The Plant Based Podcast

In the second of eight special episodes of the podcast between series 4 and 5, Ellen Mary chats with Ashley Edwards, Head Gardener at Horatios Garden, a charity that creates and cares for therapeutic gardens in NHS spinal injury centres.

With gardens based around the UK, Ashley tells us why they are so important and about the difference plants make throughout recovery from traumatic, life changing injuries. Ashley has an extensive background in horticulture and this episode has a true feel good factor. Plants really do make people happy!

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In the first of our summer specials, Michael visits Sweet Pea aficionado Phil, and comes away feeling confident enough to grow the best Sweet Peas of his life!

Together, they discuss the history, the breeding, the complexity of the fragrance, and give plenty of growing tips. It's all about feed, deep pots, and tons of hydration.

If Sweet Peas are your gardening nemesis, now might be the time to try again!

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The fourth series of the Plant Based Podcast is coming to an end (boo!), so for the final episode, Michael and Ellen are joined by author and illustrator, Katie Vaz, to reflect on their best and worst plant memories!

Katie talks about her upbringing, from growing up surrounded by nature to her long-lasting love of plants and gardening. She also reveals some of her earliest gardening memories and why she chooses to make a note of her plants that have died. Katie also shares how her new illustrated memoir, 'My Life in Plants', was inspired by plants being at the forefront of so many memories with family and loved ones – imparting humorous yet poignant stories that have taken place throughout her life, from her childhood right up to her wedding day.

Throughout the podcast, Michael and Ellen get listeners talking and gives them the chance to share some of their favourite plant memories! What's yours?

Visit www.theplantbasedpodcast.net for more info and to win prizes!

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This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK's largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden

With a 250-year heritage, Erddig Hall offers a beautiful 1,200 acres of garden, lawns and greenery – all of which is looked after by one man, Glynn Smith! With such a rich history and stunning surroundings, Michael and Ellen sit down with Glynn, the Head Gardener at Erddig, to talk all things lawns!

In part one, Glynn shares some insight into his horticultural career – from starting out as an apprentice at just 16, to his 35-year (and counting) career at one of the National Trust's biggest estates. He also shares some of the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as all the ways the team supported the NHS during that time. Glynn also discusses some of the unusual trees they've planted at the estate in recent months and shares all of the exciting events that take place at Erddig Hall throughout the year.

In part two, Glynn imparts some of his wisdom and shares all the tips and tricks to get your lawn looking its best. He also shares the best methods to revive dull, brown lawns and reveals how he really feels about people walking over his carefully tamed grass!

Visit www.theplantbasedpodcast.net for more info and to win prizes!

The Plant Based Podcast:

www.theplantbasedpodcast.net

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This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK's largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden

What first began as a growing mountain of landfill, that could be seen from Matthew Mead's classroom, has since transformed into a passion to change the construction industry. Matthew Mead, founder and CEO of Hempitecture, sits down with Michael and Ellen - all the way from Sun Valley, Idaho - to discuss how plants have created the next best building materials.

In part one, he talks about how Hempitecture came about and shares some staggering statistics surrounding building material waste, and how this spurred him to make a change. He also talks through Hempitecture's plant-based alternatives to traditional materials - such as fibre glass – including Hempwool and Hempcrete and the benefits of each. He also urges us to think about the fact that many of the traditional materials we surround ourselves with can't be touched without having to wear protection. With Hempitecture, however, even the kids can help install it!

In part two, Matthew surprises us by revealing some of the buildings in the UK that were built using both Hempwool and Hempcrete. He also shares how he made his head board out of Hempwool, and also shares some of the funny requests he's had about what Hempwool can be used to make – a Hempwool blanket anyone?

We're then joined by the fabulous Daisy Desire, also known on Instagram as @dragqueen_gardener on Instagram as her alter ego Gardener Tom. Joey and Katy also share a delicious recipe for making the most of summer harvests, and Forage and Folkore give us the latest foraging tips!

Visit www.theplantbasedpodcast.net for more info and to win prizes!

The Plant Based Podcast:

www.theplantbasedpodcast.net

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This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK's largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden

In this bonus podcast episode, Michael and Ellen talk through a photo tour of their day at the Royal Horticultural Society's hotly anticipated Hampton Court Garden Festival! The show is open from 6th to 11th July but your podcast hosts got exclusive access on press day. From stunning Orchids to a house of Hostas, beautiful to the controversial show gardens and allotments for inspiration at home. It's all here on the Plant Based Podcast.

Visit www.theplantbasedpodcast.net for more info and to win prizes!

The Plant Based Podcast:

www.theplantbasedpodcast.net

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Twitter

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This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK's largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden

In this weeks plant based podcast episode it's the news round up with Michael Perry and Ellen Mary. Find out what the latest horticultural news is from winners of the plant awards, new species, to the joy of flower shows plus mushrooms and microgreens in Chiswick. There's a news extra as well where Michael and Ellen discuss the news amongst many other plant related gossip including the dreary weather.

Visit www.theplantbasedpodcast.net for more info and to win prizes!

The Plant Based Podcast:

www.theplantbasedpodcast.net

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK's largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden

Lynn Ferguson brings some LA sunshine to the Plant Based Podcast this week as she sits down with Michael and Ellen to chat all things hay bales, chickens and the challenges of growing vegetables in the American climate.

In part one, Lynn - a performer, comedy writer and actress – reflects on the highlights of her career, including her well-known role as Mac in Chicken Run. She also talks about how a spontaneous stand-up comedy gig with her brother landed her a job in LA, where she now lives – attributing her 'go with the flow' mentality to all of her success.

In part two, Lynn shares her vegetable growing journey and how hay bale leftovers from a party became an aid for growing her cucumber, rocket, egg plants and more – which came to be from a little advice from none other than Shia LaBeouf! She also reflects on her experiences with gardening during her childhood and shares the lessons she's learnt since living across the pond. Lynn also shares her tips for saving citrus trees, the struggles she's faced growing fig and her trick for getting rid of pesky earwigs.

To round things off we've got the latest from our very own Donna Hodds from Pretty Little Cactus chatting about houseplants!

Visit www.theplantbasedpodcast.net for more info and to win prizes!

The Plant Based Podcast:

www.theplantbasedpodcast.net

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This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK's largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden

In this weeks plant based podcast episode it's the news round up with Michael Perry and Ellen Mary. Find out what the latest horticultural news is from rare orchids thought extinct, to garden shows, royal roses and gardening for wellbeing. There's a news extra as well where Michael and Ellen discuss the news amongst many other plant related gossip!

Visit www.theplantbasedpodcast.net for more info and to win prizes!

The Plant Based Podcast:

www.theplantbasedpodcast.net

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK's largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden

Join Michael and Ellen for another episode of the Plant Based Podcast where they talk to TV presenter and fresh produce importer, Chris Bavin!

In part one, Chris talks about his journey with fresh produce, from importing and selling flowers and plants at 16 to growing up with his gardening enthusiast Dad. He also talks about his past project, The Naked Grocer, and shares how his passion for sustainability inspired the idea – urging everyone to stand together to live a more sustainable life. Chris also reveals how the success of the Naked Grocer introduced him to the world of TV where he has since presented a range of shows, including Britain in Bloom, Britain's Best Home Cook and Live Well for Less.

In part two, Michael and Ellen quiz Chris on his plant-based diet where he talks all about the supposed barriers to the diet, the grey areas surrounding the subject and he even shares some tips on how to incorporate more plant-based meals to make eliminating meat products that bit easier. Chris also shares how easy it is to make delicious meals with plants that are versatile and full of flavour – strawberry ice-cream topped with basil anyone?

After Chris, Joey and Katy from JoeyAndKatyCook.co.uk share another of their tasty recipes, and the fabulous Forage & Folklore reveal the things to be foraging right now!

Visit www.theplantbasedpodcast.net for more info and to win prizes!

The Plant Based Podcast:

www.theplantbasedpodcast.net

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Twitter

Facebook

This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK's largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden