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Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast

Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast

By Michael Palmer

Join professional gardener, podcaster, broadcaster and garden writer, Mike Palmer, for lively discussions with gardening personalities and experts from the fantastic world of gardening. Look out for Mike's 'Plant Specials' including dahlias, roses & clematis with more to come. You can see & hear more from Mike in his beautiful garden at his popular Instagram account @mike_thegardener. Mike's podcast is sponsored by Natural Grower the supplier of plant-based products for organic & chemical free gardening and houseplants.
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Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Naomi Slade

Mike The Gardener - Gardening PodcastOct 04, 2021

00:00
54:46
Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Rob Smith

Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Rob Smith

In this week’s episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat with garden writer, veg grower and author, Rob Smith

Rob’s new book ‘Grow to Eat: Growing Colourful & Tasty Vegetables From Seed’ is published by Quadrille Publishing on 28th March, 2024 and in this episode we chat about:

  • How Rob’s passion for growing veg started
  • His career to date
  • How the book came about
  • The BBC TV programme, The Great Allotment Challenge, which Rob won in 2015
  • Rob’s plans for the future, and of course lots more. 

We also speak to Rob’s friend, gardener, maker, upcycler and lover of all things vintage, Darren Lakin

It’s a great episode and my thanks to Rob, and Darren for coming along to have a chat with us. 

You can learn more about about Rob by clicking here.

You can learn more about Darren by clicking here.

And, you can learn more about me by clicking here. 

Please don’t forget to follow/subscribe and please leave a review if you’re able. 

Thanks for listening. 

Mike

Mar 28, 202450:53
Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Manoj Malde
Mar 21, 202456:56
Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Lucy Hutchings

Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Lucy Hutchings

In this week’s episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat with Lucy Hutchings (@shegrowsveg) about her career to date. In 2018, Lucy took to Instagram to chart her progress growing her own fruit & vegetables. She now has a following of over 180,000.  In this episode, I chat to Lucy about her career to date, including her work as a writer, author, garden designer, and now, entrepreneur as she and business partner, Kate Cotterell have set up the UK Heirloom Seed Company. Lucy also shares exclusively their plans for the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2024. To follow Lucy on her Instagram account click here. To follow me on my Instagram account click here. Thanks for listening and please don't forget to follow/subscribe as there are more episodes to follow.  And, if you are able, please leave a review. See you next week. Mike
Mar 14, 202449:11
Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - TJ Maher

Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - TJ Maher

Hello and welcome back to this week's episode of the Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast.

This week, I speak to garden, owner and author, TJ Maher.

TJ is an artist who has an incredible eye for using colour, forms and texture in his beautiful Patthana Garden in Wicklow, Ireland. His new book, published by Pimpernel Press on 7th March 2024 is ‘Grounded in the garden - an artist's guide to creating a beautiful garden in harmony with nature’ and looks closely at the creation of the Patthana Garden, including how to use colour, planting and lots more.

In this delightfully, intimate interview we chat about:

  • TJ’s career to date
  • The importance of colour in the garden
  • How TJ crafted this stunning garden 
  • How the book came about
  • How TJ found the writing process 
  • How the garden has developed, and of course lots more

My thanks to TJ for taking time to come and chat to us. You can follow TJ on his Instagram account by clicking here.

You can follow me on my Instagram account by clicking here.

Thank you, as always for listening and don't forget to follow/subscribe as there are more episodes to come.

If you are able, please do leave a review.

Thank you.

Mike

Mar 07, 202459:27
Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Jekka McVicar

Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Jekka McVicar

In this week's episode of the Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat once again to Jekka McVicar whose new book '100 Herbs to Grow' is published 7 March 2024 by Quadrille Publishing.
In this fascinating and in-depth chat, we talk about:

Jekka's new book, '100 Herbs to Grow'.
How to inspire people to grow
The future of small and independent specialist nurseries
How Jekka spends her ‘me-time’
Her plans for the future, and much more.

This is truly another great chat with Jekka, and I am re-releasing our first chat alongside this episode as some of our conversations relate back to our first meeting.
My thanks to Jekka for taking time from her schedule to chat to us today. You can follow Jekka's Herb Farm by clicking here. And you can follow Jekka's personal account by clicking here.
And you can follow me on my Instagram account by clicking here.
Please don't forget to follow/subscribe and if you are able, please leave a review.
Thank you and see you next week.
Mike
Feb 29, 202445:42
Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - M.T. O'Donnell
Feb 22, 202452:60
Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Salvia Special (Nigel Hewish)
Feb 15, 202436:52
Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Anya Lautenbach (The Garden Fairy)

Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Anya Lautenbach (The Garden Fairy)

Hello and welcome to the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast. In this first episode of Series 7, I'm delighted to be joined by the rather lovely Anya Lautenbach, a.k.a. Anya, The Garden Fairy (Instagram).

Anya's brand new book, her first, The Money Saving Gardener is published on 8 February by DK books.

We chat about:

  • How the book came about
  • The writing process
  • Anya's first gardening memories
  • How a personal tragedy led to her building a beautiful garden of her own
  • How she got into propagation
  • Her plans for the future, and lots, lots more.

You can follow Anya on her Instagram account by clicking here and details of her new book and can be found here.

You can find out more about me and my garden by following me on my Instagram account.  Click here for more information

Thanks for listening and I'll be back next week.

Mike

Feb 08, 202447:25
Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Head Gardener Nigel Hewish (Kingston Maurward, Dorchester)
Jan 03, 202445:07
Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Charles Carr (Hilliers Nurseries)

Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Charles Carr (Hilliers Nurseries)

In this fascinating episode,  I chat to Charles Carr, who is the Head of Wholesale Nurseries at Hillier Nurseries Limited. 

Charles took me on a tour of the site and it's just incredible to see this massive operation, and the technology thats in use, the skills of the staff all around the site and most importantly, the quality of the plants that are produced.

I chat to Charles about his role and, as with so many conversations I've had in this series, we talk about the impact of climate change and going peat free and how the industry is responding to these very real challenges. Hilliers Nurseries are pretty much peat free, and they have some fascinating technology to help them learn about this new growing medium. And for all of us, whatever the size of our garden, we too will need to learn about how to grow our plants in a peat, free medium.

As you might expect, we cover a lot of ground within this discussion, including pests and diseases, what happens during the winter months, the importance of learning and development for staff, new plant development, and Charles own plant passions and of course lots more.

Thank you all for listening to this series of the Mike The Gardener – Gardening Podcast and I will be back in the New Year with one more episode for this series, before picking up again in spring with Series 7.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy, 2024.

Mike

Dec 19, 202352:04
Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Fran Clifton (Hilliers Garden)
Dec 05, 202349:41
Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Harry Baldwin (Borde Hill Gardens)
Nov 22, 202348:47
Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Miranda Janatka

Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Miranda Janatka

Hello and welcome to this episode of the Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast.
In this episode, I chat to gardener, writer and author, Miranda Janatka, whose second book, Happy Indoor Garden has just been published by Batsford Books.
Until recently, Miranda was also a senior content creator for the fabulous Gardeners’ World magazine. We chat about:

Her career to date
How she got into gardening
Her books and the writing process
How own garden, and of course lots more

My thanks to Miranda for taking time to come and have a chat with us. You can follow Miranda on her Instagram account by clicking here.
You can follow me on my Instagram account by clicking here.
Please don't forget to follow/subscribe as there are more episodes to come.
Thanks for listening!
Mike
Nov 09, 202341:40
Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - David Pearce (Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens)
Oct 25, 202355:18
Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Roz Chandler (Fieldgate Flowers)
Oct 04, 202348:03
Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Introduction
Sep 26, 202342:02
Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Slot From The Plot (Ep 5)

Mike The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Slot From The Plot (Ep 5)

Hello, and welcome to this bonus episode of the Mike the Gardener – Gardening Podcast.

This time we return to the allotment with Otis to see what has been happening since we were last there a few weeks back. And, I can assure you, the allotment has been very, very productive. I know that, because we've been lucky enough to be on the receiving end of some of the delicious crops, including bumper hauls of courgettes, beans and beetroot.

In today's episode, we touched upon the use of peat-free compost.

