James Wong .... you can't go wrong!

I just happened across a new blog and this gorgeous young bloke with a passion for growing stuff to really excite the taste buds and keep your body and the earth in good order. The blurb says " Brought up in Singapore & Malaysia to an English mother and Malaysian father, his research interests include traditional medical systems, underutilised crops species & wild plant conservation." James Wong just happens to be featuring a native Tasmanian plant this week... tasmannia lanceolata or native pepper bush; one of my favourites!!

He is a botanist, gardener, broadcaster & natural remedies obsessive, who's passionate about all things botanical.
.....I'm putting together jameswong.co.uk as an alternative, fresh guide to cool stuff to grow, for committed plant geeks & horticultural virgins alike.
Over the next few months I will be uploading everything I know and everything I do - from recipes for my favourite herbal remedies to my "plant of the week" blog - as well as updates to all my latest TV, books and talks. Come back and watch how it evolves!
Ethnobotanist James Wong is throwing out the tinsel this year in favour of a more organic approach to celebrating the Christmas holiday in style. James demonstrates how traditional Christmas plants can be made into natural remedies, recipes and original hand-made presents to see you through the Christmas season. He reinvents winter classics, with his hot toddy made from Christmas tree, Cranberry mince pies for cystitis and stress busting egg nog made with home-grown saffron – to ease your anxiety when the in-laws arrive. For those with a fondness for over-indulgence, an effervescent rosehip sherbert remedy could do the trick. And, if the after effects of too many sprouts cause embarrassment, children and adults alike are sure to be delighted with a fennel and peppermint slice. As well as turning out our favourite Christmas plants into remedies, indulgent gifts and amazing decorations, James also travels the length and breadth of Britain to seek out the country’s best Christmas tree, Mistletoe and holly growers. To top it all off he serves up festive drinks, snacks and canapés all made from plants around the fire at his Winter garden party.


And for Christmas cooking inspiration try his.... Grow your own drugs for Christmas


My gorgeous son Hugh could be Australia's version of this bloke and on my next trip to Adelaide in a few weeks time I will be staying with him and writing here about his amazing food and gardening adventure through life.