The Plant Pod

The Plant Pod is a podcast where we speak to key industry insiders and leaders in the horticulture industry.

Frances Tophill (Gardener, Presenter, Author)

In this episode, I get to chat with Frances Tophill, a gardener, a presenter and an author. Known for her work on Alan Titchmarsh's Love Your Garden and BBC Gardeners' World.Frances is an inspiration to not only existing gardeners, but also the future generation. She shows what you can achieve with hard work and dedication. Frances's InstagramWaterstones Books PageThe Plant Pod InstagramThe Plant Pod Facebookwww.theplantpod.co.uk

09-07
01:19:59

Alan Down (Former HTA President)

In this episode I speak with Alan Down the former HTA president, Alan has over 50 years in the industry, we discuss his start in horticulture, peat free growing, and The HTA.The HTADown To EarthThe Plant Pod

08-10
59:28

Reg Moule (Horticulture Expert)

In this episode, we chat to Reg Moule. Reg has over five decades of horticulture knowledge, and he is a beloved figure within our industry. We talk about Reg's career, peat free compost and Reg's pet hate in the industry. Reg works for Rowberrys Nursery in Kidderminster and the link to them is below. please go and support this local and independent nursery.RowberrysThe Plant PodLinkedInInstagram

07-27
01:17:30

Laura McArthur (WCG - YPHA - RHS)

In this episode, I get to chat with Laura McArthur. Laura is a lecturer at Pershore College, she is on the RHS Bursaries Committee, and is a YPHA Industry Coordinator. On top of this she is also studying for the RHS MHORT. Laura is an inspiration to her students and anybody coming into the horticulture industry. Pershore CollegeYPHARHS Bursaries Instagram - LauraLinkedIn - LauraThe Plant PodInstagram - The Plant PodLinkedIn - Ross DykeFacebook - The Plant Pod

07-18
52:04

Boyd Douglas-Davies (Greenfingers Charity Garden)

In this episode i speak to Boyd Douglas Davies about the Greenfingers Charity Garden and much more.https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/

06-29
19:55

RHS Malvern 2025 ( Josh Egan-Wyer, Rupert Keys, and Alan Titchmarsh CBE)

In this episode I visited RHS Malvern and got to speak with head of horticulture at WCG Pershore College Josh Egan-Wyer MCIHort. Pershore won the Best in Show for their school garden, which was produced by their supported learning students. They also won a Silver Gilt in the Floral Marquee. What an amazing achievement, by all!I also had the opportunity to speak with Rupert Keys, the founder and managing director of TASK Academy Ltd. we talk about student support and the importance of learning.I then had the opportunity to speak with a legend within our industry, Mr Alan Titchmarsh CBE. We spoke about school gardens, horticulture on the curriculum, and so much more.WCG - Pershore College www.theplantpod.co.uk https://www.taskacademy.co.uk/Alan Titchmarsh #theplantpod #wcg #horticulture #taskacademy #alantichmarsh #RHS #RHSMavernSpringShow2025

05-18
32:55

The Return of Lee Connelly (The Skinny Jean Gardener)

In this episode of The Plant Pod, I speak with Lee Connelly. We discuss his amazing school tour, the documentary being filmed and Captain Red Pepper Pants.For more information, please visit .skinnyjeangardener.co.ukLee - LinkedInLee- Instawww.childrensgardeningweek.co.ukSkinny Jean Gardener Podcast The Plant Pod - InstaRoss Dyke - LinkedInwww.theplantpod.co.uk#theplantpod #horticulture #leeconnelly #childrengardening

05-09
52:45

Emma O'Neill (Garden Organic)

In this episode I got to chat with Emma O'Neill of Garden Organic. Emma is the head gardener over at Garden Organic; through campaigning, research, community work, and advice, Garden Organics' aim is to get people growing in an organic way. Through their innovation, they want to educate the next generation. Garden Organic The Plant Pod Any Questions - ross@theplantpod.co.uk

05-30
53:19

Alan Frampton (Cambridge HOK)

In this episode, I chat with Alan Frampton of Cambridge HOK. Alan is fourth generation in the horticulture industry and established the UK's largest cut flower business in 1987. Cambridge HOK The Plant Pod

05-17
01:15:10

Professor Roy Kennedy ( Warwickshire College and University Centre)

In this episode, I got to sit down with Professor Roy Kennedy of Warwickshire College and University Centre. Roy is the Head of the Department for Higher Education (research and Innovation) at Pershore College. Roy's knowledge is endless, and I could listen to him speak for hours on end.

04-24
01:05:20

Anita O'Brien (Praxis Care)

In this episode, I chat with Anita O'Brien, she is the social and therapeutic horticulture coordinator at Praxis Care in County Cork, Ireland. Praxis Care is a social care charity that was founded 40 years ago, they offer a wide range of services across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England and The Isle of Man. Home - Praxis Care The Plant Pod Links INSTA FACEBOOK LINKEDiN Apple Podcast Google Podcast Youtube

04-18
01:16:32

Mollie Higginson (New Leaf Plants & YPHA)

In this episode of The Plant Pod, I get to sit down and chat with Mollie Higginson. Mollie paves the way for young people in horticulture. She is driven and passionate about what she does in the industry. We talk about New Leaf Plants, The YPHA, HTA and more Click The Links The YPHA New Leaf Plants The HTA NFU The Plant Pod Links FB: The Plant Pod INSTA: The Plant Pod LINKEDIN: Ross Dyke

03-20
52:10

Lee Connelly (Skinny Jean Gardener)

In this episode of The Plant Pod, I get to chat with Lee Connelly also known as the Skinny Jean Gardener. We talk about how Lee got started in the industry. Trying to get Horticulture onto the school curriculum, he's discussions with the house of Lords, how he became the Blue Peter gardener and so much more!. Lee Connelly Skinny Jean Gardener Podcast www.skinnyjeangardener.co.uk FB: The Plant Pod INSTA: The Plant Pod LINKEDiN: Ross Dyke TIK TOK: @HorticultureStudent

03-10
01:15:45

Amy Stubbs (British Garden Centres)

In this episode, I talked with Amy Stubbs , Project and Development Manager at British Garden Centres. We discuss the growth of BGC from its start to where it is now and what the future may hold. We touch on covid in the industry and how important staff training is. https://shop.britishgardencentres.com FB: The Plant Pod Instagram: The Plant Pod LinkedIn: Ross Dyke

03-03
35:38

Mark Diggines ( The Apprenticeship)

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Diggines, who is the level 3 crop technician tutor over at Pershore College. After the interview, I also speak with 3 of the students who were on the course to get their feedback

10-11
37:42

Matthew Maher (Webbs Garden Centre)

In this episode I sit down with Matthew Maher, of Webbs Garden Centres. Matt is the production supervisor at the plant nursery at Webbs. He tackles everything from potting, pruning, watering all the way to pest and disease management. We touch on mental health and education in Horticulture

06-23
45:15

Jack Appleton ( Mr Fothergills Seeds)

in this episode I sit down with Jack Appleton of Mr Fothergills Seeds. Jack has been in the industry for 10 years. We discuss, how he started where he is now in his career and other topics such as, Covid, best selling seeds and how important it is for staff training

06-08
42:26

Kyle Ross (Wyevale Nurseries)

In this episode, I sit down and chat with Kyle Ross. Kyle is the production manager at Wyevale Nurseries, and project coordinator for the YPHA. He does fantastic work in the horticulture industry! Kyle works with the HTA as an ornamental committee member. He holds a Bsc in Horticulture from Worcester University.

05-24
52:24

Boyd Douglas-Davies ( Expert in Horticulture)

In this episode I sit down and have the honour of talking to Boyd Douglas-Davies, Boyd is well known in the horticulture industry for many things, from his plant expertise, knowledge in running garden centres to all of the charity work he also does. Boyd does not stop at anything to promote the industry and bring it to the forefront. He has a wealth of knowledge and is willing to share it with anybody. The green fingers charity is a great passion of his and I urge everybody to go and take a look and help where you can! If you would like to contact Boyd then please see the links below. Greenfingers Charity - a childrens charity Boyd J Douglas-Davies | LinkedIn We recorded this podcast on 25/3/23 right after the new peat bad had been announced

05-12
01:23:41

Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek)

In this episode, I talk with Mr Plant Geek Michael Perry. We talk his beginnings in Horticulture and so much more. www.mrplantgeek.com Michael Perry (@mr_plantgeek) • Instagram photos and videos ------------------------- www.theplantpod.co.uk @the_plant_pod • Instagram photos and videos Facebook - The Plant Pod Linkedin - Ross Dyke

09-19
18:18

Recommend Channels