London’s green fingered guru on how to garden without a garden and embracing nature

If you’re anything like me, when it comes to getting a bit more green-fingered, it feels like the odds are really stacked against you; plants don’t make it alive past a month, my windowsills are either sunshine ghost-towns or like a tanning zone, and our balcony is barely a metre in width and length. Oh, and we rent. So, growing and gardening can feel almost impossible all in all, between the renting and the, well, lack of a garden.

Enter Tom Massey, an award-winning horticulturist, landscape designer, and all round gardening-guru who has teamed up with Chase Distillery to help Londoners get greener. He chatted with us to help fellow urban-stunted renters a hand in getting more nature into their lives.

How can you garden, without actually having a garden?

If you haven’t got a garden you need to think about where you can grow indoors; so make the most of balconies, windowsills, even on your doorstep as long you’re not going to get stuff stolen! You can use recycled containers, things you can find around your home that you can use. Growing herbs are such a good way to bring nature indoors - they’re interactive so being able to smell them, pick them, and then add them to your food & drink bring it closer to you.

What is the easiest plant to keep alive, if you’re someone who frequently accidentally kills them?

Most plants will live well if you plant them in the right place - enough sun, water. [Basically, do your research and check what it needs]... Things like succulents are really easy to keep alive, just pop them on a windowsill and let them grow. If you’re looking for something to grow from scratch (i.e not a houseplant), then I’d probably start with Mediterranean herbs

How can you bring more nature into your life?

I think getting out into nature whether you’re in an urban environment or in the countryside, getting outdoors and giving yourself a reason to be out there - gardening is a great excuse to spend time outdoors - things grow, physically putting things in the ground. Interacting with nature really maximises spending time outdoors.

In London, there’s loads of good green spaces especially in South London: Richmond park is a huge space - it feels a bit like the Savannah with all the deer roaming around and ancient woodlands. Then you’ve got Kew Gardens as well - really a worthwhile visit. More central - you’ve got the moat around the tower of London which has been rewilded, that’s worth a visit. Even the canals in East London - it’s worth getting out and exploring as London is home to some great green spaces.

Biggest red flag or most common mistake in gardening?

Things I’d avoid are any harsh chemicals - be more patient and spend time letting the problem sort itself out rather than turning to chemicals is a good shout.

What’s your coolest gardening hack which you’d recommend people to try out?

When you grow something and turn it into a nice garnish or topping. Things like rosemary, thyme, edible flowers like violas and cornflowers are easy to grow and add so much vibrancy to your drinks. They also add a botanical flavour which can give it a restaurant or cocktail bar feel but done at-home. I like getting flowers and freezing them in ice cubes - it’s an easy way to elevate your drinks, and something that you’ve grown and created yourself.

Do you have a go-to recommendation to glow up any outdoor space?

Ways to brighten up - plant things that will bloom and choose species that will bloom at different times of the year. Spring bulbs are great for early blooms - things like daffodils, crocuses, and into the summer you’ve got a huge array of flowering bulbs that you can use.

Do you think it’s true that everything tastes better outdoors?

Drinks always taste better outdoors - anything where you’re sitting outside, with nature around you, a great group of friends - it always feels better outside. I love a pub garden - if I’m having a drink outdoors I’ll probably go for a Chase Gin and Tonic - it’s a classic and has that botanical feel.

What are some other good ways get you feeling green-inspired?

The classic thing to watch for gardeners is Gardener’s World - but I also love food programmes like Great British Menu - I love seeing them go to landscapes and gardens and talk about how the produce inspires them.

Also going to good kitchen garden restaurants - one of my favourite spots is Petersham Nurseries; it’s a green Michelins starred restaurant where you literally eat in a greenhouse surrounded by their nursery. It's really beautiful with great riverside scenery as well.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give generally for people starting out?

The main thing to remember when starting out gardening is that failure is a part of learning - if you kill plants, if things go wrong, that’s all part of the journey. We as humans always try to control nature but it’s not usually possible. Not being afraid of failure, that’s all part of the experience of it.

Bringing Nature Into Your Social Spaces with Chase Spirits x Tom Massey. As we embrace the shift to outdoor gatherings, Chase Spirits ambassador and Landscape Gardener Tom Massey shares his fresh, trend-led ideas for using seasonal botanicals, homegrown garnishes, and natural elements to enhance your hosting and craft delicious summer drinks. You can purchase Chase Spirits at https://www.thebar.com/en-gb/chase

• Looking for new things to do? Hamlet FC is hosting an open-theatre production of Hamlet later this month