It all started with a rose
When were first married over fourteen years ago, my husband Julian and I lived in a house with a small patio garden. This was where I first explored gardening, growing a few flowers in pots and containers in our little courtyard.
It was around this time that Julian bought me a potted rose bush from Sainsbury’s – yes, a supermarket flower! – and I thought “oh goodness, I’d better make sure this doesn’t die – what a bad omen that would be for my marriage!”
Little did I know that that little rose bush would be the start of me falling in love with roses and building the grand collection I have now. It’s even been featured by David Austin Roses, as well as being opened for the National Gardening Scheme’s annual open garden fundraiser.
And guess what? That little potted rose bush is still going strong in my garden, having stayed with me through several house moves, growing proudly among hundreds of other beautiful blooms.
My story
As a child, I wasn’t interested in gardening at all. It felt like a chore. In my native Russia, there wasn’t much of a culture around gardening for aesthetic purposes or simply for the enjoyment of it. I loathed being dragged to my family’s allotment on the weekends and viewed gardening as utilitarian, practical activity.
Now, that couldn’t be further from my reality.
I fell head over heels in love with gardening and the wellbeing benefits it brings. My garden is my pride and joy and my sanctuary, teeming with life and colour. The physical and mental benefits of spending time outdoors in beautiful surroundings is unparalleled, and to have that available on demand when you step out of your door is a dream.
That’s what I want to share with you – the experience of falling in love with your garden again, making it a space that you can be proud of, and encouraging you to spend time outside enjoying it.
To get started, book your consultation online today.
“For me garden design is not just about plants. It is about emotion, atmosphere, a sense of contemplation.”
– Piet Oudolf