The Plant Based Podcast
More people than ever are appreciating the importance of plants in our day to day lives. Whether it's a plant-based diet, clothes made from plants, the wellbeing qualities of plants, or simply a fun shelf of cacti and succulents! The Plant Based Podcast is about anything that can be traced back to plants… with subjects ranging from foraging for medicinal plants and baking with edible flowers, to plant-based body builders and clothes made from bamboo... This is not just another gardening podcast.. this is The Plant Based Podcast!
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Unwrap the magic of the HTA Garden Gift Voucher for Christmas
11/23/2025
Unwrap the magic of the HTA Garden Gift Voucher for Christmas
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 and outdoor living, the HTA Garden Gift Voucher gives them the freedom to choose exactly what they love—from tools and décor to plants, pots, and everything in between. You can buy them online for instant gifting or pick up a beautifully presented gift card in store, perfect for popping under the Christmas tree. Tune in as we explore why this simple gift brings joy long after the decorations come down—and how it can spark creativity in gardens of all sizes! ******************* 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
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Keep your houseplants thriving with Happy Plant Collector
11/16/2025
Keep your houseplants thriving with Happy Plant Collector
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
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Floral industry trends and education with Kays Flower School, Deirdre and Janette.
11/09/2025
Floral industry trends and education with Kays Flower School, Deirdre and Janette.
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 co-host Ellen Mary! From fabulous one off bouquets to weddings, events, offices and installations. Check out the website: www.queenandfine.com and on Instagram @queenandfine
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Find out how you can be a national plant collection holder with Plant Heritage.
11/02/2025
Find out how you can be a national plant collection holder with Plant Heritage.
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 about Plant Heritage: 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
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What does the EU reset mean for the horticultural industry in the UK, with The Horticultural Trades Association
10/26/2025
What does the EU reset mean for the horticultural industry in the UK, with The Horticultural Trades Association
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: 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
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There's a tree for everyone with Steph Dunn-James from Frank P Matthews.
10/19/2025
There's a tree for everyone with Steph Dunn-James from Frank P Matthews.
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
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The Art of Floral Design with Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs
10/12/2025
The Art of Floral Design with Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs
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 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
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Mayfield Lavender with lavender growing tips, the history of lavender and what the future holds.
10/05/2025
Mayfield Lavender with lavender growing tips, the history of lavender and what the future holds.
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 .
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Hydrangea breeding with Leo Slingerland from the Living Creations breeding program.
09/28/2025
Hydrangea breeding with Leo Slingerland from the Living Creations breeding program.
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. Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a plant collector, or just hydrangea-curious, this is a rare chance to hear directly from a breeder shaping the future of one of our most-loved shrubs. 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 .
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Pelargoniums or Geraniums? Growing Crazy has the answer.
09/21/2025
Pelargoniums or Geraniums? Growing Crazy has the answer.
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
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - Uncovering the world of the HTA
06/29/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - Uncovering the world of the HTA
In this weeks episode, we get an exclusive behind the scenes at the Horticultural Trades Association, as Michael speaks to the team about their activities across the growing world- as we learn about their awards programme, how they lobby and influence government, and even the way they study how we shop in the garden centre!
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - A glimpse into new plants from The Flower Trials
06/22/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - A glimpse into new plants from The Flower Trials
In this gossip episode, talks through some of the plants he loved from the Flower Trials held in the Netherlands and Germany during June. From bedding Roses to an Elmo inspired Dahlia, Michael gets emotional over his love of plants! Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - Garden Futures: Designing with Nature with curator, James Wylie from the V & A Dundee
06/15/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - Garden Futures: Designing with Nature with curator, James Wylie from the V & A Dundee
In this episode chats with James Wylie from the Victoria & Albert Museum in Dundee about the new exhibition - Garden Futures: Designing with Nature. James talks through the exhibition, its importance and how it will inspire visitors. Take the journey through the exhibition in this episode and book your tickets to go! and check out the socials Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 E06 - Rescuing Cacti and Succulents with Hayley from Mint Plants
06/08/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 E06 - Rescuing Cacti and Succulents with Hayley from Mint Plants
Hayley Stephens is the guests on this episode to talk about rescuing cacti and succulents, the future for houseplants and of course plenty of cacti care tips. Hayley owns Mint Plants in Bristol, and runs the business with her emotional support team member, Mum Tina. Mint Plants has a huge collection of rare, old and interesting plants which can be found at Afterwards and gossip about floral design, tattoos and progression in horticulture. Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - The lowdown on the smelliest plant in the world at Kew Gardens
06/01/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - The lowdown on the smelliest plant in the world at Kew Gardens
Have you heard of the Titan Arum? It’s not only the largest inflorescence in the world, but it’s also the smelliest plant in the world, unofficially! Michael popped into Kew Gardens to speak to Leif Starkey about this botanical phenomenon, which has just bloomed in the Palm House. Check Instagram for photos of its rather beautiful withered form! Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 E05 - RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gossip Special
05/21/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 E05 - RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gossip Special
Hot 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. Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - RHS Chelseas Flower Show 2025 Special
05/18/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - RHS Chelseas Flower Show 2025 Special
In this episode, @ellenmarygardening speaks to the designers of two incredible show gardens for the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. First, Katy Terry from Good Grounding Garden Design who was inspired to design 'The ADHD Foundation Garden' after her personal diagnosis of ADHD in 2023. Then Duncan Hall and Nick Burton of Burton Hall Garden Design who have designed the 'Down's syndrome Scotland Garden' taking inspiration from Duncan's nephew Liam who aged 8 has been supported by the charity. Two fantastic gardens supported by Project Giving Back. Check out all of the information below: The ADHD Foundation Garden: Down's syndrome Scotland Garden: YouTube video: Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 E04 - Behind the scenes with British Garden Centres Content Creator, Eve Kerrigan
05/11/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 E04 - Behind the scenes with British Garden Centres Content Creator, Eve Kerrigan
This is a special episode with sponsors of series 18 of the podcast - it's British Garden Centres! Eve Kerrigan spills the beans on the business of selling plants, some best selling plants and changes in the garden centre business over the past few years. Followed by a car based gossip with and chatting Tulips, slow eating and RHS Malvern. Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - A gossip with the queens of houseplants
05/04/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - A gossip with the queens of houseplants
In this weeks episode, Michael is joined by two good friends, Meg and Gemma, as they have a really lovely gossip. These fab ladies have very interesting jobs in the industry, so make sure to listen and find out all about that, as they all put the world to rights, which is rather fun to listen to. Please excuse the bad quality sound, technology was working against us that evening, and Michael was also laying down across two armchairs trying to get the signal out of the window on the Isle of Wight! Enjoy! Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 E03 - What exactly is permaculture with designer Jacks Patch
04/27/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 E03 - What exactly is permaculture with designer Jacks Patch
If you've heard the word permaculture used in horticulture but unsure what it means, this episode will answer some of your questions. Jack is a permaculture designer discussing with and how we can grow realistically in a sustainable and self-sufficient way, with permaculture principles. Afterwards, Michael and Ellen gossip about whatever springs to mind, from the Isle of Wight to Norfolk. Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - The Last UK Conifer Nursery Standing
04/20/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 Bonus - The Last UK Conifer Nursery Standing
In this weeks episode, Michael travels to Boston, in the UK, not the US, to find out about the last commercial conifer nursery in the UK, Golden Grove. He talks to Zoe and Karolina about their love of conifers, and why it’s time to look at them through a different lens. We think you’re gonna love this episode and we dare you to go and buy a conifer ASAP. The ideal place to pick up your conifer is one of British Garden Centres locations, and they are the sponsor of the season of the podcast! Plants mentioned in today's show include: Hedging: Thuja plicata Gelderland, Thuja plicata Goldy, Thuja plicata Little Boy, Taxus baccata Thuja plicata Whipcord, Chanaecyparis pilifera Filifera Nana, Thuja accidentalis Teddy, Thuja accidentalis Anniek, Cryptomeria japonica Tenzan Our favourites: Thuja accidentalis Anniek, Cryptomeria japonica Serama, Pinus mugo Carsten Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 E02 - Everything Plant Based with The Happy Pear
04/13/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 E02 - Everything Plant Based with The Happy Pear
Stephen Flynn, one half of The Happy Pear joins and for this everything plant based episode. Twins Stephen and David are best selling authors, cafe and bakery owners, recipe club creators with a 4 acre regenerative organic farm. From the emerald Isle Stephen chats about plant based eating, growing and overall health. Afterwards Michael and Ellen gossip from Coal Yard Drops about plants, getting too close and men… Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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.
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The Plant Based Podcast S18 E01 - Meet the school gardening extraordinaire Lee Connelly, known as The Skinny Jean Gardener.
04/06/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S18 E01 - Meet the school gardening extraordinaire Lee Connelly, known as The Skinny Jean Gardener.
As we kick off series 18, we are beginning with a gardening legend, and good friend of the podcast. He started his working life as an electrician and now, via the Blue Peter garden, he is a government recognised ambassador for children's gardening in the UK. It's the gold sequinned wearing, SKINNY JEAN GARDENER. The first gossip of series 18 comes after the guest interview, with and chatting about anything that 'springs' to mind, April fools and plant life. Series 18 is sponsored by British Garden Centres. 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. wwwbritishgardencentres.com
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The Plant Based Podcast S17 E06 - The New Build Manifesto with Andrew Jackson
03/23/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S17 E06 - The New Build Manifesto with Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson is a man with a mission. After working in social housing for more than 10 years, he had a yearning to make outdoor spaces better for residents. Upon buying his own new build home, he realised how daunting it can be to suddenly have a blank canvas, full of promise, yet not have a clue what to do with it. Years later, after finding his feet with that new garden, Andrew has put together a rather fantastic New Build Manifesto, which makes some strong suggestions for how housing developers can better prepare residents for their new outdoor space. He believes his manifesto is in harmony with the housing developer world, whilst also having firm environmental benefits. Hear all about it in this episode of the podcast. As ever, and gossip about anything that comes to mind but especially about Spring! Sponsors of series 17 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products. Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago. The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe. LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on. All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable. The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower. Learn more at
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The Plant Based Podcast S17 E05 - Social and Therapeutic Horticulture with Dr. Richard Claxton
03/09/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S17 E05 - Social and Therapeutic Horticulture with Dr. Richard Claxton
By now you have probably heard of social prescribing and perhaps even social and therapeutic horticulture and as gardeners we know that gardening makes us feel good, but what about everyone else? What about people with no access to green space, people with mental and physical health issues and what about those tasked with giving advice, support and suggestions to help - such as a medical professional. In this episode guest Dr. Richard Claxton -a champion of promoting positive health and wellness through plants and gardens - tells us what and how gardening truly helps people stay well. Sponsors of series 17 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products. Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago. The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe. LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on. All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable. The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower. Learn more at
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The Plant Based Podcast S17 E04 - Meet the Editor of Amateur Gardening Magazine, Kim Stoddart
02/23/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S17 E04 - Meet the Editor of Amateur Gardening Magazine, Kim Stoddart
On the podcast in this episode is the editor of one of the most popular gardening magazines in the UK, Amateur Gardening. The magazine was founded in 1884, but sadly stopped production back in late 2023… but thankfully resurrected just a few months later, with a whole new look, making a whole nation of gardeners of all ages very happy. Editor and author Kim Stoddart is with and to talk all about editorial deadlines and of course, gardening! Afterwards Michael and Ellen chat random stuff from travels to plants and everything in between. Sponsors of series 17 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products. Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago. The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe. LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on. All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable. The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower. Learn more at
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The Plant Based Podcast S17 E03 - Artist Beth Williams joins the podcast to discuss designing with living textiles.
02/09/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S17 E03 - Artist Beth Williams joins the podcast to discuss designing with living textiles.
Todays podcast is with Beth Williams, multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer who creates living textiles with incredible designs based around plants and nature. Beth centres around an inaccessible world as well as the relationship between human and environmental sustainability. Afterwards, and gossip separately with news of what they have been up to recently. Sponsors of series 17 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products. Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago. The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe. LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on. All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable. The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower. Learn more at
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The Plant Based Podcast S17 Bonus - Swapping notes on new plants and trends with Nat
02/02/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S17 Bonus - Swapping notes on new plants and trends with Nat
In this bonus episode, Michael is at the International Plant fair, the IPM Essen, and he’s having a gossip with his good friend Nat Porter! We think you’re gonna love this meeting of two crazy plant minds, as they chat about everything from bedding plants to sushi trains!
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The Plant Based Podcast S17 E02 - Why do we need new plants with Garry Grueber
01/26/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S17 E02 - Why do we need new plants with Garry Grueber
New plant breeding is big business, but often people ask why we even need new plants. In this episode and with Garry Grueber who is well known in the world of plant development, with over 40 years of experience. It's an insightful chat into the world of new plants. Afterwards, Michael and Ellen chat about plant catwalks, conveyor belts and the cold. Sponsors of series 17 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products. Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago. The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe. LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on. All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable. The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower. Learn more at
/episode/index/show/plantbasedradio/id/35000700
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The Plant Based Podcast S17 E01 - Can plants be queer with ecologist Connor Butler.
01/12/2025
The Plant Based Podcast S17 E01 - Can plants be queer with ecologist Connor Butler.
Plants don’t always follow the expected rules or genders, and it’s not a big deal for them, yet why is it for us? Connor Butler gives us some some truths about everything LGBTQ+ in the botanical world…and it’s fascinating! Afterwards and have a new years gossip while driving to Heathrow about travel and of course plants, amongst other random things. Sponsors of series 17 are Lava-Lite - Naturally The Best Effortlessly nourish and protect your plants with a collection of totally non-toxic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pH neutral, lightweight and 100% natural products. Derived from volcanic deposits, LAVA-LITE was formed by nature over 10,000 years ago. The collection is made up of eight different horticultural growing/potting media and pest control products, with each continually offering the same natural benefits: thermal protection, moisture retention and control, soil conditioning and providing a nutrient boost; as well as being completely child, pet and environmentally safe. LAVA-LITE is chemically inert, zero-harm and does not kill pests. It acts as a natural barrier and deterrent, providing an opportunity for them to simply move on. All the products can be used anywhere in the home and garden without worry and any predators eating prey that have come in to contact with LAVA-LITE will not be harmed, keeping eco-systems balanced, maintained and sustainable. The LAVA-LITE collection is available in handy 1 litre and 3 litre resealable pouches. They are easy to use, provide great results and don’t require careful handling, making them perfect for the novice gardener and specialist grower. Learn more at
/episode/index/show/plantbasedradio/id/34816000