In this weeks episode John chats with TJ Maher Patthana garden about his new book.
Join us as we chat with TJ , whose dual passions for art and gardening have culminated in his latest masterpiece of a book, "Grounded in the Garden."

This episode is a kaleidoscope of insights into how TJ's painterly eye has transformed his own space, where his adept use of colour and form creates a living canvas that is the beautiful Patthana Garden. With the spellbinding imagery of Jason Ingram and Clive Nichols featured in his book, TJ guides us through the nuances of crafting a garden that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is a sanctuary for the soul.

Gardening is more than just a pastime; it's a strategic endeavor, as TJ reveals with anecdotes of his own botanical choices that have shaped his garden's evolution. He peels back the layers of what it means to truly 'edit' a garden, sharing the wisdom behind the tough love approach needed to prune or transplant for the greater visual harmony. This segment blooms with practical advice on how to sustain a garden's allure throughout the seasons, with TJ's recommendations on long-flowering plants and eye-catching potted arrangements that every gardener can replicate for year-round delight.

As we delve deeper into the symbiotic dance between our gardens and Mother Nature, TJ unveils the profound impact our horticultural actions have on the wildlife with whom we share our spaces. The discussion blossoms into a discussion on the spiritual side of being in a garden or in nature and a call to embrace the wild over the manicured – a sentiment echoed by the wildlife that graces TJ's garden. This stirring conversation is a reminder of the precious balance we must maintain with nature and the lessons it imparts on living mindfully, celebrating the present, and finding peace in our personal patches of green.

You can find TJ and his and Simon's beautiful garden in Kiltegan Co.Wicklow to find out all the latest new contact Pathanna here.
Website: https://www.patthanagardenireland.com

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ 
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/  
 
Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

With all the rain we have had some people are wondering are they too late to start a vegetable garden this spring. The answer is a definite no it never too late to start.

 I've got the lowdown on how you can still sow seeds of success in your garden, even if you're getting a late start. Tune in as I divulge the secrets of setting up a no-dig bed in no time and how grabbing store-bought seedlings can fast-track your path to fresh, homegrown veggies. With the planting window for bare-root fruit trees closing soon, I'll tell you exactly how to get those roots in the ground.

Gardening isn’t just for the well-seasoned; it’s a world ripe for beginners, and I’m here to guide you through it. This episode peels back the layers of gardening mystery to reveal the most beginner-friendly crops that promise big yields with little toil. We're talking about the sheer joy of harvesting your own crisp lettuce, the thrill of nurturing tomatoes (greenhouse required), and the satisfaction of watching your onions and spinach flourish.

But it's not all about the dirt under our fingernails; we're branching out to discuss the delicate intertwining of conservation and agriculture with Ireland's ACRES scheme. Delve into the debate over native versus non-native trees and the threat of diseases like fireblight amidst the rush to plant for biodiversity.
Get excited, because I’m also sharing the buzz around upcoming garden events. You won't want to miss the insights from Frances Toppill of BBC Gardener's World at the Laois Garden Festival, where I'll also be speaking.

For those hungry for more, our online gardening course, complete with lifetime access and continuous updates, stands ready to help your garden grow.

You can purchase the online course here:
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-food/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ 
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/  
 
Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

In this weeks episode John is joined by Galway based garden designer Edel Feighery to chat about all things garden design. From How to start a garden? To planning and design Tips and everything in between.

Have you ever gazed at your garden, wondering how to transform it into a personal refuge that mirrors your own story? Let's embark on that journey together with Edel  garden designer whose roots in a midlands farm have blossomed into a business crafting bespoke garden sanctuaries for her clients.

In today's episode, Edel shares the evolution of her career from a tranquil pursuit during the pandemic to the thrill of nurturing her own garden design business. Her personal narrative intertwines with professional insights, laying out a path for anyone aiming to breathe new life into their outdoor spaces.

Navigating the garden design process, Edel and I peel back the layers of creating a garden that's not just a visual delight, but also a practical, low-maintenance haven. We dissect the essentials of layout, hard landscaping, and plant selection, furnishing you with tips to harmonise your dream vision with the often-overlooked aspect of garden care.  This episode serves as a compass to guide you through the vital steps of planting and mulching, ensuring your garden thrives with only the gentle touch of your hand.

As the conversation meanders through the seasons, we reveal how to cultivate a garden that captivates the senses year-round. From the springtime spectacle of Malus 'Evereste' to the autumnal colour of Amelanchier, we stitch together a tapestry of plants that promise a continual feast for the eyes. Edel shares her philosophy on dividing the gardening year into six distinct phases, aiming to keep your garden's narrative engaging from the crispness of winter to the last sigh of autumn. For those inspired to pick up the trowel or seeking the partnership of a garden designer, this episode is a treasure trove of planting wisdom and aesthetic guidance. Join us, as we plant not just gardens, but the seeds of everlasting outdoor stories.

You can contact Edel Here:  

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/edelfeigherygardendesign?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ 
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/  
 
Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

In this weeks episode John is joined by award winning garden designer Peter Donegan to hear the story of Peter's Gold medal at last years Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.  We also chat about Peter's exciting entry into Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show with his garden titled " A Moment In Time".

Join the conversation with the incredible Peter Donegan, acclaimed Irish garden designer, as he makes his third appearance with us to share the triumphs and trials of his journey at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Peter's narratives are steeped in passion and the profound connection between memory and landscape, from the Irish love story that inspired his award-winning creation to his upcoming garden, "A Moment in Time." Our discussion wanders through the poignant remembrance of fallen soldiers and the emotional labour of capturing history's silent whispers in garden design, as Peter partners with the Defence Force Welfare Association to create spaces of reflection and hope.

As the sun sets on one garden, it rises on another, and Peter's tales demonstrate the intricate dance of light and shadow in bringing a garden to life. The allure of his designs doesn't go unnoticed, captivating audiences and media alike, as we recount a particularly heartwarming encounter that transcends time. The narrative of the upcoming garden unfolds, hinting at the rich tapestry of human experiences it aims to encompass, illustrating the power of gardens to evoke a symphony of emotions and memories within us all.

Beyond the world of show gardens, Peter's involvement in various projects and lectures spotlights his dedication to cultivating beauty and meaning in every space. Peter's work is a testament to the profound impact that thoughtfully designed gardens can have. For listeners inspired to weave their own stories into their gardens, Peter extends an open invitation to connect and bring to life their vision under his expert guidance.

You can find Peter through his website where you can connect by social, email or phone:
https://doneganlandscaping.com

Find more detail on The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show & Peter's garden here:
https://melbflowershow.com.au/peter-donegan-pocket-profile-2/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ 
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/  
 
Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

What vegetable seeds to sow in the month of March? That's the topic on this weeks episode.  The days are getting longer and the seed sowing list for March is also increasing. The big point to note is March is often described as "March of many weathers" and because of that we need to take care of our tender seedlings and young plants in the coming weeks.  Here is a list of some of what I will be sowing during the month ahead.

Seed I am sowing Indoor in Module trays for Planting out In April.  

Spinach, Lettuce, Scallions/Spring Onion, Early cabbage, Early Cauliflower, Calabrese, Onion, Broad Bean, Celery, Leeks  

Seed I am sowing Indoor in Module trays for Planting in tunnel.  

Parsley, Dill, Coriander & Celery 

Seed I am sowing Indoor on heat for Planting in tunnel. 

Tomato, Chili Pepper, Bell Pepper

I am direct sowing in my polytunnel. 

Beetroot, Radish, Carrot & Turnip 

I will also plant early potatoes (Sharpes Express) into my polytunnel late in the month and I am currently heating up the ground where they will be planted with black plastic, so the temperature is nice and warm at planting time.  

Brace yourselves, green thumbs and gardening enthusiasts; this episode is your ticket to mastering the mercurial March garden scene! From the frosty threats to your tender seedlings to the strategic sowing of spring onions and cauliflower, I'm dishing out all the must-know advice to prepare your vegetable patch for a bountiful harvest. You'll find out why sowing in small, manageable batches isn't just a recommendation—it's a game changer. And if you've ever wondered about the sorcery of multi-sowing, prepare to have that mystery unraveled. Plus, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own sowing habits, sharing the tweaks and refinements implemented to make this year's garden my most efficient yet.

But it's not all about veggies – herbs and flowers are stepping into the spotlight too. I'll guide you through the delicate dance of sowing peas and disclose why your celery seeds might just be craving that extra bit of warmth. For those eager to cultivate a taste of the exotic, I explain how to give your peppers, tomatoes, and aubergines the heated embrace they need to thrive. So grab your trowels, set up those propagators, and join me as we sow the seeds of success for the fruitful months to come.

For those of you looking to join my "Grow Your Own Food Course" you still can it includes

Option 1: Grow your own food online course, this is a self paced course with over 4.5 hours of tutorial videos taking your through each step of growing your own food from sowing your first seed to harvest and everything in between. Including monthly sowing guides and additional modules to be added throughout the year. This course is available for €97 and is available for the lifetime of the course.

You can purchase these course here;
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-food/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   
Fa

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

In this weeks episode John looks at summer flowering bulbs and bareroot perennial plants that you can plant now for an high colour garden this year. 

Summer Flowering bulbs available now include: 

• Dahalias
• Lillium 
• Gladiolus
• Anemones
• Ranunculus
• Rudbeckias 

Then when it comes to bareroot perennials the list is endless at the moment and includes:

• Salvias
• Verbena 
• Geum
• Lupin
• Geraniums 
• Dierama

and many many more. Buying perennials bareroot will ensure strong plants that flower this year and will be much more cost effective than buying mature plants. 

Imagine your garden transforming into a kaleidoscope of colors with summer flowering bulbs and bare-root perennials like dahlias and lilies. This episode is your guide to making it happen. I'll share my experiences with the practical beauty of these plants, offering tips on how to leverage the spring season for vibrant garden success. Get ready to learn about the economic smarts of starting with tubers and the horticultural magic of seaweed and mycorrhizal fungi. Whether you've got green fingers or are just dabbling in dirt for the first time, I promise you'll walk away with insights to cultivate a garden that neighbors will envy.

As the season turns, it's time to embrace the long-term rewards of thoughtful gardening. I'll delve into why now is the ideal moment to lay the groundwork for an awe-inspiring garden display, discussing the strategic planning and troubleshooting that ensures perennial success. From safeguarding tender shoots against slugs to anticipating the sheer joy of blooms unfurling, this episode is brimming with advice straight from the earth's playbook. So don your gardening gloves and tune in – your future self, and your garden, will thank you for it.

For those of you looking to join my "Grow Your Own Food Course" there are two options. Please note option 2 the launch pad goes off sale next week. 


Option 1: Grow your own food online course, this is a self paced course with over 4.5 hours of tutorial videos taking your through each step of growing your own food from sowing your first seed to harvest and everything in between. Including monthly sowing guides and additional modules to be added throughout the year. This course is available for €97 and is available for the lifetime of the course.

Option 2: All the goodness of the above course with the added benefit of monthly live group calls from March through to the end of June (dates TBC but replays available) These calls will answers community questions, plan the month ahead, troubleshoot any sticking points you have and of course support as you master growing your own food. This option closes at the end of February and the People inside will get great support over the coming months.

You can purchase these courses here;
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-food/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channel

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Can I create my garden on an old stone drive? This is one part of a listener question from long time listener Stephen Daly.

Like many of us in Ireland our houses are surrounded by driveways which in many cases are too big leaving the workable garden feeling separate to our homes. With a stone drive to be changed Stephen wonders does he need to start from scratch or can there be an easier, more cost affective method ?

Listen in as John answers this in a way that might help many other who are considering changing the layout of their own garden or improving what is already there.

For those of you looking to join my "Grow Your Own Food Course" there are two options. Please note option 2 the launch pad goes off sale in two weeks.


Option 1: Grow your own food online course, this is a self paced course with over 4.5 hours of tutorial videos taking your through each step of growing your own food from sowing your first seed to harvest and everything in between. Including monthly sowing guides and additional modules to be added throughout the year. This course is available for €97 and is available for the lifetime of the course.

Option 2: All the goodness of the above course with the added benefit of monthly live group calls from March through to the end of June (dates TBC but replays available) These calls will answers community questions, plan the month ahead, troubleshoot any sticking points you have and of course support as you master growing your own food. This option closes at the end of February and the People inside will get great support over the coming months.

You can purchase these courses here;
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-food/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ 
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/  
 
Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John 

PS. Master My Garden gardening courses are available to order here and will help you in your own garden and keep an eye out for lots more to come. 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Have you ever been tempted to sow seeds the minute February's frost begins to thaw, only to end up with a garden of spindly plants? In our latest gardening episode, I'll guide you through the dos and don'ts of February sowing, ensuring you sow at the ideal time for robust seedling growth. We're embracing the subtle lengthening days, a signal for gardeners to prepare their soil, but with a mindful approach to avoid premature sowing.

