LeisureHome & Garden

Big Garden Little Garden

Geraldine Scully & Claire Ryan Luke

Whether you have a big garden or a little garden, we will inspire and encourage you to Start Growing Stay Growing, connect with nature and find joy in the process.

Hosted by Geraldine Scully, a flower farmer and long time gardener, and Claire Ryan Luke, a seasoned event florist and gardening beginner.

We talk plants, seasons and the beauty of just giving it a go.

Available fortnightly.

This is your invitation to tune in, slow down and enjoy the magic of growing, no matter your space or experience.

@biggardenlittlegarden

@dublin_city_flower_farm_

@claireryanluke

Play

Open in

22 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 33 min
English

Episodes 22

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

September 9 · 32 min
September Reset
Its time for a change of rhythm in the new episode of BigGardenLittleGarden with the arrival of September and some much-needed cooler weather. Geraldine and Claire continue to observe the effects in their gardens of an exceptionally hot summer in Dublin. They embrace the September Reset with some plant shopping and pickling of the summer harvest. And Geraldine talks the listeners through the subject of water butts and how to use "grey water" during hosepipe bans.
S2 · E17
August 26 · 33 min
Great Garden Moments
In this episode Geraldine and Claire share some of their most special moments in the garden and discuss what factors make for a memorable garden experience. There is also the usual catch-up on what's been growing well, and not so well, after an exceptionally hot and dry summer.
S2 · E16
August 12 · 24 min
Gardening in a Heatwave
In this episode of BigGardenLIttleGarden Geraldine and Claire discuss the impact of the July heatwave on their gardens and consider what the changing climate might mean for the future of gardening in Ireland,
S2 · E15
July 29 · 28 min
Clondeglass - A Walled Garden
In this episode of BigGardenLittleGarden Geraldine and Claire visit Clondeglass: a walled garden in the foothills of the Slieve Bloom mountains, to meet Paul Brady, a plantsman with an impressive vision for this secluded idyll. The garden is well-known and has been the subject of an RTE series called "Dermot's Secret Garden", which chronicled the late Dermot O" Neill's original restoration of the garden. Sadly, ill-health prevented Dermot from achieving all of his dreams for Clondeglass and instead he sold the garden to Paul, who continues to respect Dermot's legacy, while also building on his own plans for this special place.
S2 · E14
July 15 · 45 min
Happy Birthday BigGardenLittleGarden
Geraldine and Claire celebrate the first birthday of BigGardenLittleGarden and reminisce about how it all began. They also acknowledge and thank their listeners from around the world Then it’s down to business and Geraldine has plenty more advice on what to plant in shaded garden. See the plants mentioned in the podcast listed below: Fern dryopteris felix mas. Francoa sonchifolia Herbaceous geranium Tree peony lutea. Peony 'late indflower' Paeonia mlokosewitschii Euphorbia robbiae. Phlomis russelliana.. Erythronium Lillium, especially turks cap varieties. Arum italicum pictum Japanese anemone. Iris foetedissima
S2 · E13
July 1 · 38 min
Roses in Bloom & Shaded Gardens
In this Episode of BigGardenLittleGarden Geraldine and Claire get an invitation to visit Susan Lynch of The Vintage Rose Company and see her beautiful roses in full bloom. Geraldine also gives advice on plants that are perfect for shaded gardens.
S2 · E12
June 17 · 39 min
Favourite June Plants
It’s time to chat about Favourite June Plants in the latest episode of BigGardenLittleGarden. Geraldine also highlights jobs that need to be done in a June Garden.
S2 · E11
June 3 · 30 min
Bloom 2026 Special
In this special episode of BigGardenLittleGarden Geraldine and Claire go behind the scenes at Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland’s largest garden festival, and chat to three garden designers about their award winning show gardens. Geraldine also reveals some good news of her own about a garden she designed with The Flower Farmers of Ireland collective.
S2 · E10
May 20 · 38 min
Peony Season
It’s Peony Season in this episode of BigGardenLittleGarden but a colder than usual May, has held them back from full bloom by a couple of weeks. . Geraldine ponders this slight delay, as she profiles the Peony and its origins. While Claire turns her attention to jobs that need to be done in her little garden.
S2 · E9
May 6 · 37 min
May in Bloom
Geraldine and Claire welcome the arrival of May in this episode of BigGardenLittleGarden, as they discuss the beauty of tree blossoms and the nostalgic scent of lilac. Geraldine advises how to make nettle and comfrey feed to fertilise plants and Claire shares some tips on companion planting for the beginner growers out there. They also touch on their love/hate relationship with yellow in the garden.
