Pots & Trowels The Gardening Podcast · Martin Fish, Jill Fish, Sean Riley

RHS Harlow Carr Curator Conversation, Cucumber Conundrum, Carrot Care & Holm Oak Q

·38 min

Pots and Trowels hosts interview Paul Cook, curator of RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, on his 12-year tenure. The episode explores Paul's journey from discovering gardening as a viable profession through night school, YTS training at Arley Hall, Kew Diploma education, and roles at Ness Botanic Gardens before joining RHS. He discusses the difference between botanical gardens (plant collections) and horticultural gardens (pleasure landscapes with practical demonstrations). The episode includes discussion of garden challenges during drought, plant survival strategies, and concludes with practical listener advice on handling bolted carrots and freezing vegetables.

As heard by us

A garden visit that moves from Paul Cook's farewell to cucumber questions and green tomato chutney.

The episode follows a September visit to RHS Harlow Car in North Yorkshire, with Martin, Jill, and Sean speaking with curator Paul Cook as he says goodbye.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

A September garden chat at RHS Harlow Car, plus cucumber fixes.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify