My first job out of college was as Plant Area Manager at a local garden centre. It was the perfect fit, and I quickly gained experience not just in plants but in dealing with customers, managing stock, and running a busy retail operation. I’d always had a dream of being self-employed, so when a small garden centre came up for sale nearby, I jumped at the opportunity.

At the time, I was working with my girlfriend (who later became my wife), and together, we left our jobs to take over the garden centre. Initially, we rented the site, but after a few years, we were able to purchase it outright. We even set up a small nursery on my parents’ farm to grow some of our own stock, and we added a landscaping side to the business as well. It was tough going at times, but – just like my dad said – it never felt like work when you loved it.

After my wife and I separated, I made the difficult decision to move on. I went on to manage a different garden centre before being offered a role as a plant buyer for a large mail-order company. That was an exciting chapter – I was sourcing plants from all over the world to sell online, learning a great deal along the way. After five years in that role, I was promoted to Operations Manager; however, another opportunity arose: General Manager at a large UK wholesale nursery.

Starting a wholesale nursery had always been a goal of mine, but running the garden centre had taken up all my time. This new role felt like a fresh chance to follow that dream. I leapt and joined the nursery. Unfortunately, following the challenges of the post-COVID period, the business encountered financial difficulties, and I was made redundant.

I returned to plant buying for another mail-order company, but things weren’t the same. The business was run very differently, and I became uncomfortable with some of the unethical practices I saw. When a new head of purchasing arrived and things worsened, I voiced my concerns – and, as a result, I was let go.

That brings me to where I am now. I’ve combined my experience, passion, and knowledge to start this website – a space to share my love of plants with fellow gardeners. I’m writing about my favourite varieties, many of which I’ve grown over the years. Hopefully, some of them will become your favourites too.

I’m always on the lookout for interesting new varieties and cultivars. When I find ones I think are worth shouting about, I’ll add them here. The aim is to build a database of brilliant plants that can inspire you in your own garden. Where possible, I’ll link to reputable suppliers who stock them. If you buy through one of those links, I may earn a small commission – it helps support the running of this site, so thank you if you choose to do so.

That said, I always recommend visiting your local garden centre if you can. Nothing beats the personalised advice you’ll get from knowledgeable staff who understand your local soil, weather, and conditions. But I know not every garden centre stocks everything, and sometimes online is the only option.

Looking back, my journey in horticulture has taken me down many paths – from garden centres and nurseries to landscaping, buying, and now writing – but the passion has remained unchanged. Plants are part of who I am. Whether it’s sowing seeds, selecting shrubs for a border, or finding the perfect perennial for a difficult spot, I’m always learning and always growing.

This site is my way of giving back to the gardening community. I want it to be a place where gardeners, whether beginners or seasoned pros, can find trustworthy advice, inspiring ideas, and plants worth growing. If you’ve questions, suggestions, or would like to request an article about a specific variety, I’d love to hear from you.

Gardening is more than a job – it’s a way of life. And after all these years, I still get the same thrill I felt when I planted my first dahlias. I hope this site brings you some of that same joy.

Thanks for stopping by.