I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying your gardens, whatever the weather’s been doing where you are. It’s been really windy where I am and quite dull, but I’ve been pottering around nonetheless.

I’ve had a really really busy couple of weeks as I’ve been overseas with the QVC plant buyers. We’ve been visiting about 25 different companies as they’ve been putting on a showcase with all the new plant varieties that are coming up to 2023, and beyond! I’ve been teasing a few on social media, but here I’ll be teasing even more…

I think it’s really important that we keep our viewers and customers in the loop when we’re looking at new plants. We don’t want to be guessing what you want, we want to be asking you directly, through the channels we have, especially our busy and very friendly Facebook group.

I’ve got high hopes for the range of angel pelargoniums. These are great for the windowsill inside or outside on a tabletop. Look at how many flowers there are, you can barely see the foliage or the pot. I assure you it’s in a pot though LOL! Legend has it the fragrance of the foliage also deters mosquitoes from the patio.

And for something exotic, there’s sundaville! You might be used to seeing these type of flowers on holiday, but they can actually be grown very easily in the UK and bloom for months and months. They do like to be kept on the dry side, which is great news for anybody that’s worried about them being high maintenance. Lots of different colours, mostly across the pink and red palette, and they also work as a houseplant in the winter months.

There is one plant that we viewed, but we probably won’t be allowed to buy. That’s because it is reserved exclusively for the cut flower market, so you might need to look out for it at the florists. But I can’t resist showing you, it’s a double flowered form of the Peruvian lily, alstroemeria. It has an extra layer of petals, which makes it look just like a rose – absolutely phenomenal. I actually shrieked when I saw it for the first time!

We also found a range of different hydrangeas, including the brand-new variety Switch, which is launching on QVC this weekend. You can see that we moved very quickly with some of the most exciting products. Eeek! This hydrangea only grows about a foot and a half in height, and the flowers change colour from green through rustic shades. I think this is a winner, don’t you agree?

We also spotted some brand-new colours of a plant you already love; it’s the strawflower “gran via”. I’ll season, we brought you the yellow, but now there is a full colour range of five different shades, and it’s set to take the gardening world by storm. The flowers are incredibly long lasting, and actually dry on the plant, which means they pretty much last forever. You probably remember these from the 80s, but these are new varieties, with even more vigour!

There’s so much more I could tell you about, but I might wait until next time. I think there’s more than enough to get your appetite whetted! Before I go, I need to show you the most perfect red begonia though, which can be grown indoors or outdoors, and also tolerates full sun. It needs a name though, any ideas?

Until next month, see you!

Michael x

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In case you haven’t heard of it, this is an annual event on April 22, where we look to highlight the small ways you can help the environment. And of course, I will be giving some tips on how you can do that in your own back garden, balcony, or even from your kitchen worktop. you could be part of an event that includes 1 billion people in almost 200 companies, all doing their bit to help, and invest in, our planet.

1: Save energy, plant more!

This sounds a little bit strange, encouraging you to buy more plants, but then of course I would do that, wouldn’t I?! However, the more plants you plant into your borders, the more ground you will cover, keeping the moisture locked in, and also keeping the weeds down, so you won’t need to go digging around disturbing the soil trying to get rid of them! Although of course, I would advocate leaving the weeds, but that’s a story for next time…

Anyway, really pack out your borders with plants, and you will find that it will be incredibly biodiverse, which will attract a range of wildlife, not just visiting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. You’ll find that it’ll also create habitats for small mammals, and seed heads can be great for the birds, and a little winter hibernating zone for insects!

Mulching around your plants can be beneficial too! It means you won’t disturb the soil and what’s going on down there, but also means you can conserve the moisture around your plants. It also looks attractive! You can use bark, decorative stones, or organic matter.

2: Grow the right plants for easy maintenance

It goes without saying, choosing the right plant for the right place will make gardening a lot easier for you, and better for the environment, because the plants will be happy in place without you giving them extra water, or having to replace them!

Drought tolerant plants can be very useful, and look stunning, gravel gardens are in vogue, whereby you plant a range of flowering plants that originate from dry environments. This list also includes gorgeous ornamental grasses, that really give a sensory feel, and outdoor succulents, which store their own water, so you don’t need to give them any!

You can also plant up containers with drought tolerant plants, which means you won’t have to worry about watering them through the summer, or asking the neighbour to water them when you go away!! We all know how awkward that can be, hehe!

3: Refresh and re-use

By being creative with your containers and reusing certain receptacles, you cannot only help the environment, but you can also let your imagination run wild. How about being creative with some old tin cans, some old welly boots, or perhaps even a chest of drawers! This is a chance to break all the horticultural rules, not all plants need to grow in terracotta pots!

You can also reuse lolly sticks as plant labels, egg boxes as seed trays, and of course make your own compost…

4: Make your own compost

This is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a gardener, but you don’t need much space to do it, you can even buy composting units that fit onto the balcony, or even under the kitchen sink. It’s a good idea to have a good mix of wet and dry materials, about 50-50, and later then like a lasagne.

Warm conditions will make compost quicker, but you’re generally looking at about three months to make your own golden treasure. The resulting compost will be very rich, so won’t be ideal for potting plants, but it will be good to mix into your usual compost, or to mulch around plants, or mix into borders to improve the soil.

5: Support others in their endeavours

If you haven’t got a garden of your own, you can do your bit indoors, by reusing your organic waste items, reusing containers, and by propagating some of your own house plants. You could also reach out to a range of initiatives, and get involved that way!

I really hope this has given you a bit of an insight into how are you can garden a little bit more sustainably, once you get into it it’s actually really rewarding and fun, and you will certainly notice a difference to your wallet!

I really hope this has given you a bit of an insight into how you can garden a little bit more sustainably. Once you get into it, it’s actually really rewarding and fun, and you will certainly notice the difference to your wallet!

Until next month, have a great time

Michael

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Gardening season is upon us, and doesn’t it feel good! My plant addiction is back with a bang – as if it ever went away… I even snapped up a few Nemesia on QVC, from last week’s Garden ReLeaf Day for Greenfingers.

Now, don’t be too fooled by spring. As I write this it’s summery, but alas frosts are still very much a thing. Even though we are braving shorts and legs during the day, it’s still like zero degrees at night. Don’t fall for the “fool’s spring!”

I’ve been busy with the telly this month, not just at QVC but also with Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4. We got behind the scenes at Kew Gardens to cover their orchid festival and find out a few extra tips and tricks for growing these home beauties. Now I know exactly where to cut the dead flowers off – and what a resting period really means.

At home, I’ve been playing as usual. I recently brought some of the lovely Belarina Primroses inside as a houseplant. It lasted twice as long as a bunch of cut flowers, I’ll tell you that. I actually took a trip to the breeders behind the plant this month too – the Kerley family – where I spotted a few new colours (and a few that I can’t show you!) Amazing plants are on their way. There’s also trailing frilly pansies, it was like a sweet shop, and I was a kid in it!

We’ve had a few Today’s Special Value offers this month too, the most fun of which was the faux trellis with my dear friend Lorna. She doesn’t half make me laugh. We created some super content to promote the offer, and it turned out to be a very successful day. If you watched, you’ll also have seen the other fun and games we did, such as the “guess the garden” game…

For the first time in two years, the garden press event was on in London. It’s always a hot bed for new plants and gardening accessories, and I was particularly taken with the rubber seed trays. Never buy a seed tray again!

Back home, I was experimenting again with some tropical coloured pots, oh and a gorgeous black and white one. I do enjoy creating pots, it’s possibly one of my favourite tasks. Although, I did need to clear up my garage, so my weekend off was spent doing just that. It took ages, but at least now I feel more Zen and I finally have a work space. As soon as it was cleared, I was trying out a few kokedama – trying to get right – but I’m happy with my results.

The month rounded up with a little northern trip. I was sent to a daffodil field near Lincoln, filming a live segment for Steph’s Packed Lunch. It was brilliant, and we even “delivered” a bunch back to Steph in the studio! Later that week I was in the studio building rockeries on tables.

And as I write this blog, I’m catching up on my emails in London and preparing for the hottest plant Today’s Special Value offer of the month. It’s the amazing miniature fuchsias… hope you snap a pack up!

See you next month,

Michael x

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Whether you’re  planning some outdoor improvements or hunting for showy blooms, our virtual garden centre has all your projects covered. Connecting with nature is the perfect way to shake off those winter blues, and we have some fabulous plants to show you, as well as outdoor furniture and more to help you create the perfect oasis of calm, peace and wellbeing. Leaf on for some ideas!

Glorious blooms 

Gardens and gardening make us feel better, and there’s nothing quite as pleasing as admiring your favourite plants as they blossom in their full vitality. A graceful, tropical-looking option, we’re already swooning at this Agapanthus ‘Sea Breeze’ trio from Thompson & Morgan. With marvellous blue flowers growing in clusters on stems, they’ll bloom into white as they grow throughout the summer.

Native to South Africa, these exotic Agapanthus love a sunny spot, flowering from June through to September. They’re available through Advanced Order, so you can snap up a bunch now and receive them in early June, ready to plant.

After fragrance as well as beauty? Don’t miss out on the Nicotiana Cuba Garden Ready Mix from Plants2Gardens. These quick-growing tobacco plants bloom at the start of June with incredible star-like flowers that give off a delightful perfume. Just plant them at the front or back of a border, and enjoy the sweetly fragrant experience on calm days and especially in the evenings.

Looking beyond summer, we’re casting a gardener’s gaze on these Festuca Sunrise from Plants2Gardens. This is a wonderful compact grass that grows into a mound of blue-green arching foliage, then in summer, deep orange-flowering stems rise above the leaves, moving beautifully in the breeze.

As autumn arrives, the ends of the leaves turn to a warm shade of copper like a sunrise in your garden. An exceptional choice for structure and year-round colour, they’ll brighten even the coldest of winter days. ‘Sunrise’ looks particularly attractive planted in groups, or on its own in an architectural pot for a contemporary patio feature.

Elevating your space 

How great is it when we manage to snatch some downtime outside? Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a well thought out garden offers relief, a place to meditate or socialise. So why not do it in style and comfort? Whether you’re catching up with friends or whistling away Sundays in the sun, put your feet up with this Acapulco Chair from Bundleberry by Amanda Holden.

As dusk falls, imagine telling stories with your dearest around a wood-burning Firepit from Innovators. Add some Mandala Floor Cushions to the mix, and you’ve got yourself all the cosiness of camping, just without the tent part! Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine or roasting marshmallows with the kids, a firepit is a great way to maximise your garden’s use throughout the year.

So, now that your garden is looking gorgeous, what’s left to add? It may be beautiful lighting to accentuate your favourite tree, or some final touches by way of decor, perhaps an LED Buddha Head, or a stunning water feature from Garden Reflections. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find a whole host of options in our Garden Room.

All is well outdoors 

It’s spring and we’re feeling good in the sunshine, but how about our plants? They need TLC just as much as we do, and luckily our plant care range can help. From Peat-free Compost and Cell Propagators to Hand Tool sets and Richard Jackson’s premium formulas (including Flower Power and Root Booster), we have everything you need to nurture your plants.

Even if you things are getting out of control in the garden, or you’re working in a smaller space, there are always ways to expand your green-fingered potential. Take, for example, this Premium 4 Tier Greenhouse from Garden Gear, which is so easy to construct with sturdy, coated steel frames and a protector. Get ready to enjoy home-grown vegetables and the stunning plants you’ve always wanted!

After a good start to the growing season, we’re tuning up our tools, digging out the gloves and getting back in the dirt! How about you?

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We’re proud to be partnering with Greenfingers Charity to support this important cause on Garden Re-Leaf Day at QVC. For each item purchased across all of our gardening shows this Sunday, our vendors will donate £1.50 to Greenfingers. Was there ever a better reason to get behind gardening?

Greenfingers Charity 

For life-limited children and their families, spending time outside has many benefits. Whether it’s a place to spend family time together or a spot for solitary, peaceful reflection, it can make a huge difference. Spending time outdoors, away from the bedside, can offer children and families under considerable stress a vital opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and engage with the natural environment.

Established in 1999, Greenfingers Charity is now celebrating 23 years of creating specially-designed, stimulating garden spaces. They’ve created over 60 gardens in children’s hospices across the UK, and Garden Re-Leaf Day has raised a whopping total of £731,000, of which QVC raised £282, 000.

Get involved 

Like so many other charities, Greenfingers Charity faces an uncertain future due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this, their hospice waiting list grows longer, as the therapeutic benefits of spending time outside, close to nature, are recognised by the nation.

Greenfingers Charity needs your support today more than ever. Some of their projects planned for 2020 and 2021 were delayed due to the pandemic, but they have exciting plans to build five more gardens in 2022. This year, they’re planning to build The Nook (pictured below), as part of East Anglia Children’s Hospices.

If you’d like to donate or get involved, please visit the Greenfingers Charity website. Don’t forget to tune in this Sunday too for all of our gardening shows on Garden Re-Leaf Day. All those taking part will help Greenfingers Charity to ensure thousands more life-limited children and their families who spend time in hospices across the UK can benefit from magical and inspiring outdoor spaces, in 2022 and beyond.

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From stylish furniture to lighting and decor, we have a host of great outdoor products to elevate your very own corner of the planet. Take a look at these two gardens from of our star guests, Lucy Piper and Lorna Ko. As you can see, they’re feeling the spring vibes.

Lucy Piper 

Lorna Ko

Amazing, right? If you’re looking for a little inspiration, you’ve come to the right place!

Transform your space 

As spring and summer bring more sunshine and daylight, it’s time to make our gardens more livable. No garden is complete without a relaxation area or two, so a good place to start is outdoor furniture. After all, why should the style and comfort enjoyed indoors stop the minute you step outside?

For a perfect way to unwind, look no further than (and sink right into) this Holly Folding Cocoon Egg Chair from Innovators.

The gentle sway of the egg chair allows you to truly chill out after hours on your feet, while the elegant design lends a chic, contemporary aesthetic to any space. Or why not catch some rays in the versatile, king-sized Valencia lounger? Or the new, super stylish and comfy Hanoi Swivel Cocoon Chair?

Inviting guests round? This faux bamboo two-seater sofa is ideal for enjoying a perfect afternoon with friends, especially after some al fresco dining. Our bellies are already rumbling at the idea of burgers, chicken or delicious vegetables, grilled to perfection on Kalorik’s brilliant Electric Barbecue, without the need for charcoal or gas!

Whether you’re spending quality time with family or entertaining friends, a barbecue is a fantastic way to bring everyone together, as is an Outdoor Gas Firepit Table. Nothing beats the cosiness of a fire, especially with a clean-burning gas flame! After that, it’s all about the finishing touches to bring your space together. Think charming garden decor, vibrant wall art or a faux bamboo coffee table. We love this large rattan lantern from Luxform, featuring a rope handle and a solar-powered LED light inside.

Ideal for creating a gorgeous ambience, this clever lantern charges by sunlight, making it an effortless addition. Luxform bring us amazing outdoor lighting, with everything from wall lights and stake lights to classical-style, solar-powered lamp posts with planters. Even when the sun goes down, you can enjoy your garden in style.

New season, new life 

By now you may have some ideas blossoming (tell us about them!) and so too the natural world around us is beginning to burst into life. After a long winter, gardeners and growers are welcoming the first signs of spring. March is the perfect time to start sowing seeds, preparing flower borders and ordering plants early. Take a look at this stunning collection of 30 Begonia Non-Stop Joy plants from Thompson & Morgan, complete with Incredibloom Fertiliser.

Whether you’re tidying up borders, cleaning out your greenhouse or maintaining fences or gates, we have everything you need to get your green-fingered jobs ticked off. Gardening expert, Richard Jackson, has created a range of specially formulated products, including plants and grass foods, weed killers and more. From Slug & Snail Control to nutritious Flower Power, it’s never been easier to get your outdoor space looking its best year-round. Don’t forget about wildlife either. Winter may be over, but we can still help the birds fly into spring full-bellied!

As we ready ourselves for the wonderful seasons ahead, remember to check your tools and sharpen your gardening arsenal to make the grafting part easy. Visit our designated Tool Shed, or stock up on maintenance must-haves for a fabulous spring garden. So, let’s get growing. All the best with your garden refresh. What an uplifting, hopeful time of year!

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Good to see you again!

I’ve had a busy month, which actually started off in Denmark, in the city of Copenhagen. We popped over for three or four days, and of course I made sure we saw lots of botany too. I can really recommend the Botanic Gardens, they are a treasure trove of unique and unusual plants. I was also feeling quite inspired by the plants on the market; they use a lot of pastels and baby blue, as you’ll see from the photos.

Once I got home, I couldn’t resist assembling a few of those colours, as you’ll see in my shelving unit that I’ve now moved outdoors!

No sooner was I back, but I was up to Leeds to teach Steph McGovern and Anton du Beke how to build a terrarium. I have to say, they both did pretty well. Anton made a display that looked like the Seychelles with some lovely big rocks, and Steph’s was like a forest floor. I hope they took them home and will be caring for them!

I also attended an utterly fab day at RHS Wisley, as part of the Young Horticultural Movement. I’m an ambassador not a member, hehe! I made a speech about Weird and Wacky Plants, and we all got tours of the grounds, which were looking all wintery and sparkly.

It’s been a busy month on the podcast too, as we managed to land an interview with the Executive Producer of the Green Planet Series on BBC. What an honour! We got lots of behind-the-scenes gossip, and I couldn’t resist asking about David Attenborough and, of course, the plants. Putting this down as a career highlight.

I’ve also had a bit of a Primrose month, creating tonnes of fun content for these rainbow beauties. Lots of amazing colours coming through which we hope to bring you at QVC. I’m also testing out a few as houseplants indoors, which is brilliant. They last twice as long as cut flowers and I’m totally backing this trend. In fact, I’m obsessed with mixing things up, and I’ve even brought a few aconites indoors to enjoy on the table recently.

Lastly, I’ve been doing something I haven’t done since I was eighteen. Pollinating flowers… this was one of my first jobs when I joined Thompson and Morgan and I got to try it again after all those years. It was brilliant, and you can see the video on my Instagram page.

Busy month at QVC coming up. This week I’m involved in two Today Special Value offers, so I’ll need a few coffees for that! But I love it, and I love bringing you fantastic gardening products and cool new plants.

See you next month!

Michael

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Warmer weather coming, we’ve put together a garden wish list to help launch you into the season. From outdoor furniture and centrepieces to plants and essential tools, here are some great ways to ensure you’re ready.

Enjoying your garden 

First and foremost, well-designed gardens makes us feel good! They help us connect with nature and the people we love.

Whether you’re taking a breath or enjoying dinner al fresco with family, create a set-up that passes all your vibe checks at our virtual Garden Room. You’ll find stylish decor and lighting, furniture and more. Take, for example, this Folding Double Cocoon Chair from Innovators. This is how we like to bask in the sun!

The gentle sway of the egg chair and the sprung attachments will allow you to truly relax after a few hours on your feet. Or why not start the day in the egg chair with breakfast? Elegantly designed in high-grade aluminium and steel with faux rattan ropework, it boasts plush, removable deep-filled cushions and is designed to sit two people side by side.

Or how about this stunning firepit? Nothing beats that cosy feeling of a real fire, but if you’ve never fancied the hassle of a bonfire, this gas fire pit from Innovators is your answer!

Offering all the beauty of a fire in a clean-burning gas flame, it provides warm, gentle light and a fabulous centrepiece for any of your outdoor events. With its chic, streamlined bowl design, this fire pit is the modern way to enjoy a fire – just light it up and enjoy!

Finding your flowers

No garden is complete without the vibrant colours of spring and summer blooms. Planning ahead is key, but luckily here at QVC we have an abundant selection. Whether you’re hunting for hardy perennials or show-stopping annuals, discover your new favourite variety at our online nursery. Here are just a couple of our darlings!

Check out these Majestic Mixed Begonias from Thompson & Morgan. Offering you 30 fabulous plug plants, this selection will adorn your garden with a flourish of pinks, reds, oranges and yellows.

Better yet, this collection is available on Advanced Order. That means you can bag your begonias early and they’ll be shipped to you in June, all ready to plant.

Or how about these gorgeous geraniums from Precious Plants? Perfect for popping into beds, borders, pots and hanging baskets, they’ll reward you cheer and amazing colour.

They love Mediterranean conditions (like us!) so there’s no need to worry if you forget to water them for a while. Their blooms are shatter-proof too, so whatever the English weather throws at them, they’ll perform well.

Your green-fingered arsenal

The best way to prepare? Getting your space in tip-top shape! From powerful lawnmowers and hoses to handy shovels and efficient weedkiller, take the hard work out of your maintenance tasks with our reliable range of plant care and gardening tools.

Some tools can even do it all! Like this versatile four-in-one gardening tool from Yard Force. It can be used as a soil scarifier, reciprocating saw, grass shears and hedge trimmer with its adjustable cutting heads, plus it features a cordless design and a telescopic tube.

There’s no need for a helping hand with this ultimate gardening companion. It’s a do-it-all assistant, easy to use so you can keep your garden prim and proper.

Happy gardening

We hope this blog might’ve given you a few ideas. Don’t forget to visit our Garden & Leisure page for all things green and growing, but in the meantime – before we see those blooms and hear the bird songs – good luck with your planning!

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The ultimate summer colour collection

Garden looking a little too green? It might seem like a contradiction (because of course we want our gardens to be green!) but there’s nothing that brings a smile to a gardener’s face like the colours of spring flowers!

This Garden Ready Plants collection from Plants2Gardens features some of the most popular and interesting spring plants – begonias, geraniums, impatiens and petunias – ready to be planted straight into your garden. Yep, that’s 48 bedding plants, all grown to the perfect size and ready to plant for an instant garden refresh.

What’s included:

• 12 x 5cm Begonia Semperflorens mix
• 12 x 5cm Geranium Palladium mix
• 12 x 5cm Impatiens Beacon mix
• 12 x 5cm Petunia Express Ice mix

Technical details:

• Flowering period: May – October
• Plant position: full sun or part shade
• Soil type: moist, well drained
• Mature size (h x w): 30cm x 30cm (11.8″ x 11.8″)
• Order now to receive yours in May

Living wall trellis

Update your outdoor living area with the simplest of additions! This living wall trellis is designed for outdoor use, and comes with luscious faux fern foliage to bring some extra interest to your patio, terrace, balcony and more.

It can be used to cover up bare walls, to create a divider between spaces, or create shelter and cosiness in a seating area. You can even opt for a version with lights for a magical twilight sparkle!

Lamp posts 

Every garden can benefit from a little bit of light, whether that’s to illuminate pathways for safety, increase security or to highlight areas of interest.

These lamp post are perfect for adding practical lighting while looking very classy. Standing at 1.3m metres tall, they’re great for general illumination, plus the new design allows even more light distribution.

Best of all, they’re eco-friendly! Being solar-powered, there are no fiddly or hazardous wires to install – and they turn on automatically when you need them to.

A water feature

You can’t beat having water in the garden or conservatory, and this elegant Buddha feature is sure to make a wonderful addition. Casting a magical glow with its LED light, it’s so nice to watch and listen as the water calmly flows out. This will create a serene atmosphere!

Bird feeders

Could it be time to update your bird feeders? These mini feeders come in three colours – blue, pink and purple – and are perfect for adding colour to your garden while feeding your local wildlife.

Simply add your chosen bird feed (these can hold seeds, fat balls, mealworms, and more), and watch your feathered friends flock to their next meal.

Thanks for reading and see you soon,

Michael x

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