A beautiful local cosy and tranquil day out to Chorley Flower Show! I bought a couple of early tickets to a show I had never been to before even though it is literally down the road from me as early bird tickets. A few friends were interested but preferred the…

In gardens and on balconies around the world, hanging baskets and container plants offer vibrant splashes of life suspended in mid-air. Yet behind the riot of petunias, lobelias, and trailing fuchsias lies a critical horticultural oversight: most are being watered incorrectly—and science is beginning to show the consequences. At the…

The Hollow Just a taster of a short story in its note form. Worth sharing I thought but hey I’m biased. Enjoy

Welcome to The Wandering Mind, where we dig deep into the fertile soil of life’s most intriguing topics—gardening, politics, and well-being. I’m Gary your guide as we navigate the tangled vines of modern living, explore the roots of meaningful conversations, and nurture the seeds of change. From cultivating peace in our…

Welcome to The Wandering AIExploring the evolving mind of machines — and what it means for us. In a world where algorithms now write poetry, diagnose illness, and even hold conversations, it’s easy to feel like we’ve wandered into the pages of a science fiction novel. But this is real…

Take a peek at some of the art I am currently doing. Still in an early stage but hopefully you see something you can appreciate! Galleries soon to follow.

By The Wandering Plantsman As summer borders come to life with vivid colour and texture, few bedding plants carry the cheerful eccentricity of Mimulus, or monkey flower. With its wide-mouthed blooms and love of moist soil, this half-hardy annual has charmed British gardeners for over two centuries. Its path from…

By The Wandering Plantsman For many gardeners, coffee is the fuel that powers early mornings in the potting shed and long afternoons in the greenhouse. But beyond the cup, those spent coffee grounds can be a valuable ally in the garden—offering a sustainable, nutrient-rich amendment for soil health, composting, and…

The Wandering Plantsman Newsletter by Fen2u

A lot going on at the moment , gardening is overflowing lol. Lots of work to do . SEASON 2 of the podcast will begin this week. Topics NHS pharmaceuticals and how to reduce that big budget and of course a massive update on the state of affairs with Trump….lots…

When you bite into a briny olive or drizzle golden olive oil over your salad, you’re tasting a piece of ancient history. The humble olive has been cultivated for over 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest—and most culturally significant—plants in the world. Its story is steeped in mythology,…

Hey plant lovers! 🌱 Let’s have a little heart-to-heart about something that’s super important in the plant world but often gets side-eyed for sounding way too serious: Latin names. Now, I know what you’re thinking—“Why do I need to remember something like Monstera deliciosa when I can just say Swiss…

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.) are more than just vibrant garden blooms—they have a fascinating history intertwined with culinary, medicinal, and decorative traditions. Their adaptability and ease of cultivation make them a beloved choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and practicality. A Glimpse into the History of Nasturtiums Nasturtiums originated in South…

Just a few variants of ideas for cards. Let me know which ones you like!

I was messing about in creating some cute plant cards to go with the sale of plants. These are the early incarnations. really just a bit of fun and a small gift that particular kids may like. Adults can enjoy too lol.

❄️ How Snowdrops Survive the Cold: Nature’s Tiny Thermogenic Warriors As much of the natural world lies dormant beneath a thick winter blanket, a small green spear often pierces the snow. It’s not just a poetic miracle of nature—it’s Galanthus, better known as the snowdrop, performing one of biology’s quiet…

Ever chewed on a tree bark to cure a headache? Sounds wild, right? But that’s exactly what people were doing thousands of years ago—with surprisingly good results. The bark of the willow tree (Salix) wasn’t just folklore medicine; it was the beginning of one of the most important drugs in…

When we think of superpowers, our imaginations drift toward superheroes flying through the sky or lifting trucks with one hand. But real-life adaptations often surpass fiction—and some of the most remarkable examples come not from animals, but from plants. Far from passive greenery, many plant species have evolved extraordinary biological…

🌿 Top 10 Pittosporum Varieties to Grow in Your Garden Looking to add year-round structure, colour, and texture to your garden? Pittosporum might just be your new best friend. These evergreen beauties are native to New Zealand and parts of Asia, and they’re brilliant for hedging, topiary, borders, and containers….

🎬 Welcome to The Wandering Movies Podcast! 🎬 Where cinema has no borders, and every story is an adventure! Whether it’s cult classics, hidden gems, or the latest blockbusters, we dive into the world of film with curiosity and passion. Join us as we explore the artistry, the storytelling, and…