The Autumn Shift: Hibernaculums, Snowdrops, and Jane Austen
As astronomical autumn settles in, the rhythm of our gardens begins to change — plants, fungi, and wildlife all adapting to cooler days and longer nights. This week, horticulturist Tim Smith shows us how to support our hibernating garden visitors by creating your very own hibernaculum at home. Camilla Bassett-Smith shares her expert tips on planting snowdrops now for a stunning early spring display. And Fiona Davison from the RHS takes us into the archives to uncover the surprising connections between Jane Austen and the Royal Horticultural Society.
Host: Jenny Laville
Contributors: Tim Smith, Camilla Bassett-Smith, Fiona Davison
Links:
RHS Garden Rosemoor
How to grow snowdrops
RHS Digital Collections
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From Soil to Plate: Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Garden
This week we’re heading down to the world famous, double Michelin star Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in deepest Oxfordshire, to speak to chef Raymond Blanc about his ethos towards growing delicious produce, appreciating the soil, and letting veg take centre stage on the plate. From tasty veg to truly enormous ones, Fiona Davison will be telling us about the quirky tradition of giant vegetable growing competitions. And Jenny Laville will be joining us to give us the scoop on what's new for RHS shows in 2026.
Host: Gareth Richards
Contributors: Raymond Blanc, Jenny Laville, Fiona Davison
Links:
Simply Raymond Kitchen Garden: Seasonal recipes from my place to yours
Malvern Autumn Show
RHS Shows and Events
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Pioneering Women Gardeners, Daffodils and Climate Lessons
This week we’re exploring the lives of the pioneering women gardeners of the 20th century who paved the way for women in horticulture today… through music. Composer Omri Kochavi will be sharing how he was inspired by the book ‘An Almost Impossible Thing’ by Fiona Davison to create what he calls a 'horti-musical'. Now's the perfect time to think ahead to spring, and daffodil devotee Camilla Bassett-Smith will be joining us to share some of her favourite cultivars, and top tips on getting the most out of your bulbs. And finally we’re taking stock after a hot, dry summer. We visit Alex Paines at RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon to explore how the gardeners there are adapting what, where, and how they plant.
Host: Guy Barter
Contributors: Omri Kochavi, Camilla Bassett-Smith, Alex Paines
Links:
An Almost Impossible Thing: The radical lives of Britain's pioneering women gardeners
Omri Kochavi’s website
Ladies in Bloomers
RHS Daffodils
Daffodil Diaries project
RHS Garden Rosemoor
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Autumn Abundance: How to Harvest All Year Round
Autumn may be here, but your garden’s productivity doesn’t have to slow down! This week, join us as Liz Mooney from RHS Wisley’s World Food Garden reveals how she keeps her allotment bursting with fruit and veg all year round. We’ll also hear from entomologist Dr Hayley Jones, who’s back to shed new light on wasps — the much-maligned but fascinating insects who’ve had a buzzing bumper year in 2025. And for those thinking beyond the traditional lawn, RHS advisor Nick Turrell offers fresh ideas to transform your garden into something truly inspiring.
Host: Jenny Laville
Contributors: Liz Mooney, Dr Hayley Jones, Nick Turrell
Links:
Social Wasps
RHS Plants For Pollinators
Plants for Pollinators Special Podcast Episode
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Wading into wisteria, managing mildew and an existential conundrum
Many of us have experienced the surge in powdery mildew, ushered in by the hot, dry summer we’ve had. To find out more about this unwanted fungal force and how to manage it, we’re speaking to RHS Senior Plant Pathologist Dr Jassy Drakulic. Late summer is also the perfect time to prune your wisteria to ensure the best blooms next spring. We’re speaking to this custodian of Wisley’s Wisteria Walk, Liam Anderson to pick up his top tips for success at home. And Nick Turrell returns with a curious question. He’s shining a spotlight on one familiar feature found in almost every garden in the country, asking us to think about why it’s really there.
Host: Guy Barter
Contributors: Jassy Drakulic, Liam Anderson, Nick Turrell
Links:
Powdery mildews
Pruning Wisteria
'Gardening with the RHS' offers seasonal advice, inspiration and practical solutions to gardening problems. Trusted gardening professionals give you the latest horticultural advice, scientific research and tried and tested techniques to bring out the best in your garden.
Topics covered include: growing your own vegetables, flowers, garden design, lawn care and gardening with children. Plus expert masterclasses in topics ranging from cottage garden plants, growing orchids, to pest control and eco-friendly gardening.
Plus we’ll have behind the scenes reports from the country’s most prestigious flower shows. There’s something in these podcasts to interest every gardener, whatever your level of expertise.
For more info see www.rhs.org.uk/podcast
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