Regular readers will know that back in October, I had a guided tour of the New Covent Garden flower market, thanks to Hannah who appeared in the Plant Tattoos episode. This morning I returned to the market which was looking very festive with buckets full of red berries and willow, Christmas decorations and garlands. However I was very focussed because I was looking for a vase for this fantastic Amaryllis bulb that I bought in Amsterdam airport recently. I thought it would make a fun present for my Great Niece who is almost 3 years old. I think it may eventually be taller than her! My quest was to find a vase in which to place it so that she would be able to see the roots and the flowers at the same time. I took the bulb with me of course, there and back on the tube, because I needed to get the right size vase! Watch this space - I will let you know what happens. It’s so lovely to have the opportunity to pass on the magic of plants.

Behind the scenes at the podcast, there is still a little bit of work being done pre-Christmas. The date for the first episode in 2024 will be the 12th January, with an Offshoot episode on the 26th. There was a lovely bit of serendipity in my email inbox this morning. An editor of a garden journal wrote to me - she happens to be on holiday in New Zealand and had bumped into one of the new season guests by total chance. That guest had told her about the recent recording she had made for the podcast. So after I finish this blogpost I will be replying to the email and hopefully in the New Year the podcast will get a mention in the online journal. As a friend put it “I love how global it is - plant stories know no boundaries”! And word of mouth is a powerful way to grow it.

With that in mind, I am currently drafting a press release for season 2. I’ll be sending the press release out at the beginning of January. I am very open to suggestions of people to whom I should send it. So if you know of a garden publication or a gardening group, or a garden writer or maybe a plant nursery who you think I should send it to - just drop me an email sally@ourplantstories.com

Meanwhile with the festive weekend upon us, I hope that your loved ones have picked up on any garden related present hints you may have been dropping in recent weeks! I must return to some wrapping and the red cabbage! (Why do I only do this at Christmas?) And Jo - you are the lucky winner of ‘Why Women Grow’ - thanks for your comment about the Fig tree episode, I too love that image of fig tree cuttings being sewn into the hems of jackets so they could also make the journey to America. Do drop me an email with your address and I will pop it in the post.

I have renamed this last episode of the year - it was called pick of the year but I have changed it to Our Plant Stories and Friends - the content is the same. Do listen and enjoy 4 planty podcasters in one episode.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

With love from Sally