Episodes

  • Dr. Neil Buttery is the award winning author of The Dark History of Sugar'. He is also a podcaster and cook of British food from the past - and his specialist subject is PUDDINGS! @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening delve into the history of food including sugar - and it may surprise you!

    In the Horti Hangout this week meet @mike_thegardener who steps in for @mr_plantgeek this week and chats with @ellenmarygardening about useful shrubs, writing for magazines, The Garden Media Guild plus much more.

    Proud to announce Hydria as the series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • The ‘Muscular Dystrophy UK Forest Bathing Garden’ is being designed by Ula Maria. Ula is a renowned garden and landscape designer based in London who specialises in creating distinctive outdoor spaces for private and commercial clients in the UK and overseas.

    After winning RHS ‘Young Designer of the Year’ in 2017, Ula Maria set up her studio with a focus on creating emotive garden spaces and has previously designed garden spaces at other UK garden shows, but this is her first at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. @ellenmarygardening chats with Ula to find out more about her passion for landscaping and the RHS Chelsea show garden she has designed.

    Proud to announce Hydria as the series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • From postman to worldwide known Terrarium expert, Ben Newell otherwise known as @WorcesterTerrariums started his journey only a few years ago as a content creator. Now his content has had millions of views, he has worked with Marvel, LadBible and some of the most well known faces on social media. Ben joins @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening on the podcast for this episode about content creation and making terrariums.


    Afterwards Michael and Ellen chat let lag, upcoming horticultural work, doing things at the last minute and being sea sick! Yes...this is a plant based podcast ;-)

    Proud to announce Hydria as the series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • Michael is delivering a solo episode this week, as he chats to Ed Morrison about the unique Roots Allotment project - geared towards the modern allotmenteer, where equipment is shared, plots are smaller, and a no-dig method of growing is encouraged.


    Listen to Michael chat to Ed about the project in great detail! We think you’ll feel very inspired that we can all grow, wherever we live!

    Proud to announce Hydria as the series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • Manoj Malde joins @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening in this weeks episode to talk about the joys of gardening, designing for RHS Chelsea Flower Show and getting married there along with his brand new book called Your Outdoor Room: How to design a garden you can live in which is due to be released soon.

    Afterwards, Michael and Ellen gossip from opposite sides of the Atlantic, being sleepless in Seattle and Valentines Roses.

    Proud to announce Hydria as the new series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • In this episode @ellenmarygardening talks to RHS Chelsea newcomer Giulio Giorgi all about the design process and why this garden is so important. The World Child Cancer's Nurturing Garden is a sensory haven designed for children with cancer and their families to bring joy, hope and escapism through experiences with nature. After the show, it will be relocated permanently to one of the Young Lives vs Cancer ‘Homes from Home’, which allows families to stay together whilst a child is undergoing cancer treatment.

    Follow the journey of the garden by following @giulio__giorgi on Instagram plus @project.giving.back to see it all coming together.

    www.giuliogiorgi.com

    Proud to announce Hydria as the new series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • In this weeks episode meet Joel Web from Hydria Life, who help to bring nature inside and tranquility outside with their clever water fountains. Biophilia is about loving nature and being immersed in the joy of the natural world and can bring great health benefits. In this episode Joel tells us more about it and how Hydria fountains can help bring an extra something special to any garden of any size. We also chat with Jenny Winnard @Jenny_ourfamilyallotment in this weeks 'horticulture hangout' chat where @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening talk imposter syndrome, forgetting how to start the car and taking inspiration from the RHS shows.

    Proud to announce Hydria as the new series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • This week, we have a very special treat, as Michael broadcasts from inside an actual greenhouse, in the centre of international trade event, IPM Essen!! Michael chats to Nat Porter from YPHA and Porters Nurseries about what they’ve spotted at the show, if trends actually exist, why some are snobby about what people grow, and tonnes more. A whole hour of two gardening minds chewing horti cud, what more could you want….?

    Proud to announce Hydria as the new series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • This weeks episode is with Sound Matters. The team who create sound and listening experiences that can help you change the world. Most recently, they recorded sounds around the Newt estate in Somerset, and the fabulous Great Dixter. The sound recordings are not always as you may expect, yes there's bird song- but they also document sounds in the border, amongst log piles, deep in the raised beds, and in the centre of the compost heap.

    Afterwards, @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening chat about houseplants, heating and hosting!

    Proud to announce Hydria as the new series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • Ever wondered what it’s like to pull together an RHS show? In this weeks episode Ellen Mary chats with Show Lead Kate Dufton about the behind the scenes work to make sure everything comes together and what’s coming up for the 2024 show. Find out more about the show and get your tickets including a new type of ticket which Kate tells us all about on the podcast.

    https://www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

    Proud to announce Hydria as the new series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • Series 14 kicks off with an incredible guest! We always ask guests on the podcast where their gardening journey started, the majority will say from their parents or grandparents who are of course all legends! But imagine if your gardening inspiration was non other than the late Geoff Hamilton! Yes on todays show we have the owner of Barnsdale Gardens, horticulturalist, writer, radio and television broadcaster Nick Hamilton.

    Hear all about Nick's childhood, gardening gems from his father and the glorious gardens he and the team maintain for visitors. Afterwards, @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening get together for the first horti hangout of 2024 with gossip, gardening and general chat.

