About this episode

Ellen Mary and Michael Perry interview Matthew Appleby about current debates in horticulture.

In this episode Ellen Mary and Michael turn the tables on someone who is usually the one asking the questions! For many years, Matt Appleby has been one of the most influential voices in UK horticulture, steering the editorial direction of Horticulture Week and covering everything from commercial growing and retail trends to environmental policy, plant innovation, labour challenges and the future of the industry itself. Matt has interviewed countless growers, breeders, garden designers, retailers and industry leaders. But for a change, he's in the hot seat. During this chat we explore some of the biggest debates facing horticulture right now: the future of Chelsea Flower Show, whether the peat-free transition is delivering on its promises, the economics of growing in Britain, labour shortages and wages, the search for genuine new plants and the uncomfortable truths the industry doesn't always like to discuss. It's juicy! 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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ellen Mary, Michael Perry

Guest: Matthew Appleby

Topics covered

• horticulture
• Chelsea Flower Show
• peat-free transition
• growing economics
• labour shortages
• plant innovation

Keywords

• horticulture
• Chelsea Flower Show
• peat-free
• labour challenges
• plant innovation
• environmental policy

Sponsors

Garden on a Roll

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Horticulture Week

More episodes of The Plant Based Podcast

• Planting by numbers with Antony Henn, owner of Garden on a Roll · May 31, 2026 · 40 min
• Horticulture and Social Media with Adam Marshall and Michael Perry · May 24, 2026 · 32 min
• Planting design with renowned designer Andrew Fisher-Tomlin. · May 16, 2026 · 1h 28m
• RHS Chelsea Special 2026 · May 10, 2026 · 1h 16m

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