Up till now, this blog has entirely consisted of my thoughts on gardening and design, using images and the written word as a means of communication.

It is time for a new section, which will be based around conversations with others about gardening, horticulture, landscape and garden design and outdoor art installations.

The first person I thought of was Kallum Garbett, who is 26 , and really likes to garden. I hope you enjoy this conversation, as much I did.

Helen ( Kallum’s mum ) said ” The early parts of the pandemic, which brought lockdown and changes in rules was very difficult for Kallum, ( who has autism and a learning difficulty ) gardening has helped such a lot “.

Why do you like gardening and growing plants Kallum ?

I like gardening because the plants look nice; we grow things for the kitchen for cooking and eating. I can get outdoors in the fresh air.

How much time have you spent gardening over the last few months ?

I go to the allotment with my Dad most evenings for an hour or so. I go into the garden at home every day. I look to see how it is all getting on, and watering my little plot and the greenhouse.

What would you say to anyone, who is not interested in gardening ?

I would suggest going to see a garden, somewhere like Wightwick Manor – http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk or the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham – http://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk They have a good range of flowers, raised beds and fruit. You might like it !

What would be your recommendation , if someone is thinking of growing plants for the first time ? Would it be something to eat or something lovely to look at ?

I would recommend growing flowers and something to eat. Maybe sunflowers and radishes as they are quite easy.

Do you have a favourite part of your garden that you like to be in ? Can you describe where it is ?

I like the greenhouse best, its quite small with shelves and string to hold up the tomatoes. There are two pots with an orange and lemon growing, three pots with tomatoes and a grow bag with my cucumber plant. The greenhouse is at the end of the garden, not far from the brick wall, it has a sliding door !

I have got two raised beds in front of the greenhouse, one has lettuces and black radishes, and the other has spinach growing.

How does gardening make you feel ?

I feel proud of what I grow and happy to be out in nature. I enjoy picking apples from our little apple tree. I feel better when I’m gardening.

Do you have a favourite flower ?

Yes ! I love roses, and have four growing in the garden.

Do you think you are good at telling your mum and dad how to garden ?

Yes, I studied horticulture at college for three years, so I know what I’m doing. We do our gardening together as a family really.

What is your best gardening tip Kallum ?

Do not water plants too much – most plants don’t like it !

What got you interested in gardening Kallum ?

Going to the Botanical gardens in Birmingham when I was a child. I love it there !

Apart from gardening, what else are you interested in ?

I am interested in football. I support Aston Villa. I also love local history and visiting museums and old gardens. I particulalry like old transport such as trams and trolley buses.

I know you studied horticulture at college, did you like gardening before you started ?

Yes, I did gardening with my Mom when I was younger

What was the best thing you learnt whilst studying

I learnt how to sow seeds properly , how much to water and how to grow things on. I learnt how to use a heated bench to help germinate seeds.

What have you grown this year in your garden, that you are really proud of ?

All the food I helped Dad grow on the allotment. We have meals with courgettes,potatoes,beans, beetroot, squash, broccoli, and raspberries. Its great !

I hope you have enjoyed this new series. If there is someone you would like me to interview on you behalf, send me a message and I will see what I can do . Or you might like to have a conversation on the benefits of gardening. If so send me a message on my contact page.