With longer days, warmer soil and RHS Chelsea Flower show on the horizon, it's definitely gardening season. But where previously, this might be something only those over 'a certain age' (to borrow a phrase, ahem), more than ever, gardening is becoming an occupation for the younger generations.

TikTok and Instagram are filled with gardening 'creators', many of whom wouldn't look out of place in a GRWM, stores are filled with t-shirts and accessories for gardening fans, and Barclays recently revealed that in March, spending in garden centres grew more than 13% (while other retail spending fell by 0.2%) and 23% of adults planned to spend their Easter in the garden.

The thing is, though, while gardening looks beautiful, getting those results isn't easy. And while generations past might've grown up passing information and skills along, these days, many are coming to their gardens as complete novices.

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For this, the internet is a complete treasure trove. Ask any question, an answer will be delivered - whether in an article or a step-by-step video. The problem - that people are increasingly finding in every area - is that there's too much information. It can be overwhelming, and doesn't always hit the exact spot you need.

That's where google claims their AI assistant Gemini - and specifically Gemini Live - can help. And I'll be honest, I was pretty skeptical. As a parent, I spend a lot of my life explaining to my kids why 'hey google' can't always understand their ever more obscure questions (like, what noise would an orange dinosaur make). But after being given a demonstration of Gemini Live on the new Google Pixel 9a, which the internet giant says will revolutionise the way we use AI in our homes, interiors and gardens, I was intrigued and gave it a go.

If your phone keeps asking you to talk to Gemini and you've got a problem around the house, it's worth giving them (you can choose your character!) a go. Gemini Live is beyond Chat GPT. Going live with Gemini opens your camera to live video and allows you to have a conversation with Gemini and ask live questions, debate, disagree and refine with an ease you probably won't have anticipated.

For an example below, here's what happened when I asked Gemini for some help filling a border I've just weeded and is ready for a joyful trip to the garden centre.

RHIANNON: Hey Gemini what do you think I should put in this bit of my garden?

GEMINI: Hmm, it's a bit tricky to say for sure without seeing it. Could you describe the area for me? Is it sunny or shady, big or small, that sort of thing? Or, if it's easier, you could always show me a picture. [I'd forgotten to turn on the camera, oops]

R: I'll turn the camera on now, Gemini, can you see?

G: Okay, I see the area now! It looks like a good size for a few different plants. To help me narrow it down, could you tell me how much sunlight that spot gets during the day?

R: I'd say it gets about six hours. It's probably the sunniest bit of my garden.

G: Okay, since it's the sunniest spot, you have a few options! You could add some more colourful flowers like the ones you already have – maybe some petunias or marigolds for a pop of colour. Or, if you're feeling ambitious, you could start a little herb garden with things like basil, rosemary, or thyme. What do you think?

R: I'm not sure I like the idea of herbs. [Note, I also didn't want marigolds and petunias, thanks] I like salvia, fuchsias, really bright colourful plants.

G: Salvia and fuchsias would look beautiful there! The salvia would add lovely vertical interest, and the fuchsias would bring those vibrant pops of colour you're looking for. Do you have a particular colour scheme in mind?

R: I like the idea of purple and orange together.

G: Purple and orange would look amazing! You could do purple salvia with orange fuchsias, or mix in some orange and purple petunias for a fuller look. Do you want to stick with just those two colours, or add in some other shades?

R: Can you send me some examples of orange fuschias? I've never seen orange fuschias.

G: Sure, I can show you some examples of orange fuchsias. You might like the 'Miniature Orange' or 'Koralle' varieties. Would you like me to find some pictures for you?

R: Yes, please.

G: Okay, here are a few examples of orange fuchsias. They're quite striking! Do any of these catch your eye?

I was genuinely shocked at how responsive it was. It didn't mishear, you could refine down, you could make requests for information and links, you could correct and ask for more. Ok, I wasn't keen on the marigolds, but I'm now on the hunt for an orange fuschia.

I asked Gemini for their thoughts on why my sweetpeas aren't growing too quickly, what a plant I was gifted might be, what was going on with my bloomless irises and how to keep a neighbourhood fox from thinking my veg planter is its diggable playpen. I found it to be knowledgeable, helpful and interesting. By the end I found myself joking with it - which did make me feel a bit funny when I realised what I was doing...

The idea behind Gemini is that it can be used anywhere you need, advice on how to decorate a room, how to remove a stain, what colour might suit with a pair of trousers and more adventurous things I can't think of right now - it's Chat GPT's non-walking, talking upgrade that works like having an all-knowing personal assistant in your hand.

Can AI feel scary? For sure. But I tend to find the viewpoint that we should be using AI to make things easier so we have more time to do the things we love, interesting. And when it comes to helping me in (and endlessly listening to me talk about) the garden - and giving me inspiration for my next garden centre visit, I was impressed.

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