Gardeners' Corner

As the spring sunshine brings out the blooms, join David Maxwell as Gardeners' Corner celebrates tulip time. Expert guest Anna Hudson will have some of her favourites in studio and they'll discuss whether the bulbs are worth saving for next year. Also on the programme, David visits Salthill garden in County Donegal where Elizabeth Temple has changed a featureless lawn into a garden full of choice plants and trees. In Dublin, Nicola Kenny visits Taplin''s Field Community Garden where organic food is produced by a diverse group of city dwellers and the programme hears from Paul McHugh who discovered a rare wild flower on his daily dog walk in Portglenone. The live phone-in programme also includes questions on pampass grass, peonies and photinia hedging. Contact the programme on [email protected]

David Maxwell visits a unique, nature-friendly private garden in Falcarragh, created by gardener and author Seán Ó Gaoithín. Crammed full of native trees and plants, it has become a haven for insect and bird life, despite the sometimes harsh conditions on Donegal’s west coast. Further south, in Mountcharles, he visits Dorothy Jervis, whose cottage and garden overlook Donegal Bay. She is the fourth generation of her family to call this exposed hillside home. Despite heavy, wet soil and a plantation of Sitka spruce, she has created a relaxed, cottage-style garden that sits easily in the surrounding wild landscape. Also on the programme, Adam Frost chooses bluebells as his bulb for April, and Brendan Little joins David in the studio to answer questions. Contact the programme at [email protected]

Helen Mark is invited to Lisbane County Down where she discovers the work that goes into preparing a garden for public visitors through the National Garden Scheme, and the challenges of gardening on a hill with Olwen Sheridan. With secateurs in hand, Helen helps Joy Caskie on a spring tidy-up, cutting back, moving plants and trimming edges and getting some ideas for her own to-do list. And after a midlife career change, Gary Hegarty swapped designing newspapers for sensory gardens. Here he shows Helen the benefits of these special spaces. Ann FitzSimons joins Helen in studio. Email the programme at [email protected]

Presenter David Maxwell finds out what it takes to create a world class exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Alongside fern expert Billy Alexander, David helps to create the Kells Bay Garden in the Great Pavillion. He also speaks to some of the other designers, landscapers and tradespeople on site working against the clock as judging day looms large. Despite the challenges of time, heat and even a local fox, the garden gets finished and picks up a prestigious gold medal and the president's award.

As wintry showers return, Gardeners’ Corner heads to the snow-dusted Sperrins where David Maxwell visits Andrew Shannon, whose country garden has a modern creative twist. Known on social media as The Artful Gardener, Andrew reveals how the plot once tended by his grandparents now inspires his seasonal animations. At Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, David meets Colin Agnew as he reflects on 45 years of gardening there ahead of his retirement next week, including the remarkable cactus he grew from seed as a young apprentice which now almost reaches the glasshouse roof. In Limavady, Gordon Toner explains his decades-long passion for alpine plants, a fascination that has earned him nearly 250 gold medals. And in studio, expert Anna Hudson brings seasonal inspiration from Ballywalter Estate and answers listeners’ questions on compost and tackling the invasive weed horsetail. Contact the programme: [email protected]

This week, David Maxwell heads to Hillsborough Castle where thousands of daffodils are in bloom. Head gardener, Claire Woods explains how this versatile spring bulb can be grown in containers, borders and lawns. Nearby, enthusiast Richard McCaw has been growing and showing daffodils since 1989. He shows David where his new varieties begin life in a little plot of land behind his home. At Laurelbank Farm in County Down, Jo Facer is bringing in the harvest. It's something she does on her market garden 52 weeks of the year. Jo reveals two crops that are well worth the effort - beetroot and kale. Ann FitzSimons will join David in studio to answer questions and provide some seasonal inspiration. Contact the programme on [email protected]

David Maxwell visits the historic Annesley Walled Garden in Castlewellan Forest Park as it reopens to the public. The garden, which dates back to the mid-18th century, has been closed for two years while £1.3 million of improvement works were carried out. Head gardener Alwyn Sinnamon shows David the work done to the long borders and the gleaming glasshouses, restored to their former glory. David also explores the rediscovered Bog Garden and Rhododendron Wood. Adam Frost reveals his bulb for March, and there’s a visit to the Alpine House in Kew Gardens, which is celebrating its 20th birthday. In the studio, gardening expert Claire McNally joins David to answer questions, while wildlife expert Katy Bell uncovers the secret world of dragonflies. Contact the programme at [email protected]

With spring just around the corner David Maxwell heads to a community garden in Strabane, County Tyrone which will be getting quite the facelift this year. As it operates a Trussell foodbank, it has been selected as the permanent home for the charity's show garden at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. David meets some of those who use the garden space and he chats to designer Rob Hardy about his plans. Also on the programme, a visit to Ballyrobert Cottage Garden where spring flowers and bulbs are announcing a change of season and Rosie Maye joins David in studio to answer questions and provide some inspiration for the season. Contact the programme - [email protected]

As Chinese New Year begins, presenter David Maxwell encounters an orchid covered dragon at the 30th annual Orchid Festival in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He chats to Soléne Dequiret in the Princess of Wales Conservatory about what it takes to create this giant display with over 3000 orchids. Gardening writer Julianne Robertson reveals what it takes to keep moth orchids happy in our homes. Nicola Kenny visits a new community garden taking root in north Belfast thanks to funding from Kew and Amy Kelly explains how to kick-start early seed sowing with the help of propagators and heated mats. Anna Hudson joins David in studio to answer questions and bring some seasonal inspiration from the garden at Ballywalter. Contact the programme [email protected]

Helen Mark explores the little, and large, gardening tasks that can keep you busy, especially when the weather doesn't want to cooperate. Joy Caskie shares her garden oasis near Limavady and Conrad McCormick adds a personal touch to a Valentine's bouquet. Also, Helen catches up with Frank McCooke at Slemish Market Garden for a look at how they're preparing for the year ahead. Contact the programme on [email protected]

David meets up with Oliver Schurmann in the old abandoned quarry that's the new home for Mount Venus nursery. After 25 years in a walled garden, the new location is a magical place reclaimed by nature. Adam Frost chooses his bulb of the month (Crocus tommasinianus) and a dream comes true for some residents in Culmore near Derry as a brand new allotment site gets going. Also on the programme, Amy Kelly on getting your seeds going early and Colin Agnew joins David in studio to talk about creating a home for alpines and they answer listener questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With snowdrops in bloom across the country Gardeners' Corner heads to an event for fans of the flower in County Carlow. The snowdrop gala celebrates the hundreds of varieties of these bulbs sought after by so called 'galanthophiles'. Among those attending the event is John Massey of Ashwood Nursery near Birmingham. John tells presenter David Maxwell about his life with plants and a pruning technique he was taught by a princess. Also on the programme, Robert Millar gives a tour of the snowdrop collection at Altamont Gardens and remembering the world famous Daisy Hill Nursery of Newry, 30 years after the gates closed for the last time. Claire McNally joins David in studio to answers questions of climbers and figs. Contact the programme on [email protected]

A year after Storm Éowyn wreaked havoc across Ireland David Maxwell visits the gardens at Mount Stewart on the Ards peninsula where thousands of trees were lost. He meets volunteers planting oak and pine trees which will form a new shelter belt for the garden in the decades to come. At the other end of the garden, the Winterwatch team have been broadcasting the programme from Northern Ireland for the first time. Chris Packham explains the vast range of habitats that exist around this historic garden. Also on the programme, a visit to the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin and questions on muddy lawns, growing olives outdoors and what to do with a stem of rose hips that has unexpectedly rooted. Contact the programme on [email protected]

A garden that has to look good in every season is the Horatio’s Garden at Musgrave Park Hospital in south Belfast. Two years after it was planted up, David Maxwell chats to head gardener Matthew Lee about how the garden continues to change, and about the great groundcover plants that help keep weeding to a minimum. Adam Frost begins his new ‘Bulb of the month’ series with the common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis. Ahead of the Big Garden Birdwatch, the RSPB’s Claire Barnett visits David’s garden to find out what’s coming to his feeders. In studio, gardener Anna Hudson, brings some seasonal highlights from the Ballywalter and answers questions live. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As the film Hamnet goes on general release, David Maxwell chats to herb expert Jekka McVicar about the role she played in advising the production on Elizabethan herbs. In Ratoath, County Meath, nursery owner John Lord is finding new opportunities in a garden he’s developed over 30 years. He explains how it’s become a playground for plants that serve to inspire both expert and novice gardeners alike. Listener Michael McLean gets a visit from Gardeners’ Corner – he invited the programme to see a garden he’s lovingly creating over a lifetime on a hillside above Newcastle. Also on the programme, a tribute to the late Seamus O’Brien who was head gardener at the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh in County Wicklow and widely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest plantsmen. Ann FitzSimons joins David in studio. Email the programme at [email protected]

As one year gives way to the next, join David Maxwell on a journey through the seasons with highlights from the last 12 months of Gardeners’ Corner. From clearing up after Storm Éowyn to pristine show gardens, from celebrities to school children and with callers from Ballyclare to San Francisco, David sums up the joy of a programme that celebrated 40 years on the airwaves in 2025.

In this episode of Gardeners' Corner, David Maxwell visits what some call 'Ireland's secret garden' - Kilmacurragh in County Wicklow. The site became part of the National Botanic Gardens in 1996 and since then a restoration programme has been underway. Leading the tour of the gardens, which boast a vast plant collection, is head gardener Seamus O'Brien. From a 'Peter Pan' tree which thinks it's a child but is over 100 years old to a plant which traps animals so their decaying bodies give it food. Seamus is also continuing the work of the Victorian plant hunters. He has gathered plants from Chile, China and Tasmania on his own plant hunting expeditions. Also joining the tour of the gardens is Neil Porteous from Mount Stewart. The two gardens cooperate in the work of creating a 'Noah's Ark' of endangered southern hemisphere plants in the temperate Irish climate.

Join David Maxwell and the gardening gang for a very festive Gardeners’ Corner Christmas special from the National Trust’s Rowallane Gardens in Saintfield, County Down. The team leave behind their dirty denims and don their festive finest for an outdoor gathering around a crackling fire. With mystery seeds in crackers, Secret Santa silliness, and festive food from the garden, all washed down with some seasonal gardening know-how – this is one Christmas Special you won’t want to miss. Email the programme at [email protected]

With the festive season in full swing, David heads to Montalto Estate in County Down for a winter walk with head gardener Lesley Heron. While Storm Bram has created some extra work, there’s still plenty to enjoy, including plants that bring colour and structure to the darkest months of the year. Also on the programme, David chats to Brendan Gilsenan at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin about mistletoe — the seasonal plant romantics seek out at this time of year — and Maeve Bell explains why every garden should make room for a mahonia. Back in the studio, David is joined by garden expert Brendan Little, along with Katy Bell for her winter wildlife update. Email the programme at [email protected]

Need help picking your Christmas tree? Gardeners’ Corner can help! Tony Johnston from Peartree Hill Christmas Tree Farm shares excellent advice on keeping yours looking its best. David visits Bob Hamilton at Dunsany Estate, Co Meath to see how they’ve rewilded 750 acres of the estate. Ruth Bramley talks about keeping indoor plants at the office and makes suggestions for gifting houseplants for Christmas. Adam Frost picks his final shrub of the month for 2025. Rosie Maye joins David in studio to answer listeners’ questions and bring some seasonal gardening inspiration. Email the programme at [email protected]

In this week’s programme, David Maxwell travels to Kerrykeel in Donegal where Brendan Little is preparing his backyard garden for winter. In Spa, County Down, Thomas McCaw and Thomas Raju sing the praises of heather for late autumn and winter colour. At Ballyrobert Cottage Garden, Maurice Parkinson reveals some of the grasses that stand well over the colder months and dazzle in frost and low sun. A caller asks if tree stumps should be removed from the garden or if it’s okay to plant around them. John wants rid of his hairy bittercress weed – is the answer to eat it? And expert Claire McNally joins David in studio with seasonal inspiration on what we can be doing in the garden during the precious hours of daylight. Email the programme at [email protected]

This week, David visits Rosie Maye’s garden near Slane and hears about her love of Inter-planting and underplanting. Prolific Irish garden designer Mary Keen chats about new autobiography, Diary of a Keen Gardener, and why even with her long career and expertise, she’s always learning and experimenting as a gardener. Pupils from Hezlett Primary School and National Trust volunteers help plant ferns and unveil a new water bowl at Downhill Demesne, Castlerock. Gardening expert Neil Porteous joins David in studio to help caller John, who’s worried about cutting his holly tree and Pearl, who’s wondering how best to overwinter potted gladioli. Email the programme at [email protected]

On a very wet week, David visits Mount Stewart to see how storm-felled trees are given a new lease of life in the sunken garden. Urban spaces are reimagined with innovative native meadow cubes and Maurice Parkinson explains why now is a good time to sharpen tools. Gardening expert Colin Agnew is in studio to answer caller’s questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Autumn is far from over, as David Maxwell discovers with Maurice Parkinson at Ballyrobert Cottage Garden. A fine collection of maples—perfect for a cold climate and heavy soil—thrives there, putting on quite the autumn spectacle. In Hillsborough, head gardener Claire Woods is preparing pots for tulip bulbs. She explains how to extend the display by choosing varieties timed to follow one another. With its many mature trees, Hillsborough is also the perfect place to learn about making leaf mould—sometimes known as gardeners’ gold. In Dromore, Julietta Watson uses summer strawflowers to craft baubles for Christmas and pots up colourful containers for her windowsills. Also on the programme, Anna Hudson joins David in the studio with seasonal inspiration and answers to listeners’ questions. Email the programme at [email protected]

This week, Helen talks about how to balance tidying up the autumn garden with giving nature a home for the darker months. She joins Graeme Cross at Magilligan Community Centre to learn about pruning apples in winter and visits Darren and Victoria Colville at Iona Garden near Greyabbey. Ann Fitzsimons is live in studio with expert advice on all your gardening questions. Email the programme at [email protected]

In this autumn special, Gardeners’ Corner celebrates our relationship with trees. David Maxwell returns to his childhood home to revisit the trees he grew up with. Tree expert Tony Kirkham introduces some of the trees grown in London’s Chelsea Physic garden which may prove more resilient than our natives as the climate changes. The myths and legends linked to trees are something that fascinates storyteller Vicky McFarland – she reveals tales of love and death. In Rostrevor, County Down, former carpenter Paul Clerkin knows the trees of Kilbroney Park better than most. Now a public park, it was once a grand estate where exotic trees were planted as status symbols. Amidst the beauty of the season, the programme also explores how trees continue to help us by cooling our cities, preventing floods and removing pollution. Email the programme at [email protected]

This week at the National Trust’s Florencecourt in County Fermanagh, beds are being prepared for winter by new head gardener Lizzie Whyman. The garden team are also trialling which apple varieties store best for winter use. Presenter David Maxwell also heads to Gilford Primary School where staff and pupils have turned a disused football pitch into a pumpkin patch. Also on the programme, how County Down native Beth Gregg is bringing back the posh cloche with her business Claverton Cloches and author Jules Acton on her book ‘Oaklore’ about the amazing life in our native oaks. In studio, David is joined by Rosie Maye who will answers questions on shrubs for a large bank, creating a windbreak with plants and what mushrooms circles mean. Email the programme at [email protected]

This week, David visits the new sensory garden in Bangor’s Ward Park which as been designed with those living with dementia in mind. One listener gets in touch after finding fresh hens eggs (with a date stamp) buried in her garden pots – the team attempt to unravel the mystery. Adam Frost chooses Euonymus alatus as his shrub of the month for October. Garden designer and nursery owner Jamie Butterworth on his manic year that’s included designing a garden with Monty Don, getting married and writing a book! Also on the programme, with the arrival of the bulb of Narcissus ‘Gardeners’ Corner’, named to mark the 40th year of the programme, David Maxwell plants the first few bulbs in studio with Ann FitzSimons. Email the programme at [email protected]

With warm colours all around, Gardeners’ Corner celebrates the arrival of autumn. At the National Trust’s Rowallane Gardens, David meets head gardener Claire McNally for a walk in the woods where Acers, Sorbus, Birch and Enkianthus are stealing the show. As this year’s harvest is gathered in, Amy Kelly is thinking ahead to what can be planted now for early crops next year. In Moira, David discovers a secret courtyard garden beside the oldest house in the village and he chats to Mary Reynolds about her journey from being the youngest ever winner of a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show to the founder of the ‘We are the ARK’ movement which campaigns to restore nature through native planting. In studio, David is joined by Mary Doris who has made best use of the apple and pear harvest. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Where did the world-famous author Jane Austen find inspiration for her classic novels? Two hundred and fifty years after her birth, Gardeners’ Corner presenter David Maxwell explores the outdoor spaces closely linked to her life and writing. In Hampshire, he visits the cottage garden at Chawton, where Jane lived with her mother and sister, and where she wrote and revised her most famous works. Now the Jane Austen House Museum, its Director Lizzie Dunford reveals how gardens and outdoor life shape Austen’s stories. The new head gardener, Michelle Hickman, shares how the garden around the house has a planting scheme Jane would have recognised, all beneath two venerable yew trees which still stand as living witnesses to her time there. Inside the house, David discovers the horticultural wallpaper that surrounded Austen as she wrote. Nearby at Chawton House—once gifted to Jane’s brother—Molly Maslan and Julia Weaver walk him through the grand gardens where she found further inspiration. He also finds a rose bred in her honour called ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Further north, David travels to Chatsworth in Derbyshire. This palatial home to the Dukes of Devonshire became Austen heartthrob Mr Darcy’s ‘Pemberley’ in a film adaptation of ‘Pride of Prejudice’. Librarian Fran Baker reveals that the 6th Duke was an Austen fan and collected first editions of all her works and head gardener Steve Porter takes David on a tour of the gardens designed to project power. In all three locations the programme explores how gardens connect us to the past, and how they have been—and continue to be—a source of inspiration. Email the programme at [email protected]

In Magherafelt, David Maxwell visits Yew Cottage garden where Philip Stewart is turning his pond into a sunken garden. He hopes to turn a ‘frost pocket’ into a place for tender plants including bananas. In County Clare, Karoly Torok takes us on a tour of Vandeleur Walled Garden, which is now a thriving community space after years of neglect. Colin Agnew joins David in studio to take questions including one on how to grow asparagus. And a tribute to long-time listener and chrysanthemum expert Herbie McCauley, who has passed away at 86. Email the programme at [email protected]

This week, David Maxwell heads to County Antrim where he meets a Canadian couple gardening in the shadow of Slemish. Judith and Hugh Jackson moved to the area from Vancouver after they both retired. They built a house in a rural area and they quickly realised that gardening at 300 metres above sea level meant they needed plants that can look after themselves. Judith reveals her friendly ‘thugs’ including the tough perennial Persicaria which cuts down on any weeding. In County Clare, the programme visits the Irish Seed Savers Association who look after Ireland’s heritage apple collection and conserve heritage seed varieties for the future. Ruth Bramley from Farmyard Nurseries shows David some of her favourite indoor plants including Mimosa, also known as the sensitive plant, which moves when it’s touched. In studio, Anna Hudson joins David with seasonal inspiration and the answers to questions including how to ripen pairs and what to do with a Kumquat! Email the programme at [email protected]

Carl Wright never intended to make a garden when he bought an old cottage in The Burren. Had he known he’d become smitten with plants he wouldn’t have chosen to live in an area famous for it’s limestone rock covered by a thin layer of soil. But after importing hundreds of tons of topsoil over 25 years he has created a garden like no other. It’s a space that sensitively fits into its unique surroundings and is full of valuable lessons for those wanting to bring an old overgrown garden back from the brink. Also on the programme, Adam Frost chooses cotinus ‘Grace’ as his shrub of the month. Garden wildlife expert Katy Bell brings in her skull collection and chats about mammals to look out for in the garden during autumn. Rosie Maye joins David in studio to answer listeners’ questions and bring some seasonal gardening inspiration. Email the programme at [email protected]

David travels to the award winning Farmyard Nurseries in Carmarthenshire where Richard Bramley shows him the large collection of fly eating Sarracenia. Greg Sachno reveals how he’s created a small garden orchard on the windswept Ards Peninsula. It includes an apple unique to the local area called Ecklinville seedling and an apple genetically linked to the very one Isaac Newton sat under when he started thinking about gravity. On White Mountain, David visits Little Green Allotments, a diverse community of keen growers who are producing their own organic food. In studio Claire McNally joins David with seasonal inspiration and the all important answers to listeners’ gardening questions. Email the programme at [email protected]

What do you do when your son says he forgot to booking a venue for his wedding ceremony? You offer your garden of course and call in the Gardeners’ Corner experts for a bit of help. This week presenter David Maxwell and garden expert Rosie Maye get their gardening kit and head to Bangor to help mum and dad, Nicola and Sheldon Hinds, get their garden wedding ready. Also on the programme, how can plants help you with those awkward lawn edges and cut down on the need for strimming. What can Sandra do to stop the wasps devouring her apple harvest and Adam Frost chooses his shrub of the month. (Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Thundercloud') In studio David is joined by Brendan Little who has seasonal inspiration, plenty of humour and the answers to listeners’ gardening questions. Email the programme at [email protected]

With The Open championship taking place on County Antrim’s north coast, David Maxwell gets some top tips on grass keeping from those who prepared the Royal Portrush course for the world’s top golfers. With Ash dieback now present across the country, a question from a caller prompts the team to look at the latest research suggesting there may be some hope for our Ash trees. Kathryn Gaw reveals the hidden bounty of a forest within Belfast’s city limits when she takes David foraging. As well as discovering that nettles have a gender, there’s a surprising garden use for brambles. Adam Frost reveals his favourite shrub for July and Mary Doris joins David in studio to answer questions. Email the programme at [email protected]

With the summer holidays here Gardeners’ Corner gets some inspiration on what to do with the kids in the garden from Amy Kelly. Presenter David Maxwell visits Shaun Boyd’s wildlife garden at Brockagh woods near Ballymoney and is tickling the solution to tackling some of the worst weeds? Ann FitzSimons is deploying a special weeding tool to keep one of her borders weed free after years of trying to combat Ground Elder. Also on the programme, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise is celebrating 25 years of some of its courses and its walled garden. Head of horticulture David Dowd and graduates spanning that 25 years join David in studio along with Gardeners’ Corner regular Anna Hudson who answers questions from listeners. Email the programme at [email protected]

Gardeners’ Corner celebrates 40 years of the programme with a garden party at Ballyrobert Cottage Garden in County Antrim. Among those attending former presenters and contributors with fond memories of the programme. Presenter David Maxwell chats to Libby Hunter who presented the first programme in June 1985 and to Julie Brown who produced the show for decades. Rich in archive, the programme also explores how gardening has changed. In particular, the much reduced use of herbicides and pesticides. It also touches on how the climate has changed during that 40 years. With so many gardeners on site, Ballyrobert’s Maurice Parkinson enlists the help of two newer gardening experts to help with his new grass border – something the programme wouldn’t have been talking about in 1985. David also chats to Brendan Little and Helen Mark about how humour is part of the programme’s DNA and he gets some 2025 advice for a caller from 1985 who was dealing with rose replant sickness. And it isn’t just people at the garden party, everyone has a plant that they think deserves a mention on this special occasion.

On the day of the summer solstice, Gardeners’ Corner heads to a market garden known across the globe on social media. Barrie Quinn has created Portnoo Market Garden in Donegal over the last 5 years. He tells presenter David Maxwell why he’s so passionate about producing organic veg on his hillside plot. In Culmore, just a few miles from Londonderry, the Community Hub has gardening at its heart. The volunteers currently manage 3 outdoor spaces and there are plans to expand. Manager Una Cooper explains what the programmes do for locals and how gardening is helping to build community. Also on the programme, a listener’s dilemma as she now faces hosting a wedding in her back garden in just a few weeks and David is joined in studio by Rosie Maye who is using the fresh green seed on primulas to make more plants for free. Email the programme at [email protected]

This week David Maxwell heads to the kitchen garden behind chef Neven Maguire’s restaurant in Blacklion, County Cavan. There his grower Kevin, produces micro-greens, herbs and edible flowers just a few steps away from the award winning restaurant and cookery school. Neven chats about his mission to inspire everyone to produce home grown gourmet food. On a last visit to Kilcoan gardens in Islandmagee, Cherry Townsend reflects on creating the garden there over the last 16 years and she picks some of her favourite roses that will be going with her. Also on the programme Colin Agnew joins David in studio to answer questions and wildlife expert Katy Bell suggests some critters we should be looking out for in our gardens this summer. Email the programme at [email protected]

With many people counting down the days to summer holidays, presenter David Maxwell gets a question from one listener who wants to know the best way to water her pots when she’s away. Also on the programme, a visit to two of the 20 gardens opening as part of ‘Secret Gardens of Loughgall’ weekend. In County Fermanagh, Dougal Dorman explains how the once private kitchen garden of the Colebrooke Estate is now opening up as a place for community and therapy. Adam Frost reveals his shrub of the month for June and Ann FitzSimons joins David in studio with some summer gardening inspiration. Email the programme at [email protected]

Join David Maxwell and his guests live from Bord Bia Bloom in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. He catches up with designers, Linda McKeown, James Purdy and Leonie Cornellius who all picked up medals and visits the postcard cards which are constructed in just one day. Claire McNally chooses her stand out plants from the show and chef Neven Maguire brings a taste of bloom when he stops in for a chat. Email the programme at [email protected]

Highlights from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. David Maxwell explores the show gardens including the gold medal winning ‘The Glasshouse Garden’ by Jo Thompson and an alpine garden for the British Red Cross inspired by the Giant’s Causeway. In the great pavilion, David chats to plant experts on peonies, sweet pea and unusual heirloom vegetables. Along the way he meets some celebrities with green fingers including his annual catch up with Joanna Lumley and he chats to an exhausted Monty Don who has been hands on creating the ‘Dog Garden’ this year for the RHS and BBC Radio 2. Also on the programme, Strictly dancer Amy Dowden on a new sweet pea named for her and Dara Ó Briain on how his gardening efforts amount to getting the right hose attachment to wash his dog! Email the programme at [email protected]

At the Festival of Gardens and Nature in County Laois, David Maxwell chats to actor Dominic West, food writer and broadcaster Nigel Slater and world renowned head gardener at Great Dixter, Fergus Garrett. Ahead of the 40th birthday of Gardeners’ Corner, a new daffodil is named for the programme. Internationally recognised breeder, Brian Duncan joins David in studio to reveal how Narcissus ‘Gardeners’ Corner’ was created over many years in his Omagh garden. At Burtown House in County Kildare, artist Lesley Fennell chats to David about how she freezes precious moments in the garden with her paint brush. Also on the programme, Juliet Sargeant on her new book ‘Start with Soil’ and Mary Doris joins David in studio with a selection of top performing plants for summer and some health boosting food made from weeds. Email the programme at [email protected]

With the arrival of an early summer, David heads to Bangor where a non-gardening couple took on a beautiful mature garden 9 years ago. Janet and her husband Carl had lived in South Africa, Germany and England, but it was only in taking on their garden near Ballyholme Beach that they got into all things green. David tours the suburban plot and finds out how it has connected them with neighbours and taught them patience. In Kilkenny, David explores the restored 17th century garden behind Rothe House which was lost under a car park until 2008. Gardener Mary Pyke explains how archaeology helped them recreate the generous merchant house plot. Adam Frost chooses the ‘Dunwich Rose’ as his shrub of the month and Claire McNally joins David in studio to answer questions including one on how to raise the popular cottage garden plant Aquilegia from seed. Email the programme at [email protected]

In this Easter edition of Gardeners’ Corner, there is double the gardening inspiration and know-how as two expert guests join David Maxwell in studio. Rosie Maye will be singing the praises of home grown rhubarb and Colin Agnew’s Easter basket is not full of eggs but succulent plants. Also on the programme, a San Francisco listener on how to grow your own soap and a visit to the Delta Sensory Gardens in County Carlow. The 2.5 acre site is located in an industrial estate and boasts 16 unique gardens that are used and maintained by adults and young people with disabilities. Email the programme at [email protected]

With the sunny spring continuing, Gardeners’ Corner visits a 19th century walled garden in Maghera. Once connected to the local rectory, it is now run by the council, and it features several distinct spaces including a large glasshouse and a wildflower meadow. Roy Clark, who knows the garden well, says their secret to planting spring bulbs in a naturalistic way is to get children to do it! The good weather has also lead to increased demand for compost and this week presenter David Maxwell is on the factory floor of one of the biggest suppliers in the country. Also on the programme, a charity in Ballymoney that is building good community relations through growing and Ann FitzSimons will join David in studio to answer questions. Email the programme at [email protected]

David Maxwell heads to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens where nearly 20,000 spring bulbs are blooming. Head Gardener, Claire Woods shows off the large collection of daffodils bred in Northern Ireland and gives some tips on getting the best out of these bulbs. Ann FitzSimons explains what she’s learnt after living with a living wall for 2 years and Adam Frost reveals his shrub for April (Euonymus nanus var. turkestanicus). In studio, David is joined by Anna Hudson, who will suggest what we can all sow now for a home grown harvest later this year and, with David, she’ll take questions from listeners including suggestions for a shallow planter and how to cure an unhappy looking holly tree. Email the programme at [email protected]

What do you do if you’re adopted by bees? That was the Watson family’s question when the insects started making honeycomb in their compost bin. Now with two hives, mum Julietta is always thinking how she can make her County Down garden a haven for both her family and the wildlife on the doorstep. With Magnolias and Camellias blossoming across the country, David rejoins John Anderson for a woodland walk in the 35 acre Savill Garden near Windsor where the collection includes, Camellia ‘ Cornish Snow Winton’ and the very popular Camellia ‘Donation’. Also on the programme, Brendan Little joins David in studio to answer questions including what to plant under an established hedge. Contact the programme. Email the programme at [email protected]

Autumn planting is rewarded with Spring colour and at Castle Ward the formal bulb display of hyacinths and primroses is at its height. David meets gardeners Searcha Kelly and Judy Walsh who, with the help of volunteers, keep the gardens of this National Trust property looking good. Could heathers be coming back into fashion? Long lasting colour and a winter food source for bees mean they are high on the list for new plantings at The Savill Garden in Windsor. Keeper of the Gardens, John Anderson also shows David some other plants used as valuable ground cover including various types of Ophiopogon. Plantsman Jimi Blake reveals his latest interest is alpines – but will he get the new borders ready before his Huntingbrook garden opens for the season? Claire McNally joins David in studio to answer questions. [email protected]

Gardeners’ Corner celebrates spring with a visit to the world-famous RHS Garden Wisley. Covering 240 acres, it’s one of five gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society and it attracts around one million visitors every year. Presenter David Maxwell visits several part of the garden that really come alive in spring, including the woodland areas at Oakwood and Battleston Hill and the crocus display on the conifer lawn. He also visits the labs at RHS Hilltop where scientists preserve plant DNA for future generations and sees a treasured dried potato plant collection by Charles Darwin. Also on the programme, a visit to Katy Bell’s wildlife-friendly garden in County Down where insects, amphibians and birds are waking up and Amy Kelly explains how to have success with spuds. Email the programme at [email protected]

With the temperatures edging up, it’s time to get those Dahlia tubers planted up for the season ahead and that’s what David Maxwell found Ann FitzSimons doing when he dropped into her country garden glasshouse near Killinchy. At the National Trust’s Downhill Demesne, students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) are learning the art of making a dry stone wall from expert Paddy McKeegan. Head gardener, Una Quinn also tells David about her plans for a clover lawn alongside the Bog garden. In west Belfast, a visit to the Three Sisters Community Garden shows what gardening can achieve in a high density urban environment. A plot of waste ground once blighted by illegal dumping has been transformed into a place for social interaction and learning. Also on the programme, BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost reveals his favourite shrub for March and Rosie Maye joins David live in studio. Email the programme at [email protected]

The hunt is on for long lost plant varieties – David Maxwell finds out why groups like the Irish Garden Plant Society and Plant Heritage want to find and save plants that can no longer be bought. In Bessbrook, Hilary McKelvey explains why alpines are the ultimate in no-fuss gardening. On a visit to renowned plantsman Jimi Blake’s garden in County Wicklow, David finds out about the best flowering plants to follow snowdrops. In studio, Anna Hudson reveals why we should all eat our weeds and she answers questions with David from listeners. Email the programme at [email protected]

David Maxwell finds out about storm proof trees at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh where head gardener, Seamus O’Brien also has tips on creating a wind break with holly, hazel and mix of other native species. At Ardgillan Castle on the coast of north county Dublin, Dominica McKevitt reveals a garden for all seasons where reliable shrubs like Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ shine out even on dull days. In studio, Colin Agnew explains what to do to get your Amaryllis bulb flowering again next year and with the increasing move away from peat products RSPB ambassador and Winterwatch’s Lucy Lapwing joins David in studio to talk about the importance of peatland habitats. Contact the programme - [email protected]

With spring just around the corner presenter David Maxwell, explores what we can all get growing in mid-February to get ahead of the game. Sweet Peas, Tomatoes and Chillies can all be sown right now on a warm windowsill for a summer full of scent and home grown goodness. Amy Kelly reveals how you can have a delicious crop of raspberries and strawberries without a garden and Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost tells us why he’s picked a showy willow as his shrub of the month. Also on the programme, as Mount Venus nursery prepares to move up the road, David joins Oliver Schurmann to find out about the logistics of moving a plant business and garden that’s celebrating its 25th birthday. In studio, David is joined by expert Ann FitzSimons. Email the programme at [email protected]

This week why it’s good for you to eat as many different coloured fruit and veg as you can grow. A visit to Mount Venus nursery where Oliver Schurmann has a great collection on hellebores that are putting on an impressive show when little else does. In Glenarm, Neil Porteous is pruning grapes and Maurice Parkinson recommends Lonciera nitida as one of the best (and cheapest!) hedging plants available. Anna Hudson joins David in studio to take questions. Email the programme at [email protected]

Storm Éowyn has changed the face of some treasured public gardens. This week David visits the National Trust’s Mount Stewart which was one of the worst affected. Rob Wilson tells David that with thousands of trees down, the garden on the Ards Peninsula has completely lost some of its shelter belts. Despite the destruction, Gardeners’ Corner finds hope in the simple snowdrop at Ballyrobert Cottage Garden. Maurice Parkinson has over 250 varieties including favourites such as Galanthus ‘The Pearl’, ‘Primrose Warburg’ and ‘Fly Fishing’ which all perform well in the garden’s heavy clay. As Ireland kick off their Six Nations campaign, former rugby international Andy Ward tells David how he transitioned from flanker to gardener. In studio, David is joined by Brendan Little to answer questions and provide some seasonal inspiration. Email the programme at [email protected]

You don’t have to have a garden to enjoy plants and this week David Maxwell explores the plant world that prefers the indoor life. Roisin Horgan set up her houseplant business in east Belfast after years working in offices which lacked greenery. She reveals the best plants for different indoor locations including, the trailing Pothos or Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) for a dull hallway, the Calathea for areas of high humidity or the tree like Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) for bright locations. In his Templepatrick garden, Reg Maxwell is pruning gooseberries and apples and David visits Claire Barnett’s new north Antrim garden where she’ll be taking part on the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend. Cherry Townsend joins David in studio with tips on making gardening easier and the best beans to grow in 2025. Email the programme - [email protected]

Even on a cold or dull January day there is always some winter wonders to be discovered in a botanic garden. This week, David Maxwell heads to the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, just a few miles from the centre of Dublin. Outdoors he finds flowering Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) and the striking bark of Chilean Myrtle (Luma apiculata) while in the impressive “Curvilinear Range” he is blown away by the scent of Jasmine (Jasminium polyanthum) and the flowers of the Bird of Paradise plant (Strelitizia reginae) which are cosy under the glass. Also on the programme, a visit to Monkstown Village Community Garden in Newtownabbey where volunteers keep things so tidy that they actually vacuum the polytunnel, and Rosie Maye joins David in studio to answer question and offer some winter gardening inspiration. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As temperatures drop, David Maxwell is joined in studio by Ann FitzSimons to consider how to deal with snow and ice in the garden. He also heads to the National Trust’s Mount Stewart where despite the freezing weather work is continuing to reclaim areas of the garden lost to invasive bamboo. At the Chelsea Physic Garden in London, Emily Hazell explains how they protect tender species which already benefit from the urban heat island effect. She also explains her very precise rules for what stays and what gets cut down in the borders so they are tidy through the winter months. Also on the programme, Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost begins his Shrub of the Month series with his must-have shrub for January. Email the programme at [email protected]

At the turn of the year David Maxwell takes us on a journey through the four seasons with highlights from 12 months of Gardeners’ Corner. From snow covered Downhill Demesne to clearing up after the storms at Hillsborough Castle Gardens, from the Kew Gardens of Connemara to Sarah Raven’s world famous Perch Hill garden – David brings lessons from a year of gardening on the airwaves. Email the programme at [email protected]

Get ready for a festive gardening get together as David Maxwell and the Gardeners’ Corner team head to Ballywalter Park on the Ards Peninsula. Gathered around a roaring fire outdoors, they’ll be celebrating the season with mince pies, mulled wine and plenty of practical gardening advice inspired by the contents of custom-made Christmas crackers and Secret Santa gifts. Also on the programme - Anna Hudson on the Christmas garden of the past, Lady Dunleath cooks up some alternative Christmas cuisine grown and reared on the Estate, and inspiration from Mary Doris on using the garden to decorate your home for free. With a healthy dollop of fun throughout, this seasonal special is not to be missed.

With Christmas just around the corner, David heads to a Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of Belfast where Tony Johnston is planning for the Christmas rush in 10 year’s time, as he plants trees for Christmas future. At the Chelsea Physic Garden, new head of plant collections Emily Hazell offers a look at the newly restored Pelargonium House. Oliver Schurmann chooses a grass as his final perennial of the month and gardener Claire Woods and wildlife expert Katie Bell join David in studio. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As autumn officially ends and winter begins David Maxwell heads to a frosty Mount Stewart on the Ards Peninsula where the Sunken Garden is getting a refresh. Rob Wilson explains why they are emptying and replanting beds originally laid out by Lady Edith with a little help from legendary Victorian plantswoman Gertrude Jekyll. Ann FitzSimons on creating a bulb lasagne and Amy Kelly on the winter veg she is growing in four small table top containers. Also on the programme Oliver Schurmann picks his perennial of the month and Rosie Maye joins David live in studio to answers questions. Email the programme at [email protected]

Autumn highlights from the Gardeners’ Corner archive with David Maxwell including, a visit to the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park, Jekka McVicar with her herb of the month for November, Neil Porteous is ‘heeling in’ rhododendron at Glenarm Castle and Reg Maxwell is planting bulbs for an indoor winter display. Claire Woods takes questions in studio with David. Contact the programme on [email protected]

What trees work well in small spaces? This week David Maxwell visits two experts who have the answer. Amy Kelly’s small suburban garden is full of fruit trees including the mysterious Medlar fruit. Once commonplace in Britain and Ireland, the fruit, which has to be left to over-ripen, has fallen out of favour. Amy thinks the tree still deserves a place because it provides several seasons of interest and fruit to boot! In Ann FitzSimons’ Killinchy garden, she is growing a variety of shrubs and trees in pots. It makes for a permanent display and offers those with limited space or those renting the chance to have an interesting garden space. Also on the programme, David visits Billy Alexander in Kells Bay where he is preparing for his biggest display of ferns yet at next year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. In studio, Colin Agnew, takes questions and provides some Autumn inspiration. Email the programme at [email protected]

As autumn leaves continue to fall, David Maxwell visits the Botanic Gardens of Trinity College Dublin. It’s moved a few times in its history but now can be found near Dartry in the south of the city. Dr Stephen Waldren takes David on a tour and shows him the seedbank preserving endangered Irish plants. Mick McCann, who has worked as a gardener at the College for 40 years, reveals how the beauty around him inspires his poetry. Also on the programme, Polly Nicholson on her new book ‘The Tulip Garden’ and a visit to Yew Cottage where Philip Stewart is planting a brand new border and gathering copious amounts of fallen leaves to produce leafmould. Mary Doris will join David live in studio to answer questions and provide some seasonal inspiration. Contact the programme on - [email protected]

As the leaves continue to fall, presenter David Maxwell visits one of most important historic gardens on the island of Ireland. The arboretum and walled garden within Castlewellan Forest Park has dozens of champion trees and it’s a garden getting a facelift. Alwyn Sinnamon reveals the work going on to restore some of the gardens 18th century features, as well as the discovery of lost garden. Also on the programme, in Glenarm Castle’s walled garden Neil Porteous is preparing the bananas for winter and on up the east Antrim coast Una Quinn is part of the National Trust team which has restored and reopened Cushendun’s village green. David is joined live in studio by expert Ann Fitzsimmons. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Are Chrysanthemums making a comeback? This week on Gardeners’ Corner with David Maxwell he chat to Neil Porteous about the new varieties taking the gardening world by storm. In Ballywalter, Anna Hudson is getting the glasshouse beds ready for some winter crops. Derry Watkins on her life with plants and why everyone should grow something unusual from seed. In studio David will be joined by Rosie Maye who will have some autumn highlights from her own garden and she’ll answer questions from listeners on Fuchsias and Aeoniums. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With the leaves falling presenter David Maxwell heads to the 25 acre arboretum at Brook Hall near Derry. David Gilliland shows him some of the large collection of trees that are dazzling before their leaves drop including one which smells like toffee! Also on the programme, Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost on his life, career and his new garden in Lincolnshire. Oliver Schurmann reveals his penultimate perennial of the month and David is joined in studio by Brendan Little who will take questions from listeners and offer some seasonal advice. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As part of a series of ‘BBC Comes to Town’ roadshows to mark 100 years of BBC broadcasting in Northern Ireland, Gardeners’ Corner heads to Coleraine. David Maxwell hosts the programme at the new Causeway Campus of the Northern Regional College. He’s joined by experts Claire McNally and Neil Porteous who take questions from a live audience. Also on the programme, David heads to the National Trust’s Downhill Demesne where head gardener Una Quinn is taking roses in hand with a group of local volunteers and he visits keen amateur gardener, Kenny Bacon in his suburban back garden near Ballymoney. Contact the programme on [email protected]

In this Gardeners’ Corner special, David Maxwell visits two gardening greats; Sarah Raven at her world famous East Sussex farmhouse, Perch Hill and designer Tom Stuart-Smith at the Serge Hill Project in Hertfordshire. At Perch Hill, David chats to Sarah about how the former medic became one of the most influential gardeners of our time and what it’s like when your home becomes part of the brand. Head gardener Josie Lewis shows him around the garden including the dazzling Dahlia patch – a flower Sarah can take much credit for bringing back into fashion. In the second part of the programme, David meets Tom Stuart-Smith at his home and workplace in Hertfordshire. The winner of 9 Chelsea Gold Medals, Tom explains how community is now at the centre of much of what he does including the unique Plant Library which was started in 2020. Tom’s wife, Sue Stuart-Smith,a prominent psychiatrist and psychotherapist, explains the health benefits of gardens to all and Millie Souter shows David some of the 1500 varieties that find a place in the collection.

When the right Autumn conditions arrive, Fungi pop up as if by magic and this week on Gardeners’ Corner, David Maxwell explores this fascinating world with Northern Ireland Fungus Group member Debbie Nelson. At Ballyrobert Cottage Garden, Maurice Parkinson is planting miniature Irises for a splash of colour in February next year. He’s also dividing autumn flowering cyclamen which he says are the ultimate no fuss plants for this time of year. Colin Agnew is in studio with some alternative choices for spring bedding which can be planted right now and he’ll be taking questions from listeners on prepping a new polytunnel and overwintering Dahlias. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week David Maxwell finds out how to preserve some of this year’s harvest with HE teacher come obsessive gardener Kerry Connolly. She’s an expert at turning a glut of marrows and tomatoes into sauces and chutneys for the colder months. He also returns to Howth near Dublin to visit another exceptional garden on this Irish Sea peninsula. This time he meets mountain climber Karl Flynn who has created an exceptional exotic garden through a lifetime of weekend gardening. Oliver Shurmann reveals his favourite perennial for September and Anna Hudson joins David in studio to answer questions and provide seasonal inspiration. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With autumn in the air, Gardeners’ Corner with David Maxwell is celebrating blackberries both wild and cultivated varieties. Mary Doris joins David in studio and shows him some of the ways she puts nature’s bounty to good use. In Ballymena, Colin Agnew has created his own botanic gardens out the back of his suburban semi. It includes a Victorian style fernery and a very personal collection of trees. On Black Mountain above Belfast, sound and gardening are combined at the Black Mountain Shared Space and with BBC Northern Ireland celebrating 100 years of broadcasting, David dips into the archive to hear the first gardening presenter, Professor A E Muskett. He also chats to Prof Muskett’s daughter, Doreen, about her memories of the BBC in a bygone age. Contact the programme on [email protected]

David Maxwell heads to a 250 year old Rectory garden which has been opened to the community in Ballymoney as a place of quiet reflection. With generous cottage borders, fruit trees and plenty of places to sit, it has become a special place to many including volunteer Daphne, who opens the gates at dawn and dusk. Dr Mark Johnston on his remarkable life with trees captured in a new free e-book. Wildlife expert Katie Bell joins David in studio to highlight what we can look out for in our gardens this Autumn and Rosie Maye brings inspiration and helps David tackle some gardening conundrums. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With a new pup at home, David finds out about gardening with dogs in mind. He speaks to designer and dog owner Brian Burke about a canine friendly garden he created for Bloom in 2017. Between the hedges in Howth; a visit to Ardán garden where Nuala Doherty and Conall O’Caoimh have created a first class immersive garden over the last two decades. Largely self taught, they have divided the half acre site into many unique spaces and included tropical planting, a conservation habitat for rare newts, a miniature woodland space and slug free veg beds. Also on the programme, creating a gardening group at work and Claire McNally will join David in studio with inspiration for early autumn and to answer listener questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week Gardeners’ Corner is seeing red at June Blake’s garden in County Wicklow. She’s filled a border with Monarda, Crocosmia and Alstroemeria in this most alarming hue. June tells David Maxwell about her preference for planting large numbers of the same varieties and why Verbascum’s are her top choice when it comes to rabbit and slug proof plants. At Hillsborough Castle Gardens, Claire Woods is gearing up for their summer fair after a tricky season and Amy Kelly is escaping to her allotment at the beginning of National Allotment Week. Oliver Schurmann choses his perennial of the month and Ann Fitzsimmons joins David in studio to answers questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

You don’t have to call yourself a gardener to want to have a perfect lawn and this week, David Maxwell has been finding out how to achieve the perfect sward from the experts at the Greenmount campus of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise. In county Wicklow, a visit to Jimi Blake at his Hunting Brook Gardens provides inspiration for creative containers more usually found on a farm. Jimi also reveals some of his favourite Dahlias for 2024 and the value of lilies in the summer garden. In studio David will be joined by Brendan Little who will answer questions and reveal his garden highlights for the first week of August. Email the programme at [email protected]

With many people reporting low bee numbers in gardens this summer, presenter David Maxwell chats to wildlife expert Katie Bell about possible reasons. At Kilcoan Gardens in Islandmagee Cherry Townsend reveals her favourite no fuss, long flowering perennials. How a community in Dromore, County Down is determined to change the market town for the better with plants and Dawn Isaac on ways to get the kids into the garden during the holidays. David is joined in studio by expert, Anna Hudson to answer questions live and she’ll also have some jobs you can do this week no matter the weather! Email the programme at [email protected]

Kylemore Abbey in County Galway is an iconic image of Ireland. Built originally as a private home in the 19th century, it later became a Benedictine monastery, and today it attracts half a million visitors annually. Alongside the impressive granite castle sits a six acre Victorian walled garden which was once considered the ‘Kew Gardens’ of Connemara, boasting over 20 heated glasshouses. David Maxwell explores the garden with Head Gardener Anja Gohlke. Also on the programme, organic vegetable grower Klaus Laitenberger reveals his latest project to create a garden with 100 edible plants. David finds Klaus on a piece a land he had purchased on the wild Atlantic way near Achill Island in County Mayo. Oliver Shurmann reveals his perennial of the month, and David is joined in studio by gardener Mary Doris. Email the programme at [email protected]

The weekly gardening programme for keen gardeners with the latest advice, news and visits to gardens large and small around the province. Presented by David Maxwell.

David Maxwell heads to a cottage garden on the Ards Peninsula created by a couple over the last 10 years. With their dream now a reality, they recently opened the garden for a month under the National Garden Scheme. In County Meath, David returns to Rosie Maye’s garden for the second part of a chat about her diverse collection of roses. Designer Johnny Knox joins David in studio to discuss creating cover in the garden when the showers keep coming and market gardener Charles Dowding says no to digging and yes to composting. Ann Fitzsimmons will also join David in studio to answer questions live.

In this special programme, Gardeners’ Corner celebrates those who have passed on their passion for plants: from the parent with cuttings on the windowsill, to the high profile gardeners who have inspired through writing and broadcasting. David Maxwell hears touching listeners’ stories and heads to two gardens that have inspired millions. Firstly, to the garden of the late Christopher Lloyd at Great Dixter where he meets head gardener Fergus Garrett who continues to inspire the next generation of gardeners, and then to Barnsdale which was the home of the late Geoff Hamilton and played host to the BBC Gardeners’ World cameras for 17 years. Geoff’s son Nick reveals how well his dad’s gardens have fared three decades on and how they are still used today to teach and inspire.

This week, David Maxwell visits Rosie Maye, also known as the Insomniac Gardener, and discovers her passion for roses. June sees a kaleidoscope of colour in the borders of her rural garden near Slane in County Meath. She explains how plenty of feeding and a seaweed spray keep the roses in tip top condition. A few miles down the road, at the Frances Ledwidge Museum, David meets someone who has visited more gardens than him! In fact Shirley Lanigan visited 375 in order to compile the latest edition of “The Open Gardens of Ireland”. In east Belfast a new garden has been recently unveiled at a supported living facility for the elderly. The garden at Bell Rotary House is both practical and fun. Niki Molly from Abbeyfield Belfast who runs the facility and designer Anita Houston give David a tour of the transformed outdoor space. Claire McNally joins David in studio to answers listener questions. Contact the programme at [email protected]

Gardeners’ Corner heads to Enniskillen as part of the BBC ‘Comes to Town’ roadshows marking 100 years of broadcasting in Northern Ireland. David Maxwell hosts the programme from the Killyhevlin hotel on the banks of Lough Erne where he is joined by a live audience and garden expert Brendan Little. County Fermanagh gets its fair share of rain with about a metre a year and the first question from the audience is; what plants don’t mind having their feet in water for half the year! Other questions include, favourite climbing and rambling roses, and plants you couldn’t live without. Also in the programme, David visits the Aughentaine estate near Fivemiletown where he meets owner James Hamilton-Stubber and head gardener Ian Marshall and a cottage garden near Florence Court created over 40 years by a former teacher passionate about plants. Contact the programme – [email protected]

Despite unseasonably cold weather, David samples the delights of early summer at Ballyrobert Cottage Garden where Maurice Parkinson has a large collection of that reliable perennial Astrantia. In west Belfast, he visits Bog Meadows where Ulster Wildlife have created a new garden. The build has transformed the entrance to the gardens and has proved to be great therapy for volunteer Kathy who lost her job last year. Amy Kelly reveals how you can grow a mini orchard on your patio and David catches up with some of those taking part in the Great Gardeners’ Corner Grow Along. In studio, Mary Doris brings the taste of summer with Elderflower cordial and she also uses the foraged flowers in jam and cupcakes. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With the RHS saying it’s been inundated with queries about tackling slugs this year, David Maxwell and his guests discuss the best way to combat the slimy invaders. At Ballyrobert Cottage Garden, Maurice Parkinson is restricting his raspberries from running so they can be put into an ornamental border and he discovers the dreaded sawfly on his redcurrants. In north Belfast, David visits Women’s TEC where new gardening skills are being cultivated. Wildlife expert Katy Bell is in studio with pointers on what to look out for in the garden in early summer and Oliver Schurmann reveals his perennial of the month. David will also be joined by Ann Fitzsimmons to take questions live. Contact the programme on [email protected]

A special programme from Ireland’s biggest garden show; Bord Bia Bloom. David Maxwell will be joined by regular contributor Brendan Little for a live programme from Phoenix Park. He’ll meet designers, plant experts and he’ll visit some of the show gardens. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Gardeners’ Corner visits the most talked about gardening event of the year; the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Presenter David Maxwell tours some of the main avenue show gardens including the gold medal winning National Garden Scheme’s garden by Tom Stuart-Smith and the Muscular Dystrophy UK garden by Ula Maria which took best in show. He also meets up with CAFRE Greenmount graduate, Anna McLaughlin, who has been working with the team who created the Stroke Association Garden. With celebrities including Joanna Lumley, Raymond Blanc, Prue Leith, Alex Jones and of course Alan Titchmarsh; David gets a sense of Press Day at the world famous event. Inside the Great Pavilion he speaks to experts on Delphiniums, Foxgloves and carnivorous plants and he finds Northern Irish florist Allison Hood who took silver gilt for her floristry display. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As summer weather arrives, David visits Cherry Townsend at Kilcoan Gardens in Islandmagee, where she has a brilliant collection of flowering plants that bridge the gap between spring and summer. Geums, Trollius, Aquilegia and Tellima are among the highlights in the borders. One of the biggest gardens in London is found across the river from Westminster behind the walls of Lambeth Palace. It’s the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury but the 10 acre garden is opening for the National Garden Scheme later this month and head gardener Lindsay Schuman gives David a sneak peek. Gordon Finch joins David in studio to talk about his fascination with ferns and restarting the local group of the British Pteridological society. Robot mowers have been gaining in popularity – producer Nicola chats about her experience with one she has nicknamed ‘Mervyn’. And Oliver Shurmann reveals his perennial of the month. In studio, Anna Hudson will be chatting about her veg patch at Ballywalter and she’ll take questions live in studio. Contact the programme [email protected]

This week on Gardeners’ Corner, David Maxwell heads to a garden with purpose at Musgrave Park Hospital in south Belfast. Its spinal centre has been gifted an outdoor space for patients and staff by the charity Horatio’s Garden. David Maxwell meets Matthew Lee who is in charge of the garden designed by Chelsea gold medal winning designer Andy Sturgeon. Also on the programme, gardening in pots all year round with Sarah Raven and why you shouldn’t cut your grass this month! Expert Claire McNally joins David in studio to answer questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

It may have been a wet start to the year outside, but inside our homes, it can be a desert for plants – especially if you forget to water! That’s perhaps why Cacti are the ultimate house plants and this week on Gardeners’ Corner with David Maxwell, Brendan Little reveals he’s inherited his dad’s obsession with these prickly plants. Also on the programme, daffodil enthusiasts from around the world arrive in Northern Ireland for the World Convention and David heads to a rare collection of shrubs and trees at the Bluebell Arboretum in Derbyshire. In studio, expert Ann Fitzsimmons will answer questions including one from a listener who has seen seed for sale for ‘blue’ marigolds – can it be true? Email the programme at [email protected]

