A QUICK CHAT with…
James Wong, the botanist, television presenter and garden designer who has a passion for plants
AS TOLD TO VIKKI ELIAS
I’VE ALWAYS BEEN FASCINATED BY TROPICAL PLANTS.
Growing up in Singapore, I had an inquisitive nature that was encouraged by both sets of grandparents. My Malaysian grandmother used plants functionally as medicine, while my grandfather loved growing vegetables in his Welsh garden.
TV SHOWS ABOUT THE NATURAL WORLD INSPIRE ME.
After studying for a Masters at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, I worked at a plant conservation charity based there. I watched TV programmes about nature and would pitch ideas to the producers. I got lots of doors shut in my face, but I was persistent. I did a few slots on TV including BBC Two’s Grow Your Own Drugs, had a feature in the Metro paper and designed a garden at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in 2004, where I was the youngest-ever RHS medal winner. Gradually my career took shape and I went on to write six books on plants and healthy eating.
SUSTAINABILITY IS MY PASSION.
I have a small carbon footprint and try to make sustainable decisions. My tiny London flat has more than 500 plants. I love miniaturisation and one of my terrariums has over 100 plants in it! I don’t use peat – it’s not sustainable. I’m careful to buy from reputable sellers online. There are instances where plants are hacked from the wild – I think people don’t always appreciate that plants are endangered just like animals. It’s the equivalent of buying rhino horn.
PEOPLE DON’T NEED TO BE SCARED OF KILLING PLANTS.
I’ve killed hundreds of plants, but if I fail, I try again. The first thing I grew was Morning Glory seeds, aged six. Sadly, it was a spectacular failure, but I was determined. I love the process and enjoy designing high-maintenance botany challenges at home. I’m currently growing an orchid species, from a rack hanging on my 80cm balcony! Experimenting is key and half the joy is the sense of achievement when it works. You’re always learning with plants.
CARING FOR PLANT LIFE IS OUR FUTURE.
Right now, I’m creating mini documentaries on Instagram called ‘City in Nature’ focusing on Singapore. Urban greening there is off the scale with skyscrapers draped in lush tropical plants. This model city is based on the English garden cities that sprang up during the early 20th century. In the 1920s, London saw the introduction of rooftop gardens such as the one on Selfridges, but Singapore has taken this to a new level. In terms of encouraging biodiversity, helping cut pollution and keeping our cities cool, Singapore is so innovative. Through my work in schools, I want to educate younger generations about the importance of plants; they are the solution to pandemics and food security.
‘I’ve got more than 500 plants in my tiny London flat – 100 in a terrarium!’