Gardeners’ Corner at 40

Gardeners’ Corner at 40

Author: BBC Radio Ulster June 28, 2025 Duration: 55:48

Gardeners’ Corner celebrates 40 years of the programme with a garden party at Ballyrobert Cottage Garden in County Antrim. Among those attending former presenters and contributors with fond memories of the programme. Presenter David Maxwell chats to Libby Hunter who presented the first programme in June 1985 and to Julie Brown who produced the show for decades. Rich in archive, the programme also explores how gardening has changed. In particular, the much reduced use of herbicides and pesticides. It also touches on how the climate has changed during that 40 years. With so many gardeners on site, Ballyrobert’s Maurice Parkinson enlists the help of two newer gardening experts to help with his new grass border – something the programme wouldn’t have been talking about in 1985. David also chats to Brendan Little and Helen Mark about how humour is part of the programme’s DNA and he gets some 2025 advice for a caller from 1985 who was dealing with rose replant sickness. And it isn’t just people at the garden party, everyone has a plant that they think deserves a mention on this special occasion.


Tune into Gardeners' Corner from BBC Radio Ulster for a weekly dose of practical wisdom and quiet inspiration rooted in the soil of the province. Host David Maxwell guides each episode with the ease of a knowledgeable friend, sharing the latest horticultural advice and seasonal news you can actually use. This isn't just theory; the podcast actively explores, taking you on audio visits to thriving plots and personal havens, from expansive estates to modest backyards, revealing the unique stories they grow. You'll hear firsthand from those who tend them, gathering tips that work in real gardens. It’s a consistent resource for anyone with a trowel and a bit of earth, whether you're nurturing a windowsill herb box or planning a perennial border. The conversation is always grounded, focused on the tangible joys and challenges of growing things. Listen for a genuine connection to the gardening community and a deeper understanding of your own patch, all delivered with the trusted quality of BBC Radio Ulster. Each episode feels like a welcome break, a moment to think about what's possible just outside your door.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 685

Gardeners' Corner
Podcast Episodes
Gardeners’ Corner Special: Garden Inspirations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:55
In this special programme, Gardeners’ Corner celebrates those who have passed on their passion for plants: from the parent with cuttings on the windowsill, to the high profile gardeners who have inspired through writing…
Gardeners’ Corner ‘Comes to Town’ roadshow from Enniskillen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:10
Gardeners’ Corner heads to Enniskillen as part of the BBC ‘Comes to Town’ roadshows marking 100 years of broadcasting in Northern Ireland. David Maxwell hosts the programme from the Killyhevlin hotel on the banks of Loug…
Gardeners’ Corner live from Bord Bia Bloom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:00
A special programme from Ireland’s biggest garden show; Bord Bia Bloom. David Maxwell will be joined by regular contributor Brendan Little for a live programme from Phoenix Park. He’ll meet designers, plant experts and h…
Gardeners’ Corner from RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:00
Gardeners’ Corner visits the most talked about gardening event of the year; the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Presenter David Maxwell tours some of the main avenue show gardens including the gold medal winning National Garden…