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Person admiting to personal gardening fault: "Neglecting to compost is my hidden gardening flaw, according to Manoj Malde"

Manoj Malde discusses his latest book, Your Outdoor Room, sharing insights on its creation, his upbringing in Kenya, and his late approach to composting.

Garden enthusiast Manoj Malde openly admits to shirking his responsibilities as a composting...
Garden enthusiast Manoj Malde openly admits to shirking his responsibilities as a composting gardener.

Person admiting to personal gardening fault: "Neglecting to compost is my hidden gardening flaw, according to Manoj Malde"

Manoj Malde, the acclaimed garden designer, television presenter, and RHS Ambassador for inclusivity, has a diverse portfolio of projects that spans across the UK and beyond. Currently, he is working on a number of exciting ventures, including projects in Edinburgh and Cambridge, awaiting approval for a project abroad, and in discussions about a sensory garden for a medical clinic.

While the details of his current projects in Edinburgh and Cambridge remain undisclosed, one can imagine the transformation that Manoj's keen eye for design will bring to these spaces. His approach to garden design is rooted in making gardens that cater to the needs of their owners, an ethos beautifully encapsulated in his first book, "Your Outdoor Room: How To Design A Garden You Can Live In", published by Frances Lincoln and priced at £20.

The book, which deepened Manoj's respect for the editorial craft, aims to equip readers with the tools they need to create their own gardens without the need for a professional designer. It covers a wide range of topics, including garden design, colour palettes, sustainability, biodiversity, and budgeting.

Manoj's interest in gardening was sparked during his childhood in Mombasa, Kenya, where he had a balcony adorned with various plants, nurtured by his father. His brother Nish also played a significant role in igniting his passion by creating a vegetable plot.

Currently, Manoj's nightstand holds two intriguing books: "Uprooting" by Marchelle Farrell and "The Pigment Trail" by Debra Luker. As for his own garden, he is in the process of building a large hot bin for composting at home.

One idea Manoj would like to share from his book is the importance of planning a garden on paper and avoiding the temptation to work on each area in isolation. This meticulous planning ensures a harmonious and cohesive garden that truly reflects the owner's vision.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Manoj has a keen interest in exploring the richness, traditions, and culture of India, and hopes to one day live on the Greek island of Crete. His favourite landscape is Octopus Bay in Crete, where he proposed to his husband Clive and the hillsides are adorned with Euphorbia dendroides, Phlomis lanata, Cyclamen graecum, and Cyclamen creticum.

As Manoj continues to make his mark in the world of gardening, his passion for the craft, his dedication to sustainability, and his commitment to making gardens accessible to all remain unwavering.

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