Gardeners' Corner

On Gardeners’ Corner this Saturday morning David Maxwell will be celebrating the green fingers of two very talented young gardeners who have been making a difference in the community during lockdown. David will also be finding out more about the best way to grow herbs in pots and how a ‘no dig’ policy might be the best way forward for your soil. Combine this with a masterclass in making your outside space a cosy haven for the months ahead and you have the perfect listening start to your weekend.

Presenter David Maxwell visits Hillsborough Castle gardens a year after it reopened to the public. He chats to garden manager, Claire Woods in the lost garden about tree ferns and gets some top tips from Adam Ferguson on growing the perfect pears. David also meets up with Claire McNally, the new head gardener at Rowallane gardens near Saintfield. Also on the programme – an update from Amy Kelly on her allotment in Newtownards and David will take listeners questions with expert Reg Maxwell.

BBC Radio Ulster’s Gardeners’ Corner this Saturday morning is a musical and visual feast for Proms in the Garden with David Maxwell. David will broadcast live from his garden in Belfast with the music of the Ulster Orchestra weaved through the very first hour long edition of the programme. Our gardening experts will be answering all your horticultural queries and David will also be basking in bird song at an allotment, experiencing a sensory garden and taking a musical trip to the foot of Slemish mountain. For that and more join David Maxwell and the Gardeners’ Corner team for Proms in the Garden on BBC Radio Ulster, Saturday morning, at the new extended time of 9am to 10am.

David Maxwell presents the weekly gardening programme which this week hears from locally grown Agapanthus expert Ian Scroggy. Also on the programme, Barbara Pilcher suggests some veg to sow in the Autumn and Conrad McCormick urges listeners to give Kniphofia (Red Hot Pokers) another chance. The team also take questions from listeners.

With summer drawing to a close, David Maxwell is joined by gardening experts Averil Milligan and Cherry Townsend for a listener phone-in programme. They’ll be tackling questions on why a strawberry is failing to keep it’s fruit, the key to growing radishes and how to get a good crop of figs in our not so warm local climes.

In national allotments week, David Maxwell heads to Ards Allotments where he meets Amy Kelly on her plot. She’s been harvesting her blueberries – a plant which not only produces super fruits but is also an attractive plant to have in the garden. In Killinchy, David meets up with Ann Fitzsimmons who thinks every garden, even small ones should have a few giant plants. Also on the programme, David heads to Islandmagee and Ballyrobert where Cherry Townsend and Maurice Parkinson have plenty of suggestions for late summer colour in the garden.

Join David Maxwell for a live phone-in Gardener’s Corner programme. He’ll be joined by expert guests Averil Milligan and Brendan Little. Questions include suggestions for good ground cover plants, what to do with a weak wisteria and what rogue plant has found its way into a packet of parsnip seeds. Also on the programme, David gets an update from the ‘lockdown gardener’ Jim Kerr as he begins to harvest from his transformed front garden.

David Maxwell is joined by Cherry Townsend and Jim Bradley in a live phone-in answering your questions on struggling veg and the flowering hedge. Also the best way to propagate and keep your garden growing. Maurice Parkinson shares his expertise on the Daylily. And the humble Shield Bug – does it really stink or does it just look like a North American variety that actually does!This programme has been edited since the original broadcast.

David Maxwell is joined by Ann Fitzsimons and Reg Maxwell in a live phone-in answering your questions and identifying a number of mystery plants that add intrigue to the garden. And Shane Connolly provides inspiration for your table with his unique expertise and take on cut flowers from the summer garden.

In a programme originally broadcast in 2019, David Maxwell meets Labour Party veteran Kate Hoey at her home on Rathlin Island. He explores the wild garden she's created there as a getaway from life in Westminster. David finds out how for years she has been able to deal with constituency issues in Vauxhall from a remote cottage on the Island. He also speaks to the former MP about her life politics and outside it, including her wish to one day return home to Northern Ireland.

Presenter David Maxwell is joined by gardening experts Ann Fitzsimons and Jim Bradley answering your questions. This week we find out if you can graft a plum tree to an apple tree, tackle an unwieldy wisteria and discover ways to give an old hedge new life. Listener Lisa Camlin shares her tricks to designing your own border and Conrad McCormick shares tips to maintaining his favourite exotic rose.

David Maxwell is joined by a lockdown gardener planning to turn a profit and he’s only 13! A Giant Water Lily blooms in Belfast after nearly a 30 year absence and gardening experts Brendan Little and Averil Milligan tackle a Sweet William Challenge while hedging their bets on a tricky border. Also water saving tips and a taste for something exotic.

Scent and colour – the joy of roses and navigating thorny challenges. Gardening experts Reg Maxwell and Cherry Townsend join presenter David Maxwell this week to discuss the joy of roses. We’ll hear from celebrated breeders and gardening legends along with listeners sharing their treasured stories and find out why some roses droop and what to do when a treasured rose doesn’t grow to plan.

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 presents the weekly gardening programme answering listeners questions with expert guests Cherry Townsend and Brendan Little. Also on the programme, David speaks to Barbara Pilcher about unusual veg.

David Maxwell is joined by Reg Maxwell and Ann Fitzsimmons for a gardening phone-in. He also finds out about a new therapy garden at the SERC campus in Holywood and he chats to Neil Porteous about garden paths.

Gardening experts Averil Milligan and Barbara Pilcher join presenter David Maxwell this week to answer your challenging gardening questions. We'll also hear about the Irish Yews making a welcome home in Northern California and find out how this year's Chelsea Flower Show is virtual and reaching out to you online.

Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned pro, there's always something to surprise you in your garden. So if you have encountered an unusual insect or need to know what to add to your soil, join David Maxwell and his experts for the live phone-in this Saturday. If you would like to call them or text with your gardening query, the number is 03030 805555 or text 81771 and standard network charges apply. Lines are open on Saturday morning.

If you have a green space, balcony or even a sunny window ledge, David Maxwell and his experts will be on hand to help. Whether you're looking to plant some quick growing vegetables or breathing new life into your garden there will be plenty of tips on successful growing. Joining David to answer your gardening problems are Brendan Little and Ann Fitzsimons. Lines are open on 03030 805555 and to text it's 81771. Standard network charges apply. Join the team for lots of great gardening advice this Saturday morning just after the 9 o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.

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

It’s spring at home and, whether you have a garden, a yard, a balcony or a windowsill, growing something is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Join David Maxwell Easter Saturday for a live Gardener’s Corner call-in that will put a spring in your step and bring some Easter colour into your home, along with gardening experts answering your questions and sharing some sage advice. The number to ring is 03030805555, (Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply) text 81771 or email [email protected].

Join David Maxwell for Northern Ireland's weekly gardening programme with ideas and tips for the lockdown and experts on hand to answer questions. This week he's joined by Averil Milligan and Brendan Little.

David Maxwell and experts Cherry Townsend and Neil Porteous bring you gardening ideas for children, find out about lunar planting and answer listeners' questions.David interview his 5 year old aughter Seren while they plant peas, Frank McCooke is the man in the know about lunar planting and the team speak to Geroid McDonnell, a 12 year old with a passion for plants.

David Maxwell takes calls with gardening experts Ann Fitzsimmons and Reg Maxwell

David Maxwell presents the Gardeners’ Corner roadshow from Portaferry. Experts Averil Milligan and Neil Porteous join him at Ballyphilip Parish Church hall where Portaferry Women’s Institute are the hosts. With the club celebrating its 85th year members questions include suggestions for seaside planting, how to move peonies and what to do with a Camellia that won’t flower. Also on the programme, two pupils from St Mary’s Primary school in Portaferry have a question about their school garden.

David Maxwell presents the latest Gardeners' Corner phone-in programme with expert guests Anne Fitzsimmons and Brendan Little. On the last day of winter (according to the meteorological calendar) the team tackle a variety of questions including why Nerines aren't flowering and whether or not to cut back shrubs which are already in growth. Also in the programme, David chats to Barbara Pilcher about the virtues of having plants just outside the window.

This week David Maxwell and the Gardeners' Corner roadshow team head to Ballygawley where members of Castlecaulfield Horticultural Society put their questions to Brendan Little and Averil Milligan. Amongst the gardening topics are growing hydrangeas as a hedge, pruning rhododendrons and how to deal with whitefly as well as lots of tips for the week ahead. That's Gardeners' Corner on Saturday morning just after the 9 o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.

In Gardeners' Corner this week plants for under a tree canopy, planting up a window box, creating a pharmacy garden at Queen's University and the beauty of hellebores in the February garden. That's Gardeners' Corner with David Maxwell after the 9 o'clock news on Saturday morning on BBC Radio Ulster and on BBC Sounds.

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

In Gardeners' Corner this week, a makeover for the Italian garden at Mount Stewart, a new allotmenteer gets to grip with her plot at the Minnowburn, a browse through the seed catalogues with spring in mind, how to create the right conditions for plants in a terrarium and herbs for mocktails if dry January is your thing. That's all in Gardeners' Corner with David Maxwell this Saturday morning on BBC Radio Ulster and on BBC Sounds.

David Maxwell presents Northern Ireland's weekly gardening programme with advice on the best snowdrops and winter flowering shrubs. He also visits a restored Walled garden at St Columb's Park in Derry which is going to be gardened by the community. Also in the programme, Keith Crawford is in studio to talk about how to put that discarded Christmas tree to good use as well as some winter pruning jobs to do right now.

David Maxwell escapes the winter chill and starts the New Year in Belfast's Botanic Gardens with expert guests. Colin Agnew sells the virtues of winter cherries in the cool wing of the Victorian Palm House, Adrienne Armstrong gives David and update on the Tropical Ravine two years after its major renovation and David explores a new medicinal garden with Gardeners' Corner regular Barbara Pilcher. Also in the programme, protecting exotic plants outdoors this winter with Conrad McCormick.

David Maxwell looks back over seasonal highlights of the 2019 gardening year including a visit to Kilmacurragh and the Chelsea Flower Show. From winter snowdrops with Maurice Parkinson to high summer in the herbaceous border with Cherry Townsend, David looks back over a year in the garden.

David Maxwell is joined by Ann Fitzsimmons and Brendan Little for some festive gardening fun. Herbs for Christmas, using the tree after the big event and top present ideas for gardeners. Also in the programme, David and his guests suggest a Christmas walk to burn off some of those excess calories and the team review some books that would make great stocking fillers for the greenfingered.

In Gardeners' Corner this week David Maxwell visits world renowned Kew Gardens in Richmond outside London where he talks to the gardeners who work there including Tony Kirkham, well known writer and broadcaster whose specialist interest is trees, particularly at Kew. Also in the programme Brendan Little shares his thoughts and reminisces about his time as a student there and how it influenced his future life and love of gardening. Gardeners' Corner on Saturday morning on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.

Winter gardening with David Maxwell. This week David meets Sweet Pea legend Sydney Harrod who has spent a lifetime breeding beautiful Sweet Pea in Londonderry. Sydney named between forty and fifty varieties including a series with local place names intended to encourage people to visit Northern Ireland during the Troubles. David also speaks to Jim Bradley about evergreens for structure in the winter garden. Averil Milligan joins him in studio to talk about festive foliage and Helen Mark catches up with Conrad McCormick.

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

In this week's Gardeners' Corner with David Maxwell, Brendan Little and Averil Milligan answer questions from members of the Tully Meadow Community Garden in Augher. Among the gardening questions up for discussion are how to make use of wood ash, advice on growing orchids, gourds and blue berries and suggestions on planting up fruit and veg all year round. That's Gardeners' Corner this Saturday morning just after the 9 o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC sounds.

In Gardeners' Corner this week an autumn walk at Mount Stewart reveals beautiful late autumn colour. Also in the programme a visit to a school garden and a memorial garden and practical tips on planting up tulips and garlic for spring. That's Gardeners' Corner with David Maxwell this Saturday morning just after the 9 o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.

It's the Gardeners' Corner phone-in with David Maxwell this Saturday morning live from Studio 8. Joining David to answer your gardening problems are Neil Porteous and Ann Fitzsimons and lines are open on 03030 805555 and to text its 81771. Standard network charges apply. Join the team for lots of great gardening advice this Saturday morning just after the 9 o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.

This week the Gardeners' Corner Roadshow heads to the village of Toome, where members of the Duneane Allotment Group put their questions to gardening experts Jim Bradley and Cherry Townsend. Also in the programme, tips for the week ahead in Gardeners Corner with David Maxwell this Saturday morning just after the nine o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.

In Gardeners' Corner this week, it's harvest time in the autumn garden, a visit to a city allotment shows gardeners reaping the rewards of spring and summer planting, Barbara Pilcher is busy in her seaside garden and reveals her herb of choice for October and also in the programme famous florist, Shane Connolly on how to inspire the younger generation. Gardeners' Corner with David Maxwell Saturdays on BBC Radio Ulster and on BBC Sounds.

As the seasons change David Maxwell seeks advice on Autumn planting from Gardeners' Corner expert Maurice Parkinson. They explore his impressive garden in Ballyrobert to see what's thriving in the late Summer sun. Also on the programme, a trip to Banbridge brings David to Herbie McCauley's home, where his incredible Chrysanthemums steal the show and Grace Loughrey shows David how to garden without a garden.

It's the Gardeners' Corner phone-in this Saturday morning with David Maxwell. Joining him in the studio are gardening experts Barbara Pilcher and Brendan Little. If you would like to call them or text them with your gardening query , the number is 03030 805555 or to text its 81771 and standard network charges apply. David will also be heading to Helen's Bay to visit John McClean and the private allotment he has made his own.

David goes to the home of Victor and Roz Henry in Newtownards to see their award-winning exotic garden full of tender plants. He goes west to Co Donegal with Brendan Little to the 35-acre garden that houses a large selection of rhododendrons. He also visits Ann Collins in Newtownabbey to see how she has adapted her garden to make it accessible for wheelchairs.

As we move into late Summer David Maxwell and experts Reg Maxwell and Brendan Little are on hand to give help and advice on keeping those summer flowers and shrubs thriving for as long as possible. Amy Kelly will also be popping back into the studio to chat about introducing your children to gardening and how to help them grow a selection of fruit and vegetables in small areas. If you would like to call them or text with your gardening query, the number is 03030 805555 or text 81771 and standard network charges apply. Lines are open on Saturday morning and the programme starts just after the 9am news.

Another chance to hear David Maxwell’s visit to Brendan Little’s Donegal garden in the summer of 2019. Among the treasure trove of stunning summer flowers are wildflower beds and beautiful buddleia buzzing with bumblebees and butterflies. There’ll be tips on growing exotic vegetables, making the most out of the damp and sheltered parts of your garden and expect the unexpected as Brendan shows David his little trick for feeding his plants and shrubs! Also on the programme, Helen Mark finds out about how a sunflower field in Co Tyrone is helping to raise money for charity and David scales the rooftops as he does a spot of gardening in one of Belfast’s busiest hotels.

It's the Gardeners' Corner phone-in this Saturday morning with David Maxwell and joining him in the studio are gardening experts, Averil Milligan and Ann Fitzsimons. If you would like to contact the team with a query you can send a photo to our email [email protected], alternatively call 03030 805555 or text 81771, standard network charges apply. Lines are open from 8am on Saturday morning.

This weeks Gardeners' Corner with David Maxwell comes from Kilcoan Gardens in Islandmagee. Owner Cherry Townsend offers advice on planting boarders, enjoying your fragrant roses and a masterclass in growing Astilbe. Reg Maxwell travels to Ballymena to a stunning 5 acre garden owned by Jim and Hilary Rafferty while David heads to Donaghdee to admire the walled garden that has been adopted by a local restaurant. A beautiful balcony in East Belfast, owned by Steven and Joanne Hillocks, is centre stage for a variety of pretty plants and summer fruits and David gets the chance to enjoy the newly opened sensory garden at Aaron House in Dundonald.

In this first programme in August, David Maxwell heads to Ballywalter Park, home of Lord and Lady Dunleath, to enjoy a stroll round the Walled Garden. Anna Hudson shows him the fruits of her labour and gives some handy hints on getting the best from your summer fruits.There's a visit to the summer-scented lavender fields in Wexford, and David heads to the north coast, where he meets a family growing an old Irish orchard. Barbara Pilcher is on hand to give tips on planting, and enjoying, your summer herbs, and Dr Rory Mellon tells us where to find the best wild orchids this summer.Take a look at our gallery to see where David has been out and about.