Have you been using peat-free compost on your allotment this year?
We'd be really interested to know how they have performed for you?
Do tell us which products you have used and the results you have got.


In the meantime, I will be back with Series 6 in mid-September, so I look forward to seeing you all then.

Mike
Aug 17, 202326:05
 Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - The First Time Gardener (Charlie & Joanne)
Jul 04, 202341:22
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Slot From the Plot (Bonus Ep 4)
Jun 27, 202328:05
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Kiln Farm Nursery with Ruth Goudy

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Kiln Farm Nursery with Ruth Goudy

In this week's episode of the Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat with friend and nursery owner, Ruth Goudy.

Ruth is one of the owners of the Kiln Farm Nursery in Kesgrave, Ipswich alongside husband Paul.

We chat about:

  • How the nursery came about
  • How it grew and developed into the thriving business it is today
  • What is entailed in running a successful garden centre
  • What are the future plans for the garden centre?
  • And lots, lots more.

It's a fascinating insight into garden centres, which we, as avid gardeners frequent in the hunt for good, quality plants and garden supplies for our gardens.

My thanks to Ruth for her time. You can find out more about Ruth by following her popular Instagram page @theflowerwriter.

and, you can find out more about me by following my Instagram page @mike_thegardener.

Please don't forget to follow/subscribe, and if you are able, please leave a review.

Thanks for listening.

Mike


Jun 20, 202342:18
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Adam Frost

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Adam Frost

In this week's, episode of the Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat to Gardeners' World presenter, garden designer, and author, Adam Frost.

Probably one of the most requested chats from all of you over the last two years, and finally it's happened.

In an open, frank and very honest, interview Adam talks about:

  • His career to date.
  • Working alongside the legend that was Geoff Hamilton.
  • His new garden
  • His own recent health issues
  • “An Evening with Adam Frost” UK shows, and much , much more

Adam will be appearing at this year's Gardeners' World Live in Birmingham 15-18 June.

Check show press for his appearances and schedule of activities.

My thanks to Adam, his team and the BBC Gardeners' World team for their help in arranging this chat.

As always, please don't forget to follow/subscribe and leave a review if you are able.

And, as always, I will see you next week.


Mike

Jun 12, 202346:22
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA)

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA)

In this weeks episode of the Mic the Gardener – Gardening Podcast, I chat to YPHA committee member, Sarah Want.

The YPHA is the Young People in Horticulture Association and is a fantastic initiative for anybody in gardening or horticulture under the age of 35. 

In this episode, I chat to Sarah about:

  • What the YPHA is?
  • Who it's for?
  • What its objectives are?
  • How it helps its members?
  • And lots, lots more.

To join the YPHA, or get more information tap this link.

The YPHA can be found on Instagram and LinkedIn by tapping these links.

Thanks for listening, as always, and please don't forget to FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE, and if you are able, please do leave a review.

I will see you next week.

Mike

Jun 05, 202331:04
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Chelsea Flower Show Special

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Chelsea Flower Show Special

In this week's episode of the Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I take you all to the Chelsea Flower Show Press Day. I'm very lucky to be invited to this, and decided it would be great if I could share some of the atmosphere of the day with you here on the podcast. Celebrities and gardening personalities wander up and down Main Avenue and around the Great Pavilion. It's the place to be seen on Press Day. In this episode, I speak to the following people: Rossana Porta: I was lucky enough to work alongside Rossana, who worked alongside Manoj Malde, to orchestrate the planting of his beautiful Garden of Unity. Rossana tells us all about her career and her role in making this beautiful garden. Sienna Hosta (Chris): Chris and Ollie have both been previous guests on the podcast, and I catch up with Chris to see how their Chelsea journey has been. And it certainly hasn't been without a few problems along the way. Lincolnshire Pond Plants (Dawn): I chat to Chelsea first timers, Leicestershire Pond Plants, and Dawn tells me all about their experience of exhibiting in the Great Pavilion for the very first time.  Steph Hafferty & Kim Stoddart: Kim has been a recent guest on the podcast when she chatted about climate change gardening. I caught Steph and Kim shortly after they entered Chelsea to find out what they were hoping to get from the day. Michael Perry a.k.a. Mr Plant Geek, and Ellen Mary: Again two lovely people have been guests on the podcast previously. I bumped into Michael in the Great Pavilion, and, as he was sharing his Chelsea experience, we were joined by the lovely Ellen Mary. Tom and Jenny Williams (The Laundry Garden): I visited Tom and Jenny last year at the beautiful Laundry Garden, which was a very popular episode on the podcast. I caught up with them in the Great Pavilion as they shared their plans for the day and their plans for the future. Thanks for listening as always, and don't forget to follow/subscribe. As always, if you are able to leave a review that would be great. See you next week, as usual. Mike
May 30, 202343:14
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Mark Diacono
May 21, 202358:08
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - The Climate Change Garden with Kim Stoddart

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - The Climate Change Garden with Kim Stoddart

In this week's episode of the In this week's episode of the Mic the Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat to climate change gardening expert, Kim Stoddart.
Kim's new book, ‘The Climate Change Garden', which she co-authored alongside Sally Morgan gives us a fascinating insight into climate change, and how we as gardeners need to adapt our working practices to achieve bountiful and productive gardens in a world, where the weather patterns are constantly changing and are at times becoming extremely challenging
Kim tells us about:

How the changing weather patterns impact how we garden
How it climate change is impacting the timing of the arrival and types of pests we find in our gardens
How looking at the gardening practices and approaches of yesteryear and embracing thrift and connection, could actually lead us to better resilience in our own green spaces, and much, much more

We also chat about how it's important for us as gardeners to adapt to the changing climate with some helpful and handy tips on things we can incorporate in our own green spaces to make positive changes.
It's a fascinating and timely chat about a subject that we will all have questions and concerns about.
To buy a copy of ‘The Climate Change Garden’ click here. To find out more about Kim visit her website by clicking here, and you can follow her on her Instagram account by clicking here.
You can also follow me on my Instagram account by clicking here.
Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow/subscribe and, if you are able, please do leave a review.
See you next week.
Mike
May 15, 202348:22
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Andrew Timothy O'Brien

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Andrew Timothy O'Brien

In this week's, episode of the Mic the Gardener - Gardening Podcast I chat with gardener, writer, podcaster, garden coach, and now author, Andrew Timothy O’Brien.

In his own words, Andrew says he is the owner of a too-loud laugh. I disagree, it’s great to hear the sound of people laughing in a world where there’s too much sadness and bad news, don’t you think?

I chat to Andrew about his new book 'to stand and stare' published by DK books. There's a lot of gardening advice out there. But none that invites you to think about how to be while you're in your garden. With increasingly busy lives, yet another list of chores seems like the last thing we need when it comes to our own practice of self-care and relaxation. After all, aren't these the things we wanted to escape to the garden for in the first place? What if there was a more low-intervention way to garden, some reciprocal arrangement through which both you and your soil get fed - with minimum fuss, effort and guilt on your part, and the maximum measure of healthy, organic growth for your garden?

We chat about: 

  • How the book came about
  • Andrew’s love of the writer and spoken word
  • Andrew’s podcast, Garden Weeds & Words,
  • Our thoughts on gardening on social media and of course, lots more

You can buy a copy of 'to stand and stare' by clicking this link.

You can get more information about Andrew by visiting his website, and you can follow him on his Instagram account by clicking here. You can also follow me on my Instagram account by clicking here.

Thanks for listening and please don't forget to follow/subscribe as there are more episodes to come. And, if you are able, please leave a review with your preferred podcast provider.

Thank you!

See you next week.

Mike

May 09, 202354:17
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Slot From the Plot (Bonus Ep 3)

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Slot From the Plot (Bonus Ep 3)

In this week's episode of the Mic The Gardener – Gardening Podcast we head back to Otis and Ben's allotment in Wimborne. 

Despite the cold, grey weather, there is plenty of activity going on on the plot as you'll hear in this episode.

But, Ben and Otis have also had their fair share of trials and tribulations to contend with, so it hasn't all been plain sailing.

If you are interested in jotting down exactly what they are growing in the allotment, at the moment, here is the list:

  • Spring onions, garlic, French beans, wineberries, gooseberries, turnips, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, zucchini, shallots, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, courgettes, sweet, peppers, and cucumbers.  
  • And to keep all of us ornamental growers happy you come include lupins and dahlias on that list

Thanks for joining us, and don't forget, you can follow me on my Instagram account where I am @mike_thegardener, Otis is @otisthegardener and Ben is @shortish. 

As always, don't forget to follow/subscribe and if you're able and please do leave a review for other listeners.

And I will see you as usual next week for some more gardening podcast fun.

Mike 

May 04, 202323:43
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Liz Zorab - The Seasoned Gardener

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Liz Zorab - The Seasoned Gardener

In this weeks, episode of the Mic The Gardener – Gardening Podcast I chat to friend, YouTube sensation, homesteader and author, Liz Zorab.
Liz's new book, The Seasoned Gardener has just been published on Permanent Publications, and I chat to her about:

- How she started homesteading - - - How she started her successful YouTube channel with over 122,000 subscribers.
- How she started writing, and, lots lots more.

If growing your own and homesteading is something you have considered, have just embarked upon, or would like to embark upon, then this episode is perfect for you.
You may even be one of Liz's 122,000 subscribers, in which case you'll be interested to hear how Liz set up her successful YouTube channel. Or, you may just be interested in listening to another great chat with a very inspirational and determined lady.
You can follow Liz on her YouTube channel by clicking here.
You can learn more about Liz and order her books by visiting her website.
As always, don't forget to follow/subscribe and if you're able and please do leave a review for other listeners.
And I will see you as usual next week for some more gardening podcast fun.
Mike
May 02, 202348:23
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Hardy Geraniums Special with Gary Carroll (Cranesbill Nursery)
Apr 24, 202348:19
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Erica James
Apr 17, 202352:60
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - The Plant Rescuer (Sarah Gerrard Jones)
Apr 11, 202342:04
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Slot From the Plot (Bonus Ep 2)
Apr 05, 202317:41
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Peonies with Alec White of Primrose Hall Peonies
Apr 03, 202352:02
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Frances Tophill
Mar 27, 202341:01
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Slot From the Plot S5/Ep1
Mar 20, 202323:01
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Hellebores with John Massey (VMH) & Kevin Belcher

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Hellebores with John Massey (VMH) & Kevin Belcher

Hello and welcome back to this week's episode of the Mic the Gardener - Gardening Podcast.

And so here it is, the one you've all been waiting for, including me!

So many of you have contacted me asking if we can do a special episode on hellebores. There's clearly a lot of love for our heavenly hellebores out there, and I'm a massive fan, that's for sure.

So, I racked my brain, wondering who I could approach to talk to about these wonderful plants. There was, in all honesty, only one person on my agenda, so I dropped him a line. And, lo and behold, he agreed.  I am, of course, talking about the wonderful, John Massey (VMH). John suggested, however, that he bring along his top hellebore breeder, Kevin Belcher, to join in the conversation. You wait just over two two years for a hellebore expert come along and then two come along at once!

This fascinating and insightful episode will have you reaching for pen and paper to jot down some timely and extremely helpful hellebore facts as we discuss:

  • How to get the very best in your hellebores
  • Planting tips
  • Maintenance advice
  • Dealing with pests and diseases
  • Propagation, and much, much more

My thanks to John and Kevin for their time, and for making the recording of this episode an absolute delight.

You can get more information about hellebores, and buy online by visiting www.ashwoodnurseries.com and you can follow Ashwood Nurseries on their Instagram account by clicking here.

Whilst I'm in the process of thanking people, my thanks to all of you for your questions, your support, and for listening to the Mic the Gardener – Gardening Podcast.

You can follow me in my garden on my Instagram account by clicking here.

As always, please don't forget to follow/subscribe and leave a review if you are able.

See you next week.

Mike

Mar 13, 202351:20
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Young Horticulturist - Josh Simmonds

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Young Horticulturist - Josh Simmonds

Hello and welcome to this week's, episode of the Mic the Gardener – Gardening Podcast.

In this week's, episode, I chat with a passionate young horticulturalist, Josh Simmonds. I first met Josh a couple of years ago, when I travelled to Ipswich to record a podcast episode with Michael Perry (a.k.a. Mr Plant Geek). I was early and Michael suggested I visit Kiln Farm Nursery before our interview.

On arrival, a young lad was setting up for the day. This young lad was Josh, who invited me in to come and have a look around.  Josh's passion for plants and all things gardening was incredible. As such, I was delighted when he contacted me recently to ask if he could come onto the show and chat about getting other young people interested in horticulture and gardening.

It was a no brainer for me. Encouraging a younger generation of gardeners and horticulturalists into the industry is something I am extremely passionate about too.

You can follow Josh on his Instagram account by clicking here.

Follow Kiln Farm Nursery, where he works, by clicking here.

And last, but certainly not least, you can follow me on my Instagram account by clicking here.

Thank you for listening and please do follow/subscribe, so you don't miss a future episodes. And, if you're able, please leave a review with your preferred podcast provider.

See you all next week and thanks for listening.

Mike

Mar 01, 202332:16
Mic The Gardener Gardening Podcast - TVs Love Your Garden & Garden Rescue Special with Matt Young (Spun Gold TV)
Feb 28, 202355:11
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Snowdrops with Val Bourne
Feb 20, 202342:37
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Kate Bradbury

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Kate Bradbury

In this second episode of the Mic the Gardener - Gardening Podcast I chat with award-winning garden writer, television presenter and wildlife gardening expert, Kate Bradbury.  

We talk about Kate's wonderful new book 'The Tree in My Garden: Choose One Tree, Plant It - Change the World' published by DK Books which is a real page turner and packed with useful information to help you choose one (or more) perfect trees for your garden. We also chat at length about Kate's career to date and much, much more. 

You can follow Kate on her Instagram page by clicking here.  

Make sure you don't miss out on the exciting future episodes of the Mic the Gardener - Gardening Podcast by hitting the FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE button. 

You could also learn more about me by following me on my Instagram account. Click here for details

Thanks for listening and see you soon.  

Mike 

Feb 08, 202330:57
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Jekka McVicar

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Jekka McVicar

Hello and welcome back to this weeks episode of the Mike the Gardener – Gardening Podcast. This week, I'm over the moon to announce that my guest is none other than Queen of Herbs, Jekka McVicar. Jekka McVicar is an organic grower of herbs and horticultural author, designer, consultant, judge and moderator. She is renowned for her passion and knowledge of herbs and has built an international reputation for growing and designing sustainable herb gardens. Jekka has an impressive list of credentials. These include the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Vice President and Ambassador for Health & Wellbeing and the RHS top accolade, the Victoria Medal of Honour. She is an Honorary Member of the RHS Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Committee and a regular judge at RHS Flower shows. In 2018 she was chairman of the judging panel for the Great Pavilion at the Chelsea Flower Show. She has also been awarded the 2012 Gardeners Media Guild Life Time Achievement Award for services to horticulture, design, education and communication, and excellence in the field of organic herb growing. I visited Jekka a few weeks ago and chatted to her at length about her career, how she got started, how the business has grown, her writing, her flute playing, yes, you read that correctly, and how one of her books came to are in the hands of Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. As always, please do follow/subscribe as there is still more to come and, if you are able, please leave a review with your preferred podcast provider. Many thanks Mike
Jan 26, 202347:53
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Charles Dowding (No-Dig)
Oct 20, 202249:29
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek

Hello, hello, hello and welcome to this weeks episode of the Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast

Today I chat once again, to another returning guest to the podcast, Michael Perry a.k.a. Mr Plant Geek. Michael was a guest on the podcast at the beginning of Series 2 (click here to listen to that episode) when I travelled to his wonderful garden and sat in the August sunshine talking all things gardening, plants, social media and of course lots lots more.

So I'm absolutely delighted to invite Michael back again to chat about his new book, Hortus Curious, published by DK books.

In this episode Michael tells me everything about the book including how it came about, how the writing process worked for him and the illustrator Aaron Apsley. We also talked at length about the look, feel and style of this incredible book which will literally pop off the shelves when you walk into your local bookshop.

We also touch on social media, awards and what Michael is up to next.

And at the very beginning of our chat there are some extremely helpful tips on how and when to use a certain brand of moisturising oil to keep the wrinkles at bay… Yes, you heard me right!

If you haven't already, please follow/subscribe to the podcast and if you're able, please do leave a review with your preferred podcast provider.  

You can also follow me on Instagram where you will find me as @mike_thegardener

Thanks so much.

Mike

Oct 13, 202236:58
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Barbara Segall

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Barbara Segall

Hello and welcome back to this weeks episode of the Mic the Gardener – Gardening Podcast sponsored by Natural Grower.

If you're look for amazing results with all your fruit and vegetables, flower beds, lawns and house plants, then Natural Grower's award-winning, certified organic peat-free compost and fertiliser knock the socks of chemical products! All products are certified organic, 100% chemical free and 100% peat-free.

And those lovely people and Natural Grower have given me an exclusive 10% discount off all products. Just pop MIC10 in the apply coupon field when you checkout.

In this weeks episode I speak to garden writer Barbara Segall about her new book ’Secret Gardens of the South East’ published by Frances Lincoln. In Kent, Sussex and Surrey, a wealth of history and horticulture has combined with geography in the shape of rolling landscapes, would it valleys and meandering waterways, to provide some of the most beguiling and interesting gardens in the United Kingdom. Barbara tells me all about her new book, how she writes and talks about her career, her friendship with the late Peter Seabrook and much more.

You can find out more about Barbara by heading to her website or why not subscribe to her blog, The Garden Post.

My thanks to Barbara for coming along to chat with me this week.

Well folks, that's it for today thank you so much for joining me and Barbara.  There are just a few more episodes to go before we reach the end of Series 4 so do make sure you follow and subscribe to make sure you don't miss out on any of the horticultural fun here on the Mic the Gardener - Gardening Podcast and I will see you, as always, next week

Bye-bye for now, bye-bye

Oct 06, 202241:59
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Chris Wiley (Sow Successful)

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Chris Wiley (Sow Successful)

Hello and welcome back to this weeks episode of the Mic the Gardener – Gardening Podcast sponsored by Natural Grower.
If you're look for amazing results with all your fruit and vegetables, flower beds, lawns and house plants, then Natural Grower's award-winning, certified organic peat-free compost and fertiliser knock the socks of chemical products! All products are certified organic, 100% chemical free and 100% peat-free.
And those lovely people and Natural Grower have given me an exclusive 10% discount off all products. Just pop MIC10 in the apply coupon field when you checkout.
It warms the cockles of my heart and I'm sure all of us when we hear heartwarming stories of success in the face of possible adversity. Today, I chat to Chris Wiley the founder of Sow Successful Ltd a company which trials and tests garden plants and garden products, which he set up just as the UK headed into its first lockdown.
Chris shares his story about how his Sow Successful business came about, how he got started in horticulture and his journey along the way.
Chris also tells us why this year, 2022 has been such a very special year for him
It's an incredible story involving hard work, determination, a friendship with the late, great Peter Seabrook and a delightful story about how a posy of very, very special sweet peas travelled across London on the underground to be presented to Her Majesty the Queen at her last Chelsea Flower Show earlier this year. And this episode was recorded a couple of months ago before the very sad death of Her Majesty the Queen on September 8th.
To order the exquisite, frilly, lilac sweet pea Peter Seabrook head to
precious-plants.co.uk and with 12 seeds per packet, price includes delivery and £1 charity donation to the Floral Fantasia garden at RHS Hyde Hall.
Chris's Sow Successful website is www.sow-successful.com. And you'll find loads of information there about Chris and the business.
And the new website sustainableplantstore.com is due to launch in October so do head over and have a look for more information about Chris and this incredible company and look out for his plastic free, pesticide free and peat-free plants at a sensible price.
My thanks to Chris Wiley for coming along to chat with me this week. What an incredible story and I know we all wish Chris and wife Britney all the very best for an equally successful 2023.
Well folks, that's it for today thank you so much for joining me and Chris and we have just one a few more episodes to go before we reach the end of Series 4 so do make sure you follow and subscribe to make sure you don't miss out on any of the horticultural fun here on the Mic the Gardener - Gardening Podcast and I will see you, as always, next week
Bye-bye for now, bye-bye
Sep 29, 202248:12
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Slot from the Plot (Ep 3)
Sep 22, 202250:00
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Catherine Horwood (Beth Chatto)

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Catherine Horwood (Beth Chatto)

Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of the Mic the Gardener – Gardening Podcast.

This week my special guest is Catherine Horwood. Catherine is an award-winning writer and lecturer and author of the official biography of Beth Chatto, ‘Beth Chatto - A Life with Plants’. Beth was and indeed still is one of our most influential gardeners. There can’t be many of us who hasn’t got one of Beth‘s inspirational books on our bookshelves.

It’s a great chat with some fascinating stories about Beth and her life

And if you haven’t already, please follow/subscribe as there are still more great episodes in the pipeline!

Please leave a review if you are able as it really helps people to find the podcast and tell them what it’s all about.

Thank you!
Sep 15, 202246:37
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Val Bourne
Sep 08, 202256:40
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - The Laundry Garden (Tom & Jenny Williams)

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - The Laundry Garden (Tom & Jenny Williams)

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of the Mic the Gardener – Gardening Podcast

In this week’s episode I travel to Denbigh, North Wales, to chat to the owners of the exquisite Laundry Garden Retreat, Tom & Jenny Williams, who take me on a tour of their beautiful garden. 

We chat about how they came to be its owners, how the gardens have progressed including the design and planting ethos in each part of the garden, who does what, their plans for the future and much, much more. 

During this delightful episode we visit the House Garden, the Dragon Garden, the beautiful Lime Alley and of course the stunning walled garden. 

You can see pictures and a video of the stunning walled garden of the garden by heading to my Instagram page. Click this link to see more. 

It’s a great fact-filled, fun chat and a fascinating ‘look behind the scenes’ with Tom & Jenny. And of course you can find out even more by visiting the Laundry Garden Retreat. Visit https://thelaundryretreatnorthwales.co.uk or visit the Laundry Garden Instagram page for more information.

Please do follow/subscribe as there is more to come on the Mic the Gardener – Gardening Podcast. And if you're able, please leave a review with your preferred podcast provider

Sep 01, 202249:54
Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Composting, Ellen Mary and lots more

Mic The Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Composting, Ellen Mary and lots more

Hello and welcome back to this week’s episode of the Mic the Gardener – Gardening Podcast

In this weeks episode we are: 

  • Looking at how to make the best quality garden compost 
  • Chatting with Ellen Mary about her new book ‘How to Grow a Garden' 
  • Seeing what’s grabbing the horticultural headlines, and 
  • Answering some of your gardening questions 

Click here to see a Instagram trailers for this episode. 

And, as promised in the episode, here are some of the things that we can and can't compost: 

CAN COMPOST: Animal manure from herbivores / brown paper products (cardboard toilet rolls, cereal boxes, brown paper bags / paper towels, tissues / coffee grounds and filters / cotton, wool / Hoover waste /  and dryer lint from natural fabrics / crushed eggshells / grass clippings, garden trimmings / hair, fur / hay, straw / houseplants / leaves / shredded newspaper / wood chips, sawdust, wood toothpicks, burnt matches / fruit and vegetable peels / old vegetables / stale bread / non-glossy junk mail or catalogues (shredded) / fir cones / cardboard egg cartons / tea leaves/used tea / annual weeds 

CAN'T COMPOST: Baked or cooked food / treated wood/sawdust / oils or greasy foods / pet waste / human waste / weeds that have gone to seed / plastic or coated cardboard / Sellotape / diseased plants & houseplants / pesticide-treated plants / coal ash / feminine hygiene products / nappies / synthetic fabric / leather goods / glossy paper / perennial weeds / tea bags - empty the contents only 

Please don't forget to follow/subscribe and if you're able, please leave a review with your preferred podcast provider. 

Many thanks. 

Mike

Aug 25, 202250:01