
Sully & District: Blooming Cacti, Shallow Depth and Signs of Spring
From Gardeners' Question Time by BBC Radio 4
March 13, 2026 · 42 min
About this episode
The episode features a panel of horticultural experts answering gardening questions in Sully, Wales, with a focus on climbing plants, cacti, and signs of spring.
What climbing plants thrive in shallow soil? How can you coax your Christmas cacti into a dazzling display? What’s your favourite first sign of spring? Kathy Clugston brings a hand‑picked panel of horticultural experts to Sully, Wales, where they tackle a lively audience’s gardening questions with insight, warmth and plenty of good humour. Joining Kathy are garden designer Chris Beardshaw, houseplant specialist Anne Swithinbank, and Bethan Collerton, head gardener at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Together, they share their practical know‑how, creative ideas, and passion for all things green. Pippa Greenwood meets Samantha Smith from the Horticultural Trades Association to explore the new Simpler Recycling initiative, and what it means for clearing out old pots, containers, and other garden clutter. Producer: Rahnee Prescod Junior Producer: William Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
People in this episode
Hosts: Kathy Clugston, Pippa Greenwood
Guests: Chris Beardshaw, Anne Swithinbank, Bethan Collerton, Samantha Smith
Topics covered
- climbing plants
- shallow soil
- Christmas cacti
- signs of spring
- gardening questions
Keywords
- gardening
- horticulture
- recycling initiative
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Christmas cacti, gardening pots, containers
Places: Sully, Wales
More episodes of Gardeners' Question Time
- Harmondsworth - Citrus, Geums and Patio Planting · June 12, 2026 · 42 min
- Diss: Gravel Gardens, Camellia Care and Ways to Weather Drought · June 5, 2026 · 42 min
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 - At the Bandstand · May 29, 2026 · 42 min
- Chelsea Flower Show 2026 - Postbag · May 22, 2026 · 43 min
- Serge Hill Project · May 15, 2026 · 43 min
- Pulham Market · May 8, 2026 · 42 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Gardeners' Question Time podcast page.