Ellen Mary Explains ‘People, Plants, Wellbeing’ And Her Typical Workday
Contributions From ELLEN MARY
Ellen Mary is a Gardener, Writer and Presenter, as well as being the co-host of the Plant Based Podcast. She has delivered talks at many RHS Flower Shows (including Chelsea) and written for publications such as The Times and The Telegraph. Ellen is also the founder of People, Plants, Wellbeing - a nature therapy business that runs retreats in nature.
Ellen Mary has a prolific list of achievements in the world of horticulture.
Not only has she hosted talks at many RHS Flower Shows, appeared on TV programmes such as Countryfile Diaries and BBC News, and written for publications including The Telegraph and The Times.
Ellen is also the co-host of the Plant Based Podcast with Michael Perry AKA Mr Plant Geek and the author of books ‘How To Grow A Garden’ and ‘The Joy of Gardening’.
I was grateful to chat with Ellen about some of her favourite experiences and some exciting projects on the horizon.
Imagery in this interview was provided with permission by Ellen Mary Webster.
Where Did Your Gardening Journey Begin?
“My parents had a kitchen garden where I would sit and eat the peas out of their pods and pull faces at the taste of fresh gooseberries,” Ellen laughs.
“My uncle also had an organic vegetable patch at the end of his garden where he would send me to pick the caterpillars off the cabbages.
“So, my first gardening memories are long before the age of 7 and I have been hooked ever since. I even have a photo of me aged about 2 years old, using a hoe on my mum’s rockery.”
From This, What Led You To A Career In Horticulture?
“At school, horticulture wasn’t encouraged, so I ended up working various office jobs – which was the one thing I knew I didn’t want to do! Soon enough, I realised that life was far too short to not be doing something I was passionate about and plants were (and are!) definitely my passion.
“So, I took my RHS certifications, left my job and became a gardener. It was the best decision ever! From there, I was asked to write a column for a local magazine, started to produce and present gardening content on local TV.
“Now, I have decades of gardening experience, I’ve spoken at just about every RHS show plus others in numerous countries, hosted theatres, been featured and written for many newspapers and magazines.
“I also write for horticultural publications and co-host The Plant-Based Podcast.
“I have also authored two books: ‘The Joy of Gardening’ released in 2021 and ‘How To Grow A Garden’ in 2022.”
I’ve Previously Spoken To Michael Perry About The Plant-Based Podcast! Do You Have A Favourite Episode From The Show?
“It’s so difficult to choose a favourite episode because there are so many!” she says.
“Every single guest brings such a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and every time we record I learn something new myself. To be sharing that with listeners is such a joy.
“My favourite visit has to be Chris Packham’s garden – I mean, wow! I also absolutely loved chatting about the hidden world of moss with Dr Neil Bell from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
“Honestly, every single episode has been ace!”
What Is ‘People, Plants, Wellbeing’ & Why Did You Set It Up?
“Discovering the deep connection we have to the natural world and being surrounded by nature always made me feel so good,” shares Ellen.
“I wanted to link people to plants so more of us can experience the wonders of that intrinsic link to wellbeing nature has.
“So, I trained as a certified hypnotherapist, wellness coach, forest bathing guide and master Reiki practitioner to be able to help people connect on a deeper level to nature.
“In 2020, I started ‘People Plants Wellbeing’ where we provide integrative wellness coaching, retreats and wellness days all immersed in nature with plants at the core. It’s joyful to see so many people find clarity by simply sitting in the trees.
“We’ve also started to provide team wellness days for businesses where staff can spend a day in nature.”
What Does A Typical Working Day In The Life Look Like For You?
“There just isn’t a typical day, but on most days, I will get to my allotment for sunrise for a couple of hours before I come home to meditate and do some yoga.
“After that, I have a list of things I want to accomplish each day and I start ticking them off. It could be writing horticultural copy for magazines or doing some social media. I might be recording for the podcast or filming content for brands.
“I’ll take a break every now and again to potter in the garden or play with the many houseplants I have!
“The afternoons are saved for my clients, so I might be doing a wellness coaching session, reiki or hypnotherapy, which, as often as possible, I provide outside on a walk or in a garden to the sounds of nature.
“It’s so varied and I really do love it that way.”
What Is Your Favourite Thing About Your Job?
“The constant inspiration nature provides and being able to spend so much time outside,” she says. “I just wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Being able to mix wellness with and around plants really is a dream come true. I love speaking at shows as well because it’s such a great opportunity to spread the message about the importance of plants and nature for people and the planet.
“I really do feel so excited every single day about what I am doing.”
Describe Your Relationship With Horticulture In Just 3 Words.
“Necessary, enlightening and fun.”
Do You Have Any Exciting Projects On The Horizon?
“I have some really exciting filming coming up soon, so watch this space!” Ellen shares.
“The next Wild Wellbeing Retreat through ‘People, Plants, Wellbeing’ has been announced, which I can’t wait for. It’s a chance to take a few days in a private woodland where we’ll be gardening, crafting, meditating, forest bathing and eating plant-based food.
“It’s a dream to run these retreats.”
