About this episode

The episode discusses gardening strategies in response to drought conditions with a panel of experts at The Donkey Sanctuary.

Peter Gibbs hosts GQT from The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth in Devon. Joining Peter are plantswoman Anne Swithinbank, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood and the Royal Parks’ Head of Horticulture Matthew Pottage. Soundtracked by the braying of the sanctuary's donkey residents, the panel tackles questions on greening up a concreted-over garden, starting a new allotment during challenging drought conditions and improving the fruiting of a hardy kiwi. They also discuss drought-tolerant planting for clay soil, the prospects for a transplanted hibiscus, and whether changing weather patterns mean it is time to rethink when wildflower meadows are sown. Also, Matthew Pottage runs a special drought clinic, and the panel reveal which garden weed they would choose to champion. Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: William Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 * If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page. Tickets are available for the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time Summer Party 2026 held at RHS Garden Wisley on Saturday 5th September. Information and ticket…

People in this episode

Host: Peter Gibbs

Guests: Anne Swithinbank, Pippa Greenwood, Matthew Pottage

Topics covered

• drought
• biodiversity
• resilient planting
• allotment gardening
• drought-tolerant plants
• wildflower meadows

Keywords

• drought conditions
• hardy kiwi
• clay soil
• hibiscus
• wildflower meadows
• garden weeds

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Donkey Sanctuary, BBC Radio 4, RHS Garden Wisley

Places: Sidmouth, Devon

More episodes of Gardeners' Question Time

• Minstead: Colourful Borders, Resilient Brambles and Parched Plants · September 4, 2026 · 42 min
• From the Archive: Microclimate · August 21, 2026 · 42 min
• Clarkston: Peach Tress, Pirate Sheds and Late Summer Pruning · August 14, 2026 · 42 min
• Postbag: The Hidden Gardens, Glasgow · August 7, 2026 · 42 min
• Pinchbeck: Awkward Astrantias, Watering Wisdom and Courgette Chaos · July 31, 2026 · 42 min
• East Renfrewshire: Balcony Brilliance, Reluctant Camellias and Making The Most Of Moss · July 24, 2026 · 43 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Gardeners' Question Time podcast page.