Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Kew Gardens

Alan Titchmarsh joins Aled Jones in Kew Gardens to talk about his faith and to reflect on finding God in nature. With a wonderful performance by Sir Bryn Terfel for St David鈥榮 Day.

In this week鈥檚 Songs of Praise, spring is finally in the air! Aled Jones explores the magnificent Kew Gardens in London in the company of one of the nation鈥檚 favourite gardeners, Alan Titchmarsh. Alan was a student at Kew 50 years ago and shows Aled one of the rarest plants in the world that was under his care. Thankfully it is still thriving! He also shares memories of presenting Songs of Praise in the 1980s and 1990s and reflects on finding God in nature.

Aled also discovers the groundbreaking scientific work happening at Kew, which houses specimens of 96% of the world鈥檚 plants. Botanist Dr Olwen Grace explains how the research behind the scenes at Kew could help tackle the effects of climate change. Aled also meets Christian chef Susanne Kirlew, better known as Kirly Sue, who follows a plant-based diet and specialises in vegan recipes. With Aled鈥檚 help she makes vegan cup cakes and explains how, for her, Christian faith and food go hand in hand.

Sean Fletcher discovers how apps and podcasts are helping Christians to read the whole Bible in one year, we have hymns and songs from across the UK, and for St David鈥檚 Day we have a very special performance from one of Wales鈥檚 finest voices, Sir Bryn Terfel.

Music:
Morning Has Broken 鈥 Port Sunlight
All Things Bright and Beautiful 鈥 St John the Baptist, Tideswell
O Praise the Name - Aberystwyth Arts Centre
O Give Thanks Unto the Lord - Reddish
Hymn To St David - St David鈥檚 Cathedral
Trees - Bryn Terfel
Lord Of All Hopefulness - Southwark Cathedral

34 minutes

Stories

Kew Gardens and Alan Titchmarsh

Aled Jones is at Kew Gardens where he meets Dr Olwen Grace to learn about one the most biodiverse collection of plants in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and gains an insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes. Aled also meets the nations favourite gardener, Alan Titchmarsh to hear why Kew is such a special place for him.聽 He shows us one of the rarest plants in the world and shares memories from presenting Songs of Praise in the 1980s and 90s.

Bible In One Year聽

The Bible is so important to the Christian faith but the prospect of reading it cover to cover can be daunting. Now-a-days modern technology can help, with several free apps and podcasts. Sean Fletcher meets The Rev. Nicky Gumbel at Holy Trinity Brompton Church to find out about the 鈥楤ible in One Year鈥 app.

Kirly Sue

Aled Jones meets Chef Susanne Kirlew, aka Kirly Sue to find out about her vegan recipes and tips about healthy eating and how her faith as a Seventh Day Adventist Christian influences her diet and recipes.

Alan Titchmarsh

Back at Kew Gardens Aled finds out why faith and gardening are so important in Alan鈥檚 life and how he sees God in nature.聽

Kirly Sue鈥檚 Vegan Pumpkin and Raisin Cupcakes (Serves 8)

Kirly Sue鈥檚 Vegan Pumpkin and Raisin Cupcakes (Serves 8)

Try Kirly Sue's tasty Pumpkin and Raisin Cupcake recipe

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Aled Jones
Presenter Sean Fletcher
Producer David Waters
Executive Producer Cat Lewis
Executive Producer Emyr Afan
Series Producer Matthew Napier
Production Company Avanti Media

Broadcast