Gardeners’ Corner heads to Ballymena as part of the BBC ‘Comes to Town’ roadshows marking 100 years of broadcasting in Northern Ireland. In front of a live audience at Ballymena Library, David Maxwell and experts Reg Maxwell and Mary Doris take questions from novice and experienced gardeners who live near the County Antrim town. Also on the programme, David visits the nearby Britain in Bloom winning village of Cullybackey, and the allotments at Scullery O’Tullagh which volunteer Billy Millar describes as a place to nourish the body and the mind. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As the Easter break begins, Gardeners’ Corner has some easy ways to transform your garden space. David Maxwell is joined in studio by expert gardener Brendan Little who has suggestions on how an uninspiring front garden can be transformed into a low maintenance garden with interest and colour through the year. Also joining David is city gardener, Grace Loughrey, who knows how to transform the smallest of spaces with easy to find plants. Holidays are a great time to visit gardens and Kilmacurragh in south County Wicklow will be welcoming many this Easter weekend. The gardens are undergoing a major expansion programme and on this latest visit head gardener Seamus O’Brien gives David privileged access to some of the new areas under development and he also gets to see how the future of the Wollemia pine (once thought extinct) has now been secured. Also on the programme, the new trail at Belfast’s Botanic gardens dedicated to John Templeton sometimes called the ‘father of Irish botany’ and Huw Richards on his new book ‘The Self-Sufficiency Garden’. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week Gardeners’ Corner visits what must be one of most beautiful classrooms in the country – the walled garden at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Greenmount Campus in County Antrim. David Maxwell joins CAFRE’s Lori Hartman for a look around, as work begins to renovate some areas including the hot border and a brand new brick pergola. At Mount Venus nursery, in the hills above Dublin, Oliver Shurmann has some spring highlights and Colin Agnew introduces the new Templeton trail at Belfast’s Botanic gardens. In Killinchy, Anne Fitzsimmons is enjoying the spring heat in the polytunnel where she is sowing some perennials and she explains why it helps to pre-sprout your courgettes. In studio, Anna Hudson joins David to answer questions and provide some spring inspiration. Email the programme at [email protected]

While damp weather is making it tricky to get in to the garden there is still plenty to keep Dave and Jules Hardy busy at Esker Farm Daffodils. Since David’s last visit the county Tyrone couple have added a large garden area which shows how the daffodils can be grown in mixed borders. Amy Kelly kicks off the Great Gardeners’ Corner Grow Along by sowing Beetroot, Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas. In Dublin, Oliver Shurmann picks some seasonal highlights at Mount Venus nursery and friend of the programme Jekka McVicar joins David to chat about her new book ‘100 Herbs to Grow’. Also on the show, Claire McNally is in studio to answer questions and suggest some garden jobs for the St Patrick’s weekend. Contact the programme on [email protected].

This week, David Maxwell visits Brendan Little in his garden on the shores of Mulroy Bay in county Donegal. What was once a formal lawn is now covered in naturalised spring flowering bulbs. Brendan explains how he hopes to extend this riot of colour into late spring and summer – something he hopes will mean he won’t need to get the mower out until September! The propagating operation at Mount Stewart is ramping up as part of a new 3 year project. After a career in publishing, Jacky Hawkes is leading a team which is producing hundreds of plants for the garden and the sales area. Oliver Shurmann chooses Omphalodes cappadocica as his perennial of the month and Mary Doris joins David in studio to answer questions, explore the uses of wild garlic and plant up a spring container. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As Spring officially begins, David Maxwell heads to Jimi Blake’s Hunting Brook Garden in the hills of County Wicklow where he has brand new borders in mind. At the National Trust’s Mount Stewart, work begins on a tree nursery that will produce 600,000 trees a year and gardener Archie Parke retires after five decades of service in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. In studio, Cherry Townsend will take questions and provide some spring inspiration and wildlife Katy Bell on what to look out for in your garden this spring. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Two years to the day since the war in Ukraine began, presenter David Maxwell hears the powerful story of how a garden has helped one family close the front line survive. Alla Olkhovska has been harvesting and selling seeds of rare clematis found in her grandmother’s garden in Kharkiv. She also wrote her first book about these beautiful climbers in the basement during the initial bombardment. David finds out what it’s been like to look after this precious space with the sound of birds sometimes drowned out by sirens and bombing. Also on the programme, the launch of the Great Gardeners’ Corner Grow Along where listeners’ will be asked to join the team in growing some veg not available in the shops and Maurice Parkinson on last minute preparations in the flower borders for the season ahead. Ann Fitzsimmons will join David in studio to take live questions. Contact [email protected]

In this week’s programme, David heads to the Green Spaces Community Growing Project near Warrenpoint where the volunteers are getting the garden ready for the season ahead. He finds out what attracts people to community gardening. In County Sligo, Lissadell House and gardens occupy a breath taking location. Immortalised in a poem by Yeats, work has been going on for the last 20 years to restore the gardens and plant hundreds of trees in this windswept location. Oliver Shurmann chooses Pachyphragma macrophyllum as his perennial of month. In studio, David is joined by Reg Maxwell and Claire McNally who will take questions live and provide some seasonal gardening inspiration. Contact the programme on [email protected]

How can plants help solve serious crimes? In this week’s Gardeners’ Corner David Maxwell meets the forensic experts that use plants to give them clues. National hedgehog day fell this week – apparently a Roman precursor to ‘Groundhog day’ and with these small mammals still on the red list, wildlife expert Debbie Nelson brings Holly the Hedgehog into studio to explain what gardeners can do for them. Legendary plantsman Jan Ravensberg chats to David about a lifetime with plants and social media sensation ‘Anya the Garden Fairy’ (aka Anya Lautenbach) on her new book ‘The Money Saving Gardener’. David is also joined in studio by expert Anna Hudson who will answer questions and give a how-to on sowing tomato seeds. Contact the programme on [email protected]

After a week of storms, David heads to the gardens at Hillsborough Castle where Claire Woods is surveying the trees for damage. Claire explains that their approach is to leave as much of the wood as possible in situ as it supports all kinds of life. In the first of a new series, Oliver Shurmann reveals his perennial of the month which is Hepatica nobilis – a flower he first encountered as a child in Germany. Grace Loughrey has a small yard garden at her house off Belfast’s Ormeau Road where she also grows many houseplants. She’s in studio with a guide on how to make them thrive. Also on the programme, David chats to Seamus O’Brien (Kilmacurragh) and Alex Slazenger (Powerscourt) from the cloud forest near the Uganda/Congo border where they are part of an expedition searching for giant Lobelia and David is joined in studio by Mary Doris who will answer questions live. Contact the programme - [email protected]

What happens to our gardens when it snows? This week David Maxwell heads to Downhill Demesne on Antrim’s north coast to see how a blanket of white transforms how we experience the garden. He also chats to Una Quinn about her plans for the Bog Garden there in 2024. Along the coast in an equally cold Ballyvoy, Conrad McCormick is protecting his tender plants as the mercury drops and on the shores of Strangford Lough, Amy Kelly is able to harvest veg from her allotment despite it being midwinter. Expert Claire McNally will join David in studio to take live questions including one from a listener with rusty leeks and another who is growing peppers indoors through the colder months. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With another new year stretching out ahead, David Maxwell is joined in studio by Brendan Little for the first live programme of 2024. They’ll be chatting about preparing for the year ahead and what’s looking (or smelling) good in the garden in January. Also on the programme, David heads to Rowallane Gardens in Saintfield where Claire McNally is pruning roses, Ann Fitzsimmons is considering building a fruit cage in her County Down garden this year and Philip Stewart in Magherafelt is turning what was a tropical themed border into a feast for the eyes through the coldest months. Contact the programme by email - [email protected]

In the garden we are often thinking of the seasons to come, but it can also be useful to look back and take stock at the start of a new year. This week, David Maxwell leads us through the seasons with Gardeners’ Corner, from a huge snowdrop collection at Altamont Gardens in County Carlow to the quiet retreat for a Limavady gardener who’s been living with cancer. From the razzmatazz of garden shows in Antrim, London and Dublin to the serenity of a poet’s garden in County Laois. Join David for Gardeners’ Corner: Season by Season. [email protected]

Join David Maxwell and the gardening gang for a festive fireside chat at Kilcoan Gardens in Islandmagee. With home grown and handmade seasonal treats, four experts brave the winter weather for a fun filled Christmas get together. Ann Fitzsimmons and Mary Doris use fresh garden herbs and Christmas leftovers for a fuss free holiday meal, while Brendan Little and Cherry Townsend tour the gardens picking foliage for some last minute Christmas decoration. Also on the programme; Una Quinn introduces us to a Sweet Chestnut tree on the north coast which may have found its way to Castlerock because of the Spanish Armada, Amy Kelly on gifts to buy the gardener in your life and no prizes for guessing Jekka McVicar’s herb of the month for December!

With the leaves gone it’s all about colourful stem colour on Gardeners’ Corner this week. David meets artist Heather McDermott who loves willow more than any other plant and works with it every day. She thinks more of us should have our own ‘Salley’ gardens so we have this useful crop which can be used to make free plant supports and fences. Also on the programme, how a handful of soil has more life in it than there are people on the planet and celebrating Garvagh man Andrew McClarty who has been using gardening to raise funds for charity for 25 years. Ann Fitzsimmons will join David live in studio to answer questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With daylight at a premium the work goes on in two stand-out gardens visited by Gardeners’ Corner this week. At Musgrave Park Hospital in South Belfast, the charity Horatio’s Garden is creating a garden for spinal injury patients designed by Chelsea gold medal winning designer Andy Sturgeon. Helen Mark meets the new head gardener there and chats to Andy about this ‘high maintenance’ space. At Glenarm Castle the Walled Garden has recently been named Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year. The gardeners there are forcing daffodils for flowers at Christmas, sowing seeds and overhauling the hot border. In studio David is joined by gardener Claire McNally and wildlife expert Katy Bell who will be offering some advice on wildlife in the winter garden. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With a wintry feel in the air, David Maxwell is joined in studio by experts Anna Hudson and Reg Maxwell to offer some gardening inspiration for colder days. The team will be taking questions on among other things the challenges of Christmas Cactus, and why one listener’s winter display of cyclamen is wilting. Also on the programme, David heads to a Jurassic world in County Kerry where Australian tree ferns have naturalised. At the Greenmount campus of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise they are growing pink, white and orange Poinsettias alongside the traditional red ones. Anna has been harvesting some perennial veg you might not of heard of which David will be sampling on air. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As Autumn gives way to Winter, David Maxwell visits the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. Keeper of the Gardens, John Anderson shows David the national collection of Mahonia which are lighting up the garden with their bright yellow flowers. A listener gives some tips on preventing newly planted spring bulbs becoming a tasty snack for garden wildlife. Jekka McVicar chooses Mint as her penultimate ‘Herb of the Month’ and Klaus Laitenberger takes David foraging in County Leitrim. Expert Ann Fitzsimmons joins David in studio to answer questions and provide some late Autumn garden inspiration. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week, David heads to Rowallane where Claire McNally picks some highlights including Mahonia and reveals her quest to find a ‘not so tart’ berry from the plant sometimes known as the Oregon Grape. David joins Klaus Laitenberger at the community garden in Bundoran where he’s pruning the blackcurrants. Frank McCooke from Slemish market garden gives practical tips on planting garlic for spring. Reg Maxwell gets planting for a Christmas display - yes there's still time! Contact the programme anytime on [email protected]

In this November highlights programme, David Maxwell is joined in studio by expert Brendan Little. Celebrating the season of golden colour, Brendan gives advice on planting with birds in mind and getting new saplings for free. November is the perfect time to plant bulbs and that’s what Claire Woods is doing when David Maxwell visits her at Hillsborough Castle. Then it’s off to the RSPB’s Belfast Wow where Tim McCann has lots of tips on getting garden birds through the worst of winter. Also on the programme, Mary Doris on her favourite plants for winter interest while Sarah Raven gives a masterclass on growing, and caring for, tulips. Get in touch by email – [email protected]

The weekly gardening programme for keen gardeners with the latest advice, news and visits to gardens large and small around the province. Presented by David Maxwell.

Helen Mark presents this week's edition of Gardeners' corner. She takes a trip to the Arboretum at Castlewellan Forest Park to oversee the work on the herbaceous borders. Frank and Linda McCooke give Mary Doris a masterclass in all things gourd - from Crown Prince to Munchkins, how to grow and what to cook. David Lindsay from Picked Organic on why he decided to give the good life a go. Expert Ann Fitzsimmons joins Helen in studio to answer listeners questions. Email any time [email protected]

Helen Mark presents this week's edition of Gardeners' Corner. Maurice Parkinson selects some show-stopping grasses to enjoy in the Autumn sunlight from his nursery in Ballyrobert. Klaus Leitenberger introduces David Maxwell to some cute little Cucamelons and how to keep unruly grapes in check. Jekka McVicar chooses her herb of the month and Helen is joined in studio by Brendan Little. Email the programme on [email protected] ‘Please note this material has been edited since transmission’

David Maxwell is joined for an episode with an early Autumn feel. With Sweet Chestnuts, Horse Chestnuts and apples in studio there is plenty to chat about and questions from listeners’ on Buddleia, Acers and Hydrangeas. Also on the programme David meets up with organic grower Klaus Laitenberger at the Organic Centre in County Leitrim where he began the Irish chapter of his life. Klaus also tells David why Lemon Verbena is his favourite herb and the value of Florence Fennel. At Ballyrobert Maurice Parkinson still has plenty of Autumn colour and Amy Kelly picks her favourite seeds to sow in October.

As Autumn shades being to show, David Maxwell heads to Florence Court where they are still finishing summer pruning the apple trees. The National Trust garden has one of the best collections of Irish heritage varieties on the Island. Volunteer David Bolton explains his work in identifying varieties and the recent rediscovery of the Wine apple which it was thought has disappeared. In Lurgan, Taghnevan Community Allotments provides a hub for locals interested in growing their own and the programme returns to Rosie Maye’s garden in County Meath for some more early Autumn highlights. Cherry Townsend will join David in studio. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Hydrangeas are the stars of the show in early autumn and Rosie Maye has an enviable collection in her garden near Slane in County Meath. Presenter David Maxwell finds out what conditions they like and how to prune the different types. Near Limavady, a garden has become a refuge for Fred McIlmoyle who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018. While his prognosis wasn’t good initially, advances in treatment options have allowed him to remain active and his garden has become even more precious through the ups and downs of his cancer journey. Also on the programme, Jekka McVicar chooses her herb of the month and David is joined in studio by Claire McNally. Email the programme on [email protected]

It’s been the home of poets and actors and now it prides itself on putting an organic garden at the centre of a private events space; Ballintubbert is found near the village of Stradbally in County Laois. In this week’s programme, presenter David Maxwell tours the gardens with head gardener Jennifer Taggart and finds out how the place has been shaped by it’s former owners including actor Sir John Hurt. He finds out how Jennifer is using sheep’s wool and clover to manage the 14 acre site. Also on the programme, a visit to Duneane Community Garden in Toome and autumn highlights with Claire McNally at the National Trust’s Rowallane. In studio, David is joined by garden expert Anna Hudson and wildlife expert Katie Bell. Email the programme on [email protected].

