Mr Plant Geek puts down roots: how a prolific plantsman transformed a tiny space
After years of living out of a suitcase, ‘botanical nomad’ Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek, has finally settled in his home town of Ipswich and transformed his bijou suburban garden
The pressure was on to show off my gardening prowess, after years of living out of a suitcase. I wanted to make my home a cosy space, both indoors and out.
Tulips are among Michael's favourite plants.
Tulipa 'Miami Sunset'
Tulipa 'Havran'
I made the central border chunky and wide to feel like a big expanse, led by two multi-stemmed birch trees. At the back, to inhibit my neighbours’ view, I planted a Portuguese laurel hedge, although I’ve since realised that large plants take much longer to establish than younger whips. Alas, the neighbour can still see in.
Creating privacy is a common challenge in small urban gardens
The two-level deck was installed and my new borders dug. The only item that stayed was an imposing sycamore tree at the back, which adds privacy and structure.
There was a moment of serendipity when Vicky and Emma from Plans for Plants contacted me via Instagram and we worked together on my ‘fairy-tale’ planting plan. I wanted it to be chilled, easy to maintain but importantly, also good for wildlife. I also wanted to incorporate various trial plants that companies had given me the previous summer, such as Sarcococca, Photinia and a few other colourful shrubs.
Camellia rosthorniana Cupido (‘Elina’) is a compact shrub with dainty, pink-tinged white flowers borne on slender stems
Vicky and Emma joined me for the main planting day that October. I’m never afraid to change ideas, so we took a leap of faith and
Before planting, I mixed in some soil improver, as much of the soil had been hidden under lawn and paving for years, then top-dressed with organic
The deck also acts as the perfect place to display spring sensations in containers, from my favourite azaleas to Pieris, all flanked by frothy Saxifraga.
Michael’s garden is easy to maintain while still having plenty of spring interest including his beloved tulips and daffodils
My little garden has become home to nesting hedgehogs, and I often spot frogs among the plants, too. The birds are always busy around here and I’m so proud of the refuge I’ve built just outside my door.
A small space doesn’t have to be the poorer cousin of half an acre when it comes to the pleasure you get from gardening.