For Peat's Sake - Sally Nex, Peat-free Partnership
Sally Nex is a horticulturalist, journalist and environmental campaigner with the Peat-free Partnership, we caught up with her to learn more about the mission of this organisation. Despite the widely recognised environmental damage caused by the use of peat in horticulture, the trade in peat is still ongoing. The Peat-Free Partnership brings together the RHS, the Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB, the National Trust, Garden Organic, Plantlife and many others forming a broad coalition to persuade the industry to adopt peat alternatives.
A good lawn is a staple for most gardens, but have you ever considered the R&D that goes into creating the latest generation of lawn seed? Guy Jenkins has been working with DLF seeds, the company behind Johnsons lawn seed, for 28 years, so he knows a thing or two about what goes into the perfect lawn. DLF supply grass seeds for a host of prestigious sports pitches, and it’s this know-how that’s distilled into their consumer products.
Understanding Responsible Sourcing - Steve Harper, Chairman, Responsible Sourcing Scheme
The Responsible Sourcing Scheme has been developed to assess the impact of each raw material ingredient that goes into a bag of Peat Free compost. We caught up with Steve Harper, the chairman of the RSS and also CEO of Southern Trident, to understand the scope of the RSS, how it works, and what difference it will make to retailers and consumers. We also discuss the environmental impact of one of the more contentious ingredients too.
The Magic of Television - Scott Smith, Head Gardener, Mayen Estate
Scott Smith is a trained horticulturist and has been consistently recognised by HortWeek as one of the nation’s Top Head Gardeners since 2022. Until recently Scott was the Head Gardener and presenter on Beechgrove Garden for the BBC. He’s also an advocate for mental health awareness within the industry.
Searching for Peat Alternatives - Elaine Gotts, R&D Scientist, Levington Research Station
Elaine Gotts has been researching alternative growing-media ingredients for over 20 years. To say that she’s an expert in the subject would be an understatement. That’s why we were intrigued to discover more about the science behind the latest generation of peat-free composts.
Endless Opportunities - Boyd Douglas-Davies, The Boyd Partnership
Boyd Douglas-Davies needs little introduction, previously the CEO of Hillview Garden Centres, a Director at British Garden Centres and a past President of the HTA, he now runs his own consulting business The Boyd Partnership, while also being an Ambassador for the YPHA and Greenfingers Charity. We caught up with Boyd to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Garden Centres and so much more!
Championing UK Horticulture - Fran Barnes, CEO, HTA
On this week’s episode we sit down with Fran Barnes, the CEO of the HTA to discuss the role and importance of the association. We discuss challenges, opportunities and the government’s attitude towards the horticultural industry.
Megan is the social media manager for the YPHA (Young People in Horticulture Association), she’s a digital marketing assistant for a commercial grower as well as running her own business Forest Interior as a freelance-content producer. In short she’s a person in demand. And having spoken with her, it’s easy to see why. Megan’s innate passion and inquisitiveness for plants (especially house plants) is incredibly inspiring.
Glee 2024 Insights & Celebrations - Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director
Glee is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and we get a glimpse behind the scenes to understand what goes into putting on the exhibition with event director Matthew Mein. We gain an insight into the innovations coming in 2024 and the importance Glee has within the garden sector calendar as well as understanding the show’s decision to move the event back to September.
Manufacturing a Sustainable Future - Kate Ebbens, Capi Europe
Kate Ebbens is the UK representative for Capi Europe, a manufacturer of garden products that has gone to great lengths to ensure they are as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. Kate is also the Vice President of GIMA and an ambassador for the Greenfingers Charity. We caught up with Kate to discuss her thoughts on the sector and discover more about the incredible challenge she’s taken on to raise money for Greenfingers.