Make a metre matter, with Nick Bailey
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BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast
This episode is titled:
Make a metre matter, with Nick Bailey
Notable Quotes
"It's incredibly stressful... You've got a whole load of plants that you need to be ready at exactly the same time."
"Concrete is responsible for 8% of carbon emissions globally, which is pretty horrific."
"I think it's something everybody can get on board with, even with the sort of smallest of spaces."
"It’s about that sort of true long-term management of our resources."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this podcast episode, Kevin Smith from BBC Gardeners World Magazine interviews Nick Bailey, a garden designer and presenter, about his role in designing the show garden for the upcoming BBC Gardeners World Live event. The garden is part of the 'Make a Meter Matter' campaign, aiming to inspire individuals to transform small outdoor spaces for ecological benefits. The conversation begins with the pressures that come with designing a show garden, citing the short time frame and the visibility the garden will receive during the event. Nick elaborates on the importance of true sustainability, opting for materials such as cork and timber instead of concrete, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions.
Nick introduces the concept of a 'plant-based garden', where the majority of materials come from plants, like willows and cork, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The design features various elements, including clusters of buildings for growing vegetables, protecting plants, and even a multi-occupancy birdhouse. Each zone within the garden aims to serve specific purposes, such as growing brassicas safely and providing habitats for pollinators.
The discussion shifts to how visitors to the garden will see practical demonstrations of how to use a meter of space effectively, with examples of square meter plantings for vegetables, flowers, and water features. Nick explains the unique layout of the garden, designed for viewing from multiple angles, which presents challenges regarding the continuity of aesthetics. The planting methodology for the show garden involves more complex techniques than typical home gardens, focusing on plant health and visual appeal as they mature before the big reveal.
Towards the end, they discuss the future of the garden after the show, with plans to donate the plants to local charities focused on educational programs in horticulture. The episode captures the excitement and creativity behind bringing a sustainable garden to life at the NEC while encouraging listeners to think about their outdoor spaces.
Nick introduces the concept of a 'plant-based garden', where the majority of materials come from plants, like willows and cork, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The design features various elements, including clusters of buildings for growing vegetables, protecting plants, and even a multi-occupancy birdhouse. Each zone within the garden aims to serve specific purposes, such as growing brassicas safely and providing habitats for pollinators.
The discussion shifts to how visitors to the garden will see practical demonstrations of how to use a meter of space effectively, with examples of square meter plantings for vegetables, flowers, and water features. Nick explains the unique layout of the garden, designed for viewing from multiple angles, which presents challenges regarding the continuity of aesthetics. The planting methodology for the show garden involves more complex techniques than typical home gardens, focusing on plant health and visual appeal as they mature before the big reveal.
Towards the end, they discuss the future of the garden after the show, with plans to donate the plants to local charities focused on educational programs in horticulture. The episode captures the excitement and creativity behind bringing a sustainable garden to life at the NEC while encouraging listeners to think about their outdoor spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Designing a show garden is a stressful but rewarding experience, especially when it will be viewed by millions.
- True sustainability in gardening involves using renewable and locally sourced materials while avoiding high carbon footprint items like concrete.
- The 'Make a Meter Matter' campaign aims to inspire individuals to transform small spaces into habitats for wildlife and sustainable gardens.
- Successful garden design involves understanding aesthetics from multiple viewpoints, especially in show gardens meant for public viewing.
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