
Gardeners' Corner
689 episodes — Page 7 of 14
Summer live phone-in
David Maxwell is live in studio with his gardening experts Neil Porteous and Ann Fitzsimmons. They'll be taking calls on how to get the best from your Summer garden and giving tips on maintaining plants and shrubs that aren't enjoying the variable weather. Amy Kelly, from Ards Allotments, will also be live in studio to help you get the most out of your fruit and vegetables even after they begin to bolt.
Gardeners' Corner July phone-in
David Maxwell hosts the monthly gardening phone-in programme. He is joined in the studio by experts Barbara Pilcher and Jim Bradley. David also visits Adrian Walsh's suburban garden in south Belfast.
Gardeners' Corner roadshow at Ballance House
In this week's Gardeners' Corner Helen Mark and the roadshow team head to the village of Glenavy in Co. Down to the former birthplace of John Ballance, 14th premier of New Zealand. In the beautifully restored Cottage room of the house, Ann Fitzsimons and Neil Porteous answer questions from the audience made up of members and friends of the Ulster New Zealand Trust. Also in the programme tips for the gardening week ahead. That's Gardeners' Corner this Saturday morning just after the 9 o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster.
Outdoor living, Hostas and Florence Court's Kitchen Garden
In this week's programme presenter David Maxwell gets all fired up to make pizza in the garden as he explores the art of outdoor living. He also visits a national collection of hostas near the coastal village of Carnlough where Ian Scroggy explains how to keep the slugs off. Also on the programme the kitchen garden at Florencecourt and a cottage garden in County Down opening for the first time under the National Trust's Ulster Garden Scheme.
Inner city allotments, Cottage garden favourites, Trinity Nursery School
Inner city allotments, cottage garden favourites and Trinity Nursery School David Maxwell visits an inner city allotment packed with veg. He meets up with Maurice Parkinson to find some cottage garden favourites for early summer including Lupins, Irises and hardy geraniums. Also in the programme, how many small hands make light work in the garden at Trinity Nursery School in Bangor and how social media and the Connswater Greenway combined to promote growing wildflowers.
Gardeners' Corner phone-in
This Saturday it's the Gardeners' Corner phone-in with David Maxwell and gardening expert Brendan Little answering your calls and texts. The number to call is 03030 80 5555 and to text its 81771 and standard geographic network charges apply. Also in the programme how to grow herbaceous plants really well and tips for the gardening week ahead. That's the Gardeners' Corner phone-in this Saturday morning just after the nine o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.
Gardeners' Corner roadshow with Glebe Gardening Club
This week Gardeners' Corner with Helen Mark and gardening experts Cherry Townsend and Neil Porteous are guests of Glebe Gardening Club who meet regularly in the village of Dunmurry. Roses, rhubarb, vines and frogs are just some of the subjects up for discussion in this week's programme. That's the Gardeners' Corner roadshow this Saturday morning just after the 9 o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds
Gardeners' Corner from the Chelsea Flower Show
In this week's Gardeners' Corner, David Maxwell goes to the Chelsea Flower Show, where he and Reg Maxwell meet the very best designers and growers in the world of horticulture. Amongst them a number of gardeners from Northern Ireland at the top of their profession delighted to share their gardening expertise along with a liberal sprinkling of keen celebrity gardeners.
Gardeners' Corner phone-in
It's the Gardeners' Corner phone-in this Saturday morning with Helen Mark. Joining Helen in the studio are gardening experts Neil Porteous and Brendan Little answering your calls and texts. The number to call is 03030 80 55 55 and to text its 81771 (Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply) and also in the programme lots of gardening tips for the week ahead. That's Gardeners' Corner this Saturday morning just after the 9 o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.
Gardeners' Corner roadshow with Banbridge and District Horticultural Society
Join David Maxwell as the Gardeners' Corner roadshow team head to Banbridge where members of Banbridge Horticultural Society put their questions to gardening experts Averil Milligan and Ann Fitzsimons. Blueberrries, blackcurrants and azaleas are just some of plants under discussion as well as timely tips for the gardening week ahead. That's Gardeners' Corner this Saturday morning just after the nine o'clock news on BBC Radio Ulster.
Daffodil breeding, Alpines and Spring jobs
David Maxwell presents the weekly gardening programme. This week he meets renowned Daffodil breeder Brian Duncan who has over 400 varieties to his name. He also catches up with the next generation of breeders at Esker Farm where Dave Hardy and his wife Julie have taken on the challenge to breed award winning varieties. Reg Maxwell joins David in studio to talk about jobs in the Spring garden including choosing bedding plants. Also in the programme - Helen Mark finds out all about Alpines from Gordon Toner.
Kells Bay Gardens
In this week's gardening programme David Maxwell visits the rainforest - but he hasn't gone to the southern hemisphere, he's in south west Ireland at Kells Bay Gardens in County Kerry. The gardens boast a forest of mature Tree Ferns which give them a unique Jurassic feeling. David meets the current custodian of the gardens Billy Alexander who explains how he can push the limits of gardening in Ireland due to the mild microclimate. Also in the programme, Helen Mark visits Conrad McCormick who is growing Cannas and Dahlias from seed.
Hillsborough Castle Gardens and Fergus Garrett
In this week's gardening programme, presenter David Maxwell tours the transformed gardens at Hillsborough Castle ahead of the public opening. The new garden manager Claire Woods and her predecessor Stephen Martelli show David the restored four-acre walled garden and the lost garden. Averil Milligan also joins David for the tour providing practical gardening tips on route. Also in the programme, David catches up with Fergus Garrett, head gardener at the world renowned Great Dixter.
Gardeners' Corner Roadshow with Bangor Horticultural Society
This week the Gardeners' Corner roadshow comes from the seaside town of Bangor in Co Down. On the panel Brendan Little and Cherry Townsend who answer questions from members of Bangor Horticultural Society. Lots of gardening advice on everything from the perfect plants for seaside gardening to organic sprays for roses and help on how to deal with the dreaded honey fungus and also in the programme tips for the gardening week ahead.
Creating a wildlife garden, Irish-bred plants, hedgerows and annual climbers
David Maxwell presents BBC Radio Ulster's gardening programme which this week’s visits the RSPB's Window on Wildlife in Belfast's Harbour Estate where a new wildlife garden is being created. Maurice Parkinson joins David in studio to talk about the benefits of hedgerows following recent reports of netting by developers. Also in the programme Maeve Bell describes some Irish-bred plants which are filling her spring garden with colour and Helen Mark visits Conrad McCormack who is planting annual climbers to cover a fence. The programme also returns to Annesgrove in County Cork where Neil Porteous is involved in giving a new lease of life of a grand garden gone wild.
March phone-in
This week's live Gardeners' Corner phone-in celebrates Spring and the season of new beginnings. David Maxwell and experts Reg Maxwell and Ann Fitzsimmons are on hand to answer any gardening queries and offer advice on getting the best from your patch of land. David heads off to Crumlin to meet Will Hamilton in his six-acre haven 'Holly House' Garden. They take a leisurely stroll through the woodland meadow, picking out their favourites from the herbaceous borders and alpine beds.David takes over the Radio Ulster Facebook page after the show for a live stream, answering more listeners questions and showing a sample of the experts exciting seasonal finds.
Pruning Roses and Planting Potatoes on St Patrick's
David Maxwell is joined in the studio to talk about two garden tasks usually done around St Patrick's: pruning roses and planting potatoes. Barbara Pilcher makes her first visit to David's garden to see how he is getting on with starting a new herb garden. David also visits a grand garden gone wild - Annesgrove in County Cork and he finds out about the importance of looking after our soil at Maurice Parkinson's garden in Ballyrobert.
March Roadshow - Gilnahirk Horticultural and Civic Society
Gardeners' Corner takes to the road once more! This time it's at Gilnahirk Horticultural and Civic Society on the edge of east Belfast. Presenter David Maxwell is joined by gardening experts Ann Fitzsimmons and Neil Porteous. The programme hears how to use home grown Quinces and the best way to wrap up an Olive so it survives a cold spell.
Spring comes early, houseplant care and Blythefield Allotments
Gardeners' Corner with David Maxwell considers the potential impact of the early spring on our gardens. With the increasing popularity of houseplants, Ann Fitzsimmons has top tips on looking after them and David makes the first of a series of visits to Blythefield Allotments in south Belfast. Also in the programme, Helen Mark catches up with Brendan Little to find out about making home grown plant supports by coppicing willow.
Gardeners' Corner February Phone-in
It's the Gardeners' Corner phone-in this Saturday morning with David Maxwell and joining him in the studio are gardening experts, Barbara Pilcher and Neil Porteous. Call 0303085555 or text 81771 to have that all important gardening problem answered, standard network charges apply. Also in the programme Barbara and Neil will be talking about their favourite spring plants and giving their gardening tips for the week ahead.
Titanic topiary, no fuss houseplants and early sowing for summer
David Maxwell meets Gordon Finch from east Belfast who has spent years turning his suburban garden hedge into a Titanic topiary tribute. He catches up with Colin Agnew in Belfast's Botanic Gardens to find out about no fuss houseplants. Also in the programme, Cherry Townsend is sowing seeds for summer blooms and David heads to Springhill to see the February snowdrop display.
Sowing herbs, watching birds and winter at Rowallane
In a packed Gardeners' Corner programme, David Maxwell starts his new herb garden with advice from Barbara Pilcher. He catches up with Averil Milligan at Rowallane where work is going on to tidy up the walled garden and give some plants a winter rest. Also in the programme, Helen Marks finds out from Brendan Little how to make a paradise patio and Claire Barnett from the RSPB joins David in studio with all the information about the 40th annual Big Garden Birdwatch.
The January Garden
In Gardeners' Corner this week David Maxwell gets up close and personal with snowdrops and hellebores. He also goes looking for plants with wonderful scent and soft colours and finds out that shady areas can be the perfect spot for a wide variety of plants. Also in the programme Helen Mark and Brendan Little talk about reinventing the patio area and why it should blend in with the style of your house and garden.
January Phone-in
Join David Maxwell for the January Gardeners' Corner phone-in with experts Averil Milligan and Reg Maxwell. The number to call is 03030 805555 or to text its 81771 (standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles apply and texts will be charged at your standard message rate.) In the programme lots of great gardening advice on offer and also David joins Neil Porteous for a winter walk where they both enjoy the scent from winter flowering plants in particular the beautiful witch hazel.
New Year plans and the Chelsea Physic Garden
David Maxwell and the Gardeners' Corner team look ahead to a new gardening year. He also visits the Chelsea Physic Garden a place familar to Killyleagh man Sir Hans Sloane.
Gardeners' Corner in France: Gardens of Remembrance
Another chance to hear a special edition of Gardeners’ Corner from the Somme where 15 Gardens of Peace (Jardin de la Paix) have been constructed near sites of the Great War. David Maxwell visits the Irish peace garden in Peronne designed by Peter Donegan. He’ll meet David Richardson, a Northern Ireland native, who is now Head of Horticulture at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to reveal how one of the biggest gardening organisations in the world tends to war graves and memorials at 23,000 locations in 150 countries. He’ll also meet Irish designer Peter Donegan in Peronne and chat to Gardeners’ Corner regular Brendan Little about how gardens help us to remember.
Gardeners' Corner at Christmas
In this week's festive Gardeners' Corner David Maxwell is joined in the studio by Cherry Townsend and Brendan Little to talk about what's important to gardeners at Christmas helped along by some blackberry brandy tasting and mince pies. Also in the programme why botanicals and bitters are good for you, what can be discovered on a winter walk along the Lagan and last minute ideas for gardeners this Christmas.
Gardeners' Corner Roadshow: Navan Fort, Armagh
The Gardeners' Corner team heads to the ancient site of Navan Fort in County Armagh for the last roadshow of 2018 where the audience is made up of members of Armagh Gardening Club which is celebrating it's 30th anniversary. Presenter David Maxwell hosts the programme, which includes questions on dealing with Ivy, speeding up compost, pruning rambling roses and much, much more. On hand with the answers are experts Averil Milligan and Brendan Little. The team also have some tips for the week for gardeners in the run up to Christmas.
Hydebank Wood community garden, feeding garden birds and locally bred Mahonias
In the first Gardeners' Corner of Winter, David Maxwell visits a new community garden on the site of Hydebank Wood College and Women's Prison. He meets the Deputy Governor Tom Ferguson who says the garden helps rehabilitate those reaching the end of their sentence. David also heads to Belvoir Forest to talk to the RSPB about feeding garden birds and he speaks to Maeve Bell from the Irish Garden Plant Society about Mahonias which were born and bred in Northern Ireland. Also in the programme, David goes for a walk at Mount Stewart with Head Gardener Neil Porteous who tells him about the work under way to completely replant the Mairi garden.
The Gardeners' Corner Roadshow from Carrickfergus with Neil Porteous and Cherry Townsend
In this week's Gardeners' Corner, David Maxwell, Neil Porteous and Cherry Townsend head to Carrickfergus with the roadshow where members of Carrickfergus Garden Society put their questions to the panel. Also in the programme, tips for the gardening week ahead.
A garden for all seasons, bringing the outside inside and autumn containers
This week, David Maxwell visits a garden for all seasons near Magherafelt which also has its own mini zoo. He heads to Islandmagee where Cherry Townsend is foraging in the garden for plant material that can be dried and used in long lasting autumnal floral displays. Also in the programme, Ann Fitzsimmons pays David a visit to see how his pond is doing at the end of its first season and Reg Maxwell is in studio offering an expert guide of creating a colourful autumn container.
Halloween pumpkins, storing produce, air layering and planting trees.
In Gardeners' Corner this Halloween weekend David Maxwell is joined in the studio by Barbara Pilcher to talk about apples, nuts and pumpkins, produce all associated with the season. Bob Flowerdew on storing garden produce for use in the dark winter months. Also in the programme David travels to Papervale Trees near Rathfriland to find out why autumn is a great time to plant trees and Brendan Little gives a masterclass on how to make new trees from old by air layering.
Gardeners' Corner in the Autumn Garden
Join David Maxwell with Gardeners' Corner this week as he walks and talks trees with Averil Milligan and makes the most of autumn colour. Hints on making leaf mould known as gardeners' gold and Helen Mark and Conrad McCormick visit a gardener in Cullybackey with advice on creating an exotic garden. Also in the programme why expert gardener Stephen Barstow created the term edimentals and allotmenteers in Ballysillan enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Gardeners' Corner phone-in
It's the Gardeners' Corner phone-in this Saturday morning with David Maxwell and joining him in the studio to answer your gardening problems are experts Barbara Pilcher and Brendan Little. Lines are open on 03030 805555 and to text it's 81771 and standard network charges apply.
Prairie-style planting, daffodils, layering and the green prescription
In this week's Gardeners' Corner, David Maxwell meets up with Cherry Townsend to explore prairie-style planting. He heads to Esker Farm Daffodils in County Tyrone where Dave and Julie Hardy have been preparing bulbs all summer. Helen Mark visits Brendan Little in Donegal to find out about layering. Also on the programme, David goes to an eco-therapy centre in County Fermanagh which is offering horticultural therapy for people suffering with anxiety and depression.
September Phone-in & 'Ulster in Bloom' at 40
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 Reg Maxwell. If you would like to call them or text with your gardening query the number is 03030 805555 or to text its 81771 and standard network charges apply. Averil and Reg will also be talking about the autumn garden and the many jobs that need done as the season progresses. Also on the programme, Mark Maher from the Northern Ireland Local Government Association on Ulster in Bloom at 40 and Helen Boyd from Randalstown on how her home town won the small town category this year.
RHS Wisley and Salthill Gardens
David Maxwell heads to the world famous RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey where he finds out about the important research and plant trials taking place. With curator Matthew Pottage he explores the exotic garden which was established in September 2017 and he heads to the national collection of Heathers where Peter Jones tells him why every garden should have one. Also in the programme, Helen Mark heads to Salthill Gardens near Mountcharles in County Donegal where Elizabeth Temple has created a beautiful walled garden over three decades.
In the Summer Garden
In this week's Gardeners' Corner a visit to Rowallane's walled garden reveals majestic artichokes and other plants which love sheltered conditions. Ann Fitzsimmons talks about her summer veg plan, growing melons in her greenhouse and how to harvest seed from early summer flowering plants. Also in the programme, Neil Porteous on the effects of the hot weather on this year's plants, an update from the newly planted rose garden at Mountstewart and Maurice Parkinson joins David in the studio to answer listeners' questions.
Rowallane wildflowers, useful bugs and Asian veg.
In this week's programme, David Maxwell seeks out a new wildflower border that is turning heads in Rowallane Garden in Saintfield. He also visits the Tropical Ravine where an army of bugs have been released to help gardeners tackle plant pests. David also explores the large herbaceous borders in Belfast's Botanic Gardens with gardener Adrienne Armstrong. Also in the programme, Helen Mark visits Conrad McCormick's garden where he is experimenting with Asian veg and Reg Maxwell offers advice on summer rose care.
Gardeners' Corner Phone-in and Rose Week
It's the Gardeners' Corner phone in this week with David Maxwell. Joining him in the studio are Brendan Little and Ann Fitzsimons, lines are open on 03030 80 5555 and to text its 81771, standard network charges apply. Also in the programme a visit to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, which this week celebrates Rose Week.
Summer Phone-In
David Maxwell is joined by Brendan Little and Ann Fitzsimons for seasonal phone-in. They'll be taking calls, texts and offering some seasonal gardening inspiration. You can call on 03030 805555 or text 81771 and standard network charges apply. David also meets a couple who have transformed their garden in Dungannon over three decades and Jo Whatmough describes the array of duneland flowers that can be found at Murlough beach.

David Maxwell is joined by Barbara Pilcher and Reg Maxwell for the June phone-in.
David Maxwell is joined by Barbara Pilcher and Reg Maxwell for the June phone-in.
June Phone-in
David Maxwell is joined by Maurice Parkinson and Averil Milligan for the June phone-in. They'll be taking calls, texts and offering some seasonal gardening inspiration. You can call on 03030 805555 or text 81771 and standard network charges apply. David also goes to Kilcoan Gardens in Islandmagee where Cherry Townsend is sorting out roses badly hit by storm Hector.
From Salthill Gardens in Co Donegal
In this week's Gardeners' Corner, Helen Mark, Brendan Little and Jim Bradley take the roadshow to the Garden Shed in beautiful Salthill Gardens, Mountcharles in Co. Donegal. Rhubarb and raspberries, lilies and leaf mould are just some of the questions put to the panel by members of Donegal Garden Society and also in the programme tips for the gardening week ahead.
Gardeners' Corner from the Chelsea Flower Show
In Gardeners' Corner this week we showcase the most famous gardening show of all, the Chelsea Flower Show. David talks to show designers about their award-winning gardens, plant experts about their favourite plants and how to grow them well, what the celebrity visitors think of Chelsea this year and why Chelsea is so exciting and much loved.
The Belfast jungle, Munstead Wood and young floristry finalists
David gets a tour of Belfast's new Tropical Ravine. He also catches up with Helen Dillon to find out how things are developing in her new garden south of Dublin. Mark Diacono of River Cottage fame has advice on growing veg and Caroline Marshall from the RSPB offers tips of making our gardens more wildlife friendly.Also on the programme, Helen Mark goes to Munstead Wood, the home of famous Victorian designer Gertrude Jekyll and David heads to CAFRE's Greenmount campus to speak to three floristry students who have made it to the final of the young floristry contest at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
12/05/2018
It's the Gardeners' Corner phone-in this Saturday morning with David Maxwell and joining him in the studio are gardening experts, Ann Fitzsimons and Neil Porteous. Ann and Neil will also be talking about their favourite plants for May and giving their gardening tips for the week ahead.
Garden Show Ireland and Bloomfest
This week David Maxwell visits Garden Show Ireland in the grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens. It's the 14th year of the show which features gardens, specialist plant stalls and plenty of gardening advice. David catches up with Chelsea gold medal winner Ian Price who has designed the centrepiece show garden, he also visits a vegetable garden designed by MuckandMore Allotments and he meets up with Gardeners' Corner regulars Ann Fitzsimons and Cherry Townsend who are both involved in the show. Also in the programme, David returns to Glenarm Castle to look at the Tulips which taken centre stage at Bloomfest this weekend.
Gardeners Corner Roadshow from Glenarm Castle Gardens
Join David Maxwell and the roadshow team at Glenarm Castle gardens
Glenarm Castle Gardens
This week's Gardeners' Corner comes from Glenarm Castle gardens where the team answer gardening questions from the audience in the Coach House. Ann Fitzsimons and Cherry Townsend join David Maxwell to provide the gardening know-how and give their tips for the week ahead. Also in the programme, Jane Jenkins and Jordan McWhirter tell David about the forthcoming Tulip Festival happening the following weekend.