Sip & Sow with Tom Coleman

This week I'm recording the podcast inside one of the world's most famous department stores, Fortnum & Mason. I'm joined by Niall Gardens, who's flown over from Ireland to meet me. Niall is well known as a passionate gardener, tending to nature's wonders and teaching thousands on YouTube the art of planting, nurturing, and flourishing. He's also an airline pilot, following his childhood dream, touching down in corners of our world many only dream of.

Niall's unique journey teaches us that there are no bounds to what we can achieve, whether it's cultivating a garden that breathes life or soaring above the clouds. He reminds us of the beauty in staying grounded, yet also chasing our dreams, however lofty they might be. This podcast is one for all of the dreamers and believers who believe in intertwining their passions, no matter how contrasting they might seem.
We chat about how Niall's gardening journey has unfolded, how he ended up following his dreams and not compromising on any of them, why he's so passionate about making exceptionally good quality content, and lots more.
Special thanks to Fortnum & Mason for hosting us, and for The glasshouse for inviting us along to their event, which you'll be able to find out even more about in next weeks episode.
Hosted by Tom Coleman, self taught gardener, creator and social media expert. Tom chats to those who are making huge strides in our sector and leaves listeners with even more ideas and motivation blossoming in their minds.
This episode is also available to watch in full on Youtube where you can see everything we talk about. Just search for 'Sip & Sow Podcast'.
This podcast is brought to you with the support of Mr. Fothergill’s. As a thank you for tuning in to Sip & Sow, we want to give you a 25% discount next time you buy your seeds from Mr. Fothergill’s. Simply use the code TOM25 at checkout.
Ludlow Distillery is the official 'Sip' sponsor of the Sip & Sow podcast - Visit www.Ludlowdistillery.co.uk to shop their range of award winning spirits, or book a distillery tour!
Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

When I was choosing who this weeks podcast guest would be, looking at all of the recordings from Shrewsbury Flower Show, Charlotte's was calling out to me. This episode feels like something we could all do with this week when it's wet and miserable, and one thing i know for sure is that Charlotte will cheer you up and make you think differently.
As a confidence expert, Charlotte helps people every day to crush self doubt, silence your inner critic and ditch that imposter syndrome. You might think she has a magic wand, but she actually has an immense skill at understanding how we behave as humans and some of those tendencies that tend to creep into our mindset... that it's within our power to change. Charlotte unlocks that by changing the way we think and turning that mindset around into something that we control. And you'll start to hear that in just this short conversation that we had at the show.
Having spent a lot of time with Charlotte over the past year, I can categorically say that yes her mindset is infectious and it really does work and in this chat we talk about some of my experiences too in my first year of business, with imposter syndrome and self doubt and how some of Charlotte's advice in practice has helped me to reach my goals in record time.
This podcast is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action and these incredible spaces for yourself! Just search for the 'Sip & Sow podcast'.
Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk
Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/
This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Dates for 2025 are set to be announced soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

Growing up surrounded by hard workers and a family passionate about gardening, Chris caught the bug from a young age, working through any job going and grafting hard, Chris eventually launched his own business Greenbook Landscape Design.
In 2021 Chris answered a casting call to join BBC Garden Rescue, now on season 9, Chris stars alongside gardening legends like Charlie Dimmock, and Garden Ninja Lee Burkhill on the programme that sees the designers creating gardens for people in just two days.
Tom was lucky to spend a couple of days finding out more about what Chris does both on and off screen, before sitting down to record this very first episode of the podcast!
Listen on as they chat about how Chris got into gardening, how he landed the TV role, his passion for mental health, how handy Charlie Dimmock’s bag can be, the fun that can be had googling his name, the design process for his garden creations and so much more!
This episode is also available to watch in full on Youtube.
Hosted by Tom Coleman, self taught gardener, creator and social media expert. Tom chats to those who are making huge strides in our sector and leaves listeners with even more ideas and motivation blossoming in their minds.
This podcast is brought to you with the support of Mr. Fothergill’s. As a thank you for tuning in to Sip & Sow, we want to give you a 25% discount next time you buy your seeds from Mr. Fothergill’s. Simply use the code TOM25 at checkout.
Ludlow Distillery is the official 'Sip' sponsor of the Sip & Sow podcast - Visit www.Ludlowdistillery.co.uk to shop their range of award winning spirits, or book a distillery tour!
Get the latest news from Tom, including FREE tips on social media & marketing, exclusive gardening discounts and loads more, sign up for Tom's email newsletter here.
Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

Chris Jesson, or better known as @GroovygardeningUK on Instagram, has become well known in our horticultural community, not least because of his down to earth, real personality and of course his unwaverering passion for gardening.
He's not afraid to talk about some of the real, challenging moments, including living with Autism, and recent changes in his life and career. At the time of recording this episode, Chris was unsure what the next chapter held... since then he's secured a new role as Head Gardener at Le Pommier Hotel Guernsey.
In this episode me and Chris talk about his career pathway, living with Autism and why Chris chooses to share some of those more personal and challenging moments, and incredible achievements, which have become core to all of us avidly following his journey on Social Media.
This podcast is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action and these incredible spaces for yourself! Just search for the 'Sip & Sow podcast'.
Now is the time for Autumn sowing - SAVE BIG with Collie Flowers!
Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk
Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/
This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Dates for 2025 are set to be announced soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.

The Sip & Sow Podcast is back for a brand new season! But one things for sure, the great conversations with inspiring horticultural guests are back, and I wanted to start with one that means a great deal to me and this podcast. Manoj Malde.
Why? Because Manoj was actually the inspiration for me starting this podcast in the first place, after a conversation we had about the behind the scenes of his Chelsea garden and I thought "I wish everyone could hear these conversations that they don't normally get to hear." That inspired me to go away and create this podcast that you've now welcomed into your ears. So it's fitting then that Manoj should kick off season 2.
We don't waste any time diving into conversation, with Manoj taking me through his background in fashion, and how that actually evolved into garden design. It also makes sense then that combined with his heritage and wardrobes filled with Saris as he grew up, that he would become known for bold colour and pattern choices in the garden too. It's not always been plain sailing though, as Manoj touches upon bullying at school, being gay in his community, and fitting into the horticultural industry - and why now he's not afraid to be his best self, and live a life of colour in every sense of the word.
We talk about all of that and so much more, including his bestselling new garden design book, seed sowing and his home renovation. We could have chatted for hours, and we did as we explored the wonderful Beth Chatto gardens, Manoj's chosen location for this episode... and we may have come home with a plant or two!
This episode is also available to watch in full on Youtube, where you can see all of the action, including this beautiful location. Just search for 'Sip & Sow Podcast'
Hosted by Tom Coleman, Social media & marketing expert, specialising in the Horticultural industry. Tom chats to those who are making huge strides in our sector and leaves listeners with even more ideas and motivation blossoming in their minds.
This podcast is brought to you by headline sponsor Shrewsbury Flower Show. Taking place on August 9th & 10th in the heart of this Shropshire town. Originally created by Percy Thrower himself, his legacy continues years later in this beautiful show, hosted along the banks of the river. Tickets are available now, and include access to the famous fireworks display in the evening too. And I'll be there hosting my podcast with even more guests live at the show! Visit https://shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk to get your tickets.
Collieflowers are the official 'Sow' Sponsor for the 2024 season, a gorgeous independent, family run seed supplier with value & quality at it's heart. They have a huge selection of seeds, all of which come with a dedicated companion guide to help you grow them with love. You can take 20% off anything on their website using code 'TOM20' at www.collieflowers.co.uk
Every gardener needs good gardening clothes, that's why I live in my Genus gardenwear and why I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor this season of the podcast. Tested for years with the best manufacturers in the world, their durable, technical trousers can't be beaten in the industry. With stabproof pockets, built in knee pads, waterproof and abrasive resistant material, they'll keep you protected whatever garden jobs you're doing. Find out more at https://www.genus.gs/
Follow Tom on Instagram @Imtomcoleman for more gardening & social media tips, and to hear more about the episodes including behind the scenes content.