Michael Perry, internationally known as Mr. Plant Geek, has become one of the most influential voices in gardening and plant communication. Named among the "20 most influential horticulturists" by The Sunday Times, he has spent years bringing the plant world closer to new audiences through social media, TV, and collaborations with nurseries and brands worldwide.
At the upcoming Iberflora, taking place October 14–16 at Feria Valencia, Perry will attend as an international guest. We spoke with him about his career, his unique way of sharing a love for plants, and his views on the challenges and opportunities facing the green industry.
Do you remember which plant or experience first sparked your fascination with horticulture? What pushed you to turn that passion into a career?
I spent a lot of time in the garden with my grandparents, and probably the most special plant for me was an iris. I remember my grandmother teaching me how to divide them, how to separate them, and how to tell their color from the bud. Beautiful memories. But of course, I also remember growing all kinds of plants from seed and basically organizing the year around what to sow when.
When I was studying horticulture at university, I also worked part-time with a garden designer, helping him source unusual plants for his projects. That's what triggered my interest in unusual plants, and the marketing behind them. Bringing those two worlds together was the real starting point for my career.
After more than 20 years in the industry, could you tell us which project you are most proud of?
That's a tough one, my memory isn't what it used to be! But I do always try to do something unique a few times a year. I like to challenge myself, push boundaries, and show innovation.
One highlight this year was a plant catwalk I organized for an exporting company in the Netherlands. We made plants the stars of the show, placing them on a moving runway and staging everything like a fashion event. It was a very original way to present and sell plants to our audience: garden center buyers.
With such a diverse and recognized career, from your time at Thompson & Morgan, to media appearances, speaking engagements, consultancy, and awards like The Sunday Times' "20 most influential horticulturists," is there still a project or dream you'd like to pursue?
Oh my gosh, I have a huge list of things I'd like to do. Mentorship, consultancy, maybe selling more products through TikTok Shop, spending more time on Substack… honestly, I never run out of ideas.
This is your first time at Iberflora. What are your expectations, and what are you looking forward to discovering?
I'm really excited to attend and see how horticulture is lived in your country. I'm looking forward to exploring the show, discovering new products, innovations, and hidden gems.
I'm eager to share all of this with my audience, but I'm also thrilled to connect with your public and show them that today there are so many unique and creative ways to market plants.
Is there a plant you've recently fallen in love with that you think hasn't yet had the attention it deserves? What plants would you consider essential for any plant lover?
That happens to me all the time! It's not always about genetics; sometimes it's about new ways of appreciating plants we already know.
For example, last autumn in the Netherlands I saw a very special lily, with a tropical-looking flower that almost resembled a parrot tulip. I think it could be the beginning of a new "parrot-type" lily series, which is very exciting.
Which trends do you think will shape the near future of the sector internationally?
I think climate-resilient and drought-tolerant plants will only grow in importance, in fact, they'll become necessary. That's why we'll see more succulents used in baskets and containers, and more breeding of seasonal plants with drought tolerance, such as Osteospermum and Pelargoniums.
What advice would you give to young people starting out in horticulture today?
We need to make use of the tools we have today, especially digital tools. When I was young, social media didn't exist, so it was almost impossible to connect with like-minded people, and much harder to get noticed.
I've always used social media as a showcase for my work, almost like a visual CV. My advice is: use the tools right in front of you. You don't even have to pay for them!
Source: iberflora.feriavalencia.com
