I visit people's gardens to help plan them. A lot of Londoners have a small space, like a roof terrace, and don't know what to do with it. I'll advise on what products will fit the space and do the planting too. I'm sick of seeing the same old terracotta, so we're designing our containers with a more contemporary feel, using things like stainless steel.
How did you get the job?
I've always been into gardening, and as a kid sold my plants at car-boot sales. I was a manager at a garden centre and saw an opening for planted containers that looked creative but lasted for years. We set up our firm to sell to garden centres, then people saw us at flower shows and started asking us for advice on their gardens.
Does reality match the dream?
People think we potter around, planting a few plants - but it really is hard work, especially when you're in London, hauling massive pots up loads of stairs. It can be a nightmare, but it's worth it. It's a dream to run my own business, and nice to work with something that's living and growing. When the sun is shining, it's lovely to be out in our barn, doing the planting. Getting feedback from people when you've helped design their garden is great - all I heard in the garden centre was complaints. But I haven't done a winter yet, so ask me next year.
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