    Proud to announce Hydria as the new series 14 sponsors! Hydria™ is the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com

    Also check them out on socials:

    Instagram: @hydria_fountain
    Facebook: @hydriafountain

  • In our final episode before the festivities, Michael talks to Andrea Lazzeri - connoisseur of poinsettia - about this amazing Christmas star. We have all the tips you need!!

  • The final episode in this series falls just before Christmas so we've put together a compilation of interviews all about Christmas plants! @mr_plantgeek brings tips for keeping your Poinsettia happy in your home from the Italian breeder of some of Europes leading varieties plus the story behind the Cyclamen and ho wit can be used indoors and outside over the festive period. @ellenmarygardening brings the Christmas tree care tips along with @theplantrescuer helping you to keep your Christmas Cactus alive! Afterwards, Michael and Ellen have an end of series gossip that often goes off on tangents, with numerous inappropriate topics. It must be the end of the year! Sponsors of series 13 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best

    Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

    Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago.

    The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe.

    LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on.

    All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable.

    The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower.

    Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.uk

  • In this weeks episode we chat with writer and author Jean Vernon. Jean is a champion for bees, pollinators and all wildlife and is on a mission to educate everyone about the intricate balance of nature in gardens from birds to bees and everything in-between. @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening find out about Jeans love of gardens, her books and get some wildlife friendly gardening take home tips. As a bonus Jean has provided her top 10 plants for pollinators below: Vipers Bugloss Hellebores Flowering currant Comfrey Fuchsias Echinops Cherry plum Prunus cerasifera Crocus Lungwort Dandelions Find out more about Jean, her books and upcoming workshops at: www.TheGreenJeanie.com www.AddictedToBees.com Horti hangout this week is with Adam Marshall known as the Green Fingered City Boy on social media. Hear about his story of gardening, snapper the Venus fly trap and bare root plants. Plus lots of Tulips! Sponsors of series 13 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best

    Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

    Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago.

    The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe.

    LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on.

    All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable.

    The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower.

    Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.uk

  • In this weeks episode, Michael is hopping across Europe, as he talks to Guy at Morel Cyclamen about this fantastic, very colourful cool season plant! Find out what’s coming next in the breeding too!

    Then, he finds himself in the Netherlands as part of the Eat This In Residency program, which is designed to help connect society to what happens in horticulture and agriculture. Michael just runs through his diary of where he’s been and who he’s talked to, but lots more content will follow from that particular trip over the coming months.

    Sponsors of series 13 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best

    Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

    Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago.

    The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe.

    LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on.

    All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable.

    The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower.

    Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.uk

  • If you have ever wondered why you should grow Roses, let Daniel Myhill tell you why, how and what to grow! Daniel is the National Collection holder for Rosa persica hybrids and knows a thing or two about Roses. This informative and fun chat with Daniel will get you growing the best Roses.

    Afterwards Ellen and Michael are joined by a gardening internet sensation for this weeks horti hangout! It's Michael Griffiths, known as @the_mediterranean_gardener chatting social media planning, gardening and acting Pirate style.

    Sponsors of series 13 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best

    Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

    Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago.

    The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe.

    LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on.

    All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable.

    The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower.

    Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.uk

  • If you haven't heard of horticulturalist Barbara Segall then where have you been hiding?! Barbara is well known for her books about gardening, herbs and travel, an established editor for magazines, Assistant County Organiser for the National Gardens Scheme in Suffolk and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture. In this episode @ellenmarygardening chats with Barbara about the changing face of horticulture, herbs and book writing. Also hear some exciting news from Amateur Gardening Magazine, which can only be great news for gardeners everywhere. Sponsors of series 13 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best

    Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

    Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago.

    The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe.

    LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on.

    All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable.

    The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower.

    Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.uk

  • Part II - Following on from yesterdays podcast release, hear the remainder of our interview with Clare Matterson from the Royal Horticultural Society. Listen to Part I first in the podcast library.

    Sponsors of series 13 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best

    Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

    Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago.

    The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe.

    LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on.

    All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable.

    The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower.

    Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.ukm

  • Part I: This episode is with the Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society Clare Matterson CBE. Clare took on this big role over a year ago bringing a wealth of experience having been the Director of Engagement at the Natural History Museum, spent 18 years at the Wellcome Trust and has led many initiatives linking planet and health. @ellenmarygardening and @mr_plantgeek chat with Clare not only about the RHS plans for the future but the future of horticulture altogether. Perhaps it needs a rebrand? Part II of this episode is released on Monday 6th November 2023.

    Next comes a tone change entirely with the Horti Hangout where @happy_place_gardener Sam chats Spanish gardens, messy gardens, Scorpio season and any other horti chat with Michael and Ellen.

    Sponsors of series 13 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best

    Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

    Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago.

    The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe.

    LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on.

    All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable.

    The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower.

    Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.uk

  • Every so often, you might see a Fleuroselect gold medal or quality mark in a catalogue or online- but what exactly is it? Michael has a brilliant chat with the Secretary General of the Fleuroselect, Ann Jennen. He discovers the role of the trials process, how it works, and what other projects are run at industry level in order to help the consumer. It’s a really really good chat!

    Sponsors of series 13 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best

    Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

    Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago.

    The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe.

    LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on.

    All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable.

    The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower.

    Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.uk