The Plant Based Podcast S18 E05 - RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gossip Special
Release Date: 05/21/2025
Unwrap the magic of the HTA Garden Gift Voucher for Christmas
The Plant Based Podcast
Looking for a Christmas present that’s thoughtful, versatile, and guaranteed to delight? In this episode, we unwrap the magic of the HTA Garden Gift Voucher—the ideal festive gift for anyone who loves plants, gardening, or simply spending time outdoors. Run by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), these vouchers are accepted at thousands of garden centres, nurseries, and retailers across the UK, making them one of the most flexible and well-loved gardening gifts available. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned gardener, a houseplant newbie, or someone who enjoys home...
info_outline
Keep your houseplants thriving with Happy Plant Collector
The Plant Based Podcast
In this epsiode Ellen Mary is joined by Lisa Bauer, known online as - 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 jungles thriving, how the houseplant community has evolved and learn more about the plant swap events. Series 19 is sponsored by Queen & Fine, the new floral design studio created byt co-host Ellen Mary! From fabulous one off bouquets to weddings, events, offices and installations. Check out the website: and on Instagram
info_outline
Floral industry trends and education with Kays Flower School, Deirdre and Janette.
The Plant Based Podcast
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 floristry industry, their favourite flowers, new trends and their recent exquisite collaboration with former podcast guest Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs. Are 80's flowers back? Download to find out. Find Kays Flower School on social media and via the website: Series 19 is sponsored by Queen & Fine, the new floral design studio created byt...
info_outline
Find out how you can be a national plant collection holder with Plant Heritage.
The Plant Based Podcast
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 incredible diversity found in our gardens and to support the passionate individuals keeping these plants alive for future generations. You can even find out how to be a national collection holder yourself, even if you have little garden space! Also hear about Michaels trip to visit Ellen in the USA plus the usual nonsense gossip. Find out more...
info_outline
What does the EU reset mean for the horticultural industry in the UK, with The Horticultural Trades Association
The Plant Based Podcast
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 Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). Both have been at the forefront of lobbying for change and advocating for the horticulture industry’s needs. They’ll talk with co-host Michael Perry, through the details of the reset, what it means for businesses, and how the HTA has worked tirelessly to ensure that the sector’s voice is heard. Find out more: ...
info_outline
There's a tree for everyone with Steph Dunn-James from Frank P Matthews.
The Plant Based Podcast
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 be a tree for everyone, wherever you live. Check out Frank P Matthews trees: Series 19 is sponsored by Queen & Fine, the new floral design studio created byt co-host Ellen Mary! From fabulous one off bouquets to weddings, events, offices and installations. Check out the website: and on Instagram
info_outline
The Art of Floral Design with Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs
The Plant Based Podcast
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 of creating flower filled weddings all over the world. We can definitely say that Sarah is OBSESSED with flowers! Ellen Mary asks all the floral questions in this episode from top design tips, to must use flowers and behind the scenes gossip from show. Check out Intrigue Designs and Intrigue Teaches: Instagram: Website: Series 19 is...
info_outline
Mayfield Lavender with lavender growing tips, the history of lavender and what the future holds.
The Plant Based Podcast
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 lavender, how to grow the fragrant herb and whats coming up next for Mayfield. Check out the fields: Follow on Instagram: Series 19 is sponsored by Queen & Fine, the new floral design studio created by co-host Ellen Mary! From fabulous one off bouquets to weddings, events, offices and installations. Check out the website: and on Instagram .
info_outline
Hydrangea breeding with Leo Slingerland from the Living Creations breeding program.
The Plant Based Podcast
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 parent plants to years of patient trials. You’ll hear a live demo of the breeding process, as Leo walks us through the delicate steps of pollination and explains how breeders decide which traits to keep or discard. We’ll also explore what makes the Living Creations hydrangeas stand out, and why they’re such resilient performers in gardens today....
info_outline
Pelargoniums or Geraniums? Growing Crazy has the answer.
The Plant Based Podcast
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 fragrant uses...and even a tricky to grow rare Pelargonium! Find Growing Crazy at: Series 19 of the podcast is sponsored by Queen & Fine, the new floral design studio created by co-host Ellen Mary! From fabulous one off bouquets to weddings, events, offices and installations. Check out the website: and on Instagram
info_outlineHot 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.
British Garden Centres are the largest family owned, and family run garden centre group in the UK, with over 70 garden centres.
“We aim to provide you with great plants and gardening products at affordable prices, with a first-class service delivered by a passionate team.” – The Stubbs Family.
With garden centres offering plants, food and gift areas, outdoor living, Christmas departments, restaurants, homeware and so much more. All garden centres are pet friendly, and many welcome coach parties. The business also boasts a variety of retail partners across the group inside each garden centre.