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From the Archives: Woodland

Is it possible to grow mushrooms on a living log? How do we stop the spread of alder beetles? How do I remove wild garlic from a woodland garden?

Is it possible to grow mushrooms on a living log? How do we control the spread of alder beetles in our garden? How can I remove wild garlic from a woodland garden?

Kathy Clugston delves into the rich Gardeners’ Question Time archives to unearth timeless wisdom on gardening in woodland conditions.

Drawing on decades of expertise, GQT panellists and chairs - past and present - offer trusted advice for every green-fingered challenge. From ethical ways to tackle moss and effective methods to control alder beetles, to planting schemes that gently deter unwanted wildlife, the team’s knowledge is as deep-rooted as the trees themselves.

Later, grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew rounds off our autumn feature series with a comprehensive guide to allotment tasks that will help ensure a plentiful harvest.

Producer: Rahnee Prescod

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Available now

42 minutes

Featured

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Plant List

Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.

Q – Do the panel have suggestion for trees for small gardens that are good for wildlife and are attractive? (00’41”)

Anne Swithinbank –

Apple trees

Matt Biggs

Pyruscalleryana 'Chanticleer', callery pear 'Chanticleer'

Malus 'Evereste', crab apple 'Evereste'

Pippa Greenwood –

Hedera, ivy

Ceanothus, californian lilac

Q – How do we control the spread of Alder Beetles in our garden? (04’04”)

Q – Is honey fungus destroying my Chesnutt tree? If so, what can I plant in its place?(08’29”)

Q – What could I plant under some copper beech? (12’16”)

Matthew Wilson –

Galanthusnivalis, common snowdrop

Crocus

Narcissi

Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête' (12), daffodil 'Tête-à-tête'

Narcissus 'Jetfire' (6), daffodil 'Jetfire'

Cyclamen

Bunny Guinness –

Liliummartagon (IXc/d), mountain lily

Euonymusfortunei 'Silver Queen' (v), spindle 'Silver Queen'

Brunnera

Q - How would you recommend removing wild garlic from a woodland garden where it is completely smothering all my spring bulbs? (15’51”)

Q – Why do my daffodils keep dwindling over time? (18’33”)

Q – Is it possible to grow mushrooms on a living log rather than dead wood? (22’45”)

Feature – Bob Flowerdew’s autumn guide to harvesting and preparing your allotment for the colder months. (26’29”)

Q – What could I plant in my garden that animals and wildlife find unpalatable? (30’10”)

James Wong –

Arundodonax, giant reed

Panicums

Miscanthus, elephant grass

Q – My husband likes to rake up all the leaves in our garden; I think he should leave them to rot down – who’s right? (33’23”)

Q – What’s the most ethical way to remove moss from my driveway? (37’07”)

Q – I’m interested in making a moss bathmat. Would it work? And if so, what moss would be best for a dark bathroom? (39’55”)

Broadcasts

  • Fri 10 Oct 202515:00
  • Sun 12 Oct 202514:00

Join us at RHS Garden Wisley and be part of the show as we host the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time Summer Garden Party

Join us at RHS Garden Wisley and be part of the show as we host the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time Summer Garden Party

Find out more about how to get tickets to this event.

Six of GQT’s naughtiest gardening innuendos

Six of GQT’s naughtiest gardening innuendos

When Gardeners' Question Time got mucky.

Podcast