The Plant Based Podcast

Michael Perry & Ellen Mary
  • 4.1 (9)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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!

  1. 2D AGO

    Hear from plant collector, educator and enthusiast Jonny Balchandani, The Bearded Plantaholic.

    Today's guest is someone many of you will already know from Instagram — a passionate plant collector, educator, and all-around plant enthusiast who has built a thriving community around a love for houseplanys. With a feed full of lush houseplants, practical tips, and honest moments from life as a self-confessed plant addict, Jonny Balchandani has inspired thousands to bring more plants into their homes and lives. You might know him better as The Bearded Plantaholic. In this episode, we're talking about how his plant journey began, how social media helped grow his community, the realities of caring for a serious plant collection, and of course a few favourite plants along the way. Michael and Ellen then proceed to gossip as usual, from feeling defeated during a drought and taking up drawing. There might be some chat about plants but who knows! Series 20 of the podcast is sponsored by Garden on a Roll - the perfect solution for beautiful, ready-made garden borders. If you love the look of professionally designed planting but don't have the time, knowledge, or patience to plan it yourself, Garden on a Roll has you covered. Each border is expertly designed by Award Winning Garden Designer Antony Henn and delivered with a simple, pre-planned biodegradable template you can roll out and plant in one go. No guesswork. No stress. Just follow the instructions and enjoy the results. Whether you're refreshing a tired space or starting from scratch, you'll get a cohesive, seasonal design that works with plants chosen to thrive together and look great all year round.  Choose your style and size and everything you need is delivered to your door. It's planting by numbers! Visit Garden on a Roll today and bring your outdoor space to life.  www.gardenonaroll.com

    1h 36m

  2. APR 11

    A chat with the editor of the worlds oldest gardening magazine

    In this lively episode of The Plant Based Podcast, Michael sits down with the wonderfully candid Kim Stoddart, editor of Amateur Gardening magazine, for a chat that's equal parts insightful and delightfully gossipy. They dig into Kim's journey through the horticultural world, her passion for resilient, climate-friendly gardening, and what really goes on behind the scenes of one of the UK's most beloved gardening publications. Along the way, Kim shares her thoughts on the trends shaping modern gardening, from sustainable practices to the renewed love for growing your own food.   But it wouldn't be a proper catch-up without a bit of juicy industry chatter! Expect plenty of laughs, honest reflections, and a warm, down-to-earth conversation that feels like a good natter over a cup of tea—perfect for anyone who loves plants, people and the stories that connect them.   Series 20 of the podcast is sponsored by Garden on a Roll - the perfect solution for beautiful, ready-made garden borders.   If you love the look of professionally designed planting but don't have the time, knowledge, or patience to plan it yourself, Garden on a Roll has you covered. Each border is expertly designed by Award Winning Garden Designer Antony Henn and delivered with a simple, pre-planned biodegradable template you can roll out and plant in one go.   No guesswork. No stress. Just follow the instructions and enjoy the results.    Whether you're refreshing a tired space or starting from scratch, you'll get a cohesive, seasonal design that works with plants chosen to thrive together and look great all year round. Choose your style and size and everything you need is delivered to your door. It's planting by numbers! Visit Garden on a Roll today and bring your outdoor space to life.   www.gardenonaroll.com

    42 min

  3. APR 5

    AI Talking Plants Exhibition with Cambridge University Botanic Garden

    Have you ever heard a plant talking? To kick off series 20 of the podcast Ellen Mary and Michael Perry visited Cambridge Univeristy Botanic Garden to chat with Raffy and Kathryn about the Talking Plants Exhibition. Imagine a Jade Vine chatting or an Ant Plant explaining how it grows! Running until 12th April 2026, this exhibition is about using AI for education and engagement at the garden. Find out more: https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/talking-plants/ As always, Ellen and Michael have a gossip about anything and everything but there is always plants involved...at some point! Series 20 of the podcast is sponsored by Garden on a Roll - the perfect solution for beautiful, ready-made garden borders. If you love the look of professionally designed planting but don't have the time, knowledge, or patience to plan it yourself, Garden on a Roll has you covered. Each border is expertly designed by Award Winning Garden Designer Antony Henn and delivered with a simple, pre-planned biodegradable template you can roll out and plant in one go.   No guesswork. No stress. Just follow the instructions and enjoy the results.   Whether you're refreshing a tired space or starting from scratch, you'll get a cohesive, seasonal design that works with plants chosen to thrive together and look great all year round.   Choose your style and size and everything you need is delivered to your door.    It's planting by numbers!   Visit Garden on a Roll today and bring your outdoor space to life.

    56 min

  4. 2025-12-14

    End of Series Christmas Gossip

    Believe it or not, but this does include Christmas plants - you'll just have to wait until Michael has released his anger about the festive season first! Joking aside, Ellen and Michael are finishing off series 19 gossiping about all the things they've been up to, giving Christmas plant care advice, predicting what's to come in the plant world for 2026 plus theres some weight lifting involved...  Happy Christmas plant lovers! Thanks for downloading The Plant Based Podcast.    Series 19 has been sponsored by Queen and Fine - the new floral design studio by Ellen Mary.  www.queenandfine.com

    52 min

  5. 2025-12-07

    Growing Innovation – A Conversation with Mattias Redlefsen of Benary GmbH

    In this episode, Michael sits down with Mattias Redlefsen, an industry leader at Benary GmbH, one of the world's most respected companies in ornamental plant breeding.    With more than 175 years of history, Benary has shaped the global horticulture industry- and Mattias offers a rare inside look at how the company continues to thrive through innovation, research, and a deep commitment to quality.   Mattias shares his perspective on the evolution of modern seed breeding, how Benary balances tradition with cutting-edge technology, and sustainability and the future of the horticulture sector.   ********   Series 19 is sponsored by Queen and Fine Floral Design - the new floral design studio by co-host of the podcast, Ellen Mary. Find out more: www.queenandfine.com Instagram: @queenandfine

    37 min

  6. 2025-11-30

    Hear from one of the UK's top horticultural experts Martin Fish with some top gardening tips

    Today's guest is Martin Fish, a horticultural expert with over 45 years of experience as a gardener, writer, broadcaster, RHS judge and educator. Known for his practical advice and warm, approachable style, Martin has shared his passion through radio, television, magazines and live events across the UK with The Potting Shed, which he runs with his wife Jill. In this episode, Ellen and Michael dive into Martin's lifelong journey in horticulture, what continues to inspire his work and how gardening can bring joy, connection, and creativity into everyday life.  ******************* 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: www.queenandfine.com and on Instagram @queenandfine.

    56 min

  7. 2025-11-23

    Unwrap the magic of the National Garden Gift Card for Christmas

    Looking for a Christmas present that's thoughtful, versatile, and guaranteed to delight? In this episode, we unwrap the magic of the National Garden Gift Card—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: www.queenandfine.com and on Instagram @queenandfine

    18 min

  8. 2025-11-16

    Keep your houseplants thriving with Happy Plant Collector

    In this epsiode Ellen Mary is joined by Lisa Bauer, known online as @happy_plant_collector - 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.  https://www.anotherplantswap.com 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

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.1
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Perry & Ellen Mary
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    283
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael Perry & Ellen Mary 2024
  • Show Website
    The Plant Based Podcast

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