Ellen Mary has a prolific list of achievements in the earth of horticulture .

Not only has she hosted talks at many RHS Flower Shows , appeared on idiot box program such as Countryfile Diaries and BBC News , and written for publications let in The Telegraph and The Times .

Ellen is also the co - server ofthe Plant found PodcastwithMichael Perry AKA Mr Plant Geekand the writer of books‘How To acquire A Garden’and‘The Joy of Gardening ’ .

Ellen Mary posing with her large potted monstera indoors

I was grateful to chat with Ellen about some of her favourite experiences and some exciting projects on the horizon .

Where Did Your Gardening Journey Begin?

“ My parent had a kitchen garden where I would sit and eat the pea out of their pods and draw face at thetaste of fresh gooseberries , ” Ellen gag .

“ My uncle also had an constituent vegetable while at the terminal of his garden where he would send me to pick the caterpillars off the cabbages .

“ So , my first gardening memory are long before the years of 7 and I have been hooked ever since . I even have a photo of me aged about 2 years old , using a hoe on my mum ’s rockery . ”

Ellen Mary in the garden with a bunch of cut orange, red and pink dahlias

From This, What Led You To A Career In Horticulture?

“ At school , horticulture was n’t encouraged , so I ended up work out various bureau job – which was the one thing I knew I did n’t need to do ! Soon enough , I realise that lifespan was far too little to not be doing something I was passionate about and plants were ( and are ! ) definitely my passion .

“ So , I took my RHS documentation , go out my business and became a gardener . It was the good conclusion ever ! From there , I was asked to compose a column for a local magazine , protrude to bring forth and present gardening substance on local TV .

“ Now , I have decades of horticulture experience , I ’ve mouth at just about every RHS show plus others in numerous country , host theater , been featured and write for many newspapers and magazine .

Ellen Mary holding up her book, The Joy of Gardening

“ I also write for horticultural publication and Colorado - host The Plant - Based Podcast .

“ I have also authored two al-Qur’an : ‘ The Joy of Gardening ’ liberate in 2021 and ‘ How To Grow A Garden ’ in 2022 . ”

I’ve Previously Spoken To Michael Perry About The Plant-Based Podcast! Do You Have A Favourite Episode From The Show?

“ It ’s so unmanageable to pick out a favourite instalment because there are so many ! ” she says .

“ Every single guest brings such a wealth of knowledge and expertise , and every time we record I learn something novel myself . To be sharing that with listeners is such a joy .

“ My favourite visit has to be Chris Packham ’s garden – I mean , wow ! I also utterly loved natter about the obscure reality of moss with Dr Neil Bell from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh .

Ellen Mary holding up harvested green leafy chard

“ Honestly , every single instalment has been adept ! ”

What Is ‘People, Plants, Wellbeing’ & Why Did You Set It Up?

“ Discovering the deep connexion we have to the natural world and being hem in by nature always made me feel so good , ” parcel Ellen .

“ I wanted to unite people to plants so more of us can have the wonders of that intrinsic liaison to wellbeing nature has .

“ So , I trained as a manifest hypnotherapist , wellness coach , forest washup guide and master Reiki practitioner to be capable to help mass connect on a deep level to nature .

Ellen with yellow flowers harvested from her allotment

“ In 2020 , I set about ‘ People Plants Wellbeing ’ where we supply integrative health coaching , retirement and wellness days all immersed in nature with works at the core . It ’s joyful to see so many people witness clarity bysimply sitting in the tree .

“ We ’ve also start up to allow for squad wellness days for businesses where stave can expend a sidereal day in nature . ”

What Does A Typical Working Day In The Life Look Like For You?

“ There just is n’t a distinctive day , but on most days , I will get to my allotment for break of the day for a duo of hours before I come home to meditate and do some yoga .

“ After that , I have a list of things I want to fulfil each day and I start ticking them off . It could be writing horticultural transcript for magazines or doing some social media . I might be put down for the podcast or filming contentedness for brands .

“ I ’ll take a break every now and again to ceramist in the garden or play with the many houseplants I have !

a large brassica being held up in Ellen’s allotment after harvesting

“ The afternoons are saved for my client , so I might be doing a wellness coaching academic term , reiki or hypnotherapy , which , as often as possible , I furnish outside on a walk or in a garden to the strait of nature .

“ It ’s so wide-ranging and I really do love it that way of life . ”

What Is Your Favourite Thing About Your Job?

“ The constant inhalation nature supply and being able to spend so much clip out of doors , ” she says . “ I just would n’t want it any other elbow room .

“ Being able-bodied to mix wellness with and around plants really is a dream fare true . I love talk at shows as well because it ’s such a great chance to circularize the subject matter about the importance of industrial plant and nature for people and the major planet .

“ I really do feel so delirious every individual day about what I am doing . ”

Ellen holding up a bunch of colourful cut flowers from her allotment, including cosmos and nigella

Describe Your Relationship With Horticulture In Just 3 Words.

“ Necessary , enlightening and fun . ”

Do You Have Any Exciting Projects On The Horizon?

“ I have some really exciting cinematography coming up soon , so watch this quad ! ” Ellen shares .

“ The next Wild Wellbeing Retreat through ‘ People , Plants , Wellbeing ’ has been announced , which I ca n’t wait for . It ’s a chance to take a few days in a secret woodland where we ’ll be gardening , craft , meditating , forest bathing and wipe out plant - base intellectual nourishment .

“ It ’s a dreaming to run these retreats . ”

Ellen in the garden with some white flowering tulips