Gumbies Ambassador Series: Marc Ridpath aka @gardenriddler

We’re thrilled to welcome Marc—better known as @gardeneriddler — to the Gumbies ambassador family. As a passionate gardener, podcast host, and outdoor enthusiast, Marc brings knowledge, creativity, and down-to-earth charm to everything he does.

Marc’s journey began, sharing his gardening adventures online to document his progress and connect with fellow gardeners. What started as a personal hobby quickly blossomed into a rewarding and unexpected path. Since then, Marc has helped build a show garden at a major garden show, become an ambassador for a wonderful charity, and even met some of his gardening heroes — achievements he never imagined when he first started out.

One of the most exciting chapters of Marc’s journey has been the rapid growth of his podcast, Through The Garden Gate, which he co-hosts with his good friend and fellow gardener, Jamie. What began as a passion project quickly became a go-to listen for green-fingered folk across the UK and beyond.

Each week, the duo welcomes guests from all corners of the horticultural world—from well-known figures to everyday growers with powerful, personal stories. The podcast has built a thriving and ever-growing community of listeners who tune in not just for gardening tips but also for the warmth, honesty, and genuine love of the outdoors that Marc and Jamie bring to every episode.

We caught up with Marc to chat about his love for gardening and Gumbies alike!

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey to becoming a gardener and outdoor enthusiast.

Hi, I’m Marc. I’m the Head Gardener at a private estate in Lincolnshire, where I’ve worked for the past 12 years. Gardening has been my dream since I was young, and through a lot of hard work — and an insatiable passion for horticulture — I was lucky enough to turn that dream into a career. Honestly, I’m at my happiest when I’m outdoors.

What inspired you to start sharing your gardening and outdoor adventures on Instagram?

Gardening can sometimes be a lonely job, and it’s not always easy to find your people. During the pandemic, I stumbled across an incredible online community of like-minded gardeners who inspired, encouraged, and introduced me to experiences and friendships I never expected. I wanted to give that same inspiration back, and now I try to show others just how much joy gardening and spending time outdoors can bring.

What’s your favourite thing about spending time outdoors?
One of my favourite things about gardening is that it forces me to disconnect—no phone (unless I’m filming), just muddy hands and full immersion in the garden. The moments I cherish most are spent in the vegetable garden with my family and our dogs, growing our food and enjoying the simple pleasures.

How did you first discover Gumbies, and what drew you to the brand?

I discovered Gumbies while searching for a pair of recycled, hard-wearing slippers. As a gardener, I often end up in the garden in my slippers — so they need to be tough! Most slippers don’t last or have waterproof soles, but once I found Gumbies, there was no looking back.

What’s your favourite pair of Gumbies, and where do you love wearing them most?

Without a doubt, the Outback Slippers are my favourite. But now I’ve discovered Gumbies make trainers too… I’ll need to add a pair of those to my collection very soon!

How do Gumbies align with your values and lifestyle?

I try to live sustainably, and when I buy things, I want them to last and be responsibly made. Gumbies ticks every box — durable, eco-friendly, and perfect for how I live and work.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your gardening journey so far?

Hearing my son name all the vegetables we grow has to be on the list. Many kids don’t even know where vegetables come from, but ours have seen the full journey — from seed to plate. I hope it’s something that sticks with him for life.

Can you share a memorable story or achievement from your time outdoors or in the garden?

There have been so many, but one that stands out is the year we managed to grow all the vegetables for our Christmas dinner — leeks, potatoes, red cabbage, parsnips, carrots, and beetroot. We haven’t repeated it yet (for one reason or another), but knowing it’s possible makes it special.

Do you have any tips for beginners looking to start their gardening adventure?

Start small. One raised bed, or even a pot, is enough. Grow something you love to eat — salad crops are perfect because you’ll harvest in just a few weeks. Plus, every bite comes with the satisfaction of knowing it has zero food miles.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your gardening and daily life?

I try to be as self-sufficient as possible. I’d rather make something out of a pallet than buy new, and I’m slowly learning the art of willow weaving. One day, I’d love to have a small homestead. We’ve lost touch with nature and many basic skills our ancestors learned over thousands of years.

If you could grow any plant, real or mythical, what would it be and why?

Most people might say a money tree, but I’d go for a time tree because time is far more valuable. As for real plants, at the top of my wish list is Paulownia tomentosa, also known as the foxglove tree. In its native environment, it’s huge, but here in the UK, we grow it for its enormous leaves — a stunning addition to any jungle garden. It produces beautiful foxglove-like flowers, though sadly, it rarely blooms in the UK.

What’s your go-to snack or drink when you’re taking a break outdoors?

During peak growing season, nothing beats fresh tomatoes straight off the vine or peas straight from the pod.

Do you have any exciting projects or plans coming up?

No major projects at the moment, but I’m working on making the estate garden more sustainable — a huge undertaking. At home, I’m rebuilding our vegetable garden after last winter’s floods, adding drainage, raising the ground level, and creating higher raised beds to make it more flood-resistant. And, of course, I’m looking forward to many more episodes of Through The Garden Gate, my podcast with Jamie.

You can catch Marc on his popular podcast, Through The Garden Gate. Each week, they chat with guests from across the gardening world — from household names to everyday growers with inspiring stories. It’s a warm, insightful listen that celebrates the joy of growing, whatever your skill level. Tune in weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search Through The Garden Gate and step into the conversation!