S2 · E8
April 22 · 33 min
Bluebells and Biodiversity
Do you know the difference between a Spanish Bluebell and an English Bluebell? Well, Geraldine and Claire discuss how they differ in this episode of BigGardenLittleGarden. They also chat biodiversity and discuss the move towards native planting and sustainable planting practises.
S2 · E7
April 8 · 34 min
Seeds, Sap & Sprurges - A Guide To Euphorbia
Did you know that the Christmas Poinsettia is actually a Euphorbia? In the latest episode of BigGardenLittleGarden Geraldine profiles the Eurphorbia and its remarkably diverse genus. Claire gives an update on the allotment and shares how she dealt with a whitefly infestation in the polytunnel. They also catch-up on seed germination and all the goings-on in the spring garden. Euphorbias recommended by Geraldine Wulfenii Seguieriana Polychroma Robbiae Mellifera
S2 · E6
March 25 · 32 min
The Vintage Rose Company & Gardening Updates
A special treat for Rose Enthusiasts out there in this episode of BigGardenLittleGarden. Susan Lynch of The Vintage Rose Company joins Geraldine and Claire for a chat. Susan grows cut roses primarily for event florists and weddings and has lots of helpful advice on how to Grow and Nurture Beautiful Roses. You won't want to miss it.
S2 · E5
March 11 · 27 min
Seeds, Soil & The New Plot
Claire finally gets to share her big gardening news in this episode of BIgGardenLittleGarden. There's also more chat on seed sowing, with particular focus on seeds that are a little more challenging to germinate. Geraldine also shares three choice spring woodland plants that you should get to know and definitely consider for your garden.: 1. Erythronium Trillium Cardamine
S2 · E4
February 25 · 31 min
Snowdrops at Altamont & Seed Sowing
It's Snowdrop Month at Altamont Gardens in Co Carlow and BigGardenLittleGarden went for a visit. Geraldine and Claire reflect on how much they enjoyed their Snowdrop Tour with Robert Miller of Altamont Plants, who recently added a huge portfolio of snowdrop bulbs from Avon Bulbs in Somerset to their own collection, making it the largest display on public view in Ireland. They also get sowing seeds and have plenty of tips and advice to get you in the mood for spring! They also Seedaholic Seeds Ireland Brown Envelope Quickcrop Fruithill Farm
S2 · E3
February 11 · 36 min
Fabulous Ferns & Summer Bulbs
In this episode of BigGardenLittleGarden Geraldine suggests some jobs to do this week in the garden, despite the rainy weather. She also delves into the captivating world of Ferns. Claire reveals a happy discovery in her front garden and gives an update on which of last year's forced bulbs have flowered successfully outdoors. It's also time to start ordering Summer Bulbs, so tune in for some interesting suggestions. Ferns DryopterisFelix - mas Harts Tongue Fern Osmunda Regalis Matteuccia Struthiopteris
S2 · E2
January 28 · 32 min
Hellebores & A Herbal Tea Garden
Talk turns to the popularity of Hellebores and the creation of a Tea Garden in this episode of BigGardenLittleGarden. Geraldine and Claire also ponder the unpredictability of flowering times for forced bulbs and realise, just in time, that succulents still need to be watered in winter.
S2 · E1
January 14 · 29 min
Happy Gardening New Year
Geraldine and Claire are back after the Christmas break and celebrate the new year with a focus on upcoming plans for BigGardenLittleGarden in 2026. Claire also gives an update on her beloved trees while Geraldine talks Galanthophiles and reveals interesting facts about the humble snowdrop. She also shares some helpful tips on how to successfully grow these dainty beauties.
S1 · E11
Dec 3, 2025 · 34 min
Festive Wreath Making & Table Decor
Episode 11 is the final instalment of BigGardenLittleGarden for 2025 and it's a very festive one. Geraldine and Claire. share lots of Inspiration for beautiful Wreath-Making, as well as practical advice and know-how to help you create the perfect Christmas Tablescape. They also delve into Irish Christmas Traditions and the symbolism behind them. Where to source Irish Foliage The Irish Green Guys Gra Cut Flowers Wicklow Foliage Farm BigGardenLittleGarden will return in January 2026 with a Snowdrop Special. Thank You to all of our listeners and we wish you a very Happy Christmas. Geraldine and Claire
S1 · E10
Nov 19, 2025 · 28 min
Christmas Gifting Guide for Gardeners
Episode 10 heralds the first ever BigGardenLittleGarden Christmas Gifting Guide. Lots of gift ideas for the gardener in your life, or even more importantly, some advice on what NOT to buy them this festive season. Mentions: Martha Swales Sue Stuart Smith Simon Barnes T.F. Maher -Pathana Garden Jimi Blake - Hunting brook Garden Naturally at the Wren's Nest Sobal Soap Bread & Weather Jennifer Slattery Textiles Throwing Shapes Ceramic Studio Flower Pop Hopeless Botanics Lilliput Stores Bunched Sweetpea & Willow Botanic Garden

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes