Gardeners' Corner special: The wonder of trees

Gardeners' Corner special: The wonder of trees

Author: BBC Radio Ulster October 25, 2025 Duration: 55:08

In this autumn special, Gardeners’ Corner celebrates our relationship with trees. David Maxwell returns to his childhood home to revisit the trees he grew up with. Tree expert Tony Kirkham introduces some of the trees grown in London’s Chelsea Physic garden which may prove more resilient than our natives as the climate changes. The myths and legends linked to trees are something that fascinates storyteller Vicky McFarland – she reveals tales of love and death. In Rostrevor, County Down, former carpenter Paul Clerkin knows the trees of Kilbroney Park better than most. Now a public park, it was once a grand estate where exotic trees were planted as status symbols. Amidst the beauty of the season, the programme also explores how trees continue to help us by cooling our cities, preventing floods and removing pollution. Email the programme at gardenerscorner@bbc.co.uk


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: 50

Gardeners' Corner
Podcast Episodes
Gardeners' Corner at BBC Gardeners' World Live, Birmingham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:27
David Maxwell is joined by Adam Frost and Jekka McVicar live from the NEC in Birmingham.Presenter Nikki Chapman reflects on her relationship with her garden and David meets some of the growers and designers.Contact the t…
Gardeners' Corner at Bord Bia Bloom 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:12
Gardeners' Corner attends Ireland's biggest gardening show, Bord Bia Bloom, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Presenter David Maxwell tours the show gardens and plant stands in search of takeaways for the ordinary g…
Gardeners' Corner at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:20
Highlights from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 with David Maxwell, featuring the gold medal-winning Trussell’s Together Garden — the first Chelsea garden to be relocated to Northern Ireland. David meets women from the…