Must-have ground cover plants, outdoor exotics in Slane and Adam Frost’s bulb of the month

Must-have ground cover plants, outdoor exotics in Slane and Adam Frost’s bulb of the month

Author: BBC Radio Ulster January 17, 2026 Duration: 56:00

A garden that has to look good in every season is the Horatio’s Garden at Musgrave Park Hospital in south Belfast. Two years after it was planted up, David Maxwell chats to head gardener Matthew Lee about how the garden continues to change, and about the great groundcover plants that help keep weeding to a minimum. Adam Frost begins his new ‘Bulb of the month’ series with the common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis. Ahead of the Big Garden Birdwatch, the RSPB’s Claire Barnett visits David’s garden to find out what’s coming to his feeders. In studio, gardener Anna Hudson, brings some seasonal highlights from the Ballywalter and answers questions live. Contact the programme on 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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