What’s new in the world of Landscaping, Sustainability, Recycling, and Plant Care.
Title: Garden Grooves - March 2025 Edition Host: Mario Location: Stirling, Scotland.
Music
1.Bitter sweet symphony – The Verve (3)
Welcome to Garden Grooves, I’m Mario, coming to you from Stirling, Scotland, where gardens are waking up after the winter, and we’re ready to embrace the best that spring has to offer.
Over the next hour, I will be talking about what’s new in the world of landscaping, sustainability, recycling, and plant care. Whether you’re planning a major garden project, just want some fresh ideas, or are looking for ways to make your outdoor space more eco-friendly, I have got plenty to cover.
I’ll also be answering some of your gardening dilemmas—so if you’ve got a question, send it in! Maybe you’re struggling with soil quality, wondering what plants will thrive in our ever-changing Scottish climate, or looking for ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden. Whatever it is, I want to hear from you.
Also, tonight is the Stirling Business Awards at the Albert Hall in Stirling! Wishing the best of luck to all the participants, especially those we work closely with here at Stirling Community Radio.
MUSIC BREAK
Alright, let’s kick tonight playlist off with….
2. Sweet child o mine – Guns and roses (7)
3. The pretender – Foo Fighter (9)
Current Landscaping Trends for 2025
Let’s kick things off with what’s trending in landscaping this year. If you’re thinking of changing up your garden, whether it’s a complete redesign or just adding a few new elements, here are some ideas that are really taking off in 2025:
One of the biggest shifts is towards climate-resilient gardens. With unpredictable weather patterns, people are looking for ways to make their gardens more adaptable. That means choosing native plants, drought-resistant species, and water-efficient layouts.
Raised beds are a great option for dealing with heavy rain, and permeable paving is becoming more popular because it helps control excess water runoff.
Another trend I’m seeing a lot is vertical gardening and green walls. This is perfect if you’ve got limited space but still want to add some greenery. You can install wall-mounted planters, hanging baskets, or even create a living wall filled with edible herbs and flowers. It looks fantastic and is a great way to bring more nature into an urban setting.
People are also moving away from traditional, high-maintenance lawns and opting for low-maintenance landscapes instead. Think wildflower meadows, gravel gardens, and no-mow areas that encourage biodiversity and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Plus, let’s be honest—less mowing sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
And of course, technology is making its way into our gardens with automated irrigation systems, solar-powered lighting, and even robotic lawnmowers. If you want to take the guesswork out of watering, there are smart sensors that monitor soil moisture and adjust irrigation accordingly.
If any of these ideas have caught your interest or if you’re trying something new in your own garden, let me know—I’d love to hear about it."
MUSIC BREAK
Coming up next…
4. Welcome to the jungle – guns and roses (11)
5. How you remind me – Nickelback (5)
Sustainable Gardening & Recycling Tips
Now, let’s talk about making our gardens more sustainable. Gardening is already a great way to connect with nature, but there are always ways to reduce waste, conserve water, and support biodiversity.
One of the easiest ways to be more sustainable is by using recycled materials in your garden. Instead of buying new planters, you can repurpose old wooden pallets, turn tin cans into herb pots, or even upcycle an old bathtub into a raised bed. I’ve even seen people using old wellies as quirky planters—so get creative!
And if you haven’t started composting yet, now’s the time. Turning your food scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost is one of the best things you can do for your soil. If you don’t have space for a compost bin, check out community composting initiatives—there are more of them popping up in Stirling and beyond.
Another big shift in gardening is moving away from peat-based composts. Scotland is leading the way in banning peat products, and for good reason—peat extraction is terrible for the environment. Instead, try coconut coir, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold as alternatives. They’re just as effective and much better for the planet.
And of course, let’s not forget about water conservation. Collecting rainwater in a water butt, using mulch to retain moisture, and switching to drip irrigation can all help cut down on water waste.
If you’ve got any eco-friendly gardening tips, send them in—I’d love to share them on the show."
MUSIC BREAK
“Time to turn up the volume! This next one is a real treat for your ears.”
6. Can’t stop – Red Hot Chilly Peppers (4)
7. The reason – Hoobastank (10)
Listener Questions & Garden Dilemmas
MUSIC BREAK
“Let the music take you away—this next song is pure magic.”
8.Take me out – Franz Ferdinand (8)
9. I believe in a thing called love - The darkness (6)
The Future of Green Spaces & Closing Remarks
Before we wrap up, let’s take a look at the future of green spaces. Cities—including right here in Stirling—are investing more in green rooftops, urban forests, and community gardens. These projects are making our urban areas more beautiful, more sustainable, and better for mental well-being.
If you’ve been thinking about adding more greenery to your own space, now’s the perfect time. Even a few potted plants on a balcony or a small wildflower patch can make a difference.
That’s it for this edition of Garden Grooves! Thanks for tuning in—keep growing, keep learning, and I’ll catch you next Thursday at 7pm.
Music (swap if only one tune to go to U2)..
10. When you were young – The Killers (12)
11. Beautiful day – U2 (1)