The Plant Based Podcast

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 into Martin's lifelong journey in horticulture, what continues to inspire his work and how gardening can bring joy, connection, and creativity into everyday life. 

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Series 19 is sponsored by Queen & F...

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 the UK, making them one of the most flexible and well-loved gardening gifts available.   Whether you're shopping for a seasoned gardener, a houseplant newbie, or someone who enjoys home and outdoor living, the HTA Garden Gift Voucher gives them the free...

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 Queen & Fine, the new floral design studio created byt co-host Ellen Mary!
 
From fabulous one off bouquets to weddings, events, offices and installations. 

Chec...

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 80's flowers back? Download to find out.

Find Kays Flower School on social media and via the website: www.kaysflowerschool.com

Series 19 is sponsored by Queen & Fine, the new floral design studio created byt co-host Ellen Ma...

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 be a national collection holder yourself, even if you have little garden space! 

Also hear about Michaels trip to visit Ellen in the USA plus the usual nonsense gossip. 

Fi...

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 co-host Michael Perry, through the details of the reset, what it means for businesses, and how the HTA has worked tirelessly to ensure that the sector's voice is heard.

Find out more: www.hta.or...

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 studio created byt co-host Ellen Mary!

From fabulous one off bouquets to weddings, events, offices and installations. 

Check out the website: 

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 this episode from top design tips, to must use flowers and behind the scenes gossip from show. 

Check out Intrigue Designs and Intrigue Teaches: 

Instagram: 

@intrigue_designs

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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: @mayfieldlavender

Series 19 is sponsored by Queen & Fine, the new floral design studio created by co-host Ellen Mary! From fabulous one off bouquets to weddings, events, offices a...

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 how breeders decide which traits to keep or discard. We'll also explore what makes the Living Creations hydrangeas stand out, and why they're such resilient performers in gardens today.   Whether you're a passionate gardener, a plant collector, or j...

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, the new floral design studio created by co-host Ellen Mary! From fabulous one off bouquets to weddings, events, offices and installations. Check out the website: www.queenandfine...

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, with over 70 garden centres.

"We aim to provide you with great plants and gardening products at affordable prices, with a first-class service delivered by a passionate team." – The Stubbs Family. 

W...

In this episode @ellenmarygardening chats with James Wylie from the Victoria & Albert Museum in Dundee about the new exhibition - Garden Futures: Designing with Nature.

James talks through the exhibition, its importance and how it will inspire visitors. Take the journey through the exhibition in this episode and book your tickets to go! www.vam.ac.uk and check out the socials @vadundee

British Garden Centres are the largest family owned, and family run garden centre group in the UK, with over 70 garden centres.

"We...

Hayley Stephens is the guests on this episode to talk about rescuing cacti and succulents, the future for houseplants and of course plenty of cacti care tips. Hayley owns Mint Plants in Bristol, and runs the business with her emotional support team member, Mum Tina. Mint Plants has a huge collection of rare, old and interesting plants which can be found at www.mintplants.co.uk

Afterwards @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening gossip about floral design, tattoos and progression in horticulture. 

British Garden Centres are the largest fa...

Have you heard of the Titan Arum? It's not only the largest inflorescence in the world, but it's also the smelliest plant in the world, unofficially! Michael popped into Kew Gardens to speak to Leif Starkey about this botanical phenomenon, which has just bloomed in the Palm House. Check Instagram for photos of its rather beautiful withered form!     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, with over 70 garden centres.

"We aim to provide you with great plants and gardening products at...

Hot off the press! Michael Perry in his exhausted and exhilarated state, tells us what he enjoyed about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, the plant of the year winner, some celebrity spots and why next time he might wear a wig. 

British Garden Centres are the largest family owned, and family run garden centre group in the UK, with over 70 garden centres.

"We aim to provide you with great plants and gardening products at affordable prices, with a first-class service delivered by a passionate team." – The Stub...

In this episode, @ellenmarygardening speaks to the designers of two incredible show gardens for the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. First, Katy Terry from Good Grounding Garden Design who was inspired to design 'The ADHD Foundation Garden' after her personal diagnosis of ADHD in 2023.   Then Duncan Hall and Nick Burton of Burton Hall Garden Design who have designed the 'Down's syndrome Scotland Garden' taking inspiration from Duncan's nephew Liam who aged 8 has been supported by the charity. Two fantastic gardens supported by Project Giving Back. Check out all of the information below:    The ADHD Foundation Garden: https://www.rhs.org.uk/show...

This is a special episode with sponsors of series 18 of the podcast - it's British Garden Centres! Eve Kerrigan spills the beans on the business of selling plants, some best selling plants and changes in the garden centre business over the past few years. Followed by a car based gossip with @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening chatting Tulips, slow eating and RHS Malvern.    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, with over 70 garden centres.

"We aim to provide you with great pl...

In this weeks episode, Michael is joined by two good friends, Meg and Gemma, as they have a really lovely gossip. These fab ladies have very interesting jobs in the industry, so make sure to listen and find out all about that, as they all put the world to rights, which is rather fun to listen to. Please excuse the bad quality sound, technology was working against us that evening, and Michael was also laying down across two armchairs trying to get the signal out of the window on the Isle of Wight! Enjoy!

If you've heard the word permaculture used in horticulture but unsure what it means, this episode will answer some of your questions. Jack is a permaculture designer discussing with @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening how we can grow realistically in a sustainable and self-sufficient way, with permaculture principles. Afterwards, Michael and Ellen gossip about whatever springs to mind, from the Isle of Wight to Norfolk.    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, with over 70 garden centres.

"We aim to provide you wi...

In this weeks episode, Michael travels to Boston, in the UK, not the US, to find out about the last commercial conifer nursery in the UK, Golden Grove. He talks to Zoe and Karolina about their love of conifers, and why it's time to look at them through a different lens. We think you're gonna love this episode and we dare you to go and buy a conifer ASAP.    The ideal place to pick up your conifer is one of British Garden Centres locations, and they are the sponsor of the season of the podcast!   Plants mentioned in today's show inc...

Stephen Flynn, one half of The Happy Pear joins @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening for this everything plant based episode.  Twins Stephen and David are best selling authors, cafe and bakery owners, recipe club creators with a 4 acre regenerative organic farm.  From the emerald Isle Stephen chats about plant based eating, growing and overall health. 

Afterwards Michael and Ellen gossip from Coal Yard Drops about plants, getting too close and men…

British Garden Centres are the largest family owned, and family run garden centre group in the UK, wi...

As we kick off series 18, we are beginning with a gardening legend, and good friend of the podcast.  He started his working life as an electrician and now, via the Blue Peter garden, he is a government recognised ambassador for children's gardening in the UK. It's the gold sequinned wearing, SKINNY JEAN GARDENER.   The first gossip of series 18 comes after the guest interview, with @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening chatting about anything that 'springs' to mind, April fools and plant life.   Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres.

British Garden Centres are the largest family owned, and family run garden cen...

Andrew Jackson is a man with a mission. After working in social housing for more than 10 years, he had a yearning to make outdoor spaces better for residents. Upon buying his own new build home, he realised how daunting it can be to suddenly have a blank canvas, full of promise, yet not have a clue what to do with it. 

Years later, after finding his feet with that new garden, Andrew has put together a rather fantastic New Build Manifesto, which makes some strong suggestions for how housing developers can better prepare residents for their new o...

By now you have probably heard of social prescribing and perhaps even social and therapeutic horticulture and as gardeners we know that gardening makes us feel good, but what about everyone else? What about people with no access to green space, people with mental and physical health issues and what about those tasked with giving advice, support and suggestions to help - such as a medical professional.    In this episode guest Dr. Richard Claxton -a champion of promoting positive health and wellness through plants and gardens - tells us what and how gardening truly helps people stay well.   Sponsors of ser...

On the podcast in this episode is the editor of one of the most popular gardening magazines in the UK, Amateur Gardening. The magazine was founded in 1884, but sadly stopped production back in late 2023… but thankfully resurrected just a few months later, with a whole new look, making a whole nation of gardeners of all ages very happy.   Editor and author Kim Stoddart is with @ellenmarygardening and @mr_plantgeek to talk all about editorial deadlines and of course, gardening!   Afterwards Michael and Ellen chat random stuff from travels to plants and everything in between.    Sponsors of series 17 are Lava-Lite  - Natural...

Todays podcast is with Beth Williams, multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer who creates living textiles with incredible designs based around plants and nature. Beth centres around an inaccessible world as well as the relationship between human and environmental sustainability.    Afterwards, @ellenmarygardening and @mr_plantgeek gossip separately with news of what they have been up to recently.    Sponsors of series 17 are Lava-Lite  - Naturally The Best

Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago.<...

In this bonus episode, Michael is at the International Plant fair, the IPM Essen, and he's having a gossip with his good friend Nat Porter! We think you're gonna love this meeting of two crazy plant minds, as they chat about everything from bedding plants to sushi trains!

New plant breeding is big business, but often people ask why we even need new plants. In this episode @ellenmarygardening and @mr_plantgeek with Garry Grueber who is well known in the world of plant development, with over 40 years of experience. It's an insightful chat into the world of new plants. Afterwards, Michael and Ellen chat about plant catwalks, conveyor belts and the cold. 

Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products.

D...

Plants don't always follow the expected rules or genders, and it's not a big deal for them, yet why is it for us? Connor Butler gives us some some truths about everything LGBTQ+ in the botanical world…and it's fascinating! 

Afterwards @ellenmarygardening and @mr_plantgeek have a new years gossip while driving to Heathrow about travel and of course plants, amongst other random things. 

Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural produc...

If you're part of the garden centre world, you may have heard the name Boyd Douglas-Davies. Boyd has had a long year career in ther garden centre industry, most recently heading up the PR and Communications of the popular British Garden Centres brand. He is now working as a freelance consultant, and chair of Greenfingers Charity. Boyd has a wealth of knowledge about garden centres, so if you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, this is the episode for you.   Afterwards, @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening gossip about naughty squirrels, midlife crisis and procrastination.   Series 16 is sponsored by Grow Th...

If you need some winter garden inspiration, this is the episode for you. @ellenmarygardening and @mr_plantgeek chat with Benjamin Pope @theworkinggarden all about how to add plenty of winter interest to your garden. Not just in larger gardens, but even in containers. Ben provides some really exciting combinations to brighten up any patio pot for the colder months of the year. Plus hear all about Ben's career and exciting 'retirement' project.   Afterwards Michael chats with Julie Parker @parkers_patch for the gossip, filling in for Ellen who was otherwise engaged!   Series 16 is sponsored by Grow This, Not That - th...

Houseplants have always been 'trendy' in our eyes but over recent years the boom hasn't slowed up. Or has it? @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening chat with the experts Sarah Gerrard Jone and Urban Jungle to find out what they think about the future of houseplants. From upcoming trends to favourite plants, it's a plant packed podcast episode.    Afterwards, Michael and Ellen gossip about whatever comes to mind in the moment from Michael's birthday (that he doesn't want to be mentioned) to bulb lasagnes.      Series 16 is sponsored by Grow This, Not That - the Substack about new plants, horticulture news, botanical trave...

Do you get lost in the constant online stream of social media? Do you ever wonder how other people feel about it? Does it help or hinder horticulture? @mr_plantgeek and @ellenmarygardening catch up with @skinnyjeangardener @kmgardendesign and @ourdaleyhome to get three different opinions and views on how to enjoy social media and how being in the garden community has benefits - mostly!    Afterwards, Michael and Ellen gossip about whatever comes to mind in the moment from creating textured containers in Japan to autumn colours in USA. 

This episode is with journalist, author, designer and garden consultant, Naomi Slade. Naomi works extensively within the gardening and lifestyle media as a writer and broadcaster plus lectures on a range of specialist subjects. She has written a number of popular gardening books and is an award winning designer often with an environmental focus. So with all of that and a new book about Chrysanthemums recently released, Naomi chats about how to grow them, and why they are set to make a comeback.

Afterwards, @ellenmarygardening and @mr_plantgeek gossip from different continents about all kinds of nonsense. 

Starting the new series off with a bang, its wildlife expert and author Kate Bradbury. Kate is a wildlife writer who manages to attract an astounding number of wildlife species into her urban Brighton back garden. She has written for numerous publications over the years, and also features on BBC Gardeners World and is an RHS Ambassador.

In this episode we get oodles of inspiration from her to help you bring wildlife back into built-up areas. Grab your notepad, there will be plenty of tips and tricks!

In this episode @mr_plantgeek acts suspiciously in a parked car while @ellenmarygardening does the domestic chores. It's the end of series 15 and the podcast will be on summer break - back with a brand new refresh in September 2024. Ellen Mary tries to get Michael to talk about plants but he had too much coffee. Thank you to everyone who has downloaded the podcast and to all of our guests who are equally inspiring. Also thank you to series sponsors Hydria Fountain, go check them out.

Proud to announce Hydria as the series 15 sponsors! Hydria™ is...

After disease wiped out the greenfinches in Dick Woods garden, Dick decided to create a high quality, easy clean bird feeder, manufactured in the UK. Dick, along with Andrew, are on the podcast to talk about how to prevent the spread of diseases in the garden and keep birds safe, plus why their products at Finches Friend will help to do this.

Check out Finches Friend at: www.finchesfriend.com for unique feeders, easy clean and helpful for your garden friends.

This weeks episode is all about biosecurity and why should it matter. @ellenmarygardening and @mr_plantgeek chat with Dario Spagniolo The RHS Shows Biosecurity Specialist. Learn about how we can safeguard our gardens, and the UK, from invasive plants, why sneaking back cuttings from your holidays might not be the best souvenir, and other important subjects which safeguard our horticultural landscape.   If you'd like to learn more, visit the RHS website and click on the science link.    Afterwards Ellen and Michael catch up with a gossip, mostly about anything other than plants!   

Proud to announce Hydria as the series 15 spons...