“Biodiversity is the key to making you a lazy gardener.”
In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with landscape architect, permaculture expert, and entrepreneur Matthieu Mehuys. From a childhood on a Belgian farm to a home base in the Azores, Matthieu’s story is rooted in a lifelong fascination with how tiny seeds become thriving ecosystems. His journey weaves through entrepreneurial experiments with chickens and the stock market, an Amazon rainforest adventure cut short by dengue fever, and ultimately, the creation of a global business teaching people how to garden in harmony with nature .
This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.
Matthieu shares how gardening is more than just growing food—it’s a form of sovereignty, health, and rebellion against industrialized food systems. He explains why biodiversity makes you a “lazy gardener,” how soil microbiomes mirror the human gut, and why working with nature is always more profitable than fighting against it .
The conversation turns practical too: growing radishes and potatoes as first steps, tapping into community gardens, and even indoor tower farms. Matthieu also challenges common misconceptions around GMOs, gluten, and bread, contrasting modern food production with traditional practices that honour the balance of nature .
Alongside gardening wisdom, Matthieu opens up about surfing, gratitude practices, and the thrill of seeing clients transform their gardens and their lives. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of pulling fresh food from their backyard—or rebelling against the system by growing a potato—this episode is a reminder that small steps can lead to profound change.
Quoteable Quotes
“Every small change you can make in your diet is going to have a big impact.” — Matthieu Mehuys
“Money is oxygen.” — Michael Dargie
“Biodiversity is the key to making you a lazy gardener.” — Matthieu Mehuys
“Growing something of your own feels like reconnecting with the universe.” — Michael Dargie
“The only people who have ever changed the world are entrepreneurs.” — Matthieu Mehuys
Episode Highlights
Roots in Belgium | Matthieu shares childhood memories of radishes, chickens, and his early fascination with seeds.
Leaving the 9–5 | Why Matthieu quit a stable career to travel and find purpose.
The Amazon Wake-Up Call | Dengue fever redirects Matthieu’s life toward regenerative gardening.
Building a Global Business | Teaching people to garden naturally on four continents.
Michael’s Potato Story | Growing food at home and rediscovering childhood connections to the land.
The GMO Problem | Why chemical-heavy agriculture creates hidden costs.
Lazy Gardening Through Biodiversity | How insects, plants, and microbes make gardening easier.
Free Training | Where listeners can learn Matthieu’s gardening approach.
Surfing & Flow | Why riding waves feels like dissolving time.
Advice for Rebels in Waiting | The power of mentors and not going it alone.
Resources | Garden of Your Dreams, Paulownia LA, and where to connect online.
LINKS FROM EPISODE
Matthieu’s Website: https://www.paulownia-la.com/
Matthieu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthieu-mehuys-64b0b5111/
Matthieu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthieumehuys/
Matthieu on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/matthieu.mehuys
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About the Author: Michael Dargie
