Kelly Morse is co-founder of 70|30 Studio—a design practice with a mission to rewild spaces and reconnect people with nature. Kelly’s work blends ecology, sustainability, and creative design to transform how we experience the natural world. We’ll be discussing the philosophy behind 70|30 Studio, the challenges and rewards of integrating wild landscapes into urban environments, and how we can all bring a little more nature into our everyday lives.

About

Kelly Morse is an ecological landscape designer, writer, and environmental artist. She is an award-winning author and founder of 70|30 Design Studio. As co-founder of Symbiocene Project she collaborates with artist Brendan Baylor and others to create environmental, community-centred art installations, including Hothouse and Soundings: Soundmap for a Changing Landscape.

Links

70|30 Design Studio

Brendan Baylor Art

Hothouse Project

Soundings: Soundmap for a Changing Landscape

70|30 Design Studio on Instagram

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Episode 209: Soundscapes and Landscapes

This week I’m speaking to Dr Mike Edwards, Chief Listening Officer at Sound Matters, a company focussed on using sound and listening to create more sustainable and resilient futures. Sound Matters provided the soundtrack to the Rewilding Britain garden that one best in show at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Mike recently spoke passionately about climate change, soundscapes and landscapes at the Beth Chatto Symposium and wowed a lecture theatre full of rapt listeners with his prowess on the didgeridoo.

Episode 138: The Botanical Mind

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.

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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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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.
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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

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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

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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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Investigative journalist Carey Gillam talks about glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Carey has spent years researching its impacts on health and the environment, as well as the discussions surrounding its regulation and use. She talks about her research, the science behind this particular herbicide, and the effects of the chemical on soils and our health.

Links

Learn more about Carey:

www.careygillam.com

The New Lede

At The Guardian

Her books:

Whitewash - The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer and the Corruption of Science

The Monsanto Papers - Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man's Search for Justice

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Content creator, writer and gardener Ramona Jones talks about her garden and her beautiful book Growing. We discuss her experiences as a neurodivergent gardener, how she uses social media to document her journey, and the joys of creating a space that nurtures both plants and wildlife. She shares her deep connection with nature and the ways gardening has helped her grow in more ways than one.

Links

Growing: A year of living and nurturing with the seasons by Ramona Jones

Ramona Jones on Instagram - @monalogue

Ramona on YouTube

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203: Gardening for Your Senses

This week I’m chatting with writer Kendra Wilson. Kendra has written a vast amount about gardening but I was particularly interested in speaking to her about her book Garden for the Senses. Engaging all your senses can lead to a deeper connection with the landscape and it can be an unusual and transformative experience. I wanted to find out how we can all learn to better use our senses and firstly, what prompted Kendra to write the book.

230: Sensory Gardens and Autism

I’m speaking about Sensory Gardens, with a focus on design for people with autism. I have three guests; Camellia Taylor who’s designed The Natural Affinity Garden, which will be at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, after which time it will be relocated to Kent, to the charity Aspens where it will be used by residents of and visitors to the site. Next, I speak with Meraud Davis who’s overseeing the project at Aspens and finally, to Alexis Selby a foraging obsessed, nature-loving, all-round amazing person who’s giving us her take on using outdoor spaces with her son, Jared.

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Bailey Van Tassel talks about the art of kitchen gardening. We explore Bailey’s seasonal, intuitive approach to growing food at home and discuss insights from her book, Kitchen Garden Living. With a focus on simplicity and sustainability, Bailey shares her thoughts on cultivating a thriving kitchen garden.

Links

www.baileyvantassel.com

Kitchen Garden Living: Seasonal Growing and Eating from a Beautiful, Bountiful Food Garden by Bailey Van Tassel

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188: Huw Richards on Veg Growing

This week’s guest is veg growing expert Huw Richards. Huw grows a vast range of plants in his garden in mid-West Wales and is always trialling and experimenting with new ways of growing. He has an enormously popular YouTube channel and has authored a number of books, the latest of which is ‘The Vegetable Grower’s Handbook’ which draws on his experience as very much a thoughtful and philosophical gardener.

171: Grow Easy with Anna Greenland

This year’s first guest is organic vegetable grower Anna Greenland. Anna has supplied produce to some of the UK’s top chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Jamie Oliver, has created gardens at Soho Farmhouse, Kew Gardens and the Huntington Botanical Gardens in LA. She is currently establishing a market garden and gardening school in Suffolk and has just released a book called ‘Grow Easy’. Anna talks about working with the best chefs in the best kitchens and catering to their clientele, about producing pristine veg organically, about growing food in different climates and the fundamentals of veg garden success.

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I’m joined by Richard Scott and Polly Moseley from the Scouse Flowerhouse to explore the transformative power of community gardens. They share insights on using wildflowers to create vibrant, biodiverse spaces that benefit both people and wildlife, as well as the challenges and rewards of managing community green spaces. Listen on to discover how their work is weaving nature into urban communities.

Links

www.scouseflowerhouse.com

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If you liked this week's episode with Richard Scott & Polly Moseley you might also enjoy this one from the archives:

1. Episode 275: Community Gardening

Synopsis: This episode delves into the world of community gardening, exploring how shared green spaces can foster community spirit, provide fresh produce, and promote environmental stewardship. The discussion highlights the benefits and challenges of managing communal gardens and offers insights into starting and sustaining such projects.

2. Episode 173: Sharing and Borrowing Gardens

Synopsis: In this episode, host Sarah Wilson speaks with Joyce Veheary, founder of Lend and Tend, an initiative that connects garden owners with individuals who lack their own gardening space. They discuss how this platform facilitates the sharing and borrowing of gardens, promoting community engagement and making gardening more accessible to everyone.

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