The Gardener's Lodge

Professor Jeff Ollerton, leading pollination ecologist and author of Pollinators & Pollination and Birds & Flowers , joins The Gardener’s Lodge Podcast to explore the fascinating relationships between plants and pollinators. We discuss bees, butterflies, moths, birds and other pollinating animals; how climate change and hotter, drier UK summers are affecting them; the native-versus-non-native plant debate; and how wildlife-friendly gardening can provide food, habitat and nesting opportunities for pollinators. DESIGN STUDIO FREE BIODIVERSITY GARDEN BLUEPRINT ________ Episode Links: Prof. Jeff's Website ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

In this episode of The Gardener’s Lodge Podcast, I’m joined by Jordan from The Shed Organics to explore the world of integrated pest management, and why everything you think you know about pests might be wrong. We dive into building resilient, healthy plants, working with nature instead of against it, and why a few aphids in your garden might actually be a good thing. From soil health to natural pest control strategies, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you grow a thriving, balanced garden without relying on chemicals. Jordans Soil Building Episode DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Jordans Website Jordans Instagram Jordans Youtube ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, Designer of the world's most Iconic and Important landscapes, from royal palaces to evolving historic estates, uncovering how history, design, and ecology shape Britain’s most significant gardens. Todd shares insights on restoring heritage sites, balancing conservation with the need for progress, and designing landscapes that stand the test of time. Discover the philosophy behind historic garden design, the importance of long-term planning, and how cultural landscapes continue to evolve. A must-listen for garden lovers, landscape designers, and anyone passionate about history, nature, and the future of gardening. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Todds Website Todds Instagram ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

I’m joined by lichenologist April Windle from The British Lichen Society to uncover the hidden world of lichens. What they are, how they grow, and why they’re vital for biodiversity, air quality, and ecosystem health. We explore lichen identification, their role as bioindicators, and how they can even signal ancient woodlands and environmental change. We also touch on their cultural history, uses in natural dyes and medicine, and why gardeners should embrace lichens in their outdoor spaces. Plus, in Ask Mykal , I answer a common question about moss lawns and how to work with, rather than against, your garden conditions. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: April Instagram British Lichen Society Website ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

In this episode, we sit down with Eddie Mordue a farmer, market gardener, and founder of Traditional Garden Growers to explore the foundations of truly healthy gardens: the soil. We dive into the reality of modern gardening, from synthetic fertilisers and depleted soils to what’s really going on beneath our feet. Eddie shares his perspective from years of growing, and why working with natural systems is the key to long-term success. We also talk about forgotten, traditional inputs including wool! and how materials that have been used for generations are finding their place again in modern gardens through innovations like Wooltiliser! DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Traditional Garden Growers Website Traditional Garden Growers Instagram ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

The weeds in your local park? Some of them are dinner. This episode, I sit down with Leo Utton — the Barefoot Forager — a UK wild food expert and foraging workshop host working across Brighton and London. We dig into early spring edible plants, safe foraging practices, and the surprisingly rich history behind the wild foods growing all around us. Leo has a brilliant knack for bringing together old herbal texts and cutting-edge plant science, whether he's posting on social media or leading a group through the hedgerows. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned forager, this one's packed with seasonal inspiration. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Leo's Instagram Leo's Website ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Jessica Zander of You Can Do It Gardening is known for common sense no-frills garden advice inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the globe that they can do it themselves, and that gardening doesn’t have to be so complicated. Jessica Zander has built a booming garden coaching business from scratch after a career in finance. We chat about starting her business to Spring Garden Tips. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Jessica Zander Instagram Jessica Zaner Website ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

In this episode of The Gardener’s Lodge podcast, Mykal sits down with Michael Marriott, one of the world’s leading rosarians. After more than 35 years working with David Austin Roses, his voice and name have become synonymous with modern English roses. Michael’s approach to growing roses is refreshingly simple, grounded in observation, practicality, and a deep respect for how plants naturally thrive. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Roots and All Instagram Roots and All Website ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

In this episode of The Gardener’s Lodge podcast , Mykal sits down with Sarah Wilson, host of the acclaimed Roots and All podcast, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about gardening, media, and integrity. Sarah reflects on her journey into horticulture, how podcasting has shaped her thinking, and why she’s become more questioning of industry narratives, motives, greenwashing, and who gets amplified in gardening media. Together, they explore wildlife gardening, independent garden media, therapeutic landscapes, and what it means to garden thoughtfully in a changing world. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Roots and All Instagram Roots and All Website ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Ever thought about sharing your garden online, but not quite known where to start? This episode is for you. Mykal sits down with Tom Coleman, a social media specialist working within the horticultural industry, to talk about how gardeners can show up online with confidence. From the do’s and don’ts of posting your garden, to staying authentic and enjoying the process, this conversation goes beyond algorithms and focuses on sharing your love of plants in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Whether you’re quietly posting for fun or thinking about growing a small following, this episode will help you feel more comfortable putting your garden out into the world. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Tom's Website Tom's instagram ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

World-renowned garden photographer Clive Nichols joins Mykal Hoare in the Lodge for a thoughtful conversation about photographing gardens at their most beautiful. Having captured some of the world’s finest and most private gardens, including HRH King Charles III’s garden at Birkhall, Clive reflects on a career spent observing gardens at their most fleeting and atmospheric. Together, they explore light, patience, and atmosphere in garden photography, alongside practical insights for gardeners and photographers looking to capture gardens with clarity and restraint. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Clive's Instagram Clives Website ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

World-renowned planting designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin joins Mykal in the Lodge to talk all things planting design and reflect on a remarkable career in horticulture. Andrew is the founding director of the London College of Garden Design and a respected educator at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. His career spans decades at the very highest level of the profession, including judging show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. In this conversation, Andrew shares the hard-won knowledge and insight gathered throughout his career, much of which now forms the basis of his first book, The Modern Professional Planting Designer — an Amazon No.1 bestseller. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer Andrews Instragram ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok Growing Media Production ©2025

Tom France is a passionate Ecologist from the United kingdom. This conversation is about all things british ecology, from re-wilding to the state of the british landscape. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Tom France instagram ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok Growing Media Production ©2025

Mykal is on a field trip this week to the Mountains Gourmet plot in the Mid Blue Mountains to visit Rhiannon Phillips, the founder of Mountains Gourmet. Rhiannon is passionate about supplying fresh, healthy, sustainably grown gourmet produce to her community. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Mountains Gourmet Website Mountains Gourmet Instagram ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok Growing Media Production ©2025

Horticulturalist David Binch, is deeply passionate about Grevilleas. He runs Binchy's Garden in Dalyston, Victoria, known for its large collection of rare and endangered Grevillea species. Binchy is an expert Grevillea grafter. Take some time to step into Binchy's world with me, Lets nerd out over Grevilleas FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Binchy's Instagram - @binchys_garden Binchy's Youtube - @binchys_garden ________ Mykal's Links: Website - thegardenerslodge.com.au Instagram - @thegardenerslodgeau Tik Tok - @thegardenerslodgeau Growing Media Production ©2025

Good Friend, Business woman & Tropical Terrarium expert Cass from Plant with Cass joins us in The Lodge to chat all about the wonders and ease of closed lid Terrariums. DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN COACHING FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Plant With Cass website Plant With Cass Instagram ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok Growing Media Production ©2025

Jordan Alexander from the Shed Organics, has a passion for sharing horticultural Knowledge. Today he tells us all about his key steps to building healthy soil and growing healthy plants! FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD ________ Episode Links: Jordans Website Jordans Instagram Jordans Youtube ________ Mykal's Links: thegardenerslodge.co.uk Instagram Tik Tok Growing Media Production ©2025

Clancy Lester is an Australian Native Bee expert. Forget everything you thought you knew about bees. According to Clancy Lester, environmental educator and native bee researcher, the true heroes of Australia’s pollination story aren’t European honeybees, but thousands of native species that rarely get noticed—or understood. FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload ________ Episode Links: Clancy's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beesandblossoms.aus/ Clancy's Website - https://nativebeehotels.com/ ________ Mykal's Links: Website - https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge Growing Media Production ©2025

Lucy Mora coined the Term 'Garden Mapper' after being approached to illustrate water colour maps of Australian gardens. After moving back to the country some years ago she got her hands in the soil perfecting the skill of edible gardening. - Lucy & host Mykal Hoare chat about combining her two passions illustration & Veggie Gardening to create her new book - 'The Kitchen Garden' CLICK HERE FOR PATREON ________ Episode Links: Lucy's Instagram - @thegardenmapper Buy - The Kitchen Garden ________ Mykal's Links: Instagram - @mykalhoare Facebook - @mykalhoare _______ Growing Media Links: www.bringthejungle.com.au/pages/growing-media-podcast Instagram - @Growingmediaaus Facebook - @Growingmediaaus

Diego Bonetto, or otherwise known as theweedyone online is Australia's best known foraging expert having lead foraging workshops for more that 20 years. Diego and host Mykal chat about childhood farm life, fostering ecological empathy, the philosophy of foraging and his forthcoming book 'Eat Weeds: A field guide to foraging' CLICK HERE FOR PATREON ________ Episode Links: www.diegobonetto.com Eat Weeds - Diego's Book Instagram @theweedyone ________ Mykal's Links: Instagram - @mykalhoare Facebook - @mykalhoare _______ Growing Media Links: Instagram - @Growingmediaaus Facebook - @Growingmediaaus