UCC lecturer's Chrysanthemum programme to feature on BBC Radio

A radio documentary written by UCC lecturer Dr Jools Gilson will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 next week.

Entitled ‘Chrysanthemum’, the programme highlights these remarkable flowers and explores the author's memories in the process.

Dr Gilson takes us on a journey from her Grandad's garden in the 1930s to the latest National Chrysanthemum Show in Stafford.

She asks how her Grandad found time to grow something just because it was beautiful considering his demanding factory work, vegetable growing, and providing for ten children.

Along the way, we visit championship grower Ivor Mace and his garden in the Rhondda Valley and sip chrysanthemum tea with Dr Gilson in the lush surroundings of Notting Hill.

Gorgeous, medicinal and edible, chrysanthemums come with whole worlds in their blossoms.

If you've ever wondered why people treat chrysanthemums like newborn babies, or heard whispers about them being used to calm itchy eyes and lower blood pressure, then this is the radio show for you.

* Produced by Adam Fowler, ‘Chrysanthemum’ will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 8th April at 11.02am and again on Monday 14th April at 9.02pm.