The Knepp Estate in West Sussex is world famous for turning its back on intensive farming in favour of rewilding. Its latest project is to transform a former crochet lawn into an undulating sustainable garden packed with over 900 plant species. This week presenter David Maxwell tours the garden with Charlie Harpur and finds out how they manage this unique space which has already massively increased biodiversity. At Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Claire Woods is harvesting seed and enjoying some early autumn apples and at Mount Venus, Oliver Shurmann shares some of his favourite plants of the moment. Garden expert Ann Fitzsimmons will join David live in studio to answer questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

In this week’s programme – do you ever wonder where all those bunches of flowers in the supermarket come from? David travels to a family business in Armagh which grows and imports flowers for retailers across Ireland and the UK. With a major public transport scheme underway in Belfast, the programme finds out how horticulture was put front and centre during the Crossrail project in London and a visit to a former Abbey near Enniskillen where a secret garden full of usual plants has been nurtured by Noel Crane for the last 4 decades. Brendan Little will join David in studio for live questions. [email protected]

Gardening on earth can be challenging sometimes, so what about gardening on the moon? David chats to Professor Simon Barak from Ben Gurion University of the Negev about trying to germinate seeds on the lunar surface. Back on planet earth Brendan Little hasn’t mown his grass since May and it’s time to take the meadow into hand. He’s planting plugs of Ragged Robin and Foxgloves and sowing Yellow Rattle seed which will keep the grass in check. Jekka McVicar chooses Lavender as her herb for August and Cherry Townsend is live in studio to answer questions. Email: [email protected]

The weather is always unpredictable but with a warm and dry June and damp July, it’s making life challenging for gardeners. This week, David Maxwell will be joined by Cecilia Daly to chat about the reasons for the recent weather patterns and her predictions for the rest of summer. Also on the programme, the National Trust’s Mount Stewart teams up with Bristol University to predict the future for the garden with climate change modelling and ahead of National Allotment Week David visits a hidden allotment in Bangor and Helen Mark catches up with some of those involved in Derry’s Acorn Farm project which supports families to grow their own. Claire McNally will join David in studio to take questions. Email [email protected]

After nearly a century and a half, the Dickson family have decided to bring their rose breeding business to an end. Presenter David Maxwell visits Colin Dickson in his rose field near Newtownards to find out why he’s calling it a day, and to see his very last rose ‘A Fond Farewell’. Also on the programme, how to keep the summer colour coming with Cherry Townsend, top Dahlia choices from Marryn Mathis at the Farm House Flower Farm in Washington state (USA) and Jekka McVicar with her ‘Herb of the Month’. In studio David will be joined by Mary Doris who will be tackling questions from listeners. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Nothing beats visiting other gardens for inspiration and learning, and in this week’s Gardeners’ Corner, presenter David Maxwell asks three of his regular experts to choose one of their favourite gardens. Those featured include RHS Bridgewater near Manchester which opened in 2021. It’s not only one of the newest public gardens, but it is also one of the biggest garden projects undertaken in the UK in the last century. For Maurice Parkinson, it offers multiple layers of interest. David and Maurice meet curator Marcus Chilton-Jones and Garden Manager Tracey Snell as they tour the walled garden and the Chinese streamside garden. Birr is County Offaly can get the coldest and the warmest temperatures in Ireland, and it’s also where you will find an impressive collection of trees at Birr Castle Demesne. For Ann Fitzsimmons it will always be a special place as she spent many happy months working there after deciding to change career. Up in County Donegal, Brendan Little only has to go a stone’s throw from his home to find some of the gardens on the Donegal Garden Trail. He chooses Greenfort as his favourite which enjoys stunning views of Lough Swilly and uses shrubs to create year round interest and a low maintenance garden. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Summer is in full swing and this week David Maxwell and his expert guests are focusing on edibles. Brendan Little provides a masterclass on growing basil, proving you can grow enough to produce pesto in Donegal! Amy Kelly loves growing beans at her allotment in Newtownards where they not only produce an edible harvest but also provide beauty. In studio, David is joined by Ann Fitzsimmons who answers questions on growing asparagus, plums and what you can expect if you grow an apple tree from a pip. Also on the programme Cherry Townsend is taking softwood cuttings, proving how a few snips at this time of year can save money by producing new plants for free. Contact the programme on [email protected]

It’s the flower of summer and of romance and it never looses it’s appeal according to Mary Keenan who David Maxwell visits in this week’s programme. At her County Laois gardens he has roses that can find a place in any garden and offer both colour and scent. In County Offaly David visits Paul Smyth at Bellefield garden recently left by architect and gardener Angela Jupe as a bequest to the RHSI. The charity is currently bringing the garden back into management and hopes it will be a place to teach gardeners of the future. And in Bangor Dylan Freeburn explains why the council are replacing annual bedding with longer term planting that’s better for biodiversity. Reg Maxwell will also join David in studio live. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week on Gardeners’ Corner with David Maxwell; why are there so many caterpillars this year and do the spooky webs some are creating spell doom for the plants they cover? At Helen’s Bay Organic Farm John McCormick has some tips on growing courgettes and how to get better veg without wasting water. Helen Mark travels to Stranocum for a masterclass on early summer pruning with Don Kerr and Jekka McVicar reveals her herb of the month. Also on the programme, Katie Bell from Ulster Wildlife and Claire McNally, head gardener at The National Trust’s Rowallane join David in studio to answer questions sent in by listeners. Email the programme on [email protected]

With the heat wave continuing Gardeners’ Corner is live at Garden Show Ireland in Antrim Castle Gardens. David Maxwell is joined by Diarmuid Gavin, Cherry Townsend and Mary Doris who will take questions from an invited audience. Also on the programme, with house plants one of the big themes at this year's show, Conrad McCormick will pick some of his favourites and away from the show David heads to nearby Ballyrobert Cottage Garden where Maurice Parkinson believes that summer can be perhaps the best time to get new plants established in the garden. Email the programme - [email protected]

As summer begins in the garden, David Maxwell finds inspiration at Ireland’s biggest gardening show. In its 17th year, Bord Bia Bloom attracted over 100,000 visitors. In the programme, David catches up with Oliver Shurmann from Mount Venus nurseries who designed an imaginative woodland garden for under 5s which won best large garden and with house plants more popular than ever, Pat Keville from Plantstore.ie shows David his exhibit which took the best in show nursery award. Other highlights from the show include; Belfast designer Linda McKeown’s garden for Tusla Fostering, “The Next Step” garden designed by student, Joseph Eustace as part of Bord Bia’s new Cultivating Talent initiative and Jane McCorkell’s “A Breathing Space for Fingal”. Also on the programme, Ann Fitzsimmons will be live in studio with plenty of plants and primed to answer any tricky gardening questions. Email the programme on [email protected]

Do you have native plants in your garden? A visit to True Harvest Seeds in Kilclief in Co Down showcases some of the native origin plants growing in the wild and how Debbie Gillies and the team of volunteers are preserving the seeds for the future. From the homegrown to the exotic - David heads to Cluain na dTor in Donegal to see Seamus O' Donnell's collection of stunning plants from across the world that are suitable for seaside gardens and coastal regions. Renowned artist Derek Hill's last home , Glebe Gallery, is open to the public and embracing his wild style of planting. David heads down to find out about their plans for the future. Expert Mary Doris joins David in studio to answer listeners' questions and chat about drought tolerant plants. Author and broadcaster Matthew Biggs also drops by to talk about his new children's book 'A home for every plant' . Email the programme on [email protected]

David visits the gardening event of the year – the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. With 36 show gardens and a pavilion full of plant experts, Gardeners’ Corner looks at the show from the perspective of the ordinary gardener. What elements can we all put into practice and with several gardens featuring ‘weeds’, should we all be growing more of them or is that a step too far? Of course, the celebrities are never far away and David finds out from Strictly’s Bruno Tonioli that he has green fingers as well as dancing feet. Email the programme - [email protected]

In this late spring edition of the programme, presenter David Maxwell visits the new community garden in the County Down village of Saintfield. In County Donegal, Joanne and Milo Butler run OURganic in the hills above Gortahork. The gardens are used to teach others about organically growing food and the principles of permaculture. Jekka McVicar chooses basil as her ‘Herb of the Month’ and gives some tips on how to succeed with this tasty tender herb. In studio, David is joined by Neil Porteous to take questions live from the audience. Text 81771 Email [email protected]

Gardeners Corner takes questions from Gardeners’ at the Balmoral Show 2023. David Maxwell is joined by experts Claire McNally and Ann Fitzsimmons. Questions from the audience include plants for a shady exposed back garden and when to fertilise daffodils. Also on the programme, David visits a flower farm in Magherafelt, a guide to fertilisers and why alliums should steal the show in your garden in May. Email the programme on [email protected].

In this Gardeners’ Corner special to mark the coronation, presenter David Maxwell travels to the private garden of King Charles III in Gloucestershire. He’s shown around by Derry man, Brian Corr who learnt his gardening trade in Northern Ireland before becoming Head of Gardens at the King's Highgrove Estate. David explores the different areas of this organic garden which the King has been hands on in developing since he bought the property as Prince of Wales in 1980. Now under the stewardship of the Prince’s Foundation charity, David finds out how the estate is being opened up to the public and used as a showcase for traditional skills and crafts. And he chats to Royal florist Shane Connolly who shares the King’s passion for sustainability and is providing the floral backdrop for the coronation.

How much do you think about your garden after dark? In this programme presenter David Maxwell meets Jo Mulholland who’s mad about moths. He finds out about their decline and what gardeners can do to help these often underrated pollinators. Mary Doris has tips on how to look after spring flowering bulbs to make sure they perform next year and John Gault gives a masterclass in rhododendron care from his 9 decades of experience. Also on the programme, BBC Radio 2’s Liza Tarbuck on her love of gardening and Ciaran Mulholland will join David in studio to answer questions. Email the programme on [email protected]

With two weeks until the coronation, David visits a garden under construction to mark the event. Diarmuid Gavin’s bold design for The King’s Coronation garden will soon be an eye catching attraction at Hazelbank Park on the shores of Belfast Lough. Among those helping to get the garden finished on time are some students from CAFRE’s Greenmount campus. Also on the programme, Helen Mark visits the National Trust’s Florence Court where Ian Marshall and his volunteers are busy planting broad beans and potatoes in the kitchen garden. Jekka McVicar reveals her favourite herb for April and Reg Maxwell joins David in studio to answer questions and provide some seasonal inspiration for the gardener at home. Contact the programme – [email protected] . Email the programme on [email protected]

David visits Jekka’s herb farm near Bristol on its first open day of the season where Jekka McVicar shows him around the new herb garden. In Hillsborough, as the spring spectacular gets underway, Claire Woods reveals how even the professionals have nature to contend with sometimes and Montalto Estate near Ballynahinch launches its Lost Garden. In studio, Ann Fitzsimmons will join David with some Easter gardening inspiration and take questions live. Email the programme on [email protected]

In this Gardeners’ Corner special, live from Fairview Primary School, David Maxwell joins the children, parents and teachers at Fairview Primary School in Ballyclare. In collaboration with the Education team at BBC Northern Ireland, the programme showcases some of the great gardening taking place in schools across Northern Ireland. Experts Claire McNally and Brendan Little will be on hand to offer some guidance on planting for pollinators, looking after a wildlife pond and woodland planting. The Education team will also launch their school gardening wall planner which schools can get free by emailing [email protected] Email the programme on [email protected]

How do you garden for gorillas? David meets the man who was in charge of planting at Dublin Zoo for four decades. Stephen Butler explains how the plants enhance the environment for the animals and give a sense of their natural habitat. At Ballywalter, Anna Hudson is building walls out of logs – an attractive feature in any garden and great for wild life. In Greyabbey, on the Ards Peninsula, there is a secret garden called Greba – David meets up with owners Richard and Beverley to find out how they have transformed a disused quarry into a place of beauty. In studio Claire McNally and Mary Doris answer questions and have some gardening related ideas for Mothers’ day. Email the programme on [email protected]

David Maxwell heads to Rosie Maye’s garden in Slane, County Meath where she has an enviable collection of hellebores. From named varieties to self-sown seedlings, they are the stars of the show in March. In Ballywalter, Anna Hudson is preparing veg beds in the glasshouses using homemade compost and digestate, a by-product of anaerobic digestion. Jekka McVicar reveals her herb of the month and Cherry Townsend joins David live in studio to answer questions.

At Mount Venus Nursery in the Dublin hills David Maxwell meets owner Oliver Schurmann whose enthusiasm for plants can be traced back to a local farmer giving him a handful of seeds. He still retains that childlike wonder as he tends to walled garden which blends seamlessly with the nursery full of both common and unusual plants. Mary Doris has tips on creating a garden that appeals to all the senses. In Belfast the council want to prepare the city for the changing climate by growing more and different kinds of trees. David meets up with Senior Woodland Officer Alan McHaffie who explains how those within the city limits can play a part. Contact the programme on [email protected]

David Maxwell heads to Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow where 3000 roses are being planted in the Italian garden. Head gardener, Alex Slazenger introduces David to some of the winter highlights in a garden for all seasons. In Hazelbank Park on the north shore of Belfast Lough, Diarmuid Gavin is starting work on a garden to mark the coronation. Mary Doris has tips of creating garden for all the senses and award winning author Eoghan Daltun on the need to let nature in. Brendan Little joins David live in studio to take questions and to give tips for the week. [email protected]

As the Snowdrops reach their peak David Maxwell heads to one of the biggest collections in the country at Altamont Gardens in County Carlow. The collection started by Corona North has been maintained and increased since she left Altamont to the state in 1999. David meets Robert Miller, a resident ‘Galanthophile’ who introduces him to both rare and run of mill snowdrops. In Wicklow, David visits Jimi Blake at his Hunting Brook garden where the early spring show is on and Jekka McVicar reveals her herb for February. Also on the programme Cherry Townsend is live in studio to answer questions and suggest some jobs for half term including planting summer bulbs. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week David Maxwell heads through the Glens of Antrim to Glenmona House in Cushendun. The 19th century house, owned by the National Trust, is getting a new lease of life. David meets gardener, Una Quinn, who wants to make the grounds both flamboyant and practical. At Ann Fitzsimmon’s garden in Killinchy, she is taming two thugs; a fig tree that has got out of hand and bamboo that was threatening to come into the house. Also on the programme, what poison plants are lurking in your garden and should we give moss another chance? Claire Woods joins David in studio with seasonal inspiration and jobs for the week. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Gardener’s Corner focuses on the North West with visits to the walled garden at Oakfield Park in Raphoe. Estate manager David Fisher sets the scene and Head gardener Wendy Bridgett gives presenter David Maxwell a tour of the 18th century walled garden. In Derry, David visits an award winning community garden between the city’s walls and The Fountain estate. Alan Warke explains how the space has benefited young people and the community as a whole. Also on the programme, dramatic change at The Playhouse theatre which is going to install a zero waste garden – Helen Mark sees the plans and Gareth Austin will join David in studio to answer questions and offer some seasonal inspiration. Contact the programme – [email protected]

In this week’s programme David Maxwell heads to a frozen Florence Court and takes refuge in the brand new glass houses in the 1930s kitchen garden. Ian Marshall explains how they have recreated the original greenhouses and added a 21st century twist. Also on the programme, in windy Ballyrobert Maurice Parkinson is planting wild foxgloves. He says they are an ideal free plant in any garden because they self-seed and provide valuable nectar for bees. Indoors, Mary Doris has some tips on caring for house plants and some easy options for the less green fingered. David is joined in studio by Claire McNally to take questions from listeners live. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week David finds out more about the ultimate easy to grow plant – the peony. Grower Alec White explains why he gave up a career in law when he fell in love with their brilliant blooms and why they are a worthwhile investment, lasting over 50 years in the garden. Also on the programme, James Shippen on the biomechanics of digging and Jekka McVicar reveals the first of her herbs of the month. In studio Cherry Townsend will join David to answer questions and provide some winter gardening inspiration. Contact the programme on [email protected]

In the first programme of 2023 David visits the Montalto Estate’s Winter garden where new head gardener Lesley Heron points out some of her favourite plants for winter interest. In Newcastle, David finds out about the work of the Ark Community Garden, a Christian charity working with vulnerable adults to produce veg for the local community. And it might be mid-winter but Gardeners’ Corner gets a taste of summer by speaking to Alice Notten at Kirstenbosch gardens near Cape Town about some favourite South African plants. Also on the programme, Brendan Little joins David live in studio to answers questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As one year gives way to another, David Maxwell looks back at the gardening year of 2022 including; a visit to Gravetye Manor in Sussex - the home of the influential Victorian Irish gardener William Robinson, Bloom in Dublin and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. In Randalstown, David witnesses the transformation of a viaduct into a unique garden space funded by the RHS and at Airfield Estate in Dundrum preparations are underway for the totally terrific tomato festival. Mary Keenan explains how Gash Gardens was created out of her dad’s dairy farm and David returns to see the transformation of Kilmacurragh in County Wicklow. Also on the programme, a selection of some of the best weekly advice from the Gardeners’ Corner experts.

Ahead of the Christmas Day celebrations, David Maxwell and the gardening experts get together for a festive fireside chat. Ann Fitzsimmons plays host at her Killinchy garden set amidst the County Down drumlins. Also joining in, for hot chocolate and Mexican molé muffins (with home grown chillies!) are Brendan Little and Cherry Townsend. The gardening gurus show how the garden can play its part providing both decoration and food for Christmas table. There’s no partridge but Amy Kelly knows all about pear trees and Claire McNally will pick her highlights from Rowallane Gardens on Christmas Eve.

With one week until Christmas Eve, join David Maxwell and experts for some seasonal gardening inspiration. Renowned herb expert Jekka McVicar reveals what she’ll be using from the garden and Christmas and homemade remedies for sore throats! Klaus Laitenberger has more lesser known seeds up his sleeve, including poppy seeds for use in baking. At Nettlefield Primary School, it’s all go at the new school garden and in the studio David is joined by Claire Woods who knows all there is to know about getting the best out of your Christmas poinsettia. Contact the programme – [email protected]

As the chill of winter bites, David is joined in studio by Ann Fitzsimmons for some timely advice on protecting the garden when the mercury falls. One listener wants advice on ‘Old Man’s Beard’ but this one isn’t wearing a red suit. From Greenmount college to New Jersey – David Wilson on the joy of his horticultural career. At Ballyrobert Cottage Garden, Maurice Parkinson is clearing away the remnants of last season’s growth and putting some of it to good use for wildlife and Tony Kirkham reveals his final ‘Tree of the Month’. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With the festive season in sight David heads to a Christmas tree farm to see some of the most popular varieties and find out how to look after living trees during the festivities. In Killinchy, Ann Fitzsimmons is planting Christmas Box and species tulips that will perform year after year. Johnny Knox gives David some winter garden design advice and Claire McNally is taking questions live and a listener reveals the results of his fermented nettle experiment! Contact the programme on [email protected]

As winter approaches, Helen Mark heads to Drenagh Gardens near Limavady where Conelley McCausland has set about restoring the vast walled garden and extensive grounds which had almost disappeared under the invasion of bamboo. Also on the programme, a visit to Ciaran Mulholland’s garden at the foot of Slemish where he’s growing a ready supply of winter veg. In studio, Reg Maxwell joins Helen to take questions live and Tony Kirkham reveals his tree of the month for November.

This week, David visits the gardens at Glenarm Castle where Neil Porteous is making the best of late autumn sunshine to prepare for next year. From heeling in rhododendrons, to starting perennials from seed, there is a long list to get through before winter sets in. At Rowallane Gardens near Saintfield, Claire McNally picks some highlights including Mahonia and reveals her quest to find a ‘not so tart’ berry from the plant sometimes known as the Oregon Grape. Also on the programme, Mary Doris on her favourite plants for winter interest, Tony Kirkham’s ‘Tree of the Month’ for November and Claire Woods joins David live in studio to take questions and offer autumn inspiration. [email protected]

November is the perfect time to plant tulip bulbs and that’s what Claire Woods is doing when David Maxwell visits her at Hillsborough Castle. Then it’s off to the RSPB’s Belfast Wow where Tim McCann has lots of tips on getting garden birds through the worst of winter. With the new season of The Crown due to start on Netflix, David chats to the Duchess of Rutland whose home and garden stands in for Windsor Castle in the series. Also on the programme, Emma McIlveen heads to Augher Central Primary School where the school garden has been transformed with help from the BBC’s Little Green Fingers project and Brendan Little joins David in studio to take live questions. Email the programme on [email protected]

As the Halloween half term begins, David Maxwell visits a pumpkin patch in the Orchard county. Brian Hutchinson has been growing the gourds for a decade and knows what they need to thrive. Also on the programme, a visit to Mount Stewart where head gardener Mike Buffin is making plans t0 revamp the lily wood and Tony Kirkham will reveal his tree of the month for October. In studio, David is joined by Reg Maxwell who will take questions live and suggest some activities for kids in the garden over the half term break. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With Autumn colour all around, Gardeners’ Corner with David Maxwell celebrates the wonder of trees. At CAFRE’s Greenmount campus, the first of the Hiroshima survivor trees grown by staff and students is planted out. In County Laois, David is back at Gash Gardens where Mary Keenan has an impressive Katsura tree, also known as the candyfloss tree because of the smell given off by its dying leaves. In County Antrim, Duneane Primary have a school garden full of trees but its autumn containers the pupils are planting to keep up their reputation as a ‘Best Kept’ school and Tony Kirkham will reveal his tree of the month. Also on the programme, Claire McNally will be live in studio with David to answer questions from the Gardeners’ Corner mailbox. Email [email protected]

Some plants leave their best show until last and this week David heads to County Laois to find spectacular autumn colour at Gash Gardens. Mary Keenan describes how her family’s dairy farm has been transformed into beautiful gardens with standout plants like the Spindle stealing the autumn show. In Omagh, David visits the Sow and Grow Project at the Ulster American Folk Park. It’s run by the Leonard Cheshire trust which supports those with disabilities. Amy Kelly introduces the uncommon Quince and Ann Fitzsimmons joins David in studio to answer gardening questions live.

David heads to the annual symposium at Kells Bay gardens in County Kerry which attracts top horticulturalists from across the country. John Anderson from Windsor Castle gardens is planning for the future with climate change in mind. Alasdair Moore from the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall is championing the health benefits of heritage fruit. Also on the programme, Averil Milligan joins David to tackle listeners’ questions and Maurice Parkinson tames a rambling rose. Contact the programme on [email protected]

In this week’s programme David visits the Killyleagh garden that was never meant to be. Janie Metcalf wanted land around a house for horses, her late husband loved trees, but over the years she was bitten by the gardening bug and now has an enviable collection of plants that thrive on her thin dry soil. Among her favourites are the grasses which are stealing the autumn show. At Ballyrobert Cottage Garden, Maurice Parkinson explains how to improve native hedgerows for wildlife. Also on the programme, Cherry Townsend is taking questions and among her ‘jobs for the week’ is making rose hip syrup. Contact the programme on [email protected]

We often think about planting bulbs at this time of year for a colourful spring display but what about the bulbs that are flowering right now? In this week’s Gardeners’ Corner, David Maxwell visits Ballyrobert Cottage Garden where there is a fine selection of Colchicums, Hesperanta, Crocosmia and Cyclamen putting on a dazzling autumn show. In Islandmagee, he finds Cherry Townsend harvesting seed that will make free plants for next years garden and he chats to Mr No Dig aka Charles Dowding about the benefits of undisturbed soil when it comes to drainage, weed growth and crop yields. In studio David is joined by expert Claire Woods who will be answering listener questions live. Contac the programme by email – [email protected]

Gardeners’ Corner looks at the life of Queen Elizabeth II through the lens of all things gardening. David Maxwell chats to those who met her at great gardening events, he visits Northern Ireland’s official royal residence at Hillsborough and explores what her favourite flower, Lily of the Valley, says about her. Also on the programme, Cherry Townsend tells David why sowing now can save you money and get next year’s garden off to a good start.

How can you garden if you only have a yard? The answer is to garden on the vertical! This week, presenter David Maxwell chats to Ann Fitzsimmons about her new living wall. She maintains it with a fork and spoon from the cutlery drawer and manages to grow both flowers and herbs. In Magherafelt David meets the youngest competitor in the Garden of the Year TV series on Channel 4. Just how has 28 year old Philip Stewart created a top class cottage garden while holding down a full time job? Also on the programme, a return to Airfield Estate where Colm O’Driscoll says a simple low maintenance border can be created with just three plants and expert Claire McNally will be in studio to take questions live. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Just a few minutes walk from Ireland’s largest shopping centre, a garden provides a quiet place in the city. A haven for wildlife and place to learn about our food, Airfield Estate in Dundrum was left in trust to the people of Ireland by trailblazing sisters Letitia and Naomi Overend. They understood the importance of people self sufficient and sustainable, an ethos that continues today under head gardener Colm O’Driscoll. In this programme, David Maxwell has a tour with Colm and finds about the Totally Terrific Tomato festival. Also in the programme, David finds out from expert grower Charles Holmes what makes the perfect Dahlia and he chats to wildlife gardener Kate Bradbury about her new book encouraging us all to plant a tree for the planet. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With late summer approaching David is joined in studio by Reg Maxwell to take questions on everything from sickly tomatoes to Oh la la clematis. He finds out about the Old Mill garden in Helen’s Bay which is being lovingly restored alongside an abandoned walled garden and Tony Kirkham picks his top tree for August. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Allotments across the country are burst with flowers and produce right now and in National Allotments Week, Gardeners’ Corner visits two. David Maxwell heads to Ards where Amy Kelly has her plot. He also meets some of her neighbours who grow Willow for weaving and exotic crops like the African Horned Melon. In the north west, Helen Mark visits Ballymagowan community allotments which as well as producing healthy fruit and veg, is also a sanctuary for some. In studio, Ciaran Mulholland will bring his fruit and veg growing expertise and organic gardener Klaus Laitenberger will join David from somewhere in Europe as he takes the long road home to Ireland from his epic vegetable odyssey. Contact the programme via email – [email protected]

At the end of a week of record temperatures, David Maxwell chats to Ann Fitzsimmons about making our gardens more resilient. David also visits the Ravine project at Knockbracken Healthcare Park which gives horticultural opportunities to young adults facing mental health difficulties. In Killinchy, Lesley Simpson and Moira Concannon have been gardening together as neighbours for decades – so just what makes this perfect partnership work? And in Stoneyford, David meets Joy Gordon who has transformed her outside space into a place to remember her husband who was tragically killed in a car accident 2 years ago.

David Maxwell visits Ireland’s largest gardening festival in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. At Bord Bia Bloom he’ll meet designers, growers and tour some of the 19 show gardens. Also on the programme, David finds out what’s happening in the gardens at Hillsborough Castle to mark the jubilee and what exactly is the ‘tree of trees’. Garden expert Ann Fitzsimmons will be in studio to answers questions and she’ll be planting up a platinum planter. Contact the programme on [email protected]

David Maxwell brings highlights from the Show Gardens to the new All About Plants gardens

Can weeds be useful? This week David Maxwell meets Becky Cole at Broughgammon Farm near Ballycastle. She considers some weeds free food and uses others for their useful herbal properties. Down in Slane, County Meath, Rosie Maye has a selection of attractive plants that can give those problem weeds a run for the money - Lamium, Lady’s Mantle, Euphorbia robbiae are top of the list. Also on the programme, Helen Mark visits the historic Drenagh Estate in Limavady where the gardens are being tamed after decades as a jungle and the Chelsea designer who is creating a ‘high maintenance’ garden for spinal patients in Belfast. Contact the programme on [email protected]

The weekly gardening programme for keen gardeners with the latest advice, news and visits to gardens large and small around the province. Presented by Helen Mark.

A childhood fantasy has become a reality for Rosie Maye who has spent 20 years transforming the three acres around her home near Slane in county Meath. Without any formal training Rosie aka The Insomniac Gardener on social media, has created a woodland garden, an ornamental meadow and a Mediterranean courtyard among the ruins of old farm buildings. In this week’s programme, David Maxwell finds out how she filled the space with year round colour without breaking the bank. Also on the programme, how a group of women in north Belfast have transformed unused parking spaces into an urban oasis and what’s going on at Ards allotments in National Gardening Week. All that and the experts will be taking questions live. Contact the programme on [email protected]

A special Gardeners’ Corner from Garden Show Ireland 2022 in the grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens. David Maxwell will be joined by Diarmuid Gavin, Klaus Laitenberger, Cherry Townsend and Ann Fitzsimmons who will take questions from an invited audience. Also on the programme, as the big reveal of Randalstown’s RHS funded community garden approaches, David gets a sneak peak at a unique garden on a viaduct. [email protected]

William Robinson started life as a garden boy in Ireland but went on the become one of the most famous gardeners of all time. His ‘wild gardening’ style is still widely referenced today and in this special programme presenter David Maxwell is joined by Donegal gardener Brendan Little to explore Robinson’s life and legacy. At Gravetye Manor, Robinson’s home in Sussex, they meet head gardener Tom Coward who has brought the gardens back to life following a period of neglect. Robinson expert, Judith Nesbitt, describes his character and the mystery surrounding his early years. Also on the programme, a visit to the home and garden of Robinson’s friend of 50 years, the prominent Victorian gardener, Gertrude Jekyll and David takes Brendan on a trip down memory lane on a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Tune into BBC Radio Ulster’s Gardeners’ Corner this Saturday morning when Helen Mark finds out what seasonal tasks are being done on some coastal allotments, Amy Kelly looks for to the transformation to come in her garden and a very special community garden gets the royal seal of approval.

Have you ever heard of onions that can walk? David Maxwell finds out all about them from organic grower Klaus Laitenberger. April showers bring plenty of growth in the garden including to plants often considered weeds, but wild garlic and nettles can also provide a tasty lunch as David finds out when he pops in with Ann Fitzsimmons. Also on the programme, garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost on his new book and the ‘King of Trees’ Tony Kirkham opts for a Cherry as his tree for April. David will also be joined by Claire Woods and Brendan Little who will take on gardening questions live – [email protected]

David meets Omagh man Brian Duncan who has been breeding daffodils since the 1960s and has been awarded one of horticulture’s greatest honours. He becomes one of only 63 people who can wear the Victoria Medal of Honour. Also on the programme, why Erodiums or Stork’s bills deserve a place in your garden. And a visit to the Folk Museum where Irish Garden Plant Society members are doing what they can to create a living museum and a refuge for endangered Irish plants. All that and the experts will be taking questions live – [email protected]

Have you ever heard of a mechanical garden? Well Antrim is getting Northern Ireland’s first, and this week David Maxwell chats to designer Diarmuid Gavin about his plans for the space. It’s being created to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee and the return of Garden Show Ireland. Also on the programme, Klaus Laitenberger on the tempting taste of home-grown tomatoes and Cherry Townsend on the importance of planning ahead with pots of bulbs. David will also be putting questions to the experts including why one listener’s orange crocuses keep vanishing. Get in touch by email – [email protected]

David Maxwell heads to Bundoran on St Patrick’s day where organic gardener Klaus Laitenberger is planting potatoes ‘Leitrim style’. He demonstrates his old Irish method of covering the seed potatoes with freshly dug turfs, showing how an area of lawn could easily provide a crop of spuds this season. Also on the programme, with seed sowing gathering pace in the garden, Amy Kelly explains why it makes sense to try heritage and heirloom varieties. They may have fallen out of favour with the supermarkets, but she says their taste, and the fact that you can save seed for next year, make them a good value choice. David visits Augher Central Primary School as part of the BBC’s ‘Little Green Fingers’ project. Teachers, pupils, volunteers there are transforming a neglected school garden into a wildlife haven and outdoor learning area. And how do you tell if that old packet of seeds at the back of the drawer is worth sowing?

In this week’s programme, David Maxwell travels to the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh in county Wicklow. The country cousin of the gardens at Glasnevin in Dublin, Kilmacurragh covers over 100 acres and enjoys a mild maritime climate where rhododendrons and Chilean exotics flourish. David walks through the crocus lawn with head gardener Seamus O’Brien and gets a sneak peak behind the scenes at a newly acquired historic walled garden. Also on the programme, Tony Kirkham chooses Arbutus unedo, also known as the strawberry tree, as his ‘tree of the month’ and Ciaran Mulholland is pruning trees at his garden at the foot of Slemish mountain in county Antrim. David will also be putting questions from listeners to expert Brendan Little including how much wheat you need to grow to produce a home grown loaf.

David explores a secret walled garden close to Belfast where globe artichokes are on the menu. Hidden Huntley is one of the 19th century ‘linen houses’ of Lagan Valley and it’s been home to Antonia Malcolm’s family since the 1920s. But there is trouble in paradise as Box blight has wiped out an important element of the gardens structure. Still, there is more than enough soft fruit to go around and rhubarb is being ‘forced’ – David finds out what difference it makes. Also on the programme, a visit to Ciaran Mulholland’s garden at the foot of Slemish where he’s dividing snowdrops ‘in the green’, work continues at Glenarm on the new woodland garden and meet the robots that garden. Get in touch with the experts on [email protected]

With more demand for space to build, gardens are getting smaller. In fact, owning a garden is just a dream for many younger people. This week, David Maxwell and the team will explore the options for those with no piece of earth to call their own. How can those with more than they need (or more than they can look after) make land available to those without. David chats to a Belfast born entrepreneur who’s developed an online platform where garden space can be rented out to those who want to grow their own food but don’t have a garden. Also on the programme, RHS Wisley curator, Matthew Pottage on making the most of the garden if you are renting your home and for those who have to garden indoors, some must have houseplants from Danae Diaz. Questions for the panel to [email protected]

At the start of the half term school holidays, David and his experts have ideas to keep the kids busy in the garden. It’s the perfect time to plant some fruit - Amy Kelly picks out some of her favourite varieties. On a visit to the National Trust’s Rowallane gardens, David’s nose leads him to the Daphne which are in full flower. Head gardener, Claire McNally also shows him a flowering quince which is clothing an old stone wall in pink blossom. Also on the programme, Judith Hooks is the first local National Trust apprentice. She explains how the programme works and why she took a second look at gardening after training as an optometrist.

Bring in the colour with cornus this winter. Presenter David Maxwell visits Maurice Parkinson at Ballyrobert Cottage Garden where the glowing stems of Cornus alba ‘Siberica’ and Cornus ‘Midwinter fire’ warm up the coldest days. Is your garden too big? The experts attempt to take the workload out of looking after a large plot. David explores renting out garden space with the local founder of the ‘Allotme’ garden rental website and the National Garden Scheme adds Northern Ireland to the famous yellow book. Questions for the team to [email protected]

This week David gets around the problem of pricey perennials by finding out just how easy many are to grow from seed. Ann Fitzsimmons recommends ‘first year flowering’ varieties and shows how sowing some seed now can save gardeners a small fortune. It’s the weekend of the RSPB’s big garden birdwatch. Listeners are invited to text in what they are seeing and Claire Barnett from the charity has all the information on how to take part. Also on the programme, the RHS is gifting 4 community or school gardens this year. David has been chatting to chief horticulturalist, Guy Barter, on what they are looking for. And in the first of a new series, Tony Kirkham, aka ‘the king of trees’ from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on his favourite tree for January.

As 2022 begins, David Maxwell and his gardening experts are getting ready for the season ahead. Colourful perennials don’t come cheap from the garden centre, but for the cost of a few packets of seeds, Ann Fitzsimmons shows how to save money and transform your outside space. Also on the programme, Gardeners’ Corner is teaming up with BBC Learning this year to follow several primary schools in their journeys to create, resurrect or develop their outdoor spaces. Kicking off the project is St Malachy’s Primary School in Bangor where an existing wildlife garden is going to get a new lease of life. Amy Kelly is sorting her seeds ahead of the growing season to come, and David will be joined live by Ann Fitzsimmons and Claire McNally to answer gardening questions from listeners. Contact the programme [email protected]

A new year of gardening with David Maxwell and his expert guests. David finds inspiration from visits to Jimi Blake’s garden in county Wicklow, advice on how to grow veg in a small space from Amy Kelly and he explores plants that are living at the edge of their comfort zone, including Tree ferns with Billy Alexander and grapes grown outdoors at a vineyard in Lusk. Contact the programme on [email protected]

David Maxwell presents a special Gardeners’ Corner Christmas programme from Kerrykeel in County Donegal. With twinkling lights and a fire crackling in a courtyard garden, David is joined by Cherry Townsend and Brendan Little for mince pies, mulled wine and gardening chat. What’s the best way to grow that gifted Amaryllis, how do you care for potted Christmas trees and can cut trees be put to use in the garden after the festivities. Also on the programme, Klaus Laitenberger on what home grown organic veg he’ll be bringing in for the Christmas dinner, Amy Kelly on plants with a Christmas connection and Helen Mark visits St Columbs allotments in Londonderry where plans are afoot for an end of year party.

In this special Gardeners’ Corner, David Maxwell visits the Eden Project in Cornwall on it’s 20th anniversary to find out about it’s mission to connect people with the planet. He also finds out why Eden is bringing that mission to the banks of the River Foyle. David also meets Fermanagh GP Neil Armstrong who made Cornwall his home in the 1980s, and has spent the last 25 years transforming an abandoned piece of land near Penzance into an exotic paradise. And artist Johns Keys from Belfast on how his artistic eye is transforming Cornish gardens.

The weekly gardening programme for keen gardeners with the latest advice, news and visits to gardens large and small around the province. Presented by David Maxwell.

The weather might be wintry, but the good news is we can all enjoy home grown herbs year-round. This week, David Maxwell finds out how Claire Woods keeps a fresh supply growing through the winter months. He joins Klaus Laitenberger at the community garden in Bundoran where he’s pruning the blackcurrants. Cherry Townsend is on hand to answer questions from listeners and she joins David for a trip to Brendan Little’s woodland copse, where he wants to introduce some plants that love life beneath the canopy. RHS curator, Matthew Pottage has advice on wrapping up tender plants for winter and there’s a surprise call for an unsung gardening hero. Contact the programme on [email protected]

What makes a good hedge and is there still time for a trim before winter? That’s just two of the questions David Maxwell and his experts guests will tackle in this week’s gardening programme. David also visits the South Eastern Regional College’s Holywood campus where they have launched their new wellbeing garden. Born in the lockdown, Claire Dunwoody tells David it’s future is community focused. Also on the programme, a new woodland walk is under construction at Glenarm Castle estate. David gets a sneak preview on what visitors will find come next spring. And Averil Milligan and Maurice Parkinson will join David live to answer questions from listeners. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With the mild weather set to end in the next few weeks, David turns up the temperature by visiting the new ‘Banana block’ in east Belfast where 4 varieties of bananas are being grown in stylised raised beds which are also an art installation. Claire Hall explains that growing bananas is nothing new in east Belfast, in fact it was first done over a century ago. Also on the programme, Reg Maxwell is planting spring bulbs in pots and on a visit to Kilcoan gardens in Islandmagee, David finds Cherry Townsend taking root cuttings. Claire Woods and Ciaran Mulholland will join David live to take questions including what to do with an exotic tree fern as autumn gives way to winter. [email protected]

As national governments try to reduce man’s impact on the planet at COP26, Gardeners’ Corner takes a look at what we can do in our own gardens. David Maxwell speaks to a compost manufacturer in Bellaghy about peat and the alternatives. He explores a woodland with Ian McCurley from the Woodland Trust and finds out the true value of planting thousands more trees. And David gets a crash course in turning household waste into plant food when he lifts the lid on Reg Maxwell’s wormery. All that and the experts will be answering listeners’ questions live. [email protected]

As autumn takes hold, David visits the National Arboretum, Annesley Garden at Castlewellan Forest Park where he takes in the seasonal hues with Alwyn Sinnamon and learns about an unusual 19th-century recipe for compost that included rabbit intestines and rats! A walkabout with Maurice Parkinson in his Ballyrobert cottage gardens reveals a collection of asters perfect for late season colour. Ann Fitzsimons joins David on a visit to a listener’s garden who has over 100 named varieties of hydrangea and the authors of ‘In Kiltumper: A year in an Irish garden’ chat about their intimate relationship with life outside their County Clare window over the last three and half decades.

In this Halloween programme, David Maxwell leaves the garden for the farm in the hunt for the perfect pumpkin. He chats to Adrian McGowan in Killinchy, who’s grown 9 acres of them about the varieties that grow best in more northern climes. David also heads to the National Trust’s Florence Court in county Fermanagh where head gardener David Corscadden is planting Camassia bulb with volunteers from near and far. Also on the programme, Cherry Townsend joins David to answer listeners’ questions; autumn in Ballyrobert cottage garden with Maurice Parkinson and just how many types of mint can you name? [email protected]

After many months speaking virtually, David meets up with organic gardener Klaus Laitenberger at the community garden in Bundoran. Klaus explains the value of ‘bedding down’ the veg borders at this time of year by piling on seaweed or growing a green manure. Also on the programme, a return to Ann Fitzsimons garden where she has a love hate relationship with her roses – find out how to take the wilder ones in hand! And Amy Kelly explains some of the ways you can store that autumn glut, so you can enjoy your harvest through the colder months. The panel will also be taking listeners questions on the usual numbers or by email [email protected]