Gardeners' Corner

Gardeners? Corner heads to Ballymena as part of the BBC ?Comes to Town? roadshows marking 100 years of broadcasting in Northern Ireland. In front of a live audience at Ballymena Library, David Maxwell and experts Reg Maxwell and Mary Doris take questions from novice and experienced gardeners who live near the County Antrim town. Also on the programme, David visits the nearby Britain in Bloom winning village of Cullybackey, and the allotments at Scullery O?Tullagh which volunteer Billy Millar describes as a place to nourish the body and the mind. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As the Easter break begins, Gardeners? Corner has some easy ways to transform your garden space. David Maxwell is joined in studio by expert gardener Brendan Little who has suggestions on how an uninspiring front garden can be transformed into a low maintenance garden with interest and colour through the year. Also joining David is city gardener, Grace Loughrey, who knows how to transform the smallest of spaces with easy to find plants. Holidays are a great time to visit gardens and Kilmacurragh in south County Wicklow will be welcoming many this Easter weekend. The gardens are undergoing a major expansion programme and on this latest visit head gardener Seamus O?Brien gives David privileged access to some of the new areas under development and he also gets to see how the future of the Wollemia pine (once thought extinct) has now been secured. Also on the programme, the new trail at Belfast?s Botanic gardens dedicated to John Templeton sometimes called the ?father of Irish botany? and Huw Richards on his new book ?The Self-Sufficiency Garden?. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week Gardeners? Corner visits what must be one of most beautiful classrooms in the country ? the walled garden at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Greenmount Campus in County Antrim. David Maxwell joins CAFRE?s Lori Hartman for a look around, as work begins to renovate some areas including the hot border and a brand new brick pergola. At Mount Venus nursery, in the hills above Dublin, Oliver Shurmann has some spring highlights and Colin Agnew introduces the new Templeton trail at Belfast?s Botanic gardens. In Killinchy, Anne Fitzsimmons is enjoying the spring heat in the polytunnel where she is sowing some perennials and she explains why it helps to pre-sprout your courgettes. In studio, Anna Hudson joins David to answer questions and provide some spring inspiration. Email the programme at [email protected]

While damp weather is making it tricky to get in to the garden there is still plenty to keep Dave and Jules Hardy busy at Esker Farm Daffodils. Since David?s last visit the county Tyrone couple have added a large garden area which shows how the daffodils can be grown in mixed borders. Amy Kelly kicks off the Great Gardeners? Corner Grow Along by sowing Beetroot, Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas. In Dublin, Oliver Shurmann picks some seasonal highlights at Mount Venus nursery and friend of the programme Jekka McVicar joins David to chat about her new book ?100 Herbs to Grow?. Also on the show, Claire McNally is in studio to answer questions and suggest some garden jobs for the St Patrick?s weekend. Contact the programme on [email protected].

This week, David Maxwell visits Brendan Little in his garden on the shores of Mulroy Bay in county Donegal. What was once a formal lawn is now covered in naturalised spring flowering bulbs. Brendan explains how he hopes to extend this riot of colour into late spring and summer ? something he hopes will mean he won?t need to get the mower out until September! The propagating operation at Mount Stewart is ramping up as part of a new 3 year project. After a career in publishing, Jacky Hawkes is leading a team which is producing hundreds of plants for the garden and the sales area. Oliver Shurmann chooses Omphalodes cappadocica as his perennial of the month and Mary Doris joins David in studio to answer questions, explore the uses of wild garlic and plant up a spring container. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As Spring officially begins, David Maxwell heads to Jimi Blake?s Hunting Brook Garden in the hills of County Wicklow where he has brand new borders in mind. At the National Trust?s Mount Stewart, work begins on a tree nursery that will produce 600,000 trees a year and gardener Archie Parke retires after five decades of service in Belfast?s Botanic Gardens. In studio, Cherry Townsend will take questions and provide some spring inspiration and wildlife Katy Bell on what to look out for in your garden this spring. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Two years to the day since the war in Ukraine began, presenter David Maxwell hears the powerful story of how a garden has helped one family close the front line survive. Alla Olkhovska has been harvesting and selling seeds of rare clematis found in her grandmother?s garden in Kharkiv. She also wrote her first book about these beautiful climbers in the basement during the initial bombardment. David finds out what it?s been like to look after this precious space with the sound of birds sometimes drowned out by sirens and bombing. Also on the programme, the launch of the Great Gardeners? Corner Grow Along where listeners? will be asked to join the team in growing some veg not available in the shops and Maurice Parkinson on last minute preparations in the flower borders for the season ahead. Ann Fitzsimmons will join David in studio to take live questions. Contact [email protected]

In this week?s programme, David heads to the Green Spaces Community Growing Project near Warrenpoint where the volunteers are getting the garden ready for the season ahead. He finds out what attracts people to community gardening. In County Sligo, Lissadell House and gardens occupy a breath taking location. Immortalised in a poem by Yeats, work has been going on for the last 20 years to restore the gardens and plant hundreds of trees in this windswept location. Oliver Shurmann chooses Pachyphragma macrophyllum as his perennial of month. In studio, David is joined by Reg Maxwell and Claire McNally who will take questions live and provide some seasonal gardening inspiration. Contact the programme on [email protected]

How can plants help solve serious crimes? In this week?s Gardeners? Corner David Maxwell meets the forensic experts that use plants to give them clues. National hedgehog day fell this week ? apparently a Roman precursor to ?Groundhog day? and with these small mammals still on the red list, wildlife expert Debbie Nelson brings Holly the Hedgehog into studio to explain what gardeners can do for them. Legendary plantsman Jan Ravensberg chats to David about a lifetime with plants and social media sensation ?Anya the Garden Fairy? (aka Anya Lautenbach) on her new book ?The Money Saving Gardener?. David is also joined in studio by expert Anna Hudson who will answer questions and give a how-to on sowing tomato seeds. Contact the programme on [email protected]

After a week of storms, David heads to the gardens at Hillsborough Castle where Claire Woods is surveying the trees for damage. Claire explains that their approach is to leave as much of the wood as possible in situ as it supports all kinds of life. In the first of a new series, Oliver Shurmann reveals his perennial of the month which is Hepatica nobilis ? a flower he first encountered as a child in Germany. Grace Loughrey has a small yard garden at her house off Belfast?s Ormeau Road where she also grows many houseplants. She?s in studio with a guide on how to make them thrive. Also on the programme, David chats to Seamus O?Brien (Kilmacurragh) and Alex Slazenger (Powerscourt) from the cloud forest near the Uganda/Congo border where they are part of an expedition searching for giant Lobelia and David is joined in studio by Mary Doris who will answer questions live. Contact the programme - [email protected]

What happens to our gardens when it snows? This week David Maxwell heads to Downhill Demesne on Antrim?s north coast to see how a blanket of white transforms how we experience the garden. He also chats to Una Quinn about her plans for the Bog Garden there in 2024. Along the coast in an equally cold Ballyvoy, Conrad McCormick is protecting his tender plants as the mercury drops and on the shores of Strangford Lough, Amy Kelly is able to harvest veg from her allotment despite it being midwinter. Expert Claire McNally will join David in studio to take live questions including one from a listener with rusty leeks and another who is growing peppers indoors through the colder months. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With another new year stretching out ahead, David Maxwell is joined in studio by Brendan Little for the first live programme of 2024. They?ll be chatting about preparing for the year ahead and what?s looking (or smelling) good in the garden in January. Also on the programme, David heads to Rowallane Gardens in Saintfield where Claire McNally is pruning roses, Ann Fitzsimmons is considering building a fruit cage in her County Down garden this year and Philip Stewart in Magherafelt is turning what was a tropical themed border into a feast for the eyes through the coldest months. Contact the programme by email - [email protected]

In the garden we are often thinking of the seasons to come, but it can also be useful to look back and take stock at the start of a new year. This week, David Maxwell leads us through the seasons with Gardeners? Corner, from a huge snowdrop collection at Altamont Gardens in County Carlow to the quiet retreat for a Limavady gardener who?s been living with cancer. From the razzmatazz of garden shows in Antrim, London and Dublin to the serenity of a poet?s garden in County Laois. Join David for Gardeners? Corner: Season by Season. [email protected]

Join David Maxwell and the gardening gang for a festive fireside chat at Kilcoan Gardens in Islandmagee. With home grown and handmade seasonal treats, four experts brave the winter weather for a fun filled Christmas get together. Ann Fitzsimmons and Mary Doris use fresh garden herbs and Christmas leftovers for a fuss free holiday meal, while Brendan Little and Cherry Townsend tour the gardens picking foliage for some last minute Christmas decoration. Also on the programme; Una Quinn introduces us to a Sweet Chestnut tree on the north coast which may have found its way to Castlerock because of the Spanish Armada, Amy Kelly on gifts to buy the gardener in your life and no prizes for guessing Jekka McVicar?s herb of the month for December!

With the leaves gone it?s all about colourful stem colour on Gardeners? Corner this week. David meets artist Heather McDermott who loves willow more than any other plant and works with it every day. She thinks more of us should have our own ?Salley? gardens so we have this useful crop which can be used to make free plant supports and fences. Also on the programme, how a handful of soil has more life in it than there are people on the planet and celebrating Garvagh man Andrew McClarty who has been using gardening to raise funds for charity for 25 years. Ann Fitzsimmons will join David live in studio to answer questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With daylight at a premium the work goes on in two stand-out gardens visited by Gardeners? Corner this week. At Musgrave Park Hospital in South Belfast, the charity Horatio?s Garden is creating a garden for spinal injury patients designed by Chelsea gold medal winning designer Andy Sturgeon. Helen Mark meets the new head gardener there and chats to Andy about this ?high maintenance? space. At Glenarm Castle the Walled Garden has recently been named Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year. The gardeners there are forcing daffodils for flowers at Christmas, sowing seeds and overhauling the hot border. In studio David is joined by gardener Claire McNally and wildlife expert Katy Bell who will be offering some advice on wildlife in the winter garden. Contact the programme on [email protected]

With a wintry feel in the air, David Maxwell is joined in studio by experts Anna Hudson and Reg Maxwell to offer some gardening inspiration for colder days. The team will be taking questions on among other things the challenges of Christmas Cactus, and why one listener?s winter display of cyclamen is wilting. Also on the programme, David heads to a Jurassic world in County Kerry where Australian tree ferns have naturalised. At the Greenmount campus of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise they are growing pink, white and orange Poinsettias alongside the traditional red ones. Anna has been harvesting some perennial veg you might not of heard of which David will be sampling on air. Contact the programme on [email protected]

As Autumn gives way to Winter, David Maxwell visits the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. Keeper of the Gardens, John Anderson shows David the national collection of Mahonia which are lighting up the garden with their bright yellow flowers. A listener gives some tips on preventing newly planted spring bulbs becoming a tasty snack for garden wildlife. Jekka McVicar chooses Mint as her penultimate ?Herb of the Month? and Klaus Laitenberger takes David foraging in County Leitrim. Expert Ann Fitzsimmons joins David in studio to answer questions and provide some late Autumn garden inspiration. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week, David heads to Rowallane where Claire McNally picks some highlights including Mahonia and reveals her quest to find a ?not so tart? berry from the plant sometimes known as the Oregon Grape. David joins Klaus Laitenberger at the community garden in Bundoran where he?s pruning the blackcurrants. Frank McCooke from Slemish market garden gives practical tips on planting garlic for spring. Reg Maxwell gets planting for a Christmas display - yes there's still time!

Contact the programme anytime on [email protected]

In this November highlights programme, David Maxwell is joined in studio by expert Brendan Little. Celebrating the season of golden colour, Brendan gives advice on planting with birds in mind and getting new saplings for free. November is the perfect time to plant bulbs and that?s what Claire Woods is doing when David Maxwell visits her at Hillsborough Castle. Then it?s off to the RSPB?s Belfast Wow where Tim McCann has lots of tips on getting garden birds through the worst of winter. Also on the programme, Mary Doris on her favourite plants for winter interest while Sarah Raven gives a masterclass on growing, and caring for, tulips. Get in touch by email ? [email protected]

The weekly gardening programme for keen gardeners with the latest advice, news and visits to gardens large and small around the province. Presented by David Maxwell.

Helen Mark presents this week's edition of Gardeners' corner. She takes a trip to the Arboretum at Castlewellan Forest Park to oversee the work on the herbaceous borders. Frank and Linda McCooke give Mary Doris a masterclass in all things gourd - from Crown Prince to Munchkins, how to grow and what to cook. David Lindsay from Picked Organic on why he decided to give the good life a go. Expert Ann Fitzsimmons joins Helen in studio to answer listeners questions. Email any time [email protected]

Helen Mark presents this week's edition of Gardeners' Corner. Maurice Parkinson selects some show-stopping grasses to enjoy in the Autumn sunlight from his nursery in Ballyrobert. Klaus Leitenberger introduces David Maxwell to some cute little Cucamelons and how to keep unruly grapes in check. Jekka McVicar chooses her herb of the month and Helen is joined in studio by Brendan Little. Email the programme on [email protected]

?Please note this material has been edited since transmission?

David Maxwell is joined for an episode with an early Autumn feel. With Sweet Chestnuts, Horse Chestnuts and apples in studio there is plenty to chat about and questions from listeners? on Buddleia, Acers and Hydrangeas. Also on the programme David meets up with organic grower Klaus Laitenberger at the Organic Centre in County Leitrim where he began the Irish chapter of his life. Klaus also tells David why Lemon Verbena is his favourite herb and the value of Florence Fennel. At Ballyrobert Maurice Parkinson still has plenty of Autumn colour and Amy Kelly picks her favourite seeds to sow in October.

As Autumn shades being to show, David Maxwell heads to Florence Court where they are still finishing summer pruning the apple trees. The National Trust garden has one of the best collections of Irish heritage varieties on the Island. Volunteer David Bolton explains his work in identifying varieties and the recent rediscovery of the Wine apple which it was thought has disappeared. In Lurgan, Taghnevan Community Allotments provides a hub for locals interested in growing their own and the programme returns to Rosie Maye?s garden in County Meath for some more early Autumn highlights. Cherry Townsend will join David in studio. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Hydrangeas are the stars of the show in early autumn and Rosie Maye has an enviable collection in her garden near Slane in County Meath. Presenter David Maxwell finds out what conditions they like and how to prune the different types. Near Limavady, a garden has become a refuge for Fred McIlmoyle who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018. While his prognosis wasn?t good initially, advances in treatment options have allowed him to remain active and his garden has become even more precious through the ups and downs of his cancer journey. Also on the programme, Jekka McVicar chooses her herb of the month and David is joined in studio by Claire McNally. Email the programme on [email protected]

It?s been the home of poets and actors and now it prides itself on putting an organic garden at the centre of a private events space; Ballintubbert is found near the village of Stradbally in County Laois. In this week?s programme, presenter David Maxwell tours the gardens with head gardener Jennifer Taggart and finds out how the place has been shaped by it?s former owners including actor Sir John Hurt. He finds out how Jennifer is using sheep?s wool and clover to manage the 14 acre site. Also on the programme, a visit to Duneane Community Garden in Toome and autumn highlights with Claire McNally at the National Trust?s Rowallane. In studio, David is joined by garden expert Anna Hudson and wildlife expert Katie Bell. Email the programme on [email protected].

The Knepp Estate in West Sussex is world famous for turning its back on intensive farming in favour of rewilding. Its latest project is to transform a former crochet lawn into an undulating sustainable garden packed with over 900 plant species. This week presenter David Maxwell tours the garden with Charlie Harpur and finds out how they manage this unique space which has already massively increased biodiversity. At Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Claire Woods is harvesting seed and enjoying some early autumn apples and at Mount Venus, Oliver Shurmann shares some of his favourite plants of the moment. Garden expert Ann Fitzsimmons will join David live in studio to answer questions. Contact the programme on [email protected]

In this week?s programme ? do you ever wonder where all those bunches of flowers in the supermarket come from? David travels to a family business in Armagh which grows and imports flowers for retailers across Ireland and the UK. With a major public transport scheme underway in Belfast, the programme finds out how horticulture was put front and centre during the Crossrail project in London and a visit to a former Abbey near Enniskillen where a secret garden full of usual plants has been nurtured by Noel Crane for the last 4 decades. Brendan Little will join David in studio for live questions. [email protected]

Gardening on earth can be challenging sometimes, so what about gardening on the moon? David chats to Professor Simon Barak from Ben Gurion University of the Negev about trying to germinate seeds on the lunar surface. Back on planet earth Brendan Little hasn?t mown his grass since May and it?s time to take the meadow into hand. He?s planting plugs of Ragged Robin and Foxgloves and sowing Yellow Rattle seed which will keep the grass in check. Jekka McVicar chooses Lavender as her herb for August and Cherry Townsend is live in studio to answer questions. Email: [email protected]

The weather is always unpredictable but with a warm and dry June and damp July, it?s making life challenging for gardeners. This week, David Maxwell will be joined by Cecilia Daly to chat about the reasons for the recent weather patterns and her predictions for the rest of summer. Also on the programme, the National Trust?s Mount Stewart teams up with Bristol University to predict the future for the garden with climate change modelling and ahead of National Allotment Week David visits a hidden allotment in Bangor and Helen Mark catches up with some of those involved in Derry?s Acorn Farm project which supports families to grow their own. Claire McNally will join David in studio to take questions. Email [email protected]

After nearly a century and a half, the Dickson family have decided to bring their rose breeding business to an end. Presenter David Maxwell visits Colin Dickson in his rose field near Newtownards to find out why he?s calling it a day, and to see his very last rose ?A Fond Farewell?. Also on the programme, how to keep the summer colour coming with Cherry Townsend, top Dahlia choices from Marryn Mathis at the Farm House Flower Farm in Washington state (USA) and Jekka McVicar with her ?Herb of the Month?. In studio David will be joined by Mary Doris who will be tackling questions from listeners. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Nothing beats visiting other gardens for inspiration and learning, and in this week?s Gardeners? Corner, presenter David Maxwell asks three of his regular experts to choose one of their favourite gardens. Those featured include RHS Bridgewater near Manchester which opened in 2021. It?s not only one of the newest public gardens, but it is also one of the biggest garden projects undertaken in the UK in the last century. For Maurice Parkinson, it offers multiple layers of interest. David and Maurice meet curator Marcus Chilton-Jones and Garden Manager Tracey Snell as they tour the walled garden and the Chinese streamside garden. Birr is County Offaly can get the coldest and the warmest temperatures in Ireland, and it?s also where you will find an impressive collection of trees at Birr Castle Demesne. For Ann Fitzsimmons it will always be a special place as she spent many happy months working there after deciding to change career. Up in County Donegal, Brendan Little only has to go a stone?s throw from his home to find some of the gardens on the Donegal Garden Trail. He chooses Greenfort as his favourite which enjoys stunning views of Lough Swilly and uses shrubs to create year round interest and a low maintenance garden. Contact the programme on [email protected]

Summer is in full swing and this week David Maxwell and his expert guests are focusing on edibles. Brendan Little provides a masterclass on growing basil, proving you can grow enough to produce pesto in Donegal! Amy Kelly loves growing beans at her allotment in Newtownards where they not only produce an edible harvest but also provide beauty. In studio, David is joined by Ann Fitzsimmons who answers questions on growing asparagus, plums and what you can expect if you grow an apple tree from a pip. Also on the programme Cherry Townsend is taking softwood cuttings, proving how a few snips at this time of year can save money by producing new plants for free. Contact the programme on [email protected]

It?s the flower of summer and of romance and it never looses it?s appeal according to Mary Keenan who David Maxwell visits in this week?s programme. At her County Laois gardens he has roses that can find a place in any garden and offer both colour and scent. In County Offaly David visits Paul Smyth at Bellefield garden recently left by architect and gardener Angela Jupe as a bequest to the RHSI. The charity is currently bringing the garden back into management and hopes it will be a place to teach gardeners of the future. And in Bangor Dylan Freeburn explains why the council are replacing annual bedding with longer term planting that?s better for biodiversity. Reg Maxwell will also join David in studio live. Contact the programme on [email protected]

This week on Gardeners? Corner with David Maxwell; why are there so many caterpillars this year and do the spooky webs some are creating spell doom for the plants they cover? At Helen?s Bay Organic Farm John McCormick has some tips on growing courgettes and how to get better veg without wasting water. Helen Mark travels to Stranocum for a masterclass on early summer pruning with Don Kerr and Jekka McVicar reveals her herb of the month. Also on the programme, Katie Bell from Ulster Wildlife and Claire McNally, head gardener at The National Trust?s Rowallane join David in studio to answer questions sent in by listeners. Email the programme on [email protected]

With the heat wave continuing Gardeners? Corner is live at Garden Show Ireland in Antrim Castle Gardens. David Maxwell is joined by Diarmuid Gavin, Cherry Townsend and Mary Doris who will take questions from an invited audience. Also on the programme, with house plants one of the big themes at this year's show, Conrad McCormick will pick some of his favourites and away from the show David heads to nearby Ballyrobert Cottage Garden where Maurice Parkinson believes that summer can be perhaps the best time to get new plants established in the garden. Email the programme - [email protected]

As summer begins in the garden, David Maxwell finds inspiration at Ireland?s biggest gardening show. In its 17th year, Bord Bia Bloom attracted over 100,000 visitors. In the programme, David catches up with Oliver Shurmann from Mount Venus nurseries who designed an imaginative woodland garden for under 5s which won best large garden and with house plants more popular than ever, Pat Keville from Plantstore.ie shows David his exhibit which took the best in show nursery award. Other highlights from the show include; Belfast designer Linda McKeown?s garden for Tusla Fostering, ?The Next Step? garden designed by student, Joseph Eustace as part of Bord Bia?s new Cultivating Talent initiative and Jane McCorkell?s ?A Breathing Space for Fingal?. Also on the programme, Ann Fitzsimmons will be live in studio with plenty of plants and primed to answer any tricky gardening questions. Email the programme on [email protected]

Do you have native plants in your garden? A visit to True Harvest Seeds in Kilclief in Co Down showcases some of the native origin plants growing in the wild and how Debbie Gillies and the team of volunteers are preserving the seeds for the future. From the homegrown to the exotic - David heads to Cluain na dTor in Donegal to see Seamus O' Donnell's collection of stunning plants from across the world that are suitable for seaside gardens and coastal regions. Renowned artist Derek Hill's last home , Glebe Gallery, is open to the public and embracing his wild style of planting. David heads down to find out about their plans for the future. Expert Mary Doris joins David in studio to answer listeners' questions and chat about drought tolerant plants. Author and broadcaster Matthew Biggs also drops by to talk about his new children's book 'A home for every plant' . Email the programme on [email protected]

David visits the gardening event of the year ? the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. With 36 show gardens and a pavilion full of plant experts, Gardeners? Corner looks at the show from the perspective of the ordinary gardener. What elements can we all put into practice and with several gardens featuring ?weeds?, should we all be growing more of them or is that a step too far? Of course, the celebrities are never far away and David finds out from Strictly?s Bruno Tonioli that he has green fingers as well as dancing feet. Email the programme - [email protected]

In this late spring edition of the programme, presenter David Maxwell visits the new community garden in the County Down village of Saintfield. In County Donegal, Joanne and Milo Butler run OURganic in the hills above Gortahork. The gardens are used to teach others about organically growing food and the principles of permaculture. Jekka McVicar chooses basil as her ?Herb of the Month? and gives some tips on how to succeed with this tasty tender herb. In studio, David is joined by Neil Porteous to take questions live from the audience. Text 81771 Email [email protected]

Gardeners Corner takes questions from Gardeners? at the Balmoral Show 2023. David Maxwell is joined by experts Claire McNally and Ann Fitzsimmons. Questions from the audience include plants for a shady exposed back garden and when to fertilise daffodils. Also on the programme, David visits a flower farm in Magherafelt, a guide to fertilisers and why alliums should steal the show in your garden in May. Email the programme on [email protected].

In this Gardeners? Corner special to mark the coronation, presenter David Maxwell travels to the private garden of King Charles III in Gloucestershire. He?s shown around by Derry man, Brian Corr who learnt his gardening trade in Northern Ireland before becoming Head of Gardens at the King's Highgrove Estate. David explores the different areas of this organic garden which the King has been hands on in developing since he bought the property as Prince of Wales in 1980. Now under the stewardship of the Prince?s Foundation charity, David finds out how the estate is being opened up to the public and used as a showcase for traditional skills and crafts. And he chats to Royal florist Shane Connolly who shares the King?s passion for sustainability and is providing the floral backdrop for the coronation.

How much do you think about your garden after dark? In this programme presenter David Maxwell meets Jo Mulholland who?s mad about moths. He finds out about their decline and what gardeners can do to help these often underrated pollinators. Mary Doris has tips on how to look after spring flowering bulbs to make sure they perform next year and John Gault gives a masterclass in rhododendron care from his 9 decades of experience. Also on the programme, BBC Radio 2?s Liza Tarbuck on her love of gardening and Ciaran Mulholland will join David in studio to answer questions. Email the programme on [email protected]

With two weeks until the coronation, David visits a garden under construction to mark the event. Diarmuid Gavin?s bold design for The King?s Coronation garden will soon be an eye catching attraction at Hazelbank Park on the shores of Belfast Lough. Among those helping to get the garden finished on time are some students from CAFRE?s Greenmount campus. Also on the programme, Helen Mark visits the National Trust?s Florence Court where Ian Marshall and his volunteers are busy planting broad beans and potatoes in the kitchen garden. Jekka McVicar reveals her favourite herb for April and Reg Maxwell joins David in studio to answer questions and provide some seasonal inspiration for the gardener at home. Contact the programme ? [email protected] . Email the programme on [email protected]

David visits Jekka?s herb farm near Bristol on its first open day of the season where Jekka McVicar shows him around the new herb garden. In Hillsborough, as the spring spectacular gets underway, Claire Woods reveals how even the professionals have nature to contend with sometimes and Montalto Estate near Ballynahinch launches its Lost Garden. In studio, Ann Fitzsimmons will join David with some Easter gardening inspiration and take questions live. Email the programme on [email protected]

In this Gardeners? Corner special, live from Fairview Primary School, David Maxwell joins the children, parents and teachers at Fairview Primary School in Ballyclare. In collaboration with the Education team at BBC Northern Ireland, the programme showcases some of the great gardening taking place in schools across Northern Ireland. Experts Claire McNally and Brendan Little will be on hand to offer some guidance on planting for pollinators, looking after a wildlife pond and woodland planting. The Education team will also launch their school gardening wall planner which schools can get free by emailing [email protected] Email the programme on [email protected]

How do you garden for gorillas? David meets the man who was in charge of planting at Dublin Zoo for four decades. Stephen Butler explains how the plants enhance the environment for the animals and give a sense of their natural habitat. At Ballywalter, Anna Hudson is building walls out of logs ? an attractive feature in any garden and great for wild life. In Greyabbey, on the Ards Peninsula, there is a secret garden called Greba ? David meets up with owners Richard and Beverley to find out how they have transformed a disused quarry into a place of beauty. In studio Claire McNally and Mary Doris answer questions and have some gardening related ideas for Mothers? day. Email the programme on [email protected]

David Maxwell heads to Rosie Maye?s garden in Slane, County Meath where she has an enviable collection of hellebores. From named varieties to self-sown seedlings, they are the stars of the show in March. In Ballywalter, Anna Hudson is preparing veg beds in the glasshouses using homemade compost and digestate, a by-product of anaerobic digestion. Jekka McVicar reveals her herb of the month and Cherry Townsend joins David live in studio to answer questions.

At Mount Venus Nursery in the Dublin hills David Maxwell meets owner Oliver Schurmann whose enthusiasm for plants can be traced back to a local farmer giving him a handful of seeds. He still retains that childlike wonder as he tends to walled garden which blends seamlessly with the nursery full of both common and unusual plants. Mary Doris has tips on creating a garden that appeals to all the senses. In Belfast the council want to prepare the city for the changing climate by growing more and different kinds of trees. David meets up with Senior Woodland Officer Alan McHaffie who explains how those within the city limits can play a part. Contact the programme on [email protected]