Dan Pearson on the value of gardening slowly, lavender alternatives and getting peonies to flower
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In this episode of Gardeners' Corner, host David Maxwell explores the philosophy of slow gardening with renowned designer Dan Pearson, who shares how his 15-year journey at his Somerset garden, Hillside, was shaped by patience, observation, and deep connection to the land. Pearson emphasizes the value of understanding a site over time—learning the rhythms of the seasons, respecting the landscape’s natural evolution, and using sustainable practices like low dig and rewilding. The episode also features practical gardening advice, including alternatives to struggling lavender hedges (such as Hebe and Ioneum), tips for growing nasturtiums in neglectful conditions, and how to manage leather jacket grubs using natural methods. Community gardening initiatives in North Belfast and Crevery Primary School highlight the social and educational power of green spaces, while listeners share their own garden challenges and triumphs. The episode closes with a tribute to William Robinson and a spotlight on rare plants like the Davidia involucrata, or handkerchief tree, celebrated for its unique beauty and ecological significance.
Gardening slowly allows you to truly understand a site’s seasons, soil, and natural rhythms, leading to more sustainable and meaningful designs.
Use low dig or no dig methods to preserve soil health and microbial life, especially in heavy or wet soils.
Replace struggling lavender with evergreen alternatives like Hebe or Ioneum for year-round structure and low maintenance.
Nasturtiums thrive in poor, well-drained soil and should be treated with neglect—over-fertilizing leads to leafy growth and few flowers.
Community gardens foster connection, skill-sharing, and mental wellbeing, especially for refugees and marginalized groups.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Slow Gardening with Dan Pearson
“Even one year makes the difference to understand all four seasons and what happens. But of course, if you take longer than that, if you can, it's so worth it.”
Community Gardening in North Belfast
A visit to the Waterworks Community Garden in North Belfast highlights how gardening fosters inclusion, cultural connection, and mental wellbeing. Women from refugee backgrounds grow food, share stories, and build community through shared labor and conversation.
Practical Gardening: Nasturtiums and Lawn Care
Colin Agnew answers listener questions on growing nasturtiums in window boxes (use poor, gritty compost and avoid overwatering) and the correct order for lawn care: scarify first, then treat with seed and fertilizer.
Designing for Year-Round Interest in Pots
Colin suggests a layered planting approach for Belfast sinks: use ferns as thrillers, heuchera as fillers, and sedums like Angelina as spilling plants for continuous visual interest and low maintenance.
Rewilding and Natural Regeneration at Hillside
“You just take certain elements from that to move it forwards. And we really liked the way that the previous farmer had occupied the land.”
“If you see it, just buy it. It's too valuable to leave behind.”
“Even one year makes the difference to understand all four seasons and what happens. But of course, if you take longer than that, if you can, it's so worth it.”
“The writing somehow particularly when you're writing for other people, not just yourself then I think you really have to think about why those things what makes something tick?”
Host
Guest
David Maxwell
person
Colin Agnew
person
Euphorbia
other
Dan Pearson
person
Waterworks Community Garden
place
Gravetye Manor
place
Nasturtium
other
Hillside
place
William Robinson
person
Crevery Primary School
place
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