The Gardener
covering all aspects of design and maintenance in the Somerset, Dorset & Devon region
Email: Telephone: 07835 363 888
Email: Telephone: 07835 363 888
My interest in gardening began at a young age – I loved being outside, had to earn my pocket money and gardening was a lot more appealing than washing up! By the age of 11 I had installed my first pond and over the following years added a waterfall, bog garden and complimentary planting. I was also responsible for the lawn cutting and vegetable gardens. I found growing vegetables exciting as I got to eat the fruits of my labour!
My interest didn’t go unnoticed in the village and I was soon gardening for various properties. A keen amateur gardener (Margret Thatcher’s former secretary!) introduced me to many skills, including propagation and lawn care (his was immaculate – not unlike walking on a carpet!)
I went on to develop my knowledge and train in Horticulture at Writtle College before becoming a kitchen gardener at Birdbrook Hall, Essex. Due to my Father’s illness I then joined the family business in a niche agricultural sector developing my business and managerial skills over a number of years. As this was seasonal in nature, I was able to fulfil my creative side with my own sole trader gardening business alongside this.
Following the sale of the business I took employment at Ravenwood Country House Hotel and Tuddenham Mill as Grounds Manager developing the gardens to a high standard. From there, I went on to start my own gardening business which I have run successfully for many years.
I have worked on a large and diverse range of gardens over the years including city, country house and cottage gardens, undertaking major design projects as well as general maintenance. Enjoying many aspects of gardening, my passion for kitchen gardens and development and planting of cottage and herbaceous borders remain at the forefront.