The Plant Based Podcast

In this episode Ellen Mary and Michael turn the tables on someone who is usually the one asking the questions! For many years, Matt Appleby has been one of the most influential voices in UK horticulture, steering the editorial direction of Horticulture Week and covering everything from commercial growing and retail trends to environmental policy, plant innovation, labour challenges and the future...

Antony Henn has a long history in horticulture. His family started The Dutch Nursery, one of the UK's first garden centers, in Hertfordshire in 1959. Antony along with his siblings helped to develop the business through the 80s and 90s, and it is still run by the family today. More recently Antony leads the innovative company, Garden on a Roll which is a little like planting by numbers - but for a...

In this episode, Michael is joined by Adam Marshall, known as Green Fingered City Boy on social media. Adam has taken social media by storm over the past few years with his honest, fun and educational content. He's grown a huge audience and designed award winning show gardens. Hear Michael and Adam chatting about gardens and social media in horticulture to help you grow your own (pun intended).  S...

In this episode Ellen Mary and Michael Perry are stepping into the world of garden design with guest, garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin.  In this episode hear about Andrew's approach to design, how he thinks about space, planting and sustainability, plus what it really takes to transform an idea into a living, evolving landscape. We'll also talk about inspiration, trends and practical insights...

This episode is all about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026. With four designers covering three of the show gardens, hear all about the gardens and charities involved. First is Patrick Clarke designer of The Children's Society Garden who is on a mission to restore optimism and hope in young people. Next it's The Plant Heritage Garden from Will Murray and Sally Anne Rees who are two of the three des...

Nick Cutsumpas, also known as Farmer Nick, joins Ellen Mary and Michael for this episode. Nick is a passionate grower, educator, environmentalist and advicate for plant based living. With practical gardening advice blending in a deeper message about sustainability, resilience and positive climate action, Nick has taken horticulture and social media by storm. This episode is full of tips, advice an...

In this episode, Ellen Mary chats with Diana Brocklebank Scott, owner of Creake Abbey in Norfolk which is holding a Plant Lovers Day for the 19th year on 16th May 2026. Hear more about it having the opportunity to chat with the experts at the plant filled day and get plenty of tips from Diana about the importance of planting the right plant in the right place.  Find out more: www.creakeabbey.co.uk...

Today's guest is someone many of you will already know from Instagram — a passionate plant collector, educator, and all-around plant enthusiast who has built a thriving community around a love for houseplanys. With a feed full of lush houseplants, practical tips, and honest moments from life as a self-confessed plant addict, Jonny Balchandani has inspired thousands to bring more plants into their...

In this lively episode of The Plant Based Podcast, Michael sits down with the wonderfully candid Kim Stoddart, editor of Amateur Gardening magazine, for a chat that's equal parts insightful and delightfully gossipy. They dig into Kim's journey through the horticultural world, her passion for resilient, climate-friendly gardening, and what really goes on behind the scenes of one of the UK's most be...

Have you ever heard a plant talking? To kick off series 20 of the podcast Ellen Mary and Michael Perry visited Cambridge Univeristy Botanic Garden to chat with Raffy and Kathryn about the Talking Plants Exhibition. Imagine a Jade Vine chatting or an Ant Plant explaining how it grows! Running until 12th April 2026, this exhibition is about using AI for education and engagement at the garden. Find o...

Believe it or not, but this does include Christmas plants - you'll just have to wait until Michael has released his anger about the festive season first! Joking aside, Ellen and Michael are finishing off series 19 gossiping about all the things they've been up to, giving Christmas plant care advice, predicting what's to come in the plant world for 2026 plus theres some weight lifting involved... ...

In this episode, Michael sits down with Mattias Redlefsen, an industry leader at Benary GmbH, one of the world's most respected companies in ornamental plant breeding.    With more than 175 years of history, Benary has shaped the global horticulture industry- and Mattias offers a rare inside look at how the company continues to thrive through innovation, research, and a deep commitment to quality....

Today's guest is Martin Fish, a horticultural expert with over 45 years of experience as a gardener, writer, broadcaster, RHS judge and educator. Known for his practical advice and warm, approachable style, Martin has shared his passion through radio, television, magazines and live events across the UK with The Potting Shed, which he runs with his wife Jill. In this episode, Ellen and Michael dive...

Looking for a Christmas present that's thoughtful, versatile, and guaranteed to delight? In this episode, we unwrap the magic of the National Garden Gift Card—the ideal festive gift for anyone who loves plants, gardening, or simply spending time outdoors.   Run by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), these vouchers are accepted at thousands of garden centres, nurseries, and retailers across...

In this epsiode Ellen Mary is joined by Lisa Bauer, known online as @happy_plant_collector - a rising star on social media and founder of Another Plant Swap.  For this weeks episode get some down-to-earth advice on keeping your indoor jungles thriving, how the houseplant community has evolved and learn more about the plant swap events.  https://www.anotherplantswap.com Series 19 is sponsored by Qu...

Ellen Mary is joined by two of Ireland's most inspiring and creative floristry educators — Deirdre and Janette from Kay's Flower School who help budding florists blossom into pros. In this episode learn about their journey, the changing floristry industry, their favourite flowers, new trends and their recent exquisite collaboration with former podcast guest Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs. Are...

In this episode Ellen and Michael are joined by Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage — a charity dedicated to saving the UK's garden plants from being lost forever. From rare roses to forgotten fuchsias, they're on a mission to protect the incredible diversity found in our gardens and to support the passionate individuals keeping these plants alive for future generations. You can even find out how to...

Welcome to today's episode, where we'll be diving into a topic that's been a hot topic for the UK horticultural industry—the EU Reset, announced in 2025. In this episode, we're joined by Sally Cullimore and Jennifer Pheasey from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). Both have been at the forefront of lobbying for change and advocating for the horticulture industry's needs. They'll talk with...

This episode is all about trees, with the ultimate tree experts in UK - Frank P Matthews. Fresh from their first exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we have Steph Dunn-James, director of the company to talk us through why there could be a tree for everyone, wherever you live. Check out Frank P Matthews trees: www.frankpmatthews.com Series 19 is sponsored by Queen & Fine, the new floral design...

Sarah Campbell isn't just known for magnificent floral designs and installations but also for always smiling! After appearing on the Netflix show 'The Big Flower Fight', Sarah has grown her event design business along with teaching the art of creating flower filled weddings all over the world. We can definitely say that Sarah is OBSESSED with flowers! Ellen Mary asks all the floral questions in th...

This episode is all about the much loved plant - Lavender! Lorna Maye from Mayfield Lavender guides us through the history of the plant and the organic, family run lavender farm on two sites in Surrey, UK. Learn about the many varieties of lavender, how to grow the fragrant herb and whats coming up next for Mayfield.  Check out the fields: www.mayfieldlavender.com Follow on Instagram: @mayfieldlav...

In this episode, Michael steps behind the scenes of hydrangea breeding with Leo, the plant breeder behind the renowned Living Creations Hydrangea series. Discover what it really takes to create new hydrangea varieties— from selecting parent plants to years of patient trials.   You'll hear a live demo of the breeding process, as Leo walks us through the delicate steps of pollination and explains ho...

In this episode Michael and Ellen Mary are joined by Steven from Growing Crazy, a UK nursery that specialises in the wonderful world of Pelargoniums. Find out the history, different varieties, how to grow them at home plus their edible and fragrant uses...and even a tricky to grow rare Pelargonium! Find Growing Crazy at: www.growingcrazy.co.uk Series 19 of the podcast is sponsored by Queen & Fine,...

In this weeks episode, we get an exclusive behind the scenes at the Horticultural Trades Association, as Michael speaks to the team about their activities  across the growing world- as we learn about their awards programme, how they lobby and influence government, and even the way they study how we shop in the garden centre!    

In this gossip episode, @mr_plantgeek talks through some of the plants he loved from the Flower Trials held in the Netherlands and Germany during June. From bedding Roses to an Elmo inspired Dahlia, Michael gets emotional over his love of plants!   Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. British Garden Centres are the largest family owned, and family run garden centre group in the UK, wi...