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It all begins with a spark of inspiration, followed by hours of daydreaming, sketching out designs, planning plant combinations, and working through the practicalities of ‘how-to’. From there, ideas take shape through action, sometimes ‘manic’ action - in keeping with my Manic Botanic ‘handle’ - and sometimes peppered with deep bouts of procrastination! This page is my weekly blog, detailing what’s going on in my garden that week. If you sign up to my free newsletter, you’ll receive these blog posts direct to your inbox every Sunday to browse at your leisure.
© 2026 The Manic Botanic. You’re welcome to read, share, and enjoy this content, but copying or republishing without permission is not allowed.
Gardening with children is supposed to be magical
There was the vision….and then there’s the reality.
Memorable menopausal moments
When ‘menopause brain’ gets you down, just read this. You’ll feel less stupid.
The Latin name confidence trap
It’s all very well trying to sound intellectual, but it all comes tumbling down when your tongue betrays you….
Do as I say, not as I do
When I tell you what to do in the garden each week, feel free to ignore me completely. I often do.
I can’t say for certain where this ends
I’ve developed an intense obsession with this particular item….
The Gods of Gardening are a determined bunch
The Gods of Gardening have definitely got it in for me.
I won the genetic lottery
Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. On this? I’m definitely a winner.
Deeply unsuitable language for a lady
There are times in life when one simply MUST express oneself forcefully….
I’m ready for the backlash on this one…
There are things in life that are bad. And I mean BAD. But weeding ain’t one of em….
Because that’s how the world works
There’s always someone or something waiting to remind me that sometimes I’m just a wee bit stupid.
I’m right, he’s wrong
When it comes to marital discord, this topic comes up far too regularly….
He got you a WHAT?!
When it comes to buying birthday gifts for gardeners, The Husband has got it sorted.
My impeccable lack of shame
“She’s got style, she’s got grace, she’s a winner.”
Pretty sure Tom Jones was singing this about me.
Frankly, that’s just rude
Clearly, I’ve angered the gardening gods….AGAIN. I seem to do it with great regularity. This time though, they’ve really expressed their frustration with my apparent gardening sins.
I’m not intolerant, I’m quirky
When it comes to gardening, each to their own. You do you. But there are certain things I just will not have in my garden….ever.
What’s the point of husbands?
It’s very handy having a handy husband. He may not like to pull weeds, or trim hedges, but this garden wouldn’t exist without him.
A brutal critique of my garden design choices
When it comes to my garden design choices, Teenage Son doesn’t hold back. His assessment of my garden style is nothing short of brutal. But does he really hate it THAT much? Read on to find out…