As we gingerly step into early-season planting, I'll walk you through my very own planting playbook. What seeds to start in sowing in February. The February seed sowing list has many of the basics on them onions, spring onions cabbage etc.  We're not overlooking the spicy kick of peppers and chilies, either; I'll reveal why starting them early is essential. You can download the full February sowing guide here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DjzqEmxNfPQ3pBu78H4xNFcrhqBNx7iK/view?usp=sharing
Whether you're nurturing tender winter salads or eagerly anticipating the first radish crunch, this episode is brimming with practical wisdom to help your garden flourish amid the chilly tail-end of winter. So, put on your gardening gloves and let's plant some seeds of knowledge together!

Courses:
I mentioned I have two great options for grow your own food course.

Option 1: Grow your own food online course, this is a self paced course with over 4.5 hours of tutorial videos taking your through each step of growing your own food from sowing your first seed to harvest and everything in between. Including monthly sowing guides and additional modules to be added throughout the year. This course is available for €97 and is available for the lifetime of the course.

Option 2: All the goodness of the above course with the added benefit of monthly live group calls from March through to the end of June (dates TBC but replays available) These calls will answers community questions, plan the month ahead, troubleshoot any sticking points you have and of course support as you master growing your own food. This option closes at the end of February and the People inside will get great support over the coming months.

You can purchase these courses here;
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-food/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ 
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/  
 
Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John 

PS. Master My Garden gardening courses are available to order here and will help you in your own garden and keep an eye out for lots more to come.

https://mastermygarden.com/courses-2/

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

In this weeks episode John chats with Paul Smyth Head Gardener of RHSI Bellefield. Paul was previously on the podcast almost a year ago in episode 160 which you can listen to here 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/857398/12168966

In this episode one year on from the episode 160 we chat aboiut how Paul is putting his own stamp on Bellefield after beginning there in December 2022. There are as you would expect lots of developments including a no-dig veg and cut flower garden. 

Paul along with the RHSI have lots events and open weekends and days planned for 2024 building on the success of the open days in 2023. New for 2024 is the Bellefield plant fair which will bring many specialist nurseries together for a special event in March. 

The season kicks off with the snowdrop weekend which runs at RHSI Bellefield from Thursday 8th Feb until Sunday 11th Feb. These promises to be a great event. RHSI Bellefield has one of the largest collections of snowdrops in the country and is one of the best examples of snowdrops planted in large scale drifts which are nothing short of spectacular. 

Also snowdrops mixed with cyclamen coum are one of the beautiful features combinations that will look at its best for the open weekend. Paul will be doing snowdrop tours during the days and lots of other features added for this yea. 

You can buy tickets on the RHSI website here

https://rhsi.ie

Enjoy RHSI Bellefield and hopefully this episode will give you inspiration to either increase or start your own snowdrop collections. 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ 
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/  
 
Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John 

PS. Master My Garden gardening courses are available to order here and will help you in your own garden and keep an eye out for lots more to come.

https://mastermygarden.com

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Unlock the secrets to turning your kitchen scraps into garden gold as we welcome Kate Flood, Australia's composting maestro, to the show. Get ready to be equipped with the know-how for crafting the perfect compost blend, as Kate lifts the lid on the essential ingredients and processes that lead to lush, thriving gardens. Whether you're wrestling with a tiny balcony space or looking after a large garden, we've got composting tips and tricks tailored just for you.

This episode is a one-stop-shop for gardeners of all stripes seeking to boost their soil health and plant vitality. Listen to Kate as she breaks down hot composting and why your patience during the curing phase rewards you with truly rich compost. We also take a peek at the fascinating world of fungi and how a handful of wood chips can supercharge your compost pile's ecosystem. Plus, for apartment dwellers, there's a deep dive into the wonders of Bokashi bins – your solution to indoor composting without the mess.

But we don't stop there; our conversation ventures into the transformative power of fermented waste in your garden. We also delve into  biochar, the dark diamond of soil amendments and what it can do for your garden as well as the planet. By the time you're done with this episode, you'll be itching to grab your shovel and start fermenting, composting, and reaping the rewards of a vibrant, healthy garden alongside Kate's expert guidance.

You can buy Kate's book here
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compost-Coach-compost-regenerative-wherever/dp/1922616451/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E250JSG189YW&keywords=the+compost+coach+by+kate+flood&qid=1705674578&sprefix=the+compos%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email:  [email protected]   

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ 
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/ 
Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  
 
Until next week  
Happy gardening  
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John