The Plant Based Podcast
Food
About
More people than ever are appreciating the importance of plants in our day to day lives. Whether it's a plant-based diet, clothes made from plants, the wellbeing qualities of plants, or simply a fun shelf of cacti and succulents!The Plant Based Podcast is about anything that can be traced back to plants… with subjects ranging from foraging for medicinal plants and baking with edible flowers, to plant-based body builders and clothes made from bamboo...This is not just another gardening podcast.. this is The Plant Based Podcast!
Episodes
- Planting design with renowned designer Andrew Fisher-Tomlin.
In this episode Ellen Mary and Michael Perry are stepping into the world of garden design with guest, garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin. In this episode hear about Andrew's approach to design, how he thinks about space, planting and sus…
- RHS Chelsea Special 2026
This episode of The Plant Based Podcast focuses on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, featuring designers Patrick Clarke, Will Murray, Sally Anne Rees, and Darren Hawkes. They discuss their respective show gardens: The Children's Society Ga…
- Nick Cutsumpas aka Farmer Nick on gardening, sustainability and plant based living.
Nick Cutsumpas, also known as Farmer Nick, joins Ellen Mary and Michael to discuss gardening, sustainability, resilience, and plant-based living. The episode offers practical gardening advice and insights into climate action, shared by a p…
- Right Plant Right Place with the owner of Creake Abbey and Plant Lovers Day
This episode features Ellen Mary in conversation with Diana Brocklebank Scott, owner of Creake Abbey. They discuss Plant Lovers Day, an event celebrating its 19th year on May 16th, 2026, and Diana shares advice on selecting and planting th…
- Hear from plant collector, educator and enthusiast Jonny Balchandani, The Bearded Plantaholic.
Jonny Balchandani, also known as The Bearded Plantaholic, shares his personal plant journey, how social media fostered his community, and the realities of maintaining a large plant collection. The episode also features hosts Michael and El…
- A chat with the editor of the worlds oldest gardening magazine
Michael interviews Kim Stoddart, editor of Amateur Gardening magazine, discussing her horticultural journey, climate-friendly gardening, and insights into the publication. The conversation covers modern gardening trends and industry topics.
- AI Talking Plants Exhibition with Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Have you ever heard a plant talking? To kick off series 20 of the podcast Ellen Mary and Michael Perry visited Cambridge Univeristy Botanic Garden to chat with Raffy and Kathryn about the Talking Plants Exhibition. Imagine a Jade Vine chat…
- End of Series Christmas Gossip
Believe it or not, but this does include Christmas plants - you'll just have to wait until Michael has released his anger about the festive season first! Joking aside, Ellen and Michael are finishing off series 19 gossiping about all the t…
- Growing Innovation – A Conversation with Mattias Redlefsen of Benary GmbH
In this episode, Michael sits down with Mattias Redlefsen, an industry leader at Benary GmbH, one of the world's most respected companies in ornamental plant breeding. With more than 175 years of history, Benary has shaped the global horti…
- Hear from one of the UK's top horticultural experts Martin Fish with some top gardening tips
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 th…
- Unwrap the magic of the National Garden Gift Card for Christmas
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 spendin…
- Keep your houseplants thriving with Happy Plant Collector
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 jungl…
- Floral industry trends and education with Kays Flower School, Deirdre and Janette.
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 fl…
- Find out how you can be a national plant collection holder with Plant Heritage.
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 in…
- What does the EU reset mean for the horticultural industry in the UK, with The Horticultural Trades Association
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 Hortic…
- There's a tree for everyone with Steph Dunn-James from Frank P Matthews.
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 b…
- The Art of Floral Design with Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs
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…
- Mayfield Lavender with lavender growing tips, the history of lavender and what the future holds.
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…
- Hydrangea breeding with Leo Slingerland from the Living Creations breeding program.
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 paren…
- Pelargoniums or Geraniums? Growing Crazy has the answer.
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…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - Uncovering the world of the HTA
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 a…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - A glimpse into new plants from The Flower Trials
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…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - Garden Futures: Designing with Nature with curator, James Wylie from the V & A Dundee
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 ins…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 E06 - Rescuing Cacti and Succulents with Hayley from Mint Plants
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 sup…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - The lowdown on the smelliest plant in the world at Kew Gardens
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,…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 E05 - RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gossip Special
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. Series 18 i…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - RHS Chelseas Flower Show 2025 Special
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' a…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 E04 - Behind the scenes with British Garden Centres Content Creator, Eve Kerrigan
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…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - A gossip with the queens of houseplants
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…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 E03 - What exactly is permaculture with designer Jacks Patch
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 rea…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - The Last UK Conifer Nursery Standing
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…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 E02 - Everything Plant Based with The Happy Pear
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 reg…
- The Plant Based Podcast S18 E01 - Meet the school gardening extraordinaire Lee Connelly, known as The Skinny Jean Gardener.
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 g…
- The Plant Based Podcast S17 E06 - The New Build Manifesto with Andrew Jackson
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 sudden…
- The Plant Based Podcast S17 E05 - Social and Therapeutic Horticulture with Dr. Richard Claxton
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 s…
- The Plant Based Podcast S17 E04 - Meet the Editor of Amateur Gardening Magazine, Kim Stoddart
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 f…
- The Plant Based Podcast S17 E03 - Artist Beth Williams joins the podcast to discuss designing with living textiles.
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 b…
- 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 fro…
- The Plant Based Podcast S17 E02 - Why do we need new plants with Garry Grueber
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 exper…
- The Plant Based Podcast S17 E01 - Can plants be queer with ecologist Connor Butler.
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 @elle…
- The Plant Based Podcast S16 E06 - Behind the scenes at the Garden Centre with Boyd-Douglas Davis
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 Ce…
- The Plant Based Podcast S16 E05 - Winter garden colour and containers with professional gardener Benjamin Pope.
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 gard…
- The Plant Based Podcast S16 E04 - Where is the houseplant trend going to next with The Plant Rescuer Sarah Gerrard-Jones and Urban Tropicana
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 Plant Based Podcast S16 E03 - What's happening in the social media world of horticulture from three influencers
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…
- The Plant Based Podcast S16 E02 - Are Chrysanthemums making a comeback with author Naomi Slade
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 wri…
- The Plant Based Podcast E16 E01 - New series kick off with Wildlife Champion Kate Bradbury
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 numer…
- The Plant Based Podcast S15 - Signing off for a summer podcast break
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…
- The Plant Based Podcast S15 E06 - Clever bird feeders with Finches Friend to stop the spread of disease
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 di…
- The Plant Based Podcast S15 E05 - Learn about biosecurity with Dario Spagnoli from The Royal Horticultural Society
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 inva…
- The Plant Based Podcast S15 - What it's really like to design a show garden at BBC Gardeners World Live with Kim O'Brien
Kim O'Brien also known as @dahliafarmarama designed a showcase garden at BBC Gardeners World Live 2024. So straight after returning home with a Silver Merit @ellenmarygardening chats with Kim about her experience. What was the design inspi…