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Hey everyone, it’s Lizzie!

This week on Second Nature, I’m bringing you something really special. I recently got to visit the incredible Kew Gardens for the In Conversation with BBC Gardeners' World event!

I felt completely immersed in the greenery of Kew Gardens, and what a fantastic setting for an intimate chat with some of the best minds in gardening.

I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with three of my favourite BBC Gardeners' World presenters: Frances Tophill, Adam Frost, and Nicki Chapman! It genuinely felt like catching up with old friends, and we covered everything from their own projects to some of their best gardening advice.

In this episode, you’ll hear us chat about:

• Frances Tophill's new book, A Wildflower Year, and her fantastic advice on how to start gardening on a budget, no matter how small your space.
• Adam Frost's top tips for planning your garden this autumn and how getting outdoors has positively affected his own wellbeing.
• Nicki Chapman's perspective on how to design a garden that’s your own personal sanctuary.

So grab a brew and get ready to hear some fantastic tips and behind-the-scenes stories!

Get in touch! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. You can always get in touch with me on social media at @LizzieMuddyHeelsMac or by emailing info@second-nature.co.uk.

Don't forget to listen to the sister episode of In Conversation with BBC Countryfile!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

Hello and welcome to Second Nature! Get ready to celebrate the seasons as I take you on an autumn adventure to BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair! This episode is a fantastic celebration of all things gardening and homegrown, filled with amazing conversations and plenty of inspiration.

I was lucky enough to walk around the event and catch up with some incredible people. You'll hear from the much-loved TV presenter, Rachel de Thame, who shares her top tips for autumn gardening and how to deal with the changing weather. I also got to relive my poultry past and have a cuddle with a chicken or two, chatting with Susannah from Pip & Chick Poultry about starting a flock of your own.

I couldn't leave without catching up with Gardening with Ish, who shares his journey to social media stardom and gives us some great ideas on what to be planting this season. And on the food side, I spoke with Riverford Organic Farmers about the power of seasonal, British produce, and chatted with the wonderful entrepreneurs behind Fruit Shack Blends about their mission to provide healthy, real juice options while supporting school children.

This episode proves that gardening, food, and home-grown passion truly build connections. Come with me and get inspired to make the most of your garden this autumn!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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In this week's episode, I'm so excited to be back for a new season of Second Nature! It's been a busy few months in my garden, and I can't wait to share some of the highlights from my greenhouse, including updates on my first tomato and cucumber harvests. But that's not all—I'm thrilled to be joined by a very special guest, the incredibly talented Josh Smalley, a contestant from the Great British Bake Off.

Josh and I dive into a fascinating conversation about the intersection of gardening, baking, and science. We'll chat about his life after the Bake Off and his passion for science communication, especially when it comes to getting kids interested in food and chemistry. We also get into the nitty-gritty of gardening challenges (hello, unpredictable weather!) and share some practical tips for making the most of seasonal produce.

You'll hear all about how Josh's family influenced his baking journey and some of the creative ways we can use up a surplus of things like apples and courgettes.

And in a true Second Nature first, we even team up to make a pizza using fresh ingredients straight from my garden. Plus, you'll get a sneak peek into Josh's new book feature, 'The Science of Flavour'. It's a fun and jam-packed episode with plenty of laughs, stories, and a whole lot of deliciousness. I can't wait for you to listen! 🎧

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Hello and welcome to Second Nature! What a couple of weeks it's been – full of fun experiences that I can't wait to share with you. Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as we talk all things food, farming and homegrown.

First, I'm taking you behind the scenes of Farm Safety Week. I was so privileged to attend a powerful lunch hosted by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). Hearing the raw, honest stories from individuals who've faced immense physical and mental challenges in farming was incredibly moving. We delve into the often-overlooked dangers of this vital profession and discuss why powerful campaigns like 'Who Would Fill Your Boots?' are so profoundly important. It was an emotional and inspiring day, and I share a very personal moment from it.

Then, get ready for an adventure to the stunning Lake District! I was lucky enough to stay with the wonderful Davidson family – Ange, Baz, and their incredibly dedicated 13-year-old son, Seth. You'll hear all about my delightful stay (I genuinely felt like a Disney princess with cows right outside my window!). We dive deep into the fascinating world of calf showing as I follow Seth through his meticulous preparations for the Penrith Show. You'll discover just how much effort goes into getting those calves show-ready – from shampooing and grooming to even "makeup"! I even tried my hand at walking calves (spoiler: it's much, much harder than it looks!).

You'll hear directly from Seth about his passion for his calves, his showmanship, and what it takes to win ribbons. His dad, Baz, a dedicated hoof trimmer, shares insights into his crucial role in animal welfare and his immense pride in Seth. Plus, Seth's mum, Ange, takes us through her diverse farming journey, from relief milking to her blooming passion for floristry and homegrown produce.

This episode is a true celebration of the dedication, resilience, and diverse talents within our farming community, from ensuring safety to preparing prize-winning livestock.

Tune in to hear all the stories, my hands-on adventures, and reflections on the unwavering spirit of those who feed our nation!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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"Hello and welcome to Second Nature!" Oh my goodness, what an event! Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I take you on an exciting journey to Groundswell, which is just the most vibrant and inspiring gathering for regenerative agriculture in the UK. I recently spent time completely immersed in this incredible festival of farming, and I honestly can't wait to share my experiences and all the amazing insights with you.

My first time at Groundswell was absolutely delightful – I'm still basking in the afterglow of all the connections I made, the conversations I had, and the huge feeling of inspiration and empowerment! The whole event just had this amazing sense of community; it's truly buzzing with inclusivity, where everyone from seasoned farmers to consumers can connect and share knowledge. A huge shout-out to Neil Barrett and Agri-Ton's newest team member, underscore Lisa underscore underscore, who perfectly captured that infectious, non-judgmental atmosphere.

In this episode, you'll hear me exploring the huge range of exhibitors showcasing some seriously innovative practices in agriculture, and wow, those engaging sessions attracted such a massive audience – it's clear the interest in regenerative farming is just exploding! I'll be sharing some super interesting bits from notable speakers who are totally shaping the future of farming, including a fascinating chat with Ed Brown from Wildfarmed about Prince William's unexpected visit – how cool is that?!

I dive deep into understanding regenerative agriculture principles, breaking down the five key elements like soil health, biodiversity, and the crucial role livestock plays (big thanks to The team at Easy Care Sheep for explaining how their breed fits right in!). You'll hear my conversations with so many different attendees, all with their own unique perspectives on what regenerative farming truly means.

I also had some really personal chats, like with the inspiring chief shepherdess, Zoe Colville, who openly shared the raw reality of balancing motherhood and farming. And it was brilliant to meet Alice (thecalfgirl) and Jazz (shepherdess jazz), who also shared their insights on livestock and farming life.

You'll discover exciting innovative products like virtual fencing – a huge thanks to Leah from Monil-virtual fencing for explaining how that works! And I loved learning about the world of wool and sustainable fashion from Maria Benjamin from the Wool Library and Farmers Yarn, and Deborah Barker, co-founder of the South East England Fibre Shed. Plus, a big shout-out to Paddy from Ruumi and Lucy and Kat from Goats Rodeo Goods for their fantastic contributions and showing us their amazing sustainable products.

This episode emphasizes the profound significance of community, sustainability, and innovation within the agricultural sector. Tune in to discover why Groundswell isn't just an event – it's a powerful, growing movement towards a more sustainable and connected future for farming.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Welcome back to Second Nature! I'm Lizzie McLaughlin, and in this episode, I'm bringing you even more vibrant insights and exciting interviews from my visit to BBC Gardeners' World Live which ran from June 12-15th. This is Part 2 of our special series, diving deeper into the worlds of gardening and cooking with a focus on creativity, community, and sustainability.

I had such a fantastic time chatting with some incredible people! You'll hear from Becky Excell, who makes gluten-free cooking fun and colourful, proving that "food is everything" and it certainly doesn't have to be boring. I also explore the stunning beauty of monochromatic gardens with Samantha Stringer and discover the incredible diversity of orchids with experts from the Thames Valley Orchid Society – learn how anyone can grow these beautiful plants! Plus, I caught up with Graham from Wool Pots, who shares how their innovative, sustainable wool pots can significantly reduce water usage in your garden.

Join me as we continue to explore practical tips and inspiring stories that highlight the joy of connecting with our food and fostering a greener lifestyle.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The vibrant and accessible world of gluten-free cooking with Becky Excell.
• The unique aesthetic of monochromatic gardens through Samantha Stringer's insights.
• How diverse and manageable orchids can be, even for beginners.
• Sustainable alternatives to plastic with Wool Pots, and how they save water.
  
  
• The ongoing importance of community engagement in gardening and cooking.
• New ways to embrace creativity and experimentation in your own plot and plate journey.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I share my exciting experiences and discoveries from BBC Gardeners' World Live! I recently visited the show, which ran from June 12-15th, and in part one, this episode of Second Nature, we're diving deep into the vital theme of sustainability in both gardening and cooking.

I chat with incredible guests, including Nick Bailey, who unveils the innovative Plant-Based Garden and discusses his inspiring "Make a Meter Matter" campaign – showing how even small spaces can yield big harvests. You'll also hear from Kate Patrick about the crucial role of bee-friendly gardening. Prepare to be moved by the heartfelt story behind Beth's Sunflowers, a charity bringing joy through gardening after personal loss, and discover Bountiful Pink, a new plant from the Young People's Horticultural Association designed for easy growing. Finally, renowned cook Jane Dunn emphasizes the delicious importance of using seasonal produce to minimize food waste and enhance your cooking.

Tune in for practical tips, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on how we can all cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle from our gardens to our kitchens.

What you'll take away from this episode:

• Sustainability is a key focus in modern gardening and cooking.
• How to make a big impact in small garden spaces with insights from Nick Bailey.
• The importance of supporting bee-friendly environments.
• Inspirational stories of community and healing through gardening.
• Tips for seasonal cooking and reducing food waste with Jane Dunn.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I share the highlights from my recent visit to BBC Gardeners' World Live! I had the incredible opportunity to chat with a variety of gardening experts and enthusiasts, uncovering innovative techniques and hearing the heartfelt stories behind beautiful garden designs. The show is running until Sunday, June 15th, so make sure to catch it if you can!

In this episode, I caught up with Nick Bailey, who introduced me to the inspiring "Make a Meter Matter" initiative, showing how astonishingly one square meter can feed a family of four with vegetables! I also had the pleasure of speaking with Jane Dunn, the blogger and baker with 1 million followers, about the joys of seasonal baking with fresh ingredients, and Becky Excell, who opened my eyes to the vibrant world of gluten-free recipes.

You'll hear from gardeners on the ground, including Kate Patrick and Andrea Charles, who shared their passion and practical advice.

Plus, I chat to the Thames Orchid Society around mastering the art of growing orchids and catch Wool Pots to learn about the vital movement towards ditching plastic pots. Whether you're a novice gardener or expert, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights into sustainable living and how gardening fosters community connection.

I'll be posting social media clips and updates throughout this weekend, so keep an eye out, and the full episode will be out next week on the usual Friday! Tune in to cultivate your own creativity and deepen your appreciation for the journey from seed to plate.

What I Discovered in This Episode:

• How to make the most of small gardening spaces with Nick Bailey's "Make a Meter Matter."
• The fun and benefits of seasonal cooking and baking with insights from Jane Dunn.
• Vibrant and delicious gluten-free recipes with Becky Excell.
• Why sustainable gardening practices are essential, featuring Woolpots.
• The power of community gardening and supporting local, with stories from Kate Patrick and Andrea Charles.
• Tips for growing beautiful orchids from the Thames Orchid Society.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac