The Plant Based Podcast S17 Bonus - Swapping notes on new plants and trends with Nat

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.    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. The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe. LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on. All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable. The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower. Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.uk

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.    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. The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe. LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on. All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable. The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower. Learn more at www.lava-lite.co.uk

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 This, Not That - the Substack about new plants, horticulture news, botanical travel and more from Michael Perry.  https://mrplantgeek.substack.com

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 - the Substack about new plants, horticulture news, botanical travel and more from Michael Perry.  https://mrplantgeek.substack.com

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 travel and more from Michael Perry.  https://mrplantgeek.substack.com

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 the world’s first all-in-one water fountain kit that fits any planter or pot. Perfect for patios, balconies and even indoors as a water feature with a difference. Not only can the water sound soothe you and look wonderful in your garden but the fountain is available with various colours, attachments and tiles so you can truly personalise your fountain to your own space. Find out more about Hydria when you listen to the podcast and via their website: https://www.hydrialife.com Also check them out on socials:  Instagram: @hydria_fountain Facebook: @hydriafountain