In this episode of the podcast, I'm coming to you from the Garden Press Event 2026, where I've been talking to some of the most interesting and innovative people in the gardening world.

I first meet up with former guest Andrew Cousins from The Dipping Tank Company, whose rainwater-harvesting tanks double as beautiful water features, now joined by a clever new accessory, the "Little Dipper," for easy, thumb-controlled watering straight from the tank.

Next up is Philip Redmond of Premier Seeds Direct, an online-only seed specialist offering over a thousand varieties, including new collaborations with no-dig guru Charles Dowding and a huge new range of dahlias.

From there, I chat with Luke of Hortiwool, who's turning British sheep's wool into versatile garden products, from hanging basket liners to wildlife bedding.

I'm then joined by Jennifer and Steve from Pro-Grow and Veolia, to explore volcanic rock dust, recycled green-waste composts and topsoil, and how they're helping gardeners grow stronger, healthier plants.

I also speak with Alison Edwards from Burgon & Ball, celebrating nearly 300 years of toolmaking and with a range of stylish RHS-licensed gifts.

Chris Wiley from Horty.ai is launching an AI gardening companion, and Matthew Dent from Fertile Fibre, tells us about his consistent, peat-free, coir-based composts.

Finally, Julia Mitchell tells me all about the newly launched Nursery Exhibitors Organisation which is bringing togeher small nurseries and helping them get seen in a busy market.

Orchids have a reputation for being fussy, fragile divas – but what if they're actually some of the toughest, most forgiving houseplants you can grow? In this episode Joff Elphick chats with writer and garden media specialist Julianne Robertson about her new book, ORCHIDS: a no fuss guide to keeping your houseplant happy.

Julianne explains what orchids really need to thrive indoors: the right light, temperature, feeding, and watering – without the myths, gimmicks or ice cubes. From the ever-popular Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) to other Cambria, Cattleya, Cymbidium, and Dendrobium, Julianne shares practical tips, surprising orchid history, and reassuring advice for anyone who's killed an orchid (or three) before.

Whether you're an anxious beginner or an orchid addict looking to learn more, this episode will help you keep these elegant plants blooming for years, not weeks.

In episode 36 Joff Elphick visits the Garden Press Event at London's Business Design Center.

Sue Morgan from Songbird Survival discusses the charity's work addressing the alarming 50% decline in UK songbirds over the past 50 years. She attributes this to complex factors including climate change, land use changes, pesticides, and habitat loss. Sue offers three key tips for bird-friendly gardens: provide shelter (places to perch and feel safe), food (through plants with berries and seeds), and year-round water sources. She also mentions their upcoming Chelsea Flower Show garden designed by Nicola Okey.

Alexander Hall from Everedge talks us through their range of powder-coated and corten steel raised-bed and edging products. Founded 30 years ago their products have been used in gardens such as Wisley as well as 100's of other gardens around the UK.

Mark Meadows from Buzzbox explains their beekeeping starter kit, which includes everything except the bees themselves. He describes how honey production works with the queen in the brood box and honey storage in the supers, separated by a queen excluder.

Andy Rollings reveals David Austin Roses' meticulous 12-year development process, starting with 40,000 hand pollinations generating nearly 400,000 seeds. Only roses tough enough to thrive without special care make it to market, budded onto Rosa laxer rootstock.

Paul Duffy from Onduline discusses their lightweight, recyclable corrugated roofing sheets, which are quieter than metal alternatives and last for 15+ years.

Anthony from Garden on a Roll offers pre-designed garden layouts on biodegradable paper with lettered plants to match, making gardening accessible for beginners.

Jane from Dale Foot Compost creates eco-friendly growing media from bracken (high in potassium) and sheep wool (providing nitrogen and water retention), while also working on peatland restoration.

Andrew Tolly from King Seeds highlights their heritage since 1888, specializing in sweet peas (100+ varieties) and vegetable seeds for allotments nationwide.

Lastly, Florian introduces Fryd, a gardening app that helps plan gardens with automatic to-do lists for planting and maintenance.