My New Book: Plant Magic Unleashed!
David Domoney, television gardener, conceals a potentially excessive composting habit - boasting 15 compost bins. Is this quantity too much?
So, you want to know about my latest literary creation? Well, here's the lowdown. With three little ones under the age of ten, I've found myself spinning tales about fascinating plants and Mother Nature to keep 'em entertained. This renewed fascination of mine led to the idea of penning a book filled with intriguing stories about 75 plants that can thrive right in your home or garden.
And guess what? It's not just for the young 'uns. This book is for anyone who's got a spark of curiosity, from six to 90. So jam pack your pad or backyard with these botanical wonders, and witness the magic for yourself!
Bonus Reads:
- Adam Frost's Guide to Beating Burnout and Gardening
- Nine Stress-Busting Plants
- The Secret Intelligence of Plants: How Horticulture Boosts Brainpower
- Fresh Air & Sunshine: Your Mental Health Outdoor Therapy Session
What I Learned:
You know what they say about enlightenment under the olive tree? Well, my enlightenment took place amid the verdant sprawl of my 15 compost bins. Yeah, I don't know if that's too many, but hey, who's counting?
Anyways, the research for this book plunged me into intriguing realms I'd never thought I'd step foot in. Like neurology, toxicology, fables, and history. Now, I didn't exactly graduate from Hogwarts, but I may as well have after learning about the amazing abilities of these plants!
Take the snowdrop, for example. Did you know it can harden the tip of its bud to break through the snow? And it's got proteins that act like antifreeze inside the plant's cells? That's right, Incredible Hulk stuff.
And let's not forget the Venus Flytrap, my personal favorite. This little guy's got an internal calcium clock, which allows it to remember its prey and count them to strike. Now, that's some first-class memory power!
What I Like to Read:
Surprisingly, I'm quite the amateur chef with a penchant for cultivating my own feasts and experimenting with flavors and textures. But when I'm not whipping up culinary masterpieces, you can find me curled up with a John Le Carré novel.
How it All Began:
Who said gardening wasn't for the cool kids? My first dip into the earthy world took place at church fêtes during my childhood years, where I was always on plant duty. Whenever the feast came to an end, I'd get to take home the leftovers for a small donation. Heavenly, I tell ya!
I also had a part-time gig as a Scout, helping seniors with their lawns and gardens during Bob-a-Job Week. Not only did I make some extra cash for charity, but I also discovered that this whole gardening thing was right up my alley. It wasn't just a hobby; it was a means to connect with people and reap the rewards of nurturing life.
My Garden:
After moving to a new home during the pandemic, my family and I embarked on a mission to create a lush, green sanctuary from scratch. While the previous owners had cleared the land to make room for horse paddocks, we're now in the process of reinventing it, tree by tree.
We've even got a small orchard for the kids to take part in planting, and a considerable space dedicated to growing our own food. We're basically creating a collection of smaller gardens within one mega garden. Sounds like some sort of botanical Babel to me!
My Biggest Gardening Mistake:
Treating gardening like a mere hobby? That's a major fail. It's about finding time for myself, not just for the plants. I mean, who could resist the peacefulness of hearing rain patter against the greenhouse or the soothing hum of bees and birds?
Gardening gives me moments of solitude, an intimate connection with nature, and a chance to disconnect from the chaos of things like Brownies and football club practice. It's a constant struggle to find more opportunities to unwind and appreciate the beauty of life.
My Secret Garden Confession:
I've got 15 compost bins... and counting. Hey, don't judge! Recycling and reusing materials is the name of the game, and there's something satisfying about ripping up cardboard delivery boxes to toss into the compost bin. Go green, y'all!
What Else Am I Up To?
I'm kicking off the 14th year of Cultivation Street, the UK's longest running independent community gardening campaign. With countless members from up and down the country, I consider many of the campaign's organizers friends.
I'm also filming episodes for "Love Your Weekend" with Alan Titchmarsh and "This Morning," as well as creating content for my own YouTube channel. And who knows, maybe one day I'll have my own TV show or write another inspired book. The possibilities are blooming!
PLANTS WITH SUPERPOWERS: 75 REMARKABLE PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDEN AND HOME
by David DomoneyFrances Lincoln, £16.99ISBN 978-1836001171
Discover the enchanting world of plants with superpowers in David Domoney's latest book. From plants that defy the power of water to those with natural defenses worthy of legend, each page of this fascinating book uncovers new tales of botanical brilliance. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your trusty trowel, and dive deep into the captivating universe of Plant Magic!
- David Domoney's latest book, 'Plants with Superpowers', delves into the intriguing world of 75 plants that possess remarkable abilities, perfect for both your home and garden.
- The book not only appeals to children, but to anyone with a spark of curiosity, from age six to 90.
- To research this book, Domoney delved into various disciplines such as neurology, toxicology, fables, and history, leading to a discovery of the amazing abilities of these plants.
- This book encourages readers to incorporate these botanical wonders into their indoor-living spaces and outdoor gardens to witness the magic for themselves.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts who have a passion for gardening and nature would find 'Plants with Superpowers' an engaging addition to their lifestyle and horticulture interests.
