Clara Vale
How can I lighten my orchids? Is there a reliable mix of weed suppressants and fertilisers for growing edibles? Why have the leaves of my Camelia started turning yellow?
How can I lighten my orchids? Is there a reliable mix of weed suppressants and fertilisers for growing edibles? Why have the leaves of my Camelia started turning yellow?
This week on Gardeners’ Question Time, Kathy Clugston and a hand‑picked panel of horticultural experts head to Clara Vale to tackle the green‑fingered queries of a live audience.
Joining Kathy are garden designer Matthew Wilson, botanist Dr Chris Thorogood, and allotmenteer Bethan Collerton, who bring their combined expertise, practical know‑how and good humour to the discussion.
Later in the programme, Peter Gibbs visits the renowned Snowdrop Collection at RHS Wisley, where he meets fellow Galanthaphile and Snowdrops expert Jessica Jansdotter.
Producer: Dan Cocker
Junior Producer: Suhaar Ali
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Last on
Plant List
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.
Q – What would the panel put in a flower boarder that fit my black and white theme? (01’38”)
Matthew Wilson –
Ophiopogonplaniscapus 'Nigrescens', mondo grass 'Kokuryū'
Salix, willow
Clematismontana var. grandiflora (M), white anemone clematis
Cotinus, smoke bush
Gypsophilapaniculata, baby’s breath
Chris Thorogood
Betulautilis, himalayan birch
Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Silver Shadow',himalayan birch 'Silver Shadow' ( syn. Betula Silver Shadow' )
Bethan Collerton –
Heuchera, coral bells
Brunneramacrophylla 'Silver Heart'PBR. ,siberian bugloss 'Silver Heart'
Q – What should I replace my honey fungus infected cherry trees with? (06’54”)
Bethan Collerton –
Malusdomestica (F), apple
Ilexaquifolium, common holly
Chris Thorogood –
Stewartia
Magnolia
Magnoliafraseri, fraser magnolia
Matthew Wilson –
Juglansregia (F), common walnut
Q – How do I reduce the weight of my orchids? (12’57”)
Q – What combination of fertilizer and weed suppressants would guarantee a good harvest this year? (17’42”)
Q – Would planting seeds of nasturtiums into trays encourage them to grown better? (22’46”)
Feature – Peter Gibbs visits the RHS Wisley Snowdrop collection, where he meets fellow Galanthophile and Snowdrops expert Jessica Jansdotter (25’27”)
Q – What plant would be best to grow in a four-foot-long planter with a trellis? (31’09”)
Chris Thorogood –
Actinidia
Passifloracaerulea, blue passion flower
Hydrangeaviburnoides, climbing hydrangea
Bethan Collerton –
Parthenocissusquinquefolia, virginia creeper
Jasminumnudiflorum, winter jasmine
Matthew Wilson –
Iteailicifolia, holly-leaved sweet spire
Garryaelliptica, silk tassel bush
Q – Why have the leaves of my camelia started turning yellow? (35’17”)
Q – What would you suggest for a flower bed that might satisfy my need for a bit of dazzle in the garden, but also appeal to my husband’s more esoteric tastes? (37’35”)
Chris Thorogood –
DicentraFormosa, western bleeding heart
Spathiphyllum, peace lilies
Broadcasts
- Friday15:00BBC Radio 4
- Sunday14:00BBC Radio 4
Podcast
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Gardeners' Question Time
Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts


