In this episode, I’m speaking with Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the rewilding movement We Are The Ark.

This episode originally aired in 2019 and it’s particularly pertinent as it coincides with the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where Mary, won a gold medal winner for her ground-breaking, naturalistic garden which at the time was a revelation. Mary has long championed a shift from traditional gardening to a more nature-centric approach. Her initiative, We Are The Ark, invites gardeners, landowners, and stewards to rewild areas under their care, transforming them into sanctuaries for biodiversity. This conversation delves into Mary's journey, the philosophy behind We Are The Ark, and practical steps we can all take to support nature in our own spaces.

As we face increasing environmental challenges, Mary's insights offer a timely reminder of the power each of us holds to make a difference. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, this episode provides inspiration and guidance on creating your own "Ark" for nature.

Links

1. Official Website – Mary Reynolds

Mary Reynolds' official website offers insights into her philosophy, projects, and design approach.

Website

2. We Are The Ark – Rewilding Movement

Mary founded the "We Are The Ark" initiative to encourage people to transform their gardens and land into safe havens for nature.

Website

3. Book: The Garden Awakening: Designs to Nurture Our Land and Ourselves

In this book, Mary shares her vision of creating gardens that are in harmony with nature, blending practical advice with spiritual insights.

Publisher's Page

4. Book: We Are The Ark

This book expands on the principles of the "We Are The Ark" movement, providing guidance on rewilding and creating sanctuaries for biodiversity.

Publisher's Page

5. Film: Dare to Be Wild

A biographical drama inspired by Mary Reynolds' journey to winning a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show.

IMDb Page

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If you liked this week's episode with Mary Reynolds you might also enjoy this one from the archives:

🌿 Episode 293: The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn with Sue Reed

In this episode, Sarah Wilson converses with author Sue Reed about her novel The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Northern landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, the story follows Molly McFlynn as she reconnects with nature and embraces her identity as an outsider. The discussion delves into themes of personal transformation, the healing power of wild spaces, and how fiction can inspire real-world ecological awareness.

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🦔 Episode 21: Wildlife Gardening with Kate Bradbury
Summary:
Sarah Wilson interviews wildlife gardening expert Kate Bradbury about creating gardens that support biodiversity. They explore essential features to include, such as shelter and specific plant choices, as well as common misconceptions about wildlife-friendly gardening. Kate shares insights from her book Wildlife Gardening for Everyone and Everything, offering practical advice for transforming any outdoor space into a haven for wildlife.Roots and AllApple Podcasts+1Roots and All+1

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Geeta Mehta, author of Japanese Gardens, talks about the beauty, philosophy, and deep cultural roots of Japan's garden traditions. We delve into how these serene landscapes reflect harmony, mindfulness, and a unique dialogue between nature and design.

Links

Japanese Gardens: Tranquility, Simplicity, Harmony by Geeta Mehta & Kimie Tada

Geeta Mehta on Wikipedia

Other episodes if you liked this one:

If you liked this week's episode with Geeta Mehta you might also enjoy this one from the archives:

Episode 271: Japanese Maples with Miles Hayward

Summary:
In this episode, Sarah Wilson speaks with Miles Hayward, an expert in Japanese Maples and founder of Miles Japanese Maples nursery. They delve into the different types of maples, how to grow and care for them, and what makes these trees so iconic in Japanese garden design. Miles also shares insights into how he built his nursery around quality, sustainability, and deep botanical knowledge.

Web Link

Episode 118: Tokachi Millennium Forest with Dan Pearson & Midori Shintani

Summary:
Sarah interviews renowned garden designer Dan Pearson and head gardener Midori Shintani about the Tokachi Millennium Forest project in Hokkaido, Japan. The episode explores the forest’s design philosophy, the fusion of traditional Japanese landscape principles with ecological awareness, and the challenges of working on a project with a 1,000-year vision. It’s a profound conversation about stewardship, beauty, and long-term thinking in garden design.

Web Link

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Joshua Sparkes is a grower whose innovative, soil-centered approach blends regenerative principles with a deep reverence for the natural world. We dig into his unique style of farming, how it’s shaped by observation and experimentation, and why it offers a glimpse into what must be the future of sustainable food production.

Links

The Collective at Woolsery

Joshua Sparkes on Instagram

Other episodes if you liked this one:

If you liked this week's episode with Joshua Sparkes you might also enjoy this one from the archives:

Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition

Guest: Sam Hamrebtan

Link: Roots and All
Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital connection between soil and the nutrients in our food. As the founder of the Life Larder newsletter and Course Director at CNM’s Natural Chef School, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge on how growing practices impact the quality of what we eat.

Episode 306: The Soil Habitat

Guest: Eddie Bailey

Link: Roots and All
Eddie Bailey, a geologist, organic no-dig gardener, and soil food web specialist who runs Rhizophyllia, discusses the soil food web, what inhabits the soil habitat, why soil health impacts plant health and ultimately our health, and what you can do to get the best out of your garden.

Please support the podcast on Patreon