We undervalue food in this country, yet Britain has beautiful food and beautiful growing conditions. It is astonishing the range we can grow.

My basic philosophy is never do anything with the word 'celebrity' attached to it. Without being overly pompous, if you have worked hard to have an audience trust you a bit, why blow it? That is my currency.

The horticultural industry is unimaginative and dominated by vast, supermarket-like outlets. But the small nurseries and growers remain - praise them with your wallets, not your memories.

A healthy plant is one that adapts best to the situation in which it finds itself. There is no objective measure of this.

I celebrate Diwali in a way that spreads happiness to those around me.

Poetry comes from the highest happiness or the deepest sorrow.

Love is not a feeling of happiness. Love is a willingness to sacrifice.

Success turns a lot of people off. I have a pretty solid sense of joy and respect that irritates people, and can irritate me, too.