I know that we might not all have time to sit down and read every day, which is why I’m dedicating some time to improving my YouTube channel, creating fun and informative videos for you to watch while you’re on your commute, out in the garden in between mowing and weeding, or before you go…
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…
September 2019 QVC Highlights
Summer 2019 is finally coming to an end as autumn creeps in through the transition month of September. As the days get shorter, we look at different ways to light up our gardens and enjoy those mild autumn evenings. There’s also wildlife to think about, with many animals gearing up for winter by stashing food….
What is Barakura style gardening?
Forget everything you know about planting. This is “Barakura style”! In shorthand, this is horticultural freedom, this is flower arranging but with REAL plants! The Barakura style gives immediate enjoyment, and is designed as a container installation! You’ll be mixing the plants of your wildest dreams, in a density that gives impact from day one….
Can potatoes grow on the Moon?
What do you picture when you think about the Moon? A big chunk of rock, orbiting Earth, devoid of oxygen and therefore life? Well, that’s not exactly accurate, because life could flourish on that chunk of rock – and I don’t mean little green people running around with big, black eyes and bald, artichoke-shaped heads……
August 2019 QVC highlights
Are you excited for summer to come to an end? Probably not. But there’s still lots to look forward to this month. Whether you’re making the most of the school holidays with your kids, or you’re inviting your friends over for BBQs that extend well into the long August evenings, this month is all about…
5 different ways to weed your garden
Is there only one way of weeding a garden? Of course not. However, can you think of five methods of weeding? It’s not a chore that’s widely enjoyed, but there’s no reason your can’t get creative with weeding. I’ve listed five ways to weed your garden below. Why not try these and see which works best for…
Countryside cocktails
We all know about that foraging for food can uncover some interesting finds, from elderflower to funghi. But what about foraging for cocktail ingredients? Producers are calling ‘countryside cocktails’ the new experience in the drink industry. Consumers are bored with the same old cocktails being placed under their seasoned noses – they want something new!…
Behind the scenes of a Chinese flower shop
Whilst I’ve been spending time in Shenzhen, China, I’ve been buying lots of house plants for our apartment. One of the spots that I’ve been coming back to time and time again is a small shop in the expat area called iFlower. I was very lucky to get the chance to interview Julie, who set…
The glamorous history of Tulips
What do you know about the history of Tulips? Perhaps you know that Tulip is the national flower of the Netherlands? Maybe the fact that there are THOUSANDS of registered varieties (including one that I named)? Well there’s even more to this amazing bulb, and a lot of the really interesting stuff happened centuries ago……
Help Blue Cross Suffolk build a sensory garden
The Blue Cross do so much for animals in my native county of Suffolk – and they need help this summer to build a sensory garden! This is really exciting stuff for the dogs at the centre on Bourne Hill in Wherstead, as it will keep them stimulated while they wait for their forever homes….
The Plant Based Podcast series 2 launches today!
Have you heard? Series two of The Plant Based Podcast is going live today, 28th July 2019! Ellen and I have some unique interviews lined up for you this season, from advice on aquascaping from Scaped Nature, to learning about plant based drinks with Botanic Lab. As usual, we’ve scoured the country for people and…
July 2019 QVC highlights
Happy July! We’re mid-way through summer and although the longest day of the year has been and gone, there’s still lots of time to enjoy the sunny days and warm evenings, whether that’s with friends at a BBQ with your new bistro set or when you’re planting a beautifully fragrant climbing Jasmine – both can…
Floral themed eateries to visit in summer 2019
If you’re after that perfect Insta-feed – or you just really love the look of floral decor – you’ll definitely want to visit one of these pretty eateries! Think Wisteria draped from ceiling beams, Cherry Trees in the middle of the room and Ivy EVERYWHERE. These restaurants and cafes have really amped up the plant…