Vlogs, podcasts and virtual flower shows to keep the gardening inspiration flowing during lockdown
IF you’re yearning after all the gardening shows that have been cancelled, you can still be inspired by exploring gorgeous virtual gardens now and throughout the summer, from the comfort of your armchair.
Not only is the first ‘virtual’ RHS Chelsea Flower Show being held through the RHS website (rhs.org.uk), which will host an abundance of free, inspiring content from the great and the good of the gardening world, from May 18-23.
Here’s what else to look out for...
Explore open gardens – including celebrity ones
You can get a glimpse of gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh’s Hampshire garden through the National Garden Scheme (NGS, ngs.org.uk), which is sharing advice and videos from many of those who would have otherwise opened their gardens to the public this year to raise money for the NGS.
Every Thursday, the NGS will release a new collection of virtual garden visits, mirroring how new gardens open every week for the NGS in normal times.
■ ngs.org.uk/virtual-garden-visits
Take gardening advice from TV favourites
LEADING gardening personalities, including Chris Beardshaw, Arit Anderson and Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek, are proudly wearing flower crowns for this year’s virtual celebrations in support of Garden Day 2020 (gardenday. co.uk) on May 10. Visit the website to download a toolkit with tips on how to celebrate.
■ Follow @GardenDayUK on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Candide, and share your Garden Day celebrations on social media, using #GardenDayUK.
Find answers in a podcast
THERE’S a plethora of free podcasts to listen to.
The Plant Based Podcast (theplantbasedpodcast.net) puts the spotlight firmly on plants, with influential hosts Michael Perry (aka Mr Plant Geek) and Ellen Mary.
On The Ledge podcast
(janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge) with indoor plant expert Jane Perrone, covers a fresh topic each episode with special guests.
Move in social circles
FEEL inspired, learn new tricks and stay up-todate with all the latest gardening trends across social media.
Flowers From The Farm (@ FlowersFromTheFarm)
IF you’ve always dreamed of being a flower farmer, check out this account from the UK’s network of independent artisan flower growers. Flowers From The Farm’s Instagram page features a different flower grower each week.
Charles Dowding (YouTube)
FIND the knowledge you need to make the most from your crops with expert advice from Charles Dowding on his YouTube channel.
Topics include easy soil preparation, best sowing dates and how to be weed free.