spectabile 'Carl'

Gaura lindheimeri 'Sparkle White'

Kniphofia 'Toffee Nosed'

Mahonia eurybracteata 'Sweet Winter

Sisyrinchium striatum

Episode 6: Social learning in squirrels, the Ipomoea report and dairy farming with Richard Burton

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 04:30:00 +0100

Another wander through the gardening week. In this episode it's time to talk tulips. I tell the story of my Morning Glory and commiserate with a listener over his dismembered tiarella.

Episode 5: High-speed hedges, flaming foliage and pruning properly

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 04:30:00 +0100

This week we focus on root-balled yew, how to get the best from your beautyberry and plan on transforming the garden into just the right sort of fiery hell-pit.

More gardens, gardening and horticultural advice from The Garden Log.

Episode 4: A river of violas, bare-root wallflowers and planting daffodils in the week of the orange sun

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 04:30:00 +0100

In this episode find out how to bring joy to bare flower beds and discover which common weed has clove flavoured roots. Also, seasonal advice on biannual bedding and how to plant bulbs on a grand scale.

Episode 3: Flagging hostas, friendly beetles and appreciating the everyday green

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0100

This week focuses on mellow autumn tasks. I discuss moments of horticultural wonder and how give some tips on helping fruit trees 'capture' their space.

Episode 2: Flopping colchicums, balding Bhutan pines and funny writing about flax

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 10:00:00 +0100

We talk topdressing, evergreen defoliation, soft shield ferns and autumn bulbs.

Episode 1: Introductions, withered chestnuts and the Professional Gardeners Guild

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 20:00:50 +0100

An introduction to The Garden Log

This episode focuses on the buttery tones of early autumn. Chestnut problems are solved and Ben discuses his ambivalent relationship with weeding.