Sip & Sow with Tom Coleman

He seemed to appear out of nowhere just a few years ago, but now Jonny has become a household name with his comedy reels and his prestigious lawn. @gardenwithjonny makes gardening accessible, relevant and funny (with many people passive aggressively tagging in their husbands and wives into some of his reels). It's no surprise then that his accounts on Instagram and Tiktok have become viral sensations, growing hundreds of thousands of followers and inspiring people up and down the country to make improvements to their gardens.

In this first of a brand new series of episodes recorded LIVE at Shrewsbury Flower show in August 2024, Jonny talks about how this has been a swift but beneficial change from his career as a firefighter. He candidly talks about some of the mental health challenges that can bring and how gardening has helped him through some challenging times, as well as talking about the pesky algorithms on social media and how he's found his rapid rise in popularity!

This podcast is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action and these incredible spaces for yourself! Just search for the 'Sip & Sow podcast'.

Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk

Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/

This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show.  Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Dates for 2025 are set to be announced soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

This is one garden that needs no introduction... and that's because it's become an internet phenomenon in it's own right. The Laundry Garden might have started with humble aspirations to create a beautiful walled garden, but it's since become a whole community. In this episode of the Sip & Sow Podcast, Jenny explains the moment she decided to share the garden on Instagram and how it took off from there, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers from all over the world and how she's now taking that community one step further with the launch of 'The Laundry Garden Collective'

She also talks of course, about her love for Dahlias and how what started as a love for a beautiful flower, has turned into a bit of an obsession and a need to expand the plot to double it's size! She's become known over recent years as a dahlia expert, and now is the very start of the season and Jenny divulges her favourite varieties.

Find out more about The Laundry Garden Collective here.

This podcast is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action and these incredible spaces for yourself! Just search for the 'Sip & Sow podcast'.

This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Taking place on August 9th & 10th in the heart of this Shropshire town. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Tickets are available now, and include access to the famous fireworks display in the evening too. And I'll be there hosting my podcast with even more guests live at the show! Visit https://shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk to get your tickets.

Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk

Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

Their family started out growing strawberry plants in Norfolk over 30 years ago, but for Toby and Imagen this is a brand new journey, as they're just one year into their own soft fruit farm. Previously only available to commercial growers, they wanted to let home growers buy from them directly too, cutting out the middleman (often many) of nurseries & garden centres. Offering strawberries and other soft fruit varieties like raspberries, blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes as bare roots and young plants throughout the season.

I was lucky to meet this entrepreneurial pair, as they became members of the Growth Club, my online business & marketing membership with Roz Chandler. I've loved working with them on their journey to grow their social media & online presence but of course I couldn't wait to meet them in real life and see that expansive farm for myself!

In this episode I uncover the intertwining of horticulture & Agriculture, the best varieties of Strawberries for every situation and what really goes into growing our fruit from end to end... it's a lot more than you might think and it will make you really value the opportunity to grow your own too.

You can find out more about Moore Berries UK on their website - www.mooreberries.co.uk

This podcast is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action and these incredible spaces for yourself! Just search for the 'Sip & Sow podcast'.

This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Taking place on August 9th & 10th in the heart of this Shropshire town. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Tickets are available now, and include access to the famous fireworks display in the evening too. And I'll be there hosting my podcast with even more guests live at the show! Visit https://shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk to get your tickets.

Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk

Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

This weeks podcast is a little bit special, many of you know that I met todays guest just one year ago, a relationship which initially started as a client, but soon blossomed into a deep friendship. Roz Chandler is a British Flower Farmer and owner of Field Gate Flowers, proudly supplying sustainable, seasonal blooms. 

This last year has been her most challenging yet, as earlier this year she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, but famous for her positive can do attitude, she’s been documenting the journey through Instagram. 

Me & Roz have become known for sharing snippets of our conversations online, often hilarious moments, serious chats, business ideas and outtakes. Many of you have commented about our relationship, and we even ended up featured in an episode of Woman’s Weekly. So in this episode I’m pleased to let you in on one of our conversations in its totality. We discuss what it takes to be a flower farmer, the moment she was diagnosed, how the journey has made Roz focus on her diet & lifestyle - and you can listen as she tries to persuade me to change mine! 

This podcast is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action and these incredible spaces for yourself! Just search for the 'Sip & Sow podcast'.

This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Taking place on August 9th & 10th in the heart of this Shropshire town. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Tickets are available now, and include access to the famous fireworks display in the evening too. And I'll be there hosting my podcast with even more guests live at the show! Visit https://shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk to get your tickets.

Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk

Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

Okay, hands up, we had a little technical error when we were recording this weeks podcast, and for some reason our microphones didn't work when we recorded this section with Leanne. It sounded odd in the main episode, but we couldn't not let you hear it as a standalone bonus, because it's just such an inspirational conversation with one incredible lady.

This year at BBC Gardener's World Live Leanne Wood traded her place as a teacher, for one as a garden designer. Incorporating the best of both into her garden inspired by her grandparents' garden and featuring things for everyone of every age. For all of her hard work she received a platinum award along with top awards for best beautiful border of the whole show and best magazine subscriber.

This podcast is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action and these incredible spaces for yourself! Just search for the 'Sip & Sow podcast'.

This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Taking place on August 9th & 10th in the heart of this Shropshire town. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Tickets are available now, and include access to the famous fireworks display in the evening too. And I'll be there hosting my podcast with even more guests live at the show! Visit https://shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk to get your tickets.

Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk

Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

This weeks episode was recorded LIVE at BBC Gardeners World Live at the NEC Birmingham, where I catch up with award winning garden designers Ben Shutler
& Kim O'Brien, from the middle of their show gardens. Ben's garden is the first to feature chickens, in a unique run around the perimeter of the garden, whilst Kim's garden brings people together to share a space with a beautiful meaningful message. Plus I catch up with Nic from Collieflowers.co.uk in person and chat about the business, supporting Kim's garden, and why she chose to sponsor the Sip & Sow podcast.

This podcast is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action and these incredible spaces for yourself! Just search for the 'Sip & Sow podcast'.

This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Taking place on August 9th & 10th in the heart of this Shropshire town. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Tickets are available now, and include access to the famous fireworks display in the evening too. And I'll be there hosting my podcast with even more guests live at the show! Visit https://shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk to get your tickets.

Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk

Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

In a Sip & Sow exclusive, this week the one and only Michael Perry chats to me about his incredible journey in horticulture, including how he ended up on one of TV's biggest channels. "This is actually quite as big deal because they don't let people in very often... and I've never talked on a podcast about the QVC side of my career." says Michael as we start recording.

Michaels career path is inspiring to hear, and as we chat we realise not dissimilar from my own. "You've just got to put on your gravity boots and go for it" he says, coining a new phrase and explaining his 'go for it' mentality.

QVC itself is the ultimate shopping channel, on air 364 days a year, live across multiple studios and 4 tv channels. It's gardening shows and segments in particular have gained a loyal following and customer base, that's become a huge part of our horticulture industry and one of the best kept secrets in the UK... until now!

This episode is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action, including this beautiful location. Just search for 'Sip & Sow Podcast'

Hosted by Tom Coleman, Social media & marketing expert, specialising in the Horticultural industry. Tom chats to those who are making huge strides in our sector and leaves listeners with even more ideas and motivation blossoming in their minds.

This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Taking place on August 9th & 10th in the heart of this Shropshire town. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Tickets are available now, and include access to the famous fireworks display in the evening too. And I'll be there hosting my podcast with even more guests live at the show! Visit https://shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk to get your tickets.

Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk

Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

The Sip & Sow Podcast is back for a brand new season! But one things for sure, the great conversations with inspiring horticultural guests are back, and I wanted to start with one that means a great deal to me and this podcast. Manoj Malde.

Why? Because Manoj was actually the inspiration for me starting this podcast in the first place, after a conversation we had about the behind the scenes of his Chelsea garden and I thought "I wish everyone could hear these conversations that they don't normally get to hear." That inspired me to go away and create this podcast that you've now welcomed into your ears. So it's fitting then that Manoj should kick off season 2.

We don't waste any time diving into conversation, with Manoj taking me through his background in fashion, and how that actually evolved into garden design. It also makes sense then that combined with his heritage and wardrobes filled with Saris as he grew up, that he would become known for bold colour and pattern choices in the garden too. It's not always been plain sailing though, as Manoj touches upon bullying at school, being gay in his community, and fitting into the horticultural industry - and why now he's not afraid to be his best self, and live a life of colour in every sense of the word.

We talk about all of that and so much more, including his bestselling new garden design book, seed sowing and his home renovation. We could have chatted for hours, and we did as we explored the wonderful Beth Chatto gardens, Manoj's chosen location for this episode... and we may have come home with a plant or two!

This episode is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action, including this beautiful location. Just search for 'Sip & Sow Podcast'

Hosted by Tom Coleman, Social media & marketing expert, specialising in the Horticultural industry. Tom chats to those who are making huge strides in our sector and leaves listeners with even more ideas and motivation blossoming in their minds.

This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Taking place on August 9th & 10th in the heart of this Shropshire town. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Tickets are available now, and include access to the famous fireworks display in the evening too. And I'll be there hosting my podcast with even more guests live at the show! Visit https://shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk to get your tickets.

Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk 

Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

In this final bonus episode, to end series one of the Sip & Sow podcast, the tables are turned and gardener and close friend Adam Kirtland interviews Tom Coleman about what it took to put this first season together, why he did it in the way that he did, his favourite guests, locations and will it return for a second series...

A note from Tom -
Thank you all so much for tuning in, I really wasn't sure anyone was going to... but to know that hundreds of you have had me in your ears every week has been an honour. I've loved all of your messages and shares with lovely feedback and kind words and I've just been blown away by the whole thing. I didn't think I'd be so emotional as the series comes to an end... but maybe that says a lot for this passion project. I hope you've loved it as much as I have... and hopefully you'll have me back in your ears again? Thanks so much, Tom x

Hosted by Tom Coleman, self taught gardener, creator and social media expert. Tom chats to those who are making huge strides in our sector and leaves listeners with even more ideas and motivation blossoming in their minds.

This episode is also available to watch in full on Youtube where you can see everything we talk about. Just search for 'Sip & Sow Podcast'.

This podcast is brought to you with the support of Mr. Fothergill’s. As a thank you for tuning in to Sip & Sow, we want to give you a 25% discount next time you buy your seeds from Mr. Fothergill’s. Simply use the code TOM25 at checkout.

Ludlow Distillery is the official 'Sip' sponsor of the Sip & Sow podcast - Visit www.Ludlowdistillery.co.uk to shop their range of award winning spirits, or book a distillery tour!

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

Gardening is for everyone, no grand estates required. Whether you've got a sprawling backyard, a modest balcony, or just a sunny windowsill, there's room for a little green in your life. It's less about space and more about passion and creativity.

You don't need fancy tools or expensive pots. With a dash of imagination and some DIY flair, you can transform everyday items into plant havens. That old teapot, a forgotten boot, or a spare tin can? Perfect for planting! At its core, gardening is about hope and growth, not how much you spend or the size of your space.

This final episode of series 1 of the Sip & Sow podcast is with Adam Kirtland (@Viewfromthepottingbench on Instagram) and in recent years he's become known as the king of DIY in the garden, upcycling pallets into planters and showing how easy it can be to plant spring bulbs and garden in all kinds of spaces.

Tom and Adam met through the gardening Instagram community, which has lead them to work on projects together and attend every major gardening show in the calendar in 2023. So it was the perfect guest to have on to end the first season of the podcast...

Except there's a bonus - Next week the tables are turned and Adam will interview Tom about what it's taken to put the Sip & Sow podcast together, get a behind the scenes insight and hear Tom's take on why he wanted to do it and what he's most loved about the series... and if there will be another...

Hosted by Tom Coleman, self taught gardener, creator and social media expert. Tom chats to those who are making huge strides in our sector and leaves listeners with even more ideas and motivation blossoming in their minds.

This episode is also available to watch in full on Youtube where you can see everything we talk about. Just search for 'Sip & Sow Podcast'.

This podcast is brought to you with the support of Mr. Fothergill’s. As a thank you for tuning in to Sip & Sow, we want to give you a 25% discount next time you buy your seeds from Mr. Fothergill’s. Simply use the code TOM25 at checkout.

Ludlow Distillery is the official 'Sip' sponsor of the Sip & Sow podcast - Visit www.Ludlowdistillery.co.uk to shop their range of award winning spirits, or book a distillery tour!

Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.