Episode Details

In this episode of The Underground Podcast, recorded live at Glee 2025, hosts Phil Wright and Kate Turner sit down with three guests shaping the garden sector’s next chapter: Dan Durston and Simon Blackhurst from Durstons, and Kate Ebbens, Commercial Business Manager at Woodlodge and passionate Greenfingers Charity ambassador.

From product innovation to purpose-driven missions, this episode captures what’s driving momentum across the garden industry today.

Durstons share how a bold rebrand has transformed their image, while staying true to their heritage. And how they’re leading the charge in consistent, high-performing peat-free compost.

Woodlodge’s Kate Ebbens talks about the company’s evolution, from sustainable recycled plastic pots to outdoor/indoor living trends, and why strong merchandising and design-led thinking are helping retailers stay relevant to modern consumers.

Kate also shares exciting (and slightly nuts) news about her upcoming expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Greenfingers, following her incredible year of running 5K every single day to raise funds for children’s hospice gardens last year.

Whether you’re a supplier, retailer, or marketer in the garden sector, this episode is packed with insight on branding, product development, consumer education, and the people making a real difference behind the scenes.

Listen in to discover:

• How Durstons turned a simple advertising brief into a transformative brand identity
  Why education and collaboration are key to building trust in peat-free compost
  The emerging retail trends shaping Woodlodge’s product and merchandising strategy
  How industry passion and charity purpose can powerfully intersect
  

The Underground Podcast is produced by WrightObara, the creative marketing agency for home and garden brands.

Durstons: http://durstongardenproducts.co.uk/
Woodlodge: https://www.woodlodge.co.ukGreenfingers Kilimanjaro Trek: https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/get-involved/climb-kilimanjaro-for-greenfingers