Gardens Illustrated editor Stephanie Mahon has curated the magazine’s first ever book, The New Beautiful — a celebration of gardens that reflect today’s shifting ideas of beauty, sustainability, and design. We discuss what defines a ‘Gardens Illustrated’ garden, how the featured spaces in the book were chosen, about the evolving role of perennials to the challenges of capturing a garden’s true character in a photograph, Stephanie shares insights from her years at the forefront of garden publishing — and offers a glimpse into where garden design might be heading next.

Links

www.gardensillustrated.com

The New Beautiful: Inspiring Gardens for a Resilient Future

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 295: Picture Perfect Gardens with Mark Bolton
In this episode, freelance photographer Mark Bolton discusses his approach to capturing gardens and interiors for editorial and commercial clients. He shares insights into creating visually appealing garden spaces and offers tips for gardeners looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their own gardens.

Episode 354: Modern Planting Design with Andrew Fisher Tomlin
Garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin explores contemporary planting design, focusing on how modern approaches are shaping the aesthetics and functionality of gardens. He discusses trends, challenges, and the evolving role of planting design in creating beautiful and sustainable garden spaces.

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Luke Coleman is the founder of Luke Coleman Gardens, an Edinburgh-based studio known for bold, climate-resilient gardens rooted in story, ecology, and craft.

Luke was named RHS Young Designer of the Year 2025, winning Gold, Best Construction, and People’s Choice at the Wentworth show. His work draws on landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to the Cape Floral Kingdom, exploring how gardens can tell stories of resilience and culture.

We talk about his design principles, what resilience means in a garden, and how gardens might bring cultures together.

Links

Website: lukecoleman.co.uk

Instagram: @lukecolemangardens

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 305: Building on Nature
In this one, Sarah speaks with Nick Townsend of NatureScaping about how to integrate wildlife‑friendly features into garden construction and landscape design. They explore how hardscape and structural elements can support or harm biodiversity.

Episode 222: Nature from the Rubble
Sarah talks with landscape architect Sally Bower, whose work studies gardens using gravel, recycled aggregate, and other resilient growing media. They delve into designing with “non‑traditional” soils and how these gardens can help wildlife.

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Environmental scientist and author Shannon Jade talks about her work and her book A Song for the Earth — a poetic, hopeful take on the climate crisis. We talk about the themes in the book, our connection to nature, and the importance of finding your voice, whatever form that takes.

Links

• A Song for the Earth on Amazon UK
• A Song for the Earth on Goodreads
• A Song for the Earth on Bookshop
• Shannon Jade online
• Shannon Jade on Instagram
• Shannon Jade on TikTok

Other episodes if you liked this one:

Episode 336: Creating an Ark
In this episode, Sarah talks with landscape designer and rewilding pioneer Mary Reynolds about her mission to turn gardens into wild sanctuaries. They explore how even small patches of land can play a part in restoring biodiversity.

Episode 340: The Nature of Resilience
Author Nic Wilson joins Sarah to share how her relationship with the natural world supports her through chronic illness. They discuss the ways nature mirrors our inner worlds and offers space for healing.

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall