John Jones Master My Garden

Hi everybody, my name is John Jones (Master My Garden) and welcome to my first ever blog post, please forgive my writing skills.

To tell you all a little about myself my name is John Jones, I’m married to Rebecca and we live in a country area of Co Laois, Ireland. We live here with our beautiful daughters Freya and Emmie. Also resident here are our 2 dogs Ozzy the Golden retriever and Biscuit the Jack Russell. As well as some hens the number of which has varied habit lately due to Mr.Fox.

The aim of Master My Garden as the name suggests is to help people master their own garden. The plan is to release a weekly podcast called Master My Garden podcast covering a different gardening topic every week. I release a new episode every Friday and is available to listen to from the podcast section of this website. Also from Apple podcasts, Spotify and all podcast players. At the time of writing it is the only weekly garden podcast based in Ireland.

Following on from that I will launch Master My Garden youtube channel with lots of “how to” garden videos and tips. Which I hope will inspire, teach, guide and generally help people master their garden.  I promise to show up even on those wet cold days. When gardening seems like the least attractive thing in the world to do. I will deliver lots of great gardening content that will help you as you go along your journey of mastering your own garden.

Why did I start this?

So why have I decided to write this blog? Well I have been involved and worked in the gardening  for the last 25 years. I have built up lots of gardening knowledge over that time. Over the years I have worked in businesses growing and harvesting most veg and fruit you can think. Well maybe not pineapples, or kiwi, or bananas ( maybe what I mean is most fruit and veg that can grow in Ireland ). I have worked in landscaping, garden maintenance, nurseries. Since the week of 911 (everybody remembers where they were for that) I have been working in a company selling garden products into garden outlets and nurseries across Ireland.

During that time I have met many interesting and extremely knowledgeable gardening people. People with so much knowledge across all areas of horticulture Some of whom have already been on the podcast. The good thing with that is that if I don’t know the answer. I will know somebody who does so I can give you the best guidance.

Gardening will clear your mind

Over the last few years I regularly hear phrases like “young people won’t garden” , “ people don’t like getting their hands dirty” “the real gardeners are a thing of the past” which all sounds a bit ominous. However the first few months of 2020 with lockdown and covid many more people have given gardening a go. In that they have found enjoyment, got some headspace, had fun with the children and took on exciting garden projects.

The odd thing is that before this period wherever I go in social circles, family events and general chats. I am constantly being asked by people of all ages questions about how they can do certain jobs in the garden.  Where do I start? I want to grow veg with my children? What plants would you recommend in this location? These along with many more questions and scenario’s.

Gardening is here to stay

It seems obvious to me that gardening is not a thing of the past but it has changed. At least people’s idea of gardening has changed and will continue to change. The knowledge that in the past was handed down from generation to generation maybe has been lost. The necessity to garden to put food on the table is not there as much anymore in most parts of the world. I do believe that the desire is still there even if the reasons for it have and will continue to change.  

People garden for so many different reasons. They garden on so many different size sites. From the 5-acre estate to the small balcony garden and they garden with different budgets.

I love listening to people talk about why they garden for some it’s a chore a means to an end. For others it’s a fun healthy pastime, a source of pride, a work of art, an on-going project. The creation of a playground for their pets and children and many many more!!

I would love to hear your reason for gardening feel free to drop me a mail to tell me about it info@mastermygarden.com

Some of the regular ones are

• Gardening for fresh air and exercise and this one has become even more relevant in 2020.
•  I garden so I can do something fun and healthy with the kids.
• I garden because my parents had a beautiful garden and I would like the same. Most of the time in this case there is a sentimental connection usually a plant handed down that was original grown in the parents garden or something similar.
• I garden because it adds value to my property.

Of course the reason that many people have but nobody will admit to

•  I garden to make my neighbour jealous!!!

Whatever your reason for gardening, whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener, whether you have a balcony or an acre, I am here to help you “Master your garden” with advice tips and knowhow.

Until the next time,

Happy gardening!! John Jones (Master My Garden)

If you would prefer to listen hit the link below: