Awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic for his dedicated work in the field of Horticulture, and once dubbed "The Plant Messiah" (a name subsequently used by Sir David Attenborough), we were delighted that Señor Don Carlos could join us for a Chit-Chat.  

Carlos had many a story to tell! We learn all about the smallest waterlily in the world, how it was discovered, and how Carlos brought it back from the brink of extinction - thanks largely to his tortellini Eureka moment. And we hear all the details about his work with the "living dead" Café Marron that we saw on Gardeners' World 2026 Episode 1.

We also find out about Carlos' unconventional route into Kew, Brits and their tea vs Spanish and their wine, his affection for Asturias, the disparity between plant and animal conservation, user-friendly cacti, the draw of "flowery powery", headless tortoises, rare plants being stolen and sold on eBay, what Carlos gets up to with the quince tree at Kew, and why grannies know best. 

Gardens or nursery recommendations from our guest, links can be found here: https://notjustagarden.co.uk/gardens/

• Kew Gardens

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A companion podcast for Gardeners’ World viewers, featuring weekly recaps and Chit-Chats with guests & presenters from the programme

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