Mr Plant Geek – Michael Perry – has argued that Gardeners’ World should retain the gentle pace valued by its audience following Monty Don’s departure, while making the case for a separate, more commercially aware gardening programme...

The news that Monty Don is leaving Gardeners’ World after 23 years emerged during Glee and provided an unexpected starting point for Perry’s conversation with podcast hosts Phil Wright and Kate Turner.

Speaking to The Underground podcast at Glee 2026, Perry believes the programme continues to perform two valuable roles. It provides gardening information but also offers viewers a slower and more reassuring form of television.

“A lot of people watch it, not even for the gardening, but for the slowness,” he said. “I think it should stay this kind of slow paced, like gentle gardening thing as it is.”

Rather than attempting to turn Gardeners’ World into something more upbeat or commercial, Perry believes there is room for another programme alongside it.

“I think there’s a market for a new show that is more… more commercial, more magazine-style, more upbeat: a whole range of different things, new projects and new ways to garden.”

He described a format somewhere between a makeover programme and a gardening show, with greater awareness of the products, businesses and people behind the industry. It could introduce viewers to new plants, visit breeders and help people discover where products can be bought.

Perry added: “Let’s show people new plants and new ways to grow. Let’s take people to breeders. Let’s show where plants really come from.”

The conversation also explored whether the garden sector sometimes expects too much knowledge and commitment from consumers who simply want an enjoyable outdoor space.

“The problem is our gardening heritage: we feel like we have to be good gardeners,” Perry said. “I think that is the biggest barrier to letting people just enjoy their outdoor space.”

Discussing his work presenting products on QVC, Perry also identified three qualities that can help a new plant or garden product succeed.

“You can push it sometimes, as long as it has a story, looks good and provides a solution. You really need any two of those three criteria when you’re launching a product.”

The wide-ranging interview also covers plant trends, artificial intelligence, the changing role of garden centres, rare houseplants and Perry’s idea for a mobile garden centre serving customers who find it difficult to travel.

The full episode, Michael Perry on Gardeners’ World, AI and the Future of Garden Retail, is available at:

https://theunderground.fm/podcast/michael-perry-on-gardeners-world-ai-and-the-future-of-garden-retail/

The Underground is the podcast for people working across the garden industry. Hosted by Phil Wright of WrightObara and horticulturalist Kate Turner, it explores garden retail, brands, products, sustainability, marketing and industry change.

The Underground is produced by WrightObara and was the official podcast partner of Glee 2026.