My love for gardening and the great outdoors began in childhood when I was given runner bean seeds and tomato plants to grow with my Dad as well as helping my Grandad with his veg plot. We grew the