Buckingham Garden Centre

Season 1 - Episode 3 - April in the Garden

Chris Day and Peter Brown discuss some things to do in your Garden in April.

Published:
16/04/2021

Published:
16/04/2021

An interview with John Marshal, expert in growing potatoes and Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner.

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Growing Potatoes in Your Garden

Published:
16/04/2021

Chris and Peter's first show, giving you a bit of background on who we are, our horticultural background and what to look forward to in our upcoming shows.

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Dig It Introduction

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Growing Orchids

In this episode of Dig it Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss growing orchids with orchid expert Manos Kanellos from Growth Technology.

Published:
26/05/2021

Published:
10/06/2021

In this episode of Dig it Peter Brown and Chris Day look at how the late spring is affecting our gardens and how using specific plant fertilisers will help your plants recover and prosper this summer.

Season 1 - Episode 4 - May in the Garden

Season 1 - Episode 8 - July in the Garden

Peter and Chris look ahead to what you need to be doing in your garden during the month of July

Published:
30/06/2021

Published:
15/06/2021

In this episode we chat with Stuart Lowen, Marketing Manager from Ball Colegrave. We look at how bedding plants have evolved over the years as well as examine many of the traditional bedding we still enjoy in our gardens.

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Bedding Plants with Stuart Lowen

Published:
01/06/2021

As June arrives, Peter Brown and Chris Day look at the important tasks in the garden including vegetable planning and sowing, allotment hedging ideas, creative planter and basket tips as well as sowing for spring colour.

Season 1 - Episode 6 - June in the Garden

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Celebrating roses

In this podcast we chat with James Taylor, Nursery Manager and Jo Davey, Marketing Manager from Whartons Nurseries. We look at how roses continue to be admired and prized as our No. 1 favourite flower in the UK.

Published:
14/07/2021

Published:
28/07/2021

Season 1 - Episode 10 - August in the Garden

Peter and Chris look ahead to what you need to be doing in your garden during the month of August and discuss other interesting topics.

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Wildlife in the garden

In this episode we chat with Ed Turpin, Community Wildlife Officer East (Buckinghamshire and East Berkshire) from the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

Published:
11/08/2021

Season 1 - Episode 12 - September in the Garden

September is the month of mellow mists and fruitfulness and in this month’s Dig It podcast Peter Brown and Chris Day look at how the gradual change in seasons is beginning to affect what we harvest, plant and sow in our gardens.

Published:
01/09/2021

Published:
15/09/2021

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Bulbs for Spring

In this podcast we talk to Ian Clark, Business Manager from Taylors Bulbs. Our chat covers the history and overview of Taylors Bulbs, a look at the commercial aspects of growing bulbs in the field and how spring bulbs continue to rise in popularity with gardeners.

Season 1 - Episode 14 - October in the Garden

In this autumnal edition of Dig It, Peter and Chris discuss the recent September Chelsea Flower Show and how a change of season has created a very different event. Elsewhere the demise of the front garden and the lawn, the concerns over our failing tree population and how moths are being affected by the change from sodium to LED street lights.

Published:
29/09/2021

Published:
06/10/2021

Season 1 - Episode 15 - English Cider

In this podcast Peter Brown chats with local apple enthusiast Michael Jones about his passion for producing cider from an 11-acre community orchard in North Buckinghamshire. In the podcast we learn that cider is basically fermented apple juice however the process from apple to bottle is far from simple! You need plenty of buckets, different apple varieties and the necessary kit, but it’s fun and you are always learning from the process.

Published:
13/10/2021

In this episode Chris Day and Peter Brown chat with local apple enthusiast Mike Jones. We learn about his apple growing journey from childhood memories to establishing a successful and productive 11-acre community orchard in North Buckinghamshire where they grow of plums, apples, pears and quince.

Published:
27/10/2021

In this episode Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss topics including the new RHS planet friendly campaign, Malvern Garden Buildings collecting a well-deserved Gold Medal at Chelsea for their Houseplant themed Green Room and the Queen’s green canopy scheme in conjunction with the Woodland Trust. They also discuss essential jobs this month in the garden including final lawn mows and pruning for new hedges.

Season 1 - Episode 18 - Trees For Small Gardens

In this special Dig It podcast we talk to Nick Dunn, managing director and top tree nurseryman of Frank P Matthews. Founded in 1901, Matthews are one of the UK's leading ornamental and fruit tree growers supplying trees to the Garden Centre trade. We discover the processes of growing in the field, containerising, budding and grafting, popular tree favourites, new trees coming to the market, top tips on growing them and much more. Nick brings his unique insight on trees and his words of wisdom are bound to encourage you to plant a tree this winter.

Published:
17/11/2021

Season 1 - Episode 19 - December in the Garden

In this episode Peter Brown and Chris Day herald the start of Advent by talking about the popular festive favourite, the Poinsettia and its special day in December. We chat to Pam Haigh, the UK general manager of the charity Ripple Africa in Malawi, a charity the Garden Centre is keen to support in its epic work in planting trees - over 17 million trees to date - in Malawi.

Published:
01/12/2021

Season 1 - Episode 20 - Houseplants with Jane Perrone

In this Dig It podcast we celebrate indoor gardening as we chat with top gardening journalist Jane Perrone about her lifelong passion for growing houseplants and how this has developed into one of the most popular gardening podcasts - On the Ledge. Jane provides great advice on growing indoor plants from keeping them healthy, selecting plants for the home, stories from Jane’s On the Ledge podcast, trends on what we are purchasing at the Garden Centre and the best ways of displaying your potted favourites, plus we get a sneak peek into Jane’s forthcoming new book, Legends of the Leaf which profiles 25 iconic houseplants, charting their history and provides tips to help them thrive in your home.

Published:
15/12/2021

Season 1 - Episode 21 - January in the Garden

In this episode Peter Brown and Chris Day welcome 2022 and the promise of a new gardening year! We chat to Andrew Peck, managing director of Malvern Garden Buildings and discuss the massive rise of interest in outdoor rooms whether for business (home offices) or for pleasure. Andrew chats about the evolution of garden buildings from the humble shed (and who doesn't love their sheds!) to more sophisticated buildings such as the Breeze House. In today's everchanging world with home working becoming more popular as well as having the flexibility of an additional covered space in the garden for entertaining or hobbies or simply the perfect escape into the garden through these challenging times. Peter and Chris look at some topical news stories, including a chat about the way Garden Centres are evolving from traditional plant-based companies to becoming more diverse in the products and services they offer to the customer.  Although it's January there are still a few tasks to be getting on with including winter fruit tree spraying, planting new hedges, looking after our feathered friends and controlling slippery moss on pathways.

Published:
01/01/2022

Season 1 - Episode 22 - Exploring the Heritage Seed Library

Chris and Peter discover how the Garden Organic’s Seed Heritage Library is helping to ensure older, traditional seed varieties are maintained for future generations. We chat with Catrina Fenton, who is the Head of the Heritage Seed Library on it’s history, the fascinating processes of open pollination, seed capture, the work of the seed guardians and the workings of the library today in conserving and helping to protect varieties for the future.

Published:
15/01/2022

Season 1 - Episode 23 - February in the Garden

Peter and Chris look at some news stories of the moment. We delve into some of the plants and gardening tasks requiring attention this month and as the gardening season starts in earnest. Peter and Chris select some suggested events for you, including the Garden Centre’s Graft and Grow Day on Saturday 5th February.

Published:
02/02/2022

Season 1 - Episode 24 - Composting

In this podcast Peter and Chris chat with Rod Weston, a composting expert and pioneer in spreading the message of the value of composting techniques to amateur and professional gardeners. Rod explains the composting process from start to finish and the best approach to ensure great composting results. Rod discusses options for composting where space is limited, and we are guided on some of the best compost equipment on the market.

Published:
15/02/2022

Season 2 - Episode 1 - March in the Garden

As we celebrate our first year of Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day look at some of the topical news stories including changes in the garden centre world, a university led community gardening study and a new autumn plant fair. In the podcast we prepare the greenhouse for spring, start plants from seed indoors and out, share hints on spring bulbs and how to help our hedgehogs.

Published:
01/03/2022

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Swards of Grass

In this episode we talk to David Hedges-Gower, the UK's leading lawn expert. who has more than 36 years of lawn and turf experience. Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day learn how our lawns have evolved over the years, share practical advice on sowing and growing a new lawn from seed, the types of lawn seed available, the importance of feeding, aeration, scarification and irrigation, the process of overseeding, lawn troubleshooting, plus a look at those essential tasks to keep your lawn looking healthy throughout the year.

Published:
15/03/2022

Season 2 - Episode 3 - April in the Garden

April is a busy month in the garden and after a relatively mild and dry March there's plenty to be getting on with. Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day look at some of the topical news stories including the new listings of poisonous plants (potentially toxic to humans and our pets) from the HTA, the peat-free debate continues, the seaside town of Morecambe receives a 12-acre wildflower meadow as part of The Eden Project's National Wildflower Centre, plus events and those essential gardening tasks to be getting on with.

Published:
01/04/2022

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Perennials with Rosemary Hardy

From peeking over hedgerows to see flowers from a different viewpoint and scrumping apples on a horse, leading nursery expert Rosemary Hardy's love of plants and gardening blossomed from a very young age. Rosemary chats to Peter Brown and Chris Day about the development of the nursery from a walled garden just down the road to their current beautifully nurtured 13-acre Hampshire Nursery in Freefolk.

Published:
14/04/2022

Season 2 - Episode 5 - May in the Garden

May is a busy month in the garden and after a relatively mild and dry March there's plenty to be getting on with. Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day look at some of the topical news stories, plus there's plenty to be getting on with in the rest of the garden

Published:
01/05/2022

Season 2 - Episode 6 - How to be a Better Wildlife Gardener

In this podcast Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with gardening expert and nature lover Martin Fish. Topics covered include invaluable advice on developing a wildlife friendly garden, lawn meadows, managing wildlife and how best to achieve the right balance of potential pests and wildlife, his thoughts, and observations on the new trends in re-wilding and his take on ‘No Mow May’.

Published:
15/05/2022

Season 2 - Episode 7 - June in the Garden

As we garden into June, so the priorities of tasks change with maintenance, planting and sowing still important along with tasks to keep our gardens moving onwards and upwards, including wildlife ponds, pondwater coverage tips, tomato growing and some essential pruning. After a busy May with the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day look at some of the topical news stories, happenings at the garden centre and around the UK.

Published:
01/06/2022

Season 2 - Episode 8 - The Queen of Herbs - Jekka McVicar

Jekka McVicar talks with Dig It’s Peter Brown and Chris Day about the popularity in growing herbs, tips on growing them, plus a fascinating insight into her RHS show work Jekka shares her passion for growing and propagating herbs, organic growing, meeting the Queen and Jekka spills the beans on her exciting new herb garden project which opens next year.

Published:
15/06/2022

Season 2 - Episode 9 - July in the Garden

Make sure you're ready for July in the garden with Dig It's round-up of garden news, events as well as a look at those essential tasks to be getting on with, with top advice from Peter Brown and Chris Day.

Published:
01/07/2022

Season 2 - Episode 10 - A Cherry on Top

July is traditionally the start of the cherry season so in this edition of Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Vikki Grainge from Horwood Cherries, to discover more about growing these delicious fruits famed for their wonderful flavour despite the short of season of cropping.

Published:
15/07/2022

Season 2 - Episode 11 - August in the Garden

Make sure you’re ready for August in the garden with Dig It’s round-up of garden news, events as well as a look at those essential tasks to be getting on with top advice from Buckingham Garden Centre’s Peter Brown and Chris Day.

Published:
01/08/2022

Season 2 - Episode 12 - Growing a Garden Centre an interview with Pauline Brown

MIn this edition of Dig It, Chris Day chats with Pauline Brown, Partner at Buckingham Garden Centre and Nurseries, to discover more about the history and evolution of the business looking at the changes in the way we garden, the development of the site over five decades and how trends have impacted on the business from sustainability to new plants. We also chat to Pauline about her own passion for plants and gardening for wildlife, growing food for the kitchen, the art of composting and the importance of gardening for the future.

Published:
15/08/2022

Season 2 - Episode 13 - September '22 in the Garden

After a challenging hot and dry summer in the garden we enter the month of September and a change in season. Dig It’s Peter Brown and Chris Day tackle some essential tasks for the month, plus they look at the latest garden news and events coming up at the Garden Centre.

Published:
01/09/2022

Season 2 - Episode 14 - Container Gardening with Kathy Brown

MIn this edition of Dig It, Chris Day chats with Pauline Brown, Partner at Buckingham Garden Centre and Nurseries, to discover more about the history and evolution of the business looking at the changes in the way we garden, the development of the site over five decades and how trends have impacted on the business from sustainability to new plants. We also chat to Pauline about her own passion for plants and gardening for wildlife, growing food for the kitchen, the art of composting and the importance of gardening for the future.

Published:
15/09/2022

Season 2 - Episode 15 - October '22 in the Garden

Peter Brown and Chris Day start preparing for winter as well as providing us with a roundup of the latest news and views from the world of gardening.

Published:
01/10/2022

Season 2 - Episode 16 - Communicating across the Garden Trade with Trevor Pfeiffer

In this edition of Dig It Chris Day chats with the editor of Garden Trade News (GTN) Trevor Pfeiffer.  Trevor examines how the massive garden trade including suppliers of both products and plants help spread news and information as well as analysing the sales across the trade in the Best Sellers Charts. All this information benefits garden centre customers as garden centres are able to react and be more prepared for each season. Trevor gives us some of his personal insights into the garden centre trade from sustainability, global warming to the massive ongoing peat-free compost debate! Trevor's mantra is that growing plants gives you an optimistic point of view on life and we couldn't agree more!

Published:
01/10/2022

Season 2 - Episode 17 - November '22 in the Garden

The mild weather continued into November but plenty of rain and wind brought the garden to a colourful if damp end to autumn. Peter Brown and Chris Day prepare for the bare-root planting season, delve into some of the popular news stories making the headlines, plus a look at some of those pressing jobs in the garden and with our beloved houseplants.

Published:
05/11/2022

Season 2 - Episode 18 - A chat with the President

Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with horticultural supremo Alan Down in this latest Dig It podcast. Alan has been incredibly active in the gardening trade from early days in commercial growing in Germany, developing skills in germinating tree seeds and in Somerset to setting up a very successful garden centre and most recently taking on a new role - President of the Horticultural Trades Association. Alan is an accomplished gardening writer and broadcaster, who also enjoys worldwide travel, photography and even deer management!

Published:
15/11/2022

Season 2 - Episode 19 - December '22 in the Garden

Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day delve into the stories affecting gardeners and the gardening trade, plus jobs to do in the garden.

Published:
01/12/2022

Season 2 - Episode 20 - Not another jungle

In this episode of Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Tony Le-Britton, passionate houseplant professional and owner of Not Another Jungle shop in Northampton. From humble beginnings growing houseplants in a greenhouse in the house (yes, really!), a childhood ambition fulfilled by appearing on the BBC’s Gardener’s World to developing his own special style and flair in helping everyone get connected with indoor plants through his social media channels and brand. Tony chats about his favourite plants, we get to grips with spider plants, top tips on growing indoors and more.

Published:
15/12/2022

Season 2 - Episode 21 - January '23 in the Garden

There’s plenty to chat about in the garden this January as Dig It’s Peter Brown and Chris Day look at the gardening stories making the headlines, the Dig It Top 5 as well as tackling those gardening tasks.

Published:
01/01/2023

Season 2 - Episode 22 - No Dig Champion Charles Dowding

In this episode of Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Charles Dowding, a leading champion of no-dig gardening. Not only does he have a huge following, but his advice is born out of more than 40 years of growing, analysing, comparing, and recommending. We learn about the process of his No Dig philosophy from soil preparation, weed control, plant nutrition and how this method could work for you.

Published:
01/01/2023

Season 2 - Episode 23 - February '23 in the Garden

In this month’s Dig It podcast Peter Brown and Chris Day look at how the gradual change in seasons is beginning to affect what we plant, prune and plan ahead in our gardens.

Published:
01/02/2023

Season 2 - Episode 24 - The National Garden Scheme with George Plumptre

The National Garden Scheme (NGS) open exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands raising money for charity through admission fees, tea and cake. Over the past 96 years the NGS has raised over 67 million pounds for charities. Dig It’s Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with the Chief Executive of the NGS, George Plumptre and discuss the huge impact opening over 3,500 gardens has had on the charities the NGS supports. We also delve into George’s favourite gardens, his passion for writing about cricket and gardens and we discover what cake Dame Mary Berry, the president of the NGS, baked for George on a special garden visit.

Published:
15/02/2023

Season 3 - Episode 1 - March in the Garden

The first blossom, bulbs are coming into their own and there’s a bit of welcome warmth to the sunshine -spring has officially sprung! Peter Brown and Chris Day delve into March with this month’s busy podcast, including what’s on, topical news, the Dig It top 5 and much more.

Published:
01/03/2023

Season 3 - Episode 2 - A chat with David Turner from Mr Fothergills seeds

Over the past few years there has been a massive resurgence in growing flowers and vegetables from seed. Fuelled by the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis more of us are looking to raise plants from seed for our gardens, allotments, and containers. In this Dig It podcast Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with David Turner, the Marketing Services Manager at Mr Fothergill’s Seeds Limited to find out more about the history of Mr Fothergill’s, their unique innovations, seed terminologies, seed packeting, trial grounds and how we can get the best from growing plants from seeds.

Published:
15/03/2023

Season 3 - Episode 3 - April in the Garden

April, as they say, can be one of the cruellest months with sun one minute and frosty mornings and bitter winds the next. In this edition of Dig It Peter Brown and Chris Day look at some of the current news stories, provide a round-up of popular events coming up and look at those pressing gardening jobs that need to be done this month.

Published:
01/04/2023

Season 3 - Episode 4 - Steve Bradley, The Sun's Gardening Correspondent

In this edition of Dig It we chat with freelance garden writer and broadcaster Steve Bradley. Steve and wife Val (also a qualified horticulturist) have worked for The Sun newspaper since 2002, writing the gardening column with the late and legendary Peter Seabrook. Peter Brown and Chris Day share Steve’s many memorable moments of a full and brilliant gardening career.

Published:
15/04/2023

Season 3 - Episode 5 - May in the Garden

Join Dig It’s Peter Brown and Chris Day and catch up with the latest garden news, views, events and tasks as we enter one of the busiest gardening months of the year.

Published:
01/05/2023

Season 3 - Episode 6 - Mr Plant Geek, Michael Perry

In this edition of Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with celebrity gardener, social media influencer and TV presenter Michael Perry. From the introduction of new plants with the famous Ipswich-based Thompson and Morgan seed company to writing, hosting podcasts, books and tv appearances including the QVC shopping channel, Michael enjoys nothing more than sharing his extensive knowledge. Michael loves searching out the new and unusual in the plant world and sharing them with his followers which he does with passion and unbounded enthusiasm.

Published:
15/05/2023

Season 3 - Episode 7 - June in the Garden

Peter and Chris chat about what’s going on in the Horticultural world and Chris gives us some jobs to accomplish this month.

Published:
01/06/2023

Season 3 - Episode 8 - Nick Hamilton, like father like son

In this edition of Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Nick Hamilton, son of Geoff Hamilton, who for 17 years presented the BBC gardening programme Gardeners' World.

Published:
15/06/2023

Season 3 - Episode 9 - July in the Garden

Our gardens are growing apace this month and there's plenty to be getting on with as Dig It's Peter Brown and Chris Day tackle those essential tasks, plus a round-up of July events and garden stories around the UK.

Published:
01/07/2023

Season 3 - Episode 10 - Plant Heritage, The Nations Collections

In this episode of Dig It Peter Brown and Chris Day talk national plant collections with Gill Groombridge, who is Plant Heritage’s Business Manager. We find out some of the background history of Plant Heritage and the diverse ranges of National Plant Collections and why 2023 is a special year for this charity.

Published:
15/07/2023

Season 3 - Episode 11 - August in the Garden

After a damp and cool July, we look forward to a productive, colourful yet relaxed August. Dig It’s Peter Brown and Chris Day provide a round-up of the month’s gardening what’s on’s, a look at the stories making the gardening headlines and a round-up of those essential gardening tasks.

Published:
01/08/2023

Season 3 - Episode 12 - Chris Collins: Here's one we grew earlier

Chris Collins is a gardening legend – winning a legion of fans from his early days working in amenity horticulture to his big break on Blue Peter, presenting on the QVC shopping channel and being the ambassador to the national charity Garden Organic. In this edition of Dig It Peter Brown and Chris Day chat to Chris - the globetrotting author; TV broadcaster; lecturer and horticultural consultant.

Published:
15/08/2023

Season 3 - Episode 13 - September in the Garden

After a soggy July and mixed fortunes weather wise in August, Peter Brown and Chris Day look forward to the prospect of an Indian summer in this month's Dig It. A pick of the best events, news, and garden trade stories, plus those essential gardening tasks for the month ahead.

Published:
01/09/2023

Season 3 - Episode 14 - A Fine British Vintage

In this edition of Dig It, Peter Brown, and Chris Day chat with winemaker / vintner Tim Chafor, who runs the 8-acre Chafor Wine Estate featuring over 10,000 grape vines, set in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside and just a stone's throw from the Garden Centre.

Published:
15/09/2023

Season 3 - Episode 15 - October in the Garden

There’s plenty to be getting on with this month in the garden, despite the clocks going back in the UK. Dig It’s Peter Brown and Chris Day help to put some of the garden to bed, plant spring bulbs and get border prepared. There’s the usual round-up of topical news from the world of gardening as well as a few important diary dates if you’re planning to get out and about this month.

Published:
01/10/2023

Season 3 - Episode 16 - Foggy Bottom, creating and iconic garden with Adrian Bloom

In this month’s Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Adrian Bloom about his iconic Garden – Foggy Bottom in Diss, Norfolk. Adrian tells the story behind the garden and how he’s captured it for his new book, Foggy Bottom - A Garden to Share. In the podcast we discover how the Bloom brand developed over the years and the influences of Adrian’s father, plantsman Alan Bloom.

Published:
15/10/2023

Season 3 - Episode 17 - November in the Garden

After an incredibly wet, windy and mild autumn in many parts of the UK, November beckons with a hope of more settled conditions. Dig It’s Peter Brown and Chris Day bring us up to date with the latest gardening news, a couple of events celebrating apples, and the joy of garden visiting, as well as plenty of gardening tasks to be getting on with, plus the return of a very special guest to Dig It, houseplant aficionado Jane Perrone and her latest gardening project – Houseplant Gardener in a Box.

Published:
01/11/2023

Season 3 - Episode 18 - Creating a Terrific Terrarium with Dr Manos Kanellos

The trend for terrarium gardening grows each year, with more people than ever creating miniature enclosed indoor growing spaces to enjoy at home. Terrariums are simple to make, easy to care for and rewarding to have. In this episode Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Dr Manos Kanellos who takes us through the history, the selection of plants and planting to create your own display.

Published:
15/11/2023

Season 3 - Episode 19 - December in the Garden

Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day look at the latest news, views, and gardening tasks to keep you busy, plus the Dig it top 5, and some ideas for getting out and about this month.

Published:
01/12/2023