They say the first sign of madness is growing hairs on the palms of your hands. The second - is looking for them!

But when it comes to gardening there are those who enjoy talking to their plants and those who believe they can hear you. I'm sure they're the same people who shout at their TV thinking their rant may have some effect on the outcome.

For most of us we understand the difference. For some though, there is a new branch of study called psychobotany - I agree with the first part anyhow! It's the art of communicating with your plants so they can talk to you.

While some people consider this a novelty, I'm not sure I want my plants to talk to me even if they could. With four children in my house I know how noisy it can get when they all start having a conversation, yelling and screaming and competing for attention. What would this be like if your garden, full of hundreds of plants, became a competition for your focus every time you stepped into it?

Fortunately, Mythbusters have already covered this territory. And, surprisingly, they found that spewing negative thoughts or whispering sweet nothings had no effect on a plant's growth. Even playing classical music made no difference.

Bah, humbug! Sure, these guys are all science and no belief. And, as if science could prove such a thing anyway. It's anecdotal evidence that we're looking for, as the 'proof is in the pudding' - so to speak.

So, if you have a great story that your plants have done well because of your communication or failed because you mentally abused it, this is the place to share. And it's ok - nobody thinks you're weird.