Grow Cook Inspire

In this week’s show I chat with cook, writer, Co founder of Wahacca & Master Chef winner Thomasina Miers. Thomasina has just recently published her 8th cook book Meat Free Mexican. We talk about her love affair with Mexico, her journey into the food industry as well as her involvement in Chefs in Schools. Plus we chat about soil, a subject which comes up time and time again in the podcast, underlining it’s impirtance. 🌱Instagram @thomasinamiers www.thomasinamiers.com www.chefs in schools.org.uk 🌱Plus to be in with a chance to win a copy of her new book Meat Free Mexican and access to her online cookery course with Create Academy go to my Instagram page @helen.a.cross and find the details on my grid. 🌱www.createacademy.com 🌱rhs.org.uk 🌱 www.scone-palace.co.uk

The podcast is back after a short break. The kids are back at school so now is the perfect time to take stick and look what has worked and more importantly what hasn’t worked out in our growing spaces. I chat through my failures my agenda for the year ahead, plus I’ll be taking you on a seed safari. 💚💚💚. Grow Cook Inspire is supported by Plant Grow UK.

In today’s show I meet and talk with former ballet dancer and now dance teacher and gardening writer, Andy Peasgood. We talk about his phenomenal career, and how he has found a new creative release in gardening. Having recently moved into a new build estate in Glasgow he has transformed what is a very modest space into a haven for plants and wildlife. It just goes to show you don’t need acres of land to be green fingered. You can chart Andy’s garden adventures on his Instagram account @andypeasgood 💚 Supported by Plant Grow UK.

In the third episode of this special mini series of Grow, Cook, Inspire, Helen is joined by the creative powerhouse Hazel Gardiner, founder of Hazel Gardiner Design, the London based floral design studio. We talk about her transition from the world of fashion journalism and the gruelling schedule of TV production and talent management to the world of floristry, after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Hazel explains her drive and who influences her work as well as the challenges she has faced as being one of only a few black women in the industry. When she came onto the scene she couldn’t see many women who looked like her. This series of the podcast has been supported by Plank Bridge, the pioneers behind the shepherd’s hut revival in the UK. www.plankbridge.com Hazel Gardiner @hazelgardinerdesign & www.hazelgardinerdesign.com. Please do subscribe, share and review the podcast www.growcookinspire.com

Continuing this special Heroines of Horticulture podcast, Helen is joined by one one of her own heroines. In today’s show Helen talks with Jekka McVicar. From the dizzy heights of Glastonbury as part of a rock band, Jekka has been at the helm of the UK’s largest herb farm for almost 40 years, growing over 500 different culinary and medicinal varieties just outside of Bristol. With 62 gold RHS medals under her belt Jekka is not only a wealth of knowledge but a powerhouse for good. Generous with her time and expertise. She talks about her journey to setting up Jekka’s Herb Farm back in 1984, her determination to get ahead and be seen and the struggles so many UK growers are currently facing during these unprecedented times. Plus there is chat of a new book on the horizon. This series of the podcast has been generously supported by Plank Bridge, the pioneers behind the shepherds hut revival built in the UK. (www.plankbridgecom) Jekka’s Herb Fest will take place on the 30 June, 1 July & 2 July 2023. To find out more go to www.Jekkas.com. Please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share visit www.growcookinspire.com