Mike The Gardener, as he is known on Instagram, is a passionate gardener/plantsman and a professional gardener and designer. He runs a successful podcast ‘Mic the Gardener’ where he chats with well know gardening celebrities, authors, garden designers and writers amongst others.
On Instagram Mike is famous for his ‘Sunday Stroll’ LIVE sessions, and his LIVE interviews with well know gardening celebrities, authors, designers and more. We thought we’d turn the mic on Mike to find out more about his gardening journey.
Q&A with Mike
When did you start gardening?
Started gardening when I was about six years old and commandeered a part of my parents garden as my own!
Was gardening a thing in your household when you were growing up?
Yes, very much so. My parents were extremely good gardeners and had a love for roses
Who else gets involved with your plot? Is it a family affair?
I guess it’s fair to say I’m definitely Head Gardener, and my partner Peter, is a great Under Gardener. I couldn’t do it without him!
Where do you get inspiration and gardening advice from?
From all around me, but especially the fantastic gardening community on Instagram
What are you planning to grow this season?
I am more of a perennial kind of guy, but this season I have grown broad beans, aubergines, courgettes, carrots and of course the obligatory tomatoes
How does gardening have an effect on your lifestyle?
Gardening IS my lifestyle! I pretty much live and breathe gardening and all things related to gardening. If I’m not actually out in the garden, or clients Gardens, I’m broadcasting or podcasting about it.
What do you find most challenging in your garden?
It’s a very high maintenance garden, so alongside a busy work schedule, finding enough time to keep it looking in tiptop condition can sometimes be a challenge!
What has been your greatest success?
My greatest success has been designing and orchestrating a garden that provides colour year-round
Any big growing challenges you plan to take on in the future?
Not so much a growing challenge, but I’m introducing water into the garden next year. Water is such a precious commodity for so many insects and garden wildlife. It’s only a small barrel, but I am hoping for BIG things from it. Most especially, I’m hoping my hostas might be a little safer if I have an army of frogs keeping an eye on them!!
Three top tips you would give someone starting out?
- Patience
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! All gardeners make mistakes irrespective of their experience
- Come and join me on my live Sunday strolls, 10 am every weekend. I try and answer as many peoples garden questions as I can
Three people you’d recommend following on Instagram?
The Garden Media Guild – Great broadcasters, authors, photographers, journalists, writers, podcasters, bloggers and more
Darren Lakin – Great creative gardener, up cycler and lover of all things vintage
Jimi Blake – Inspirational gardener and owner of the beautiful Hunting Brook Gardens. Amazing plantsman.
