{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/61308c707f169200194a3cfd/6a3921599c43d66bc001c6ce?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"HortWeek editor Matthew Appleby answers the horticulture questions in interview with industry influencer Michael Perry and Ellen Mary","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/61308c707f169200194a3cfd/1782128766625-3c723cb5-f259-4f43-9626-b7e187367faf.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>This week the tables are turned on Matt Appleby as he guests on <a href=\"https://www.theplantbasedpodcast.net\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The Plant Based Podcast</a> where he fields probing questions from HortWeek columnist and horticulture influencer <a href=\"https://www.hortweek.com/search/articles?KeyWords=%22Michael%20Perry%22&amp;TagId=30836&amp;HeadlinesOnly=false&amp;SortOrder=1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Perry</a> (aka Mr Plant Geek) and horticulturist, floral designer, broadcaster and author Ellen Mary.</p><p><br></p><h4>Topics up for discussion</h4><p><br></p><p>Has RHS Chelsea Flower Show become too much about spectacle and not enough about gardening?</p><p>Peat-free transition: Has the horticulture industry been set up to fall by unrealistic timelines, or has it been too slow to innovate?</p><p>Is peat-free growing being successfully communicated to consumers?</p><p>How is the horticulture trade on the continent reacting to the moves towards peat-free?</p><p>Every year hundreds of exciting new plants are introduced and win awards, but why do so few hit the market?</p><p>Are there any plants on the market that shouldn't be?</p><p>How can we attract and support young people into the horticulture industry?</p><p>Can the horticulture industry continue to rely on passion over pay?</p><p>Are moves towards sustainble and ecological gardening making gardening too difficult, complicated and expensive?</p><p>Should domestic horticultural production be supported more and will the SPS agreement help?</p><p><br></p><p><strong>AND FINALLY...</strong></p><p><br></p><p>What practice might horticulture look back on in 10 years' time and wonder how it was ever normal?</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"HortWeek"}