I’m joined by lichenologist April Windle from The British Lichen Society to uncover the hidden world of lichens. What they are, how they grow, and why they’re vital for biodiversity, air quality, and ecosystem health. We explore lichen identification, their role as bioindicators,  and how they can even signal ancient woodlands and environmental change. We also touch on their cultural history, uses in natural dyes and medicine, and why gardeners should embrace lichens in their outdoor spaces. Plus, in Ask Mykal, I answer a common question about moss lawns and how to work with, rather than against, your garden conditions.


DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

________

Episode Links:
April Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aprilwindle.nature/]
British Lichen Society Website [https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/]

________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

British Lichens with April Windle

In this episode, we sit down with Eddie Mordue a farmer, market gardener, and founder of Traditional Garden Growers  to explore the foundations of truly healthy gardens: the soil.

We dive into the reality of modern gardening, from synthetic fertilisers and depleted soils to what’s really going on beneath our feet. Eddie shares his perspective from years of growing, and why working with natural systems is the key to long-term success.

We also talk about forgotten, traditional inputs including wool!  and how materials that have been used for generations are finding their place again in modern gardens through innovations like Wooltiliser!

DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

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Episode Links:
Traditional Garden Growers Website
[https://www.traditionalgardengrowers.co.uk/]Traditional Garden Growers Instagram
[https://www.instagram.com/traditional.garden.growers/]https://www.barefootforager.com/________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Feed Soil, Not Plants with Eddie Mordue

The weeds in your local park? Some of them are dinner. This episode, I sit down with Leo Utton — the Barefoot Forager — a UK wild food expert and foraging workshop host working across Brighton and London. We dig into early spring edible plants, safe foraging practices, and the surprisingly rich history behind the wild foods growing all around us. Leo has a brilliant knack for bringing together old herbal texts and cutting-edge plant science, whether he's posting on social media or leading a group through the hedgerows. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned forager, this one's packed with seasonal inspiration.

DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

________

Episode Links:
Leo's Instagram
[https://www.instagram.com/thebarefootforager/]Leo's Website
[https://www.barefootforager.com/]________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Foraging with Leo Utton, The Barefoot Forager 

Jessica Zander of You Can Do It Gardening is known for common sense no-frills garden advice inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the globe that they can do it themselves, and that gardening doesn’t have to be so complicated. Jessica Zander has built a booming garden coaching business from scratch after a career in finance. We chat about starting her business to Spring Garden Tips.

DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

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Episode Links:
Jessica Zander Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/youcandoitgardening/]
Jessica Zaner Website [https://www.youcandoitgardening.com/]
________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

You Can Do It - With Jessica Zander 

In this episode of The Gardener’s Lodge podcast, Mykal sits down with Michael Marriott, one of the world’s leading rosarians. After more than 35 years working with David Austin Roses, his voice and name have become synonymous with modern English roses. Michael’s approach to growing roses is refreshingly simple, grounded in observation, practicality, and a deep respect for how plants naturally thrive.

DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

________

Episode Links:
Roots and All Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rootsandallpod/]
Roots and All Website [https://rootsandall.co.uk/]
________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Roses With Michael Marriott

In this episode of The Gardener’s Lodge podcast, Mykal sits down with Sarah Wilson, host of the acclaimed Roots and All podcast, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about gardening, media, and integrity. Sarah reflects on her journey into horticulture, how podcasting has shaped her thinking, and why she’s become more questioning of industry narratives, motives, greenwashing, and who gets amplified in gardening media. Together, they explore wildlife gardening, independent garden media, therapeutic landscapes, and what it means to garden thoughtfully in a changing world.

DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

________

Episode Links:
Roots and All Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rootsandallpod/]
Roots and All Website [https://rootsandall.co.uk/]
________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Beneath the Surface with 'Roots and All' host Sarah Wilson

Ever thought about sharing your garden online, but not quite known where to start? This episode is for you.

Mykal sits down with Tom Coleman, a social media specialist working within the horticultural industry, to talk about how gardeners can show up online with confidence. From the do’s and don’ts of posting your garden, to staying authentic and enjoying the process, this conversation goes beyond algorithms and focuses on sharing your love of plants in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

Whether you’re quietly posting for fun or thinking about growing a small following, this episode will help you feel more comfortable putting your garden out into the world.

DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

________

Episode Links:
Tom's Website
[https://www.imtomcoleman.com/]Tom's instagram
[https://www.instagram.com/imtomcoleman/?hl=en]________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Garden on Social Media with Tom Coleman 

World-renowned garden photographer Clive Nichols joins Mykal Hoare in the Lodge for a thoughtful conversation about photographing gardens at their most beautiful. Having captured some of the world’s finest and most private gardens, including HRH King Charles III’s garden at Birkhall, Clive reflects on a career spent observing gardens at their most fleeting and atmospheric.

Together, they explore light, patience, and atmosphere in garden photography, alongside practical insights for gardeners and photographers looking to capture gardens with clarity and restraint.

DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

________

Episode Links:
Clive's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/clivenichols/]
Clives Website [https://clivenichols.com/]
________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

The Gardener's Lodge Design & Media ©2026

Britain's Best Garden Photographer Clive Nichols  

World-renowned planting designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin joins Mykal in the Lodge to talk all things planting design and reflect on a remarkable career in horticulture.

Andrew is the founding director of the London College of Garden Design and a respected educator at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. His career spans decades at the very highest level of the profession, including judging show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

In this conversation, Andrew shares the hard-won knowledge and insight gathered throughout his career, much of which now forms the basis of his first book, The Modern Professional Planting Designer — an Amazon No.1 bestseller.

DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

________

Episode Links:
Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer [https://andrewfishertomlin.com/]Andrews Instragram [https://www.instagram.com/fishertomlin/?hl=en]
________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

Growing Media Production ©2025

Mastering Modern Planting with Andrew Fisher Tomlin

Tom France is a passionate Ecologist from the United kingdom. This conversation is about all things british ecology, from re-wilding to the state of the british landscape.  



DESIGN STUDIO [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/uk-garden-design]
GARDEN COACHING [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/gardencoaching]

FREE PERENNIAL GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/free-perennial-garden-design-uk]
FREE NATIVE NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN DOWNLOAD: DOWNLOAD [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/freenativedesigndownload]

________

Episode Links:
Tom France instagram [https://www.instagram.com/naturemantom/?hl=en]
________

Mykal's Links:
thegardenerslodge.co.uk [https://thegardenerslodge.co.uk/]
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegardenerslodgeuk/]
Tik Tok  [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardenerslodge]

Growing Media Production ©2025

Wild Britain with Tom France 

GARDENING, ECOLOGY & SUSTAINABILITY
Step into The Gardener’s Lodge with host Mykal Hoare as he explores the fascinating world of plants, nature, and sustainable living. Through conversations with experts, industry leaders, and passionate enthusiasts, discover fresh insights into horticulture, gardening, agriculture, and ecology—all from the cozy heart of the lodge.

Mykal Hoare

Shows