January ‘25- An introduction.

“It all begins with an idea.” Actually, to let you in on a secret, (whispers) that quote was scripted by the A.I which helps to lay out a website whilst you decide exactly what you want to post…..The rest of that filler script got a bit nonsensical, but I thought there was something in that.

It’s probably more accurate to say that it begins with hundreds of them. Ideas that come and go in the space of a day; some that linger with you for a while, saved for a rainy day or a ‘better time’ which never comes. And now and then, ideas that root deeply with you, returning through the changing seasons; growing, spreading out and forming new branches which can bear fruit if nurtured properly. If you’ll forgive the clumsy metaphor, my business has evolved along these lines.

Whilst servicing people’s gardens, each of the lovely people I meet have inspired me, in their own way, to focus on bespoke services based around them. The scale of the gardens and the nature of the services may vary but I have noticed a common denominator: people really value the personal nature of the services I provide. I care for their gardens as much as I care for my own and this is the very simple core idea which has led me here. This in turn, is incredibly satisfying to me because it is the way I love to work anyway.

Without getting too philosophical, the talk of the day all seems to centre around automated systems, A.I and big businesses furnishing us with our every desire. These things have their place - none of us are immune to them completely; and the sheer convenience that technology provides can be so alluring at times. But there’s also something almost noble in the way that hand crafted, small businesses are undergoing a resurgence in such a highly technological time. TV shows like The Repair Shop have shone a light on the skill and fine detailing involved in a wide range of traditional crafts - and sites like Etsy and Big Cartel have enabled the small custom sellers and artists of the world to reach customers across a greater geographical area than they ever could have before. I think it’s an interesting time in that way.

I have noticed a similar ‘hand crafted’ character emerge in my work as a lone gardener as well. A homespun, cobbled quality which grounds us in the nature of our surroundings, which has been a wonderful thing to find in life. I say ‘us’ here because so many of my customers love to garden as well. I can lighten the load and free them up to do the tasks they enjoy the most, or alternatively take on the bulk of the work if they require. My skills up until now have all been ‘learnt by doing’ over the years whilst working for landscapers, gardening companies and franchises but I am currently studying for my formal RHS qualifications as well to increase my range of services. My intention is that this blog will publish 4 times a year, once for each season and share a few reflections on the season past plus tips and inspiration for the season ahead, for those who love to engage in their own gardens. I hope that you can use it as resource or just a bit of light reading along the way…..