ASK AN ECO EXPERT

YOU’RE DESIGNING THE BLUE PETER GARDEN – WE HEAR IT’S VERY EARTHY!

Yes, it’s all about earth. Soil is the most important part of any garden, so I wanted to give it the attention it deserves, basing my design [for The New Blue Peter Garden] around it. Soil is an ecosystem full of mini-beasts, microorganisms and fungi. It supports so much life on our planet and, when healthy, makes a fantastic carbon sink.

WALK US THROUGH YOUR DESIGN…

I’ve lifted up the soil to eye level using a planting platform of barley. Beneath it sits a fern-planted hollow where children can enjoy digging the soil. Instead of traditional paving, which stops rainwater seeping into the soil, I’ve used stabilised shingle and clay pavers set on a permeable foundation. There will also be lots of blue and orange flowers. I’m hoping for delphiniums for the blue, although I’ve discovered that they are quite a challenge to grow.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTO SOIL?

No! My approach changed five years ago when I visited family in Tanzania. They’re farmers and their yields have been shrinking