I’m joined by the brilliant AB Bishop, a passionate advocate for wildlife-friendly gardening and author and journalist. We dive into the incredible ways AB has transformed her outdoor space into a thriving habitat for native birds, insects, and other creatures. If you’re keen to make your patch more biodiverse and buzzing with life, plus find out about Australia’s incredible flora and fauna, this one’s for you!

Links

AB Bishop is a renowned horticulturist, conservationist, and writer specialising in Australian native plants and wildlife-friendly gardening. Here are some of her notable works:

• Habitat: A Practical Guide to Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Australian Garden
  This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on designing, planting, and maintaining gardens that support local wildlife. It emphasizes understanding the interconnectedness of backyard ecosystems to create authentic habitats.
• Naturescapes: How to Create a Natural Australian Garden (co-authored with Phillip Withers)
  This book provides inspiration and guidance on transforming outdoor spaces into naturalistic Australian gardens. It focuses on plant selection, materials, wildlife habitats, soil information, and design principles to establish thriving environments.
• Articles in ABC Gardening Australia Magazine
  As the horticultural editor, AB Bishop has contributed numerous articles covering topics such as composting, pruning native plants, and garden design. Her writings offer valuable insights and practical tips for gardeners.

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

Episode 38: Wildlife Gardening with Kate Bradbury
In this episode, I speak with wildlife gardening expert Kate Bradbury about creating gardens that support and attract wildlife. We discuss the best practices for designing wildlife-friendly spaces, including plant choices and features to include, as well as common mistakes to avoid. Kate shares insights from her book Wildlife Gardening for Everyone and Everything, offering valuable advice for gardeners looking to make their outdoor spaces more hospitable to various species.
Listen to the episode

Episode 160: Making a Wildlife Garden with Chris Baines
In this episode, I talk with gardener, TV presenter, and wildlife advocate Chris Baines about the evolution of wildlife gardening since the 1980s. Chris shares his experiences designing the first wildlife garden at the Chelsea Flower Show and offers practical advice on mimicking natural habitats, such as woodland edges, to support biodiversity. We also discuss the importance of documenting garden wildlife and how individual efforts contribute to broader conservation goals.
Listen to the episode

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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. Sam talks about nourishing both the land and ourselves.

Links

The Life Larder

On Instagram

Other episodes if you liked this one:

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

257: Taste Your Garden

This episode, my guest is qualified herbalist Meghan Rhodes. Meghan discusses how we can tap into our gardens for better health, why herbs are good for dealing with conditions that are manifestations of multiple problems, such as stomach issues, the 7 keys tastes you find in herbs and how you can get started on your own journey using herbs for wellbeing.

246: Urban Smallholding

My guest this episode is urban smallholder Sara Ward. Sara runs Hen Corner, a backyard smallholding in London. Her website Hen Corner has a wealth of information on growing and making food, she runs courses, sells products from her bakery and has just published a book ‘Living the Good Life in the City’. I began by asking Sara what prompted her to follow in the wellie-prints of Barbara Good.

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Explore the deep connection between movement, landscape, and wellbeing In this episode featuring author and academic Kerri Andrews. We talk about her book Pathfinding and the profound impact of walking in nature. Discover how walking can be an act of reflection, discovery, and even resistance. Kerri shares insights from history and her own experiences, reminding us why putting one foot in front of the other is more powerful than we might think.

Links

www.kerriandrews.co.uk

https://kerriandrews.co.uk/

Pathfinding: On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom by Kerri Andrews

Other episodes if you liked this one:

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

321: Weathering It All

Join me for a timely exploration of how weather shapes our landscapes, ecosystems, and personal experiences of the natural world. Writer and naturalist Matt Gaw discusses his latest book, In All Weathers. As we face an increasing onslaught of extreme and unpredictable weather patterns across the globe, Matt’s reflections on walking through the elements—be it storm, drought, or downpour—offer both a poetic and urgent perspective on our relationship with the forces that govern life on Earth. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on resilience, adaptation, and the beauty found in even the most inhospitable conditions.

276: Unearthing

This week, my guest is Kyo Maclear. Kyo is an author and her latest book is centred around family secrets, her mother and how gardening shaped their relationship and helped her frame their mutual experiences.

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