I have loved plants since I was just 5 years old, and I especially love unusual, odd, weird plants, and plants that do things you don’t expect them to…! My career has taken me all around the world in my quest to find and learn more about plants! I have now brought all this together…
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…
Cure your critter crisis with kitchen cupboard ingredients
Have a pest problem but don’t want to use harmful chemicals or other inhumane methods? Earlier this week on ITV, I talked about eco friendly pest control tips to help you protect your garden with common ingredients found in your kitchen and home. See how many of these techniques you can apply to your garden!…
Getting behind the scenes in the flower industry
Have you ever wondered how and where we choose the plants you grow in your gardens at home? The Flower Trials in Holland and Germany are the most important few days in the horticultural trade calendar year, and buyers and retailers flock from around the globe to see what’s hot and what’s not! During the…
Geoff Stonebanks, Sussex, UK: Chalet garden by the shore
Geoff Stonebank’s coastal garden, aptly named Driftwood, sits between Brighton and Eastbourne. Geoff opens the garden to the public yearly and raises money for charity (over £95k in the past nine years!). Driftwood is a triangular shape, measuring 100ft in length, 40ft at its widest width and 20ft at its narrowest. The ground is mostly…
Why should I replace my lawnmower? *PLUS Win a Lawnmower!*
Lawnmowers are trusty, handy, reliable things which we can often take for granted. Much of the time, they’re inherited – you might have held on to your dad’s old mower that he begrudgingly lent to you when you moved out, and never got back. And so your mower finally starts to look as if it’s…
Rock that festival look outdoors this summer
Don’t fancy risking the English weather at one of the summer festivals? Then why not create your own festival in your outdoor space? Accessorise and choose the right plants to create your own relaxing chill out zone. Props and plants to create that festival garden look For borders, choose open, airy plants such…
The infinite possibilities of balcony gardening
You can create a garden in the smallest of spaces these days, thanks to the latest technology and plant choices. From flowers to vegetables and herbs, which will be super useful in the kitchen. What you need to optimise your small space garden The new VegTrug is the best way to jump right to…
49 uses for pull cord lighting in the garden and home
Lighting has both decorative and practical uses in the garden and home, whether it’s jazzing up a summer garden party or navigating a dark loft space. It can look great by day or by night! These new contemporary pull cord light bulbs turn on easily by gently pulling the bulb downwards. There’s also a nifty…
Upgrade your coffee choice – and try out some iced coffee too!
Right now, you probably just reach for whatever coffee brand is on the supermarket shelf or in the chiller, even though it’s not that great.. I know how it can be, you’re used to the brand, and don’t want to risk trying anything else.. However, why not think out of the box when it comes…
Plants in Focus: The garland Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride’
The Plant of the Year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is now in it’s 9th year, and the contest has seen some amazing introductions- from tropical hardy Foxgloves to patio Mulberry trees. However, 2018 was the year of the Hydrangea, as ‘Runaway Bride’ clinched the title of Plant of the Year. This new breakthrough…
Find out more about growing chillies!
Ever wondered about growing chillies? Horticultural ‘Obbit talks about the learning curve of growing this spicy fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) and the joy of experimentation. Growing chillies in Britain You can grow most things in Blighty. Even chillies. Hot ones, at that. The very first seeds that I had ever sown, were chili seeds. I…
6 small-space veg garden hacks
With more and more people, and less space every day, it can be difficult to build a space to nurture your passion for urban gardening. However, if you are restricted in terms of space, there are a few ways to make the most of what you have! Garden writer (and urban gardener) Alice Whitehead is…
What’s going on at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2018?
BBC Gardeners’ World Live has it’s finger on the pulse of gardening. Here, you can get inspiration, advice and tips to get your gardening off to a great start this summer. Yours truly will be there on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June too – what’s not to love! Book tickets with my special discount code MPG1 to save…