Scotland Grows Show S11 E2: Box, Blight, and Beyond with Lewis Swales

About this episode

Lewis Swales shares insights on maintaining historic gardens in Scotland amidst climate challenges.

"It’s like magic. I just don’t understand how anybody can’t just love gardening because honestly, it’s like magic." In this episode of the Scotland Grows Show, Lewis Swales, head gardener of not one but two stunning National Trust gardens in Aberdeenshire, welcomes us behind the scenes to discover the secrets of Pitmedden Garden and Haddo House. From the intricate parterres and miles of hedging to trim, Lewis shares what makes these historic gardens so special, and the challenges of keeping them thriving in the face of changing climates and box blight. Join M.T. O'Donnell as she explores with Lewis Swales how modern gardening practices are reshaping beloved Scottish gardens. You’ll learn how Lewis and his team are creating resilient, beautiful spaces by experimenting with plant choices, trialling new hedging techniques, and sometimes letting nature lead the way. Whether you garden on a grand estate or a city balcony, Lewis’s candid tips and lessons from success, and failure, are sure to inspire. Tune in for a conversation filled with practical advice, fascinating history, and pure gardening passion. You’ll come away with fresh ideas for your own garden, and a new appreciation for…

People in this episode

Host: M.T. O'Donnell

Guest: Lewis Swales

Topics covered

• gardening
• Scottish gardens
• climate challenges
• box blight
• plant choices
• hedging techniques

Keywords

• gardening
• Scottish gardens
• box blight
• plant choices
• hedging techniques
• Pitmedden Garden
• Haddo House

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Trust

Places: Aberdeenshire, Pitmedden Garden, Haddo House

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• Scotland Grows Show S11 E5: A Celebration of Hellebores at Kirklands with Peter and Gill Hart · March 20, 2026 · 38 min
• Scotland Grows Show S11 E4: Gardening on Skye's Wild Edge with Úna Treanor · February 7, 2026 · 34 min
• Scotland Grows Show S11 E3: Plan Your Perfect Garden with Joanne Evans · January 23, 2026 · 35 min
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