Growing lavender, success with agapanthus and healing through gardening

Growing lavender, success with agapanthus and healing through gardening

Author: BBC Radio Ulster August 22, 2026 Duration: 56:28

David travels to County Fermanagh, where he meets Vera Cassidy at Lavender Manor near Enniskillen. The venue is true to its name, and it is the ideal place to find out how to grow this wonderfully scented shrubby perennial. A few miles away in Lisnaskea, victims' charity SEFF has been using gardening as a form of therapy. The organisation has 44 allotment plots, many of which are used by people living with trauma. David meets some of the members, including Malcolm, who has hopes of winning a medal for some of his vegetables at a show. After a seven-year absence, Neil Porteous has returned to the National Trust's Mount Stewart as head gardener. He reveals some of his plans for the garden and takes time to enjoy the South African plants, including agapanthus and protea, that are performing well in late summer. Anna Hudson also joins David live in the studio to answer listeners' questions.

Contact 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

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