Marie Kondo has developed a passion for gardening, revealing she talks to her plants and expresses gratitude to help them thrive.
The world-renowned tidying expert doesn't have names for her plants just yet, but now that she finally has space for an outdoor garden at her Los Angeles home, she's been busy tending to her vegetable patch by planting edibles including tomatoes, kale, celery and a lemon tree.
'It might sound funny, but I talk to my plants! I ask them how they’re doing and give them encouragement. It feels very natural to me – an extension of how I talk to my belongings and thank them for their support. I believe our possessions last longer and work harder for us when we acknowledge how vital they are. The same is certainly true for plants,' the KonMarie founder wrote on Instagram.
Marie is not the only person to admit to talking to plants. Back in 2010, Prince Charles said in a BBC documentary, 'I happily talk to the plants and trees, and listen to them. I think it's absolutely crucial.'
Plant expert Angela Slater previously encouraged the form of communication, explaining that talking to plants is not only beneficial to their health but our mental wellbeing too.
And it's not necessarily a new concept either, according to Angela: 'It is unclear exactly what proportion of people who keep plants do communicate with them, but committed vegetable growers have long spoken words of encouragement to their prized specimens.'
Marie actually started gardening about a year ago. She said when she lived in Japan, growing herbs inside didn't work out to well, and she hasn't succeeded as a Plant Parent either, admitting: 'I’ve had a few houseplants that didn’t make it.'
Now that she's living in LA, Marie's keen to have a green thumb and has become 'fascinated' by growing things.
In a blog post on her website, Marie said visits to her garden was like 'going on a mini retreat', explaining that it's a chance for her to relax, connect with earth, and ensure the plants are healthy.
And the decluttering guru is even thinking about developing her outdoor space with some garden design ideas. 'Having a koi pond would be fun…I appreciate the beauty of Japanese gardens and I enjoy English gardens, too,' she explains. 'My dream would be to have different sections of the garden with their own personality and style. That would be really ideal.'
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19 best gardening gifts under £35
These easy-to-use seedboms biodegrade into the environment leaving only plants behind. The ultimate stocking filler, each pack contains a mixture of native wildflower seeds.
Gloves are a must-have for gardeners. With a sweet bird print and ultra-soft fell palms, this Burgon & Ball style is perfect for all. But they're selling out quick, so be fast if you want them for a loved one.
Make a friend or family member smile with this lovely personalised state plant marker. Charming and rustic, it's sure to spruce up any vegetable patch.
Choose two lines of personalised text when you buy a loved one this lovely tin for all of their essential gardening tools – this is a gift that's guaranteed to be used regularly.
Keep tools and accessories neatly stored away with this stylish gardening bag. Designed by Sophie Conran, it's water resistant, wipe clean and has practical restraining straps to keep your items safe.
Gardening is often tough on the hands, so it's important for regular gardeners to look after their skin. Trust us, this hand cream will go down a treat...
This stylish black metal watering can from H&M Home is a must-have for avid gardeners – or even just for those who love their houseplants.
With an extra long leg, ankle support and a tog rating of 2.3 to keep your feet warm and toasty while gardening, these are the perfect accompaniment to welly boots, for gardening fans who still spend plenty of time outdoors in the winter.
If your loved one can always be found in the garden, this personalised slate hanging sign can be hung in said garden, or in the shed or greenhouse.
Gardening lovers are sure to appreciate a practical gardening tool, so why not make them a little more special for them to use by personalising them? In this set, which can accommodate your own inscription, they'll get a weeder, trowel and a cultivator.
For newbie gardeners or those who need a refresh of their knowledge, make sure they have this book to hand – which shares everything from how deep to plant certain bulbs, to when to prune leaves.
This practical canvas kneeler is a must-have for every gardening expert, especially those who struggle with knee pain. Its long handle makes it incredibly practical to hang in a shed or garage after use.
Get personal with your gift ideas and give something printed with your own message. These ceramic planters make excellent presents.
Every gardener needs a practical hand fork. Tidy up flower beds and borders with this three-pronged hand tool from Garden Trading.
Ensure that seeds are stored safely with this storage box. Available in three colours – black, yellow and light grey – each box contains twelve blank card dividers, ideal for keeping track of a year's worth of seeds.
Bring a smile to your friend's face with this peace lily in a gorgeous pot. With dark green foliage and long-lasting white flowers, it's a beautiful way to brighten any room.
Learning new skills is always exciting. This experience gift will give guests the chance to professionally learn how to grow their own chillis at home, and it's currently got a great discount.
This enamel tin is an incredibly stylish way to store bird feed. We're certain it will make a well-received gift.
Okay, so technically this is a little bit over £35 (only a little) but this gift box will give your gardening friends a step in the right direction to help care for any small garden birds.
