I’m now coming up for my 4th anniversary as Mr Plant Geek. Even though, in some ways this is an alter ego, it also isn’t. My whole life is about plants. The other week, somebody asked me what my hobbies were. And, to be honest, I couldn’t think of anything other than plants!
It has been an amazing journey, and hopefully I’ve inspired a lot of you to start your own gardening journey too!
To celebrate my horticultural birthday, I’ll be doing a whole week of competitions next week! I’ve also selected 10 of my favourite articles on the website, and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.
Photo by Simone Morciano Photography
It has been 4 years of horticultural fun! I have really enjoyed inspiring your passion, and indulging my own! I’m always super happy to push the envelope (or should that be ‘seed tray’!) with new ideas, from floor rugs made of moss to herbaceous perennials growing on the windowsill! Thank you for joining me on this journey! 🥂
5 indestructible plants for your garden
They’re tough, drought-tolerant, and can take a ‘beating’! These plants are The Indestructibles – and they’re a million times better than The Avengers!
Read it here.
WTF does ‘leggy’ mean?
Ever wondered why people keep talking about plants being ‘leggy’? You haven’t seen your plants growing a pair of legs, right?! Here’s the lowdown on this plant lingo, as part of my WTF Gardening series.
Read it here.
Deutzia ‘Raspberry Sundae’
This is a shrub – yes, really! And it’s perfect for your patio thanks to its miniature habit and jaw-dropping fragrant blooms. Refrain from eating it, though!
Read it here.
Plants, art & history in one beautiful Normandy location
If you’re wondering what this face is all about, it’s a sculpture at a stunning public garden in Normandy, France. Les Jardins d’Etretat is hidden away in some beautiful coastal cliffs – but take the time to venture out there and you’ll be rewarded.
Read it here.
New plants to try in 2020
If you’re a follower of plant trends, you’ll love finding out about all the cool new plants to try in 2020 in this post! I ventured to IPM Essen, a huge trade show in Germany, to find out about trends for the next year, and I stumbled across some exciting, controversial and unique plants!
Read it here.
How to create a plot-on-a-plate
You don’t need a garden to be a gardener! This plot-on-a-plate challenge is a fun activity for a rainy day for you and your kids (if you have them). Find out how to make one in this post.
Read it here.
A masterclass in Orchids
Orchids divide opinion – some say they’re a doddle to look after, some say they’re very fickle. If you’re struggling with your Orchid, I’ve put together a masterclass featuring handy care tips. You can’t go wrong with these!
Read it here.
How to become a gardening graffiti artist
Loropetalum chinense Ever Red
Admirer of colour? Go one step further and become a graffiti artist – a gardening graffiti artist, that is! I recommend the best plants for a graffiti garden in this post. WARNING: not for lovers of boring gardens!
Read it here.
You’ll want to try Gazoz after reading this
Last year I took a truly memorable trip to Israel, and stumbled across Cafe Levinsky 41, where Gazoz was the main item on the menu! Want to know what it’s all about? I explain the Gazoz craze here, and speak to Gazoz artisan, Benny Briga.
Read it here.
The glamorous history of the Tulip
Did you know that Tulips were once worth more than gold? I talk about the amazing history of the Tulip, including the crazy Tulip Mania period in The Netherlands, in this post. Plus, I cover the mystifying majesty of the Rainbow Tulip.
Read it here.
What’s been your favourite article on mrplantgeek.com so far? Let me know in the comments below.
Michael has been involved with gardening and plants since he was just five years old. He is a self-professed Plant Geek, and was listed in the Sunday Times top 20 most influential people in the gardening world, thanks to his plant hunter role at Thompson & Morgan.
Michael was responsible for new plant introductions such as the Egg and Chips plant and the FuchsiaBerry and keeps busy travelling the world in search of new plants as well as lecturing worldwide, including stints in Japan. He is very active on social media – so why not give him a follow at @mr_plantgeek or Facebook – and writes a plant-focused Substack called Grow This, Not That.
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Elaine `Everton
The south China botanical garden was fab . Love all the new plants you find for us . You have brought to us great inspiration in your 4years and it’s everything I love especially the mindful garden which i identify with . I remember when you were a guest presenter, i said then you would be an assist , you’ve made gardening exciting . – thank you
Ps remember the gardens around the world xx
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