Surprise! Michael and Ellen are here with another episode of The Plant Based Podcast this week, taking a deep dive into all things Japanese gardening with garden designer, Makiko. In this episode, Makiko shares her journey, from working in the hotel industry in Japan, to studying horticulture in the UK – where she now spends half her time. She reflects on her time working at The Chelsea Flower show and a number of Japanese orchid festivals over the past couple of years – sharing her appreciation for the plant with fellow orchid lover, Michael! She also talks about her thoughts on wabi sabi gardening, her design inspiration, Gertrude Jekyll, and what she misses most about the UK when she’s in Japan. She also shares her tips with Ellen about how to harvest Japanese rice and shares, how the Sakura’s slow bloom reflects the Japanese mentality of being patient and present in the moment.   Visit www.theplantbasedpodcast.net for more info and to win prizes!   The Plant Based Podcast: www.theplantbasedpodcast.net Instagram Twitter Facebook  This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK’s largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden