That is my age: gardening

MObama and Bo.

Have you noticed that the garden is the place to be? Michelle Obama's book on developing the White House vegetable garden, American Grown, is out on 31 May. Talking about working with local school children in the Telegraph this weekend, the first lady enthused about the project, 'Equality is a key part of the message. We are all down in the dirt. There is no hierarchy, no boss and no winner. It is almost impossible to mess up. Gardening isn't about perfection.' Which reminds me, our balcony is in need of its summer makeover.

Dan Pearson photo: Howard Sooley.

British designer Margaret Howell has embraced the trend too. Collaborating with garden and landscape designer, and Observer columnist Dan Pearson to create a natural un-dyed, Irish linen shirt. Taking into account a busy gardener's needs, design features include a large inverted back pleat for ease of movement, cuffs that stay put when rolled up and large pockets for a pen knife and pencils:

Margaret Howell has also been working on a series of portraits with the creative director of i-D magazine, Terry Jones. And I'm pleased to see they've used an older model, the artist and gardener Barbara Brody.

Barbara Brody photo: Kayt Jones.

And remember I told you about Mak Gilchrist? The model with a conscience and founder of the Edible Bus Stop Project who put guerilla gardening on the map in south London. As part of the Chelsea Fringe Festival, the Bus Stop team are planning to 'animate sites along the whole 322 bus route, from Clapham Common to Crystal Palace.' An Edible Bus Route. Good, eh?

Mak Gilchrist. Photo: Vogue

The Edible Bus Stop Project.

Right. I'm off to watch today at the Chelsea Flower Show (which is 99 this year) with Mr That's Not My Age  - and hopefully we'll find some horticultural inspiration.