In this episode Kate and Phil sit down with Steve Harper from Southern Trident and Matt Bryant from Harvest Pet Products. Harper discusses the benefits of coir, a sustainable alternative to peat, and shares updates on Southern Trident’s award-winning products. Bryant talks about Harvest’s journey from a family pet shop to a major wild bird food supplier and their focus on supporting biodiversity in British gardens. Both guests delve into the environmental challenges and opportunities within their industries. Harper offers insights into sourcing coir responsibly and reducing carbon footprints, while Bryant highlights Harvest’s commitment to wild bird welfare and their recent initiatives to engage consumers with eco-friendly bird care. Southern Trident: https://southerntrident.com/ Harvest Pet Products: https://www.harvestpetproducts.com/https://www.harvestpetproducts.com/ Discover more about our hosts: Kate Turner: www.gardenerguru.co.uk Phil Wright: www.wrightobara.com
Recorded on the show floor at Glee 2025, Phil & Kate sit down with Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), and Boyd Douglas-Davies (The Boyd Partnership; Chair of Greenfingers) for a rapid pulse-check on garden retail: what’s working now, what’s changing, and where the next wins are. Expect practical takeaways on merchandising, training, social media, and turning your centre into a community hub—plus a Greenfingers update straight from Floral Thursday.What we coverMerchandising that moves product. What retailers can learn from the best Glee stands; why simple, instructional POS matters (especially in Ferts & Chems); and how “show it like you’ll sell it” translates back in-store.Trading picture 2025. A rocket-fuelled spring, a heat-hit summer, and how non-gardening categories - catering, gifts, food halls - propped up performance. Plus the squeeze from labour and NI costs hitting service levels.Skills & education. GCA’s Grow e-learning (now 98 courses) and the push for better product knowledge on the shopfloor, from peat-free watering/feeding to translating supplier science into customer-friendly advice. Brands + retailers = two-pronged training.On the Glee floor. Plants return to the Green Heart; quality over volume at the show fringes; packaging clarity for first-time gardeners; useful gift lines (hello, watering-can envy); and smart merchandising solutions that could merit future awards.Greenfingers now. From “pretty” to therapeutic hospice gardens, public-facing shows driving awareness, next-level maintenance via garden advisors, a £400k project at Hope House (Shropshire), and why Floral Thursday matters.Why listenIf you’re a buyer, marketer or operator in garden retail, this episode is a compact field guide to 2025 priorities: sharpen the sell-through, upskill slimmer teams, make digital count, and turn footfall into belonging.PlusFloral Thursday vibes, a shout to YPHA’s student of the year, and a nudge to support Greenfingers’ next chapter. Subscribe, share with your team, and join our mailing list at theunderground.fm for new episodes and sector insight.GCA: http://www.gca.org.ukThe Boyd Partnership: http://theboydpartnership.co.ukGreenfingers Charity: http://greenfingerscharity.org.uk/Discover more about our hosts:Kate Turner: www.gardenerguru.co.ukPhil Wright: www.wrightobara.com
Evergreen Garden Care’s UK & Ireland Marketing Director, Karen Wilkinson, joins Phil and Kate to unpack Evergreen’s new five-year category vision, how better education can unlock growth, and what it really takes to build a brand that earns shopper trust. Expect practical takeaways for suppliers and retailers ahead of Glee.Inside Evergreen’s category visionKaren explains how the team stepped back after a tough season to map long-term category growth, identifying over £152m of incremental upside if the industry attracts new shoppers and helps existing gardeners do more, spend smarter, and trade up where value is clear.The 5 category drivers at a glance:Your Journey Begins: win new gardeners at key life stages, for example moving home, getting a pet, having children or retiring. Even a 1–2% increase in gardeners could add £40m+ over five years. Next Project Inspiration: nudge current gardeners to try something new each year, from veg trugs to greenhouse growing, with smart brand partnerships and complete solutions. £30m+ potential. Love Your Lawn: guide people through the season, from spring treatments to summer feed and seed, encouraging one more trip and one more product. £20m over five years. Worth Paying More For: make trade-up simple by clearly explaining performance differences and reasons to believe across good, better, best. Urban Oasis: serve renters and small-space gardeners with right-sized packs, accessible advice and small-space projects, building tomorrow’s gardeners today. £15m potential. Be consumer-first: listen for real needs and where audiences actually spend time.Build trust: especially if you play at a premium. Proof beats promises.Make it easy: simplify choices, claims and navigation at shelf and online.Education that actually helps“Meet people where they are.” Karen outlines a sector-wide need for clear, confidence-building education across POS, packs, online and social, from YouTube and TikTok to house-and-home media. The aim is accessible, encouraging guidance that reduces overwhelm and grows category participation.Trust and qualityEvergreen is now fully peat-free and has invested heavily in operations and large-scale market trials with garden centres to prove real-world performance. For 2025, Miracle-Gro is putting a front-of-pack quality guarantee and a team of horticulture-trained “garden gurus” behind its plant foods and growing media to reassure shoppers and strengthen the category.Brand-building playbookFor challengers: know your audience, be distinctive, and lean into the emotion of gardening, not just the functional.Glee previewOn stand: a warm welcome, strong coffee, new Miracle-Gro campaigns and redesigned packs with clearer claims and back-of-pack guidance, plus a hands-on “potting shed” to showcase peat-free quality.Why listenIf you’re a supplier, brand or garden centre team, this episode gives you a practical lens for growth, a blueprint for education that converts, and brand-building principles you can apply immediately, whether you’re Miracle-Gro or a new challenger.
Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond Garden Centres, returns to The Underground Podcast for another unmissable conversation ahead of Glee 2025. As the UK’s most profitable garden centre group, Blue Diamond has become the sector’s benchmark for growth, ambition, and resilience.In this candid discussion with Phil Wright and Kate Turner, Alan shares his no-nonsense perspective on:The acquisition of Barton Grange and why legacy, culture, and profitability matter in today’s marketHow Blue Diamond balances group scale with the local identity of iconic garden centresWhy sustainable growth and customer focus must trump the “numbers game” of acquisitionsThe challenges of moving to peat-free compost and the role suppliers must playOpportunities to engage younger generations through houseplants and social mediaWhat loyalty data is teaching Blue Diamond about its customers — and how that will shape strategy to 2026His advice to other garden centre owners: focus, benchmark, and know your customerAlan also speaks openly about the wider pressures facing retail, from wage inflation to government policy, and why keeping gardening at the heart of the business is non-negotiable.And the conversation doesn’t stop here. Alan will be live at Glee 2025 in The Hive for an exclusive Q&A session hosted by Phil from The Underground Podcast. This is your chance to put the big questions directly to one of the sector’s most progressive leaders.Submit your questions by Sunday 8th September: https://forms.office.com/e/ASZBwwS9wKDon’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from Alan on the podcast, then continue the conversation at Glee.
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate sit down with Nikki Burton, Managing Director, and Dr Victoria Wright, Technical Manager at Melcourt, the UK’s leading peat-free growing media company.Melcourt has been at the forefront of sustainable horticulture for over 40 years, building its reputation on bark-based innovation, technical excellence, and consistent quality, epitomised by their RHS endorsement. Nikki and Victoria share the company’s journey from forestry roots to Royal Warrant holders, with insights into how they pioneered their peat-free products long before it became a national priority.Listeners will discover:Why Melcourt has always been peat free and how its SylvaGrow range has become a benchmark for both professionals and home gardeners.The challenges of consumer education in a market where “peat free” often tells you what a product isn’t, rather than what it is.How consistency, raw ingredient knowledge, and supply chain expertise are critical to building trust in growing media.The importance of industry collaboration, from DEFRA to the Responsible Sourcing Scheme.Future opportunities and the role legislation, standards, and education will play in accelerating the industry-wide transition.Packed with practical insights for garden centre teams, retail buyers, and brand marketers, this episode sheds light on one of the most debated issues in horticulture and highlights how Melcourt is helping shape the future of sustainable growing.http://melcourt.co.uk/Your hosts:Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.comKate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
As the official podcast partner for Glee once again, The Underground Podcast kicks off our 2025 coverage with Steven May of JDM Country Products. Steven brings a unique perspective on how both exhibitors and buyers can get the most value from the UK’s leading garden trade show.In this episode, Steven unpacks the power of smart sales techniques in garden retail — including his now-famous “Would you like fries with that?” analogy — and explains how upselling done right can transform profitability. He also shares practical advice for exhibitors on how to design a stand that stands out, and guidance for buyers on spotting the next big products on the show floor.Whether you’re preparing to showcase your brand at Glee or planning your buying strategy, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you succeed at the biggest event in the garden sector calendar.
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate welcome Anna Wili, Head of Marketing for the National Garden Scheme (NGS), a charity with almost a century of history opening gardens for good causes. Anna shares how the NGS began in 1927 as a way to fund district nursing, and how it’s grown to over 3,500 gardens opening each year, raising more than £74 million for nursing and health charities.We explore the unique blend of horticulture, hospitality, and heart that makes garden visiting so special. From peeping behind rarely opened gates to enjoying a slice of homemade cake. Anna reveals how the NGS champions the link between gardens and wellbeing, the variety of gardens that take part (from manicured estates to wildlife havens), and the personal stories that bring each opening to life.With the charity’s centenary celebrations in 2027 on the horizon, Anna also outlines exciting plans for brand partnerships with the garden industry, opportunities for garden centres and suppliers, and how professionals across the sector can get involved.Whether you’re a garden centre owner, a manufacturer, or simply a passionate gardener, this episode is packed with insights into:How the NGS sustains a 100-year tradition of generosity and community spiritThe role of gardens in health, biodiversity, and wellbeingOpportunities for collaboration and brand licensing in the run-up to the centenaryHow to become an NGS garden owner and why you shouldn’t be shy about your patchAnd of course, we discover which celebrity Anna would most like to see open their garden for charity…Listen in and be inspired to throw open your own garden gates or work with the NGS to help them grow their impact even further.National Garden Scheme: https://ngs.org.uk/Your hosts:Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.comKate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate welcome back returning guest Scott Smith, who has just completed his thesis for the RHS Master of Horticulture (MHort). His subject? The hot topic of peat free compost, an issue that continues to challenge, frustrate, and divide gardeners and growers across the UK.Scott shares insights from his self-funded, 14-week compost trial, comparing how different peat free products performed against traditional peat-based compost using Sungold tomatoes as his test crop. From nutrient lockout and NPK imbalances to the common mistake of overwatering due to dry surface layers, Scott’s findings are eye-opening for anyone navigating the peat free transition.We talk about the challenges of standardisation, the need for clearer compost labelling, and the surprising results that saw B&Q Verve peat free compost outperform much more expensive brands. Whether you're a professional grower or a weekend gardener, this episode is full of practical tips, honest reflections, and some much-needed clarity around peat free gardening.Highlights include:How Scott designed his home-grown compost trialWhy NPK levels matter more than you thinkThe risk of nutrient overload in certain peat free blendsWhat compost brands performed best—and worstReal-world advice for switching to peat free with successWhat the industry needs to do next for gardeners to feel confident making the switchPerfect for: Garden centre buyers, horticultural professionals, peat free product developers, and any gardener who’s ever asked: “Why won’t my plants grow in peat free?”Your hosts:Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.comKate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil is joined by Beth Johnson, CEO of Umbrella, the promotions agency behind major campaigns for brands like Cadbury and Unilever. Together, they explore how the garden sector can borrow from the grocery playbook to drive footfall, shift stock, and boost brand engagement.Beth shares:Why promotions are about more than discounts—and how they can build brand equityReal-world examples from FMCG, including VIP merch drops, cashback offers, and sports tie-insHow garden retailers could better use loyalty schemes and customer dataWhy personalisation is the future—and how brands should preparePractical advice for running legally sound, high-impact promotions in physical and digital spacesWhether you're a brand manager, garden centre buyer, or just curious about how to turn browsers into buyers, this episode is packed with insights on how promotions, done right, can spark growth.Relevant for: garden brands, garden centres, product marketers, FMCG professionals, and anyone curious about shopper behaviour and brand-building.For more on Beth's work: team-umbrella.co.uk
In this episode of The Underground, we dig into the story behind SeedSticks® with Jamie Gray of Sow Easy, a second-generation family business with an unexpectedly brilliant journey from razor blades and swords to sustainable seed-based gifting. Jamie shares how a quirky R&D project from the 1980s became a unique product that's now catching the eye of retailers, eco-conscious consumers, and budding gardeners across the UK.We talk about the rise of gifting in gardening, the power of visual growing aids, and the challenges (and charm) of breaking into retail with something genuinely new. From compostable materials and clever point-of-sale to cocktail-themed herb packs and childhood nostalgia, this is a warm, insightful look at a business growing with intention and joy.https://soweasy.com/retail/
In this episode, Kate and Phil sit down with Beth Anderson, a passionate plant health inspector and dedicated advocate for Young People in Horticulture. Beth shares her journey through the YPHA’s pilot Launch Success Challenge, a year-long initiative designed to equip under-35s with real-world marketing and branding skills for the horticultural industry.From giving the humble Begonia an image makeover to pitching to industry leaders, and masterminding giant crepe paper flowers for Gardeners World Live, Beth talks candidly about teamwork, creativity, and why she believes the warmth and openness of horticulture makes it a truly unique place to build a career. Expect plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and a dose of infectious enthusiasm that might just make you see begonias (and compost!) in a whole new light.YPHA: https://www.ypha.org.uk/Your hosts:Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.comKate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In the opening episode of Season 4, Phil and Kate discover the rich personal and professional journey of Will Armitage: agricultural and horticultural consultant, entrepreneur, and current President of the HTA (Horticultural Trades Association). From rebellious beginnings to helming his family’s sixth-generation business and ultimately championing the sector on a national stage, Will shares an absorbing story of tradition, adaptation and advocacy.This episode explores the soul of horticulture, the people who make it thrive, the quiet power of collaboration in a competitive world, and the urgent need for government recognition. Will also lifts the lid on the HTA’s vital work: from policy lobbying and business benchmarking to the power of regional networking. Plus, a surprising tale involving Victorian oil paintings, greenhouse glass, and a tree that makes Will smile every time. It’s a conversation not to be missed.https://www.linkedin.com/in/warmitage/https://hta.org.uk
In this special episode of The Underground Podcast, Kate and Phil take you behind the scenes at the Garden Press Event 2025, held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. A key date in the gardening industry calendar, this event brings together brands, innovators, and industry experts to showcase the latest trends, products, and sustainability initiatives shaping the future of gardening.As they weave through the bustling exhibition hall, Kate and Phil catch up with a diverse mix of exhibitors, from household names like Gardena, Evergreen Garden Care, and Westland to passionate independents driving innovation in the sector. From the latest in peat-free compost and eco-friendly packaging to high-tech gardening tools and educational initiatives for future generations, this episode is packed with fascinating conversations and exclusive insights. Whether you're a green-fingered enthusiast or work in the industry, this is your chance to get the inside scoop on what’s next for gardens and green spaces.Your hosts:Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.comKate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate sit down with internationally acclaimed garden designer, TV presenter, and horticulturalist Peter Donegan. Known for his visionary approach to garden design, Peter shares his journey from growing plants under his bed as a child to designing breathtaking landscapes around the world. His passion for storytelling through gardens shines through as he discusses transformative projects, including a poignant garden in Melbourne honouring veterans and a hidden courtyard garden in a 13th-century French castle (links to view below)Peter also delves into the importance of biodiversity, how small urban gardens can make a big impact, and why gardens should evoke emotion rather than just tick design boxes. With his signature blend of insight, humour, and deep expertise, Peter offers a fresh perspective on what it really means to create meaningful green spaces.Don't miss Peter Donegan as he presents the APL (Association of Professional Landscapers) Awards on Friday 14th March at The Brewery, London.Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with passion, creativity, and a little bit of rock and roll in garden design!Peter Donegan: https://doneganlandscaping.comMelbourne Garden: https://doneganlandscaping.com/blog/2024/03/24/peoples-choice-award-melbourne-international-flower-and-garden-show-2024/French Garden: https://doneganlandscaping.com/blog/2022/06/28/inauguration-chateau-de-peronne-jardin-philophrosyne/Laburnocytisus 'Adamii': https://www.suttons.co.uk/laburnocytisus-adamii_MH12152Your hosts:Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.comKate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In this episode of The Underground, Phil & Kate continue their deep dive into the role of green spaces in our built environment. They sit down with Neil Beamsley, Group Head of Biodiversity at Bellway Homes, to uncover how one of the UK’s major housebuilders is tackling biodiversity net gain. Neil shares insights on the legal requirements for developers to improve biodiversity, the challenges of balancing nature with new homes, and why small changes—like hedgehog highways and native planting—can make a huge impact.Later in the episode, garden writer and wildlife champion Debi Holland joins the conversation to discuss how homeowners can transform new build gardens into biodiversity hotspots. From embracing No Mow May to creating habitat-rich hedges, Debi shares practical advice for making green spaces work for both people and wildlife.If you’ve ever wondered whether new housing estates can be a force for good in the natural world, this episode will challenge your perspective and offer inspiring ways to make a difference—one garden at a time. Bellway Homes: www.bellway.co.uk Plantlife: www.plantlife.org.uk Debi Holland: debihollandgardening.com Your hosts: Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.com Kate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate dive into the often-overlooked green spaces that weave through our urban environments—verges, car park borders, roundabouts, and other ‘in-between’ spaces. These utilitarian landscapes may seem insignificant, but as horticultural consultant and garden designer Tom Angel explains, they have an enormous role to play in biodiversity, social wellbeing, and urban resilience.Tom brings his unique perspective, shaped by his background in geography, landscape contracting, and garden design, to highlight how these neglected areas could be transformed into thriving green assets. He shares fascinating insights into the challenges faced by the grounds maintenance industry, the missed opportunities in urban green infrastructure, and the urgent need to bridge the gap between landscape architects, property managers, and contractors. From mulching and maintenance to the power of perception and policy, this conversation will change the way you look at the spaces around you.Tune in to discover why the green patches outside your local supermarket might just be the most important landscapes of all. Tom Angel: https://www.tomangel.co.uk/ Your hosts: Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.com Kate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate are joined by Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), to dig into the evolving landscape of garden centres. With over 40 years in the industry, Peter shares his fascinating journey from growing up on a farm to leading the GCA, offering insights into how garden centres have adapted to challenges and consumer trends. They explore the shift to peat-free compost, the rise of garden centre cafés and farm shops, and the crucial role of education and industry collaboration in keeping garden retail thriving. Plus, Peter reveals his favourite plants, gardening habits, and the best garden centre treats (spoiler: he’s a mince pie connoisseur!). This episode is packed with knowledge, inspiration, insight and character, a must listen for anyone working with garden centres. Garden Centre Association: https://gca.org.uk Your hosts: Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.com Kate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate sit down with Ed Hill, founder of Horti House, a groundbreaking collective of British houseplant nurseries. From his unconventional journey—from professional sailing to working in tech start-ups—Ed shares how his diverse background equipped him to champion British growers and reshape the houseplant industry.Discover how Horti House is bridging the gap between nurseries and retailers, solving logistical challenges, and advocating for sustainability with initiatives like peat-free growing and biomass heating. Ed explains the importance of collaboration in an industry often seen as traditional and highlights how innovation can enhance the value of British-grown houseplants. Whether you're an avid gardener or simply plant-curious, this conversation offers unique insights into the future of horticulture and the role of green spaces in our lives. The Horti House: https://www.thehortihouse.co.ukDouble H Nurseries: http://Doubleh.co.uk/ Your hosts: Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.com Kate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In this captivating episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate sit down with Samantha Cook, head gardener at the historic Bardney Manor. But there’s more to Sam than meets the eye—she’s not only the visionary behind the garden’s restoration but also the custodian of an extraordinary legacy.Sam shares her journey from a childhood immersed in horticulture to becoming a Lady of the Manor and a champion of seed preservation. Discover the fascinating history of Bardney Manor, once home to renowned 18th-century seedsman John Sharp, and how Sam has woven his pioneering spirit into her modern-day restoration efforts. From transforming a neglected garden into a public treasure to championing educational initiatives for future generations, Sam’s story is one of passion, heritage, and inspiration.Tune in for a delightful virtual tour of the garden, tips on seed saving, and Sam’s reflections on the deep connections between horticulture, history, and community. This is an episode that celebrates the magic of gardens and the people who bring them to life. https://www.bardneymanorwalledgarden.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ladyb_gardening_tales/https://hardy-plant.org.ukhttps://www.gardenmediaguild.co.uk Your hosts: Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.com Kate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk
In this episode of The Underground, Phil and Kate sit down with Tony Clare, the Commercial Director of Henry Bell, a premium manufacturer of wild bird food and care products. With over 200 years of history, Henry Bell is leveraging its legacy and expertise to bring innovation and sustainability to a rapidly evolving market. Tony shares the company’s journey from manufacturing for other brands to launching its own. He discusses the growing importance of bird feeding for biodiversity, how garden centres can maximise their offerings with dedicated spaces and education, and why sustainable practices, like 100% recyclable packaging and environmentally friendly feed options, are key to the company’s ethos. From insights on seasonal feeding trends to the surprising role of Calciworms in bird nutrition, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for garden centres looking to grow their customer base and support wildlife. Henry Bell: https://www.henrybell.co.uk/ Your hosts: Phil Wright: http://wrightobara.com Kate Turner: http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk