Rachel Darlington of Gardening At Douentza joins us to share her unique gardening journey, revealing her informal, yet knowledgeable approach to both outdoor gardening and houseplant cultivation. With a YouTube channel that caters to everyone from cacti lovers to orchid enthusiasts, Rachel brings her expertise to our listeners alongside her work as a columnist for the Irish Garden and her engaging book, "A Journey of an Irish Garden." Come learn Rachel's practical tips on orchid care, including choosing the best Phalaenopsis for ease of care, and why avoiding dyed blue orchids is a must.

We delve into the enchanting world of Douentza, Rachel's garden masterpiece, nestled in the rural landscapes of Wexford. Rachel discusses her creative use of garden rooms, each with distinct color schemes, and shares her passion for unusual plants. Hear how Rachel tackles common gardening challenges, such as box blight, we chat cloud-pruned trees, and how her evolving gardening methods can inspire you to transform your own garden spaces with vibrant themes and innovative techniques like the lasagna method for flower beds.

As Rachel celebrates a decade as a YouTuber, she reflects on her journey from casual gardening enthusiast to a professional and influential voice in the gardening community. Discover how she balances her content creation with the challenges of generating fresh ideas during quieter seasons, and how her travel adventures keep her audience engaged. Rachel also opens up about her writing journey, with her books offering rich insights into her growth as a gardener. Whether you're a novice or seasoned gardener, Rachel's experiences provide a treasure trove of inspiration and education.

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John