#sparkchamber 052322 — Michael Perry
We can’t get out of the garden this spring — gardens vast [Dodger Stadium botanic gardens], gardens tiny [the tiny gardener], and today, gardens curious! Fabulous #sparkchamber alum Michael Perry, a.k.a. Mr. Plant Geek has authored a wondrous compendium revelling in the splendorous diversity of the botanical world, Hortus Curious: Discover the World’s Most Weird and Wonderful Plants and Fungi. From enormous to minute, enticing to super smelly, attractive to … not so much — Michael covers everything from poisonous plants to painkilling ones, detailing in an authoritative yet quirky way exactly what makes each plant special. With exquisitely detailed illustrations by Aaron Apsley, this is an informative, humorous, and beautiful ode to the truly awe-inspiring world of plants. And it is available for pre-order now.
Meanwhile, a look back on his thoughts on the creative process, originally posted March 2, 2020:
Happy New month in the #sparkchamber, where we are reminded that, “March can sometimes be even colder than December, but the green shoots of spring are there, just waiting to burst.” Wise and welcome words from today’s visitor, futurist planter, Mr. Plant Geek. Devoted to plants his whole life — though he tried to keep it hidden during his “cool teenage years” — he’s been officially in the business of horticulture for nearly 20 years. “I love innovation and new ideas, and fresh approaches to horticulture.”
One of his main activities over the last 18 years has been developing new plants and new plant concepts. He has introduced hundreds of plants to UK gardens, ranging from Climbing Pelargoniums, to Ground Cover Lilies, the TomTato and Egg and Chips plants. He was also instrumental in getting the UK to grow its own Goji Berries, hanging basket blackberries, and even more! It seems a no-brainer that he was named one of the 20 most influential horticulturalists in the UK by the Sunday Times. So awesome.
Even if you’re not a plant person yourself, or don’t think you have the space or the time, there’s always a little room for a house plant! His blog is quite spectacular, and this post about house plants trends in 2020 — from floating containers to a house-plant lamp — might just spark a little bit of a green thumb. And there’s plenty of other inspiring beauty at his Instagram.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
From my passion!
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
Interesting, horticulture crossover projects
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
Being in different environments, travelling, seeing other horticultural cultures
4.] How do you know when you are done?
Never done!
