About this episode

The episode discusses gardening challenges and solutions in Pinchbeck, focusing on water management and plant care.

Peter Gibbs and the Gardeners’ Question Time panel visit the Lincolnshire village of Pinchbeck, a fenland landscape shaped by waterways and a long history of horticulture. On the panel are plantswoman Christine Walkden and garden designers Matthew Wilson and Bunny Guinness. The team tackles questions on choosing pond plants to support dragonflies, finding colourful plants for exposed, windy gardens, and why some gardeners struggle to grow much-loved astrantias. They also offer practical advice on improving courgette crops, planting around hydrangeas, and dealing with troublesome vine weevil. Water is a recurring theme throughout the programme. Bethan Collerton visits Winterbourne House and Garden to meet plant scientist Professor Jeremy Pritchard and uncover the remarkable ways plants depend on water, from photosynthesis and cooling to the internal hydraulic systems that keep them upright and growing. Back in Pinchbeck, the panel turns to a question many gardeners face during a heatwave - how often should we water our gardens? Christine shares her advice on watering deeply and effectively to help plants withstand dry conditions. Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer…

People in this episode

Host: Peter Gibbs

Guests: Christine Walkden, Matthew Wilson, Bunny Guinness

Topics covered

• gardening advice
• water management
• plant care
• horticulture
• heatwave gardening

Keywords

• astrantias
• courgette
• pond plants
• dragonflies
• vine weevil

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, Winterbourne House and Garden, RHS

Places: Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire

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