Episode 656: Highlights From the Gardener’s World Spring Fair
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In this special episode of The Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard takes listeners on a vivid journey through the Gardener's World Spring Fair at Bewley, capturing the energy, inspiration, and community spirit of the event. He interviews his longtime friend Ade Sellers, the host of the 'In Conversation with' stage, highlighting the power of gardening talks to inspire both newcomers and seasoned gardeners alike. Richard emphasizes how these intimate sessions—featuring passionate speakers like De Graff Mensa, a young gardener and news presenter—create moments of connection, learning, and intergenerational enthusiasm. He then chats with Lucy Chamberlain, the 'Queen of Veg Gardening,' about her award-winning 'Make a Meter Matter' garden, a nine-square-meter showcase of edible plants, herbs, and wildlife habitats, all built from accessible, sustainable materials. The episode also includes a delightful behind-the-scenes look at Richard’s day at the fair, from enjoying a spring garden quiche to buying rhubarb cello and carnivorous plants, and reflects on the joy of stepping away from the allotment for a day of inspiration. The episode closes with a helpful Q&A on straw bale gardening, offering practical advice to a listener struggling with compacted bales.
Gardening shows like Gardener's World are not just about plants—they’re powerful platforms for community, inspiration, and intergenerational connection.
A single square meter can be transformed into a vibrant, productive, and wildlife-friendly space with thoughtful design and accessible materials.
Speakers at gardening events, especially those sharing personal journeys, can spark lasting inspiration and practical ideas for gardeners of all levels.
Growing your own supports—like hazel poles for beans—can save money and deepen your connection to your garden.
Even compacted straw bales can be worked with using a trowel or crowbar to create space for planting, or seeds can be sown directly.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Heart of Gardener's World: Talks, Community, and Connection
“If you meet a gardener that says I know everything, I'd say walk away from that person because gardeners are always gathering information, they're always learning, they always make mistakes.”
Lucy Chamberlain’s 'Make a Meter Matter' Garden: Small Space, Big Impact
“One square meter can make a massive difference, and that's what I've taken from For The Border.”
A Day at the Fair: Food, Plants, and the Joy of Getting Out
Richard shares his personal experience at the fair, including a picnic with a spring garden quiche, shopping for rhubarb cello and carnivorous plants, and navigating the weather with his dog Roxy. He reflects on the balance between inspiration and practicality in gardening life.
Listener Q&A: Solving Straw Bale Gardening Challenges
Richard responds to a listener, Lynn, who is struggling with a cold, compacted straw bale. He offers practical solutions—using a trowel, crowbar, or sowing seeds directly—and shares his own experience with successful direct sowing.
“If you meet a gardener that says I know everything, I'd say walk away from that person because gardeners are always gathering information, they're always learning, they always make mistakes.”
“One square meter can make a massive difference, and that's what I've taken from For The Border.”
“It's about the next generation isn't it—we want to pull them in, we want to excite them.”
Host
Guests
Gardener's World Spring Fair
other
Ade Sellers
person
Lucy Chamberlain
person
Richard
person
Make a Meter Matter
other
The Veg Grower Podcast
media
De Graff Mensa
person
Straw Bale Gardening
other
Hedgehog Nest
other
Hazel Sticks
other
Episode 652 Easter Gardening, Potato Planting & Tackling the Hunger Gap
The Veg Grower Podcast • 29m • 4/6/2026
Episode 653 — Seedlings, Straw Bales & the Aphid Battle Begins
The Veg Grower Podcast • 29m • 4/13/2026
Episode 654: What’s Really Growing This Week — And How Do You Label It All?
The Veg Grower Podcast • 30m • 4/20/2026
Episode 655: Planting Early, Protecting Brassicas & My First Real Beekeeping Experience
The Veg Grower Podcast • 33m • 4/27/2026
Episode 657: Sowing Winter Cabbage, Tackling Allotment Overwhelm & Our April Book Review
The Veg Grower Podcast • 27m • 5/11/2026
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