Michael Perry , well known online as ‘ Mr Plant Geek ’ , has been passionate about plants for as long as he can remember .
As a Garden Blogger & Podcaster , he has ferment hard to translate this heat into an unbelievable career .
You might recognize Michael from his appearance on some of Britain ’s most loved goggle box Shows , include This Morning and The One Show .
I talk with Michael about his work with Thompson & Morgan , starting out as ‘ The Plant Geek ’ and co - host his own podcast , which is now up to its 11th series .
When Did You First Start Gardening?
“ I learnt about gardening from my grandparent when I was young , ” shares Michael .
“ They were really keen on gardening and were alwaysgrowing slews of chrysanthemumsand Dahlia pinnata . They were present and judge at local flower show , as well as selling plants at local marketplace .
“ This clearly fray off on me and give me that thirst and love for plants from a young geezerhood . I before long took over my parents ’ garden . My daddy was doing the distinctive stuff , growing fruits and veg and tend to a adorable lawn . I had a little plot that soon became half of the garden !
“ I was quite entrepreneurial from a young age as well . I plain experience my grandparents selling plant and making money from their plants , so I used to do it at the closing of my driveway . I also join a market as presently as I could and commence selling plant that I had propagated .
“ Throughout my school age , I had my refuge : plants . My life was ground on what needed to be disperse and when – it really was ingrain in me from a new long time . I have no idea what type of oeuvre I would even be doing now if I did n’t have the backcloth I do . ”
From That, What Led You To A Career In Horticulture?
“ I had a bit of a taste for a line in gardening from selling plants myself , but I did n’t really have intercourse what selection there were for me . I went to a horticultural college that I was happy at .
“ Still , I got to the end of school with little confidence , but luckily , I happened to see a contest in the local newspaper to plan a garden by Thompson & Morgan . I entered the competition and put together a basic design filled with plants local to Sulfolk ( where I ’m from ) and I won !
“ Afterwards , I wrote to Thompson & Morgan and enquire them for a job . They took me on as an apprentice and I rest there for 18 long time . It seemed like fate . ”
Can You Tell Us More About ‘Mr Plant Geek’ & Where That Name Came From?
“ It all comes from those years at school & being bullied for my interests because it was n’t the nerveless thing to be into , ” he explains .
“ Now , 30 eld later , I feel like calling myself a industrial plant geek is a tribute to what I was afraid to be .
“ In addition to this , my social media is a portfolio for me to show what I do and Mr Plant Geek tally it up . It definitely is n’t an alter ego though ! ”
You Have A Podcast! What Is The Plant-Based Podcast About?
“ In the podcast , everything comes back to plants , whether it ’s about acquire them , bask them or even bear them !
“ I met my co - host Ellen Mary around 6 - 7 age ago and we are now on our 11th series of the podcast . It is really fun and informative , which is what I ’m all about .
“ It ’s about indicate people what is possible with plants and also highlight how sport and creative a vocation in gardening can be . ”
What Is Your Favourite Time Of Year To Be In The Garden?
“ I ’m a fan of bound because there is so much hope and colour that is just starting to come up out , ” shares Michael .
“ I also bang daffodilsand tulips . I wish it could be give forever ! ”
What Does Gardening Mean To You?
“ In late age , I ’ve realised that it ’s a really great way to connect with other hoi polloi , ” apportion Michael .
“ When you look at the friendships that have been able to uprise over societal medium , it ’s unbelievable .
“ It ’s something that I did n’t have access to when I was younger . I was the only person I knew who was interested in plants and there was no way of find anyone else who had the same interests .
It ’s so much more open now and I feel like plants link up masses , break down boundaries and traverse over oral communication . That ’s not even touching on the proved well - being properties of being around plants as well .
“ masses are realising more and more that most things fare back to plants , which is amazing . ”
Do You Have Any Particular Career Highlights?
“ My first TV appearance was on Alan Titchmarsh ’s showtalking about black-market hyacinthsand yellow snowdrops . That was a pivotal moment for me and even though I was really nervous , it sparked something for me .
“ We won an award with Steph ’s Packed Lunch up in Leeds for the program of the twelvemonth when I worked on that , which was also particular .
“ Just last week I host on the main stage at Tatton Park , which was a great opportunity . Doing industry speaking and being involved in various things at dissimilar levels is a real honour . ”
What’s Next For You?
“ Next hebdomad I will be in the US at the Garden Comm convention , which is very exciting , ” he pronounce .
“ go out how horticulture make in the US will be passing interesting too ! I always want to go to garden centres when I ’m afield to see how they do thing . ”
What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Gardeners?
“ Do n’t be frightened of social sensitive , because it is something that I wish that I had when I experience lone at a younger age . you could tie in with like - minded multitude no matter how niche your plant life interests might be .
“ Embrace that to link up with others who you may learn from and also avail . ”
