Episode 161: The Jungle Garden with Philip Oostenbrink

This week’s guest is Philip Oostenbrink, Head Gardener at Walmer Castle and Gardens, Collections Coordinator for Plant Heritage in Kent, Plant Trials committee member for the RHS and self-confessed jungle plant nut. Philip has just published a new book titled ‘The Jungle Garden’ and in this interview, I talk to him about what a jungle garden is, whether they can work in shady and sunny aspects, easy jungle plants, rarer ones, plant hardiness, seasonal and winter interest and where to get plants.  Dr Ian Bedford’s Bug of the Week: Black vine weevil Please don’t forget to rate, review and share the podcast! What we cover What sparked Philip’s interest in jungle plants How the jungle influences his design aesthetic The importance of seasonal changes and how do you can highlight these in a jungle garden scheme How much did writing the book make Philip examine what is an instinctual talent for grouping plants? Can jungle plants mix with more traditional cottage style plants?  Mixing exotic plants from different continents or eco regions Winter interest in a jungle garden Jungle gardens in full sunshine Good jungle garden climbers Trees for a small space but big impact Easy to look after starter plants  Rarer plants to wow your friends About Philip Oostenbrink “My name is Philip Oostenbrink and I am Head Gardener at Walmer Castle and Gardens in East Kent. Apart from my full-time job I am Collections Coordinator for Plant Heritage in Kent and Plant Trials committee member for the RHS. I am also a horticultural speaker for any groups who are interested in gardening and/or history. I have been a plant collector all my life. I have a passion for jungle gardening and I have four National Plant Collections: Aspidistra elatior & sichuanensis, Variegated and Yellow-leaved Convallaria, Hakonechloa macra and Ophiopogon japonicus. I have a love for variegated plants.” https://myplants.me Links The Jungle Garden by Philip Oostenbrink - Filbert Press, October 2021  Philip’s Blog - ‘Thoughts of a plant nut.”  Philip on Instagram - mr.plantaholic