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In this special seasonal edition of the Loving Your Garden podcast, John Stirland and I sit down to reflect on the gardening year just gone – and look ahead to what comes next.

As is customary at Christmas, we're joined by the renowned garden designer David Stevens (22 Chelsea medals, including 11 Golds) for a relaxed, thoughtful conversation about how gardens evolve over time – through trial and error, changing seasons, and growing confidence.

From drought and erratic weather to winter interest, shrubs as the backbone of a garden, moving plants (yes, even at the “wrong” time), and choosing trees for small spaces, this is a conversation grounded in experience rather than theory. There’s plenty here for newer gardeners, and just as much for those who’ve been digging for decades.

If you’ve ever planted everything you like and only later realised it doesn’t quite work… you’re among friends.

Link to the Video with illustrated plants and garden design here:

https://youtu.be/ru_LEJgaRhY


☘️ Topics include:
– How gardens evolve year by year
– Why shrubs matter more than fashion
– Choosing plants for winter interest
– Moving plants with confidence
– Trees and structure in small gardens
– Planning a garden around how you use it

Whether you’re listening with a cup of tea over Christmas or planning for spring, we hope this episode keeps you inspired.

💬 Got a question for John? Or fancy sending us some fan mail? Drop us a line: rod@lovingyourgarden.org

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