Postbag Edition: Regents Park
Peter Gibbs and the GQT panel visit the Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park, London, tackling gardening challenges in tough conditions.
Peter Gibbs and the GQT panel visit the Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park, London, tackling gardening challenges in tough conditions.
Pippa Greenwood, Matthew Pottage, Bunny Guinness and Head Gardener of Regents Park Fiona Packe answer questions on creating a sensory hedge in rubble, choosing resilient perennials, and finding long-flowering wildflowers for shade. They also offer advice on rescuing a struggling lavender hedge and planting to support bats.
Plus, the panel discuss managing unseasonal growth in perennials and diagnose a problem with a young monstera sharing practical tips for gardeners indoors and out.
Producer: Dan Cocker Alison Vernon-Smith and Matthew Smith
Assistant Producer: William Norton
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
*If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002xpc6
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Plant List
Q – What could we plant to create a sensory hedge in a playground that will thrive in rubble? (03’26”)
Fiona Pack –
Santolinachamaecyparissus, lavender cotton
Lavendula, Lavendar
Salviarosmarinus (Ro), rosemary
Bunny Guinness –
Carpinusbetulus, common hornbeam
Crataegus, Hawthorn
Evergreen oak
Salixeleagnos, hoary willow
Pippa Greenwood –
Buddleja, butterfly bush
Matthew Pottage –
Philadelphus, mock orange
Philadelphusmaculatus 'Sweet Clare', mock orange 'Sweet Clare'
Osmanthus
Elaeagnus
Q – Can the team recommend any exciting perennials that would thrive in extreme conditions? (08’44”)
Bunny Guinness –
Salvia, sage
Euphorbia, spurge
Salvia Mellifera, California black sage
Acanthusmollis, bear's breech
Amistad
Rosa Windflower ('Auscross') (S), rose [Windflower]
Pippa Greenwood –
Lupins
Crocosmia
Fiona Pack –
Salviauliginosa, bog sage
Helianthus 'Lemon Queen', sunflower 'Lemon Queen'
Amsonia, Bluestar
Matthew Pottage –
Irissibirica, siberian flag
Acanthusspinosus Spinosissimus Group, spiny bear's breech Spinosissimus Group
Kniphofia, red hot poker
Agapanthus, African Lily
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie', montbretia 'Emily McKenzie'
Q – I would like to plant shade-loving wildflower seeds that will flower for several months. What do you suggest? (19’22”)
Bunny Guinness –
Polystichumsetiferum, soft shield fern
Digitalis, Foxgloves
Galiumodoratum, sweet woodruff
Fiona Pack –
Digitalispurpurea, common foxglove
Silenedioica, red campion
Eupatorium
Pippa Greenwood –
Erythronium
Matthew Pottage –
Erythronium 'Pagoda', dog's tooth violet 'Pagoda'
Hydrangeas
Q – Should I leave my north facing lavender hedge to grow in the wrong spot or clear the bed and start over? (23’16”)
Q – Is there anything I could plant that are Bat friendly? (29’30”)
Pippa Greenwood –
Nicotianasylvestris, woodland tobacco plant
Bunny Guinness –
Crataegus, hawthorn
Alders
Q – Would cutting back the unseasonable winter growth actually preserve the energy of my Perennials? (32’00”)
Fiona Pack –
Baptisiaaustralis,blue false indigo
Acanthus, Bear's breeches
Bunny Guinness –
Begeonias
Matthew Pottage –
chrysanthemums, mums
Aconitumnapellus, monk's hood
Hesperanthacoccinea, crimson flag lily
Aster
Kniphofias, red hot poker
Q – What’s happened to my 18-month-old monstera plant? (37’39”)
Broadcasts
- Fri 19 Jun 202615:00BBC Radio 4
- Sun 21 Jun 202614:00BBC Radio 4
Join us at RHS Garden Wisley and be part of the show as we host the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time Summer Garden Party
Find out more about how to get tickets to this event.
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