Valerie McBride-Munro

BSc (Hons) Hort; PG Dips (Broadcast Journalism) (Plants & Plantsmanship); C&G; C. Hort; MCIHort

great plant advice in print, online, on the airwaves and now in person — great plant advice
in print, online, on the airwaves and now in person

Thank you for reading my profile. I have had a life-long love of plants, although it was as a mature student that I graduated with honours from Pershore College of Horticulture

For nearly 20 years, I have been solving plant and gardening problems – for a number of UK’s leading national gardening magazines.

I was UK’s first cyberspace plant agony aunt at i-Garden.

I have now developed this problem solving service to a more personal level as garden coach & mentor Auntie Planty. It gives me huge joy to share my horticultural knowledge in this way.

I am also a freelance broadcast journalist, contributing to television, radio and gardening websites. For many years I produced and was the voice of BBC Red Button coverage of Chelsea Flower Show, and this only ceased when the specific production unit moved away from White City.

I have regularly answered gardening questions on BBC Radio London’s Lesley Joseph Show on Sundays, and a new project is ‘Gardening Matters’ on the digital station Brooklands Radio.

My first degree is BSc (Hons) in horticulture, to which I have added a PG Dip (Broadcast Journalism); Dip Plants & Plantsmanship; C&G teaching adults certificate. I have recently completed a specialised course on trees; I’m a full member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

I’m proud to be a Visitor Guide at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; I’m a past chairman of The Garden Media Guild.

I look forward to hearing from you!

valerie sig3

You can cut the grass and do the weeding but what you need is knowledge, advice and inspiration. Auntie Planty brings all of that.

Robert G

You can cut the grass and do the weeding but what you need is knowledge, advice and inspiration. Auntie Planty brings all of that.

Robert G

I had no idea what a gold mine of information Auntie Planty is! She shared so many tips and ideas of her own, which made sense, were easy to understand and even easier to put into practice.

Penny W

Auntie Planty has supported us with the development of our garden over the last ten years. She is readily available and has offered us patient, ongoing encouragement which has led to great results in our garden, and this continues to bring us many compliments from our friends.

Jacqui H

03/23/2014

No matter what level a gardener you are, Valerie will help you as well as your garden to grow and flourish. Great experience with great company and great value for money.

Jules H

In only one two-hour session I learnt such a lot, and now feel empowered to better understand my plants' needs.

Rowan J

Thank you so much for your amazing advice and assistance. We were very lucky to meet you, and look forward to your next visit.

P Deere

The afternoon that I spent with Auntie Planty was just about the most rewarding thing that I have ever done - and we are now very proud of the garden that we have created - JR

JR

03/23/2014

Auntie Planty has helped my daughter successfully reclaim our over-grown back garden. I have to say that the display created in the front garden has had passers by stopping to admire the brilliance and good health of the roses.

M C

I have recently discovered Valerie, founder of 'Auntie Planty' offers a 'Garden MOT' gift voucher service. What a genius idea! I bought one for some friends who are very keen gardeners & they are thrilled to think an expert will come around to look at THEIR garden & be given specific advice just for them in their own home! Great idea!

Clare M J

02/01/2015

Auntie Planty has helped transform my neglected, struggling garden and more importantly given me the confidence and ability to maintain it. Full of knowledge and energy she was a joy to work with.

Amanda A

Valerie's recommendations on specific nutrient deficiencies and plant pest control was very helpful. I look forward to her return visit in the spring.

Nancy M

I've just had an MOT done of my garden. What a fantastic concept! I know nothing about gardens and wanted to have a go at looking after it myself, but didnt' know where to start.

The lovely and extremely knowledgeable Auntie Planty came to my house and we toured the garden together. She explained what plants I had, what needed doing to plants and grass (some need relocating, some are unwell, etc...) and most importantly how to do it.

She then sent me a very detailed report and action plan.

It's so clear that I could just go ahead and do it myself, but because I literally know nothing, I'm going to get her to come back and show me how to do it. After that, I'll be able to do it all alone, like a big girl! The best garden service you can have.

AMT

04/01/2014

Auntie Planty has a fabulous concept in which she works alongside you and leaves you with an understanding of your own garden. It feels great to have a little more ownership of my garden armed with just a little more knowledge that she kindly shared with me. - WB

WB

03/23/2014