This year, you’ll see me popping up at your favourite flower shows and other places where plant geeks hangout. I’ll be talking all things horticulture and holding unique demonstrations, and you’ll even be able to catch some Weird and Wacky shows throughout the year. If you’re heading to a plant-themed event this year and want…
It’s Michael
I think I’m comfortable with referring to myself as the ultimate plant geek- as my obsession with plants has been persisting for over 30 years now, and shows no sign of letting up! I have been responsible for introducing hundreds of new plants into the UK, most notably novelties such as the Egg and Chips plant and the Fuchsia Berry! Despite…
8 celebs who love gardening
You might get a little starstruck every now and then, but remember, celebrities are people – just like us! They have their likes and dislikes and their hobbies, and there are some celebrities who love gardening as much as we do. But just who is it that likes to get their hands dirty? These following…
What makes Sedum Atlantis so awesome?
You might have heard of Sedum Atlantis – after all, it won Plant of the Year at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show (listen to the CFS Plant Based Podcast special here)! But what exactly makes it an awesome, prize-winning plant? Its looks Sedum Atlantis is a pretty attractive plant, with a fascinating combination of colours….
Hardy Gerberas you can grow in the UK
You probably recognise Gerbera.. perhaps you’ve bought a bunch of them at the supermarket before now, or even had them in your wedding flowers? But, did you know there’s a brand new breed of Gerbera which can be grown in the garden all year round, and they’re as easy to grow as Lupins! One…
A crash course on growing Phalaenopsis
Have you ever tried to grow Phalaenopsis? Kevin Wigley gives us the low down on what to do and what not to do. When the word ‘orchid’ gets mentioned by most people, the Phalaenopsis or ‘Moth Orchid’ is the one that springs to mind. They are available from almost anywhere – supermarkets, garden centres, motorway…
A few reasons why a fountain is better than a pond
Have you ever considered a fountain? Perhaps you’ve been put off by the thought of installing electrics, rerouting the water source..? It all appears a bit complex at first glance- but wait, there’s another option. You can install your own gloriously Italianate feature fountain, without any wiring, outdoor plugs or water source’ The only water…
Siberian succulents: hot plants for cold weather
Everyone is spending a lot of time talking about succulents these days. Even teenagers are starting to install them in their bedrooms. Succulents are a good choice because they’re very easy to grow, needing hardly any water, because they store it all in their fleshy leaves. However, those succulents for indoors aren’t really suitable to…
A third birthday origins story
It was a late night in a 36th floor New York apartment. I had just handed my notice in at Thompson and Morgan- where I’d worked for 18 years- and wasn’t quite sure what to do next. I’d been going back and forth to my partner Rafal’s NYC apartment every few months to visit him….
QVC May 2019 highlights
Hydrangea Rembrandt Named Rembrandt as, every three weeks, the colour-changing blooms begin to miraculously transform – just like an artists palette. Bred for their compact size and robust anti-snap stems, the flowers are small but they arrive en masse and smother the entire canopy throughout summer and into autumn. The new Hydrangea series has taken…
Big Begonias in little China
What’s the furthest you would travel to see a plant? Well, how about 4500 miles! Yes, that’s right, I flew all the way to China to see the largest plantation of Begonia BIG. And here’s the story behind my trip! I have admired the breeding company Benary for a long time. They have brought some…
Join QVC for the Enjoy Your Garden event
If you’re in need of inspiration for your garden, QVC’s Enjoy Your Garden extravaganza is where to find it! Taking place on Saturday 11th May 2019, you can find everything you need to get your garden in gear for a relaxing early summer – from fetching new plants to beautiful decor and furniture. How the…
Celebrate your outdoor space on Garden Day
Stop what you’re doing. Put your phone away, turn your TV off, write an ‘out of office’ message for your email account. It’s time to get outside for Garden Day. What is Garden Day? Garden Day is a nationwide community benefit project. It launches on 12th May 2019, in glorious gardening season and just ahead…
How to make a real flower crown for less than £10
The flower crown is a must-have festival or wedding accessory. We’ve seen many faux flower crowns on Instagram, and these can be bought from almost any old accessories shop – but what about wowing your friends with a real flower crown? One which you’ve customised yourself to match with the colours of your outfit (and it…