Michael Ashley Ball was born on 27th June 1962 in Bromsgrove, West Midlands. He grew up with his older brother Kevin and his younger sister Katherine near Stratford-upon-Avon.As his mother comes from Wales Michael regards himself as being Welsh rather than English, although he has never lived there.ichael Ashley Ball was born on 27th June 1962 in Bromsgrove, West Midlands. He grew up with his older brother Kevin and his younger sister Katherine near Stratford-upon-Avon.
1 Marigolds need lots of sunshine. 2  Though they grow in almost any soil, marigolds thrive in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. 3  Sow them directly into the garden once the soil is warm, or start seeds indoors about a month to 6 weeks before the last spring-frost date.
Types of Marigolds. There are numerous varieties of marigolds, but most can be broken down into three major groups. The African marigold varieties can grow up to 3 feet tall and have flowers that are 3 1/2 inches across.The French marigold is generally around or under 1 foot tall with flowers that are about 2 inches across.These two groups have been cross-bred to create a third group called the triploids. Triploids can grow a little taller than 1 foot high and have flowers about 2 inches across.he French marigold is generally around or under 1 foot tall with flowers that are about 2 inches across. These two groups have been cross-bred to create a third group called the triploids. Triploids can grow a little taller than 1 foot high and have flowers about 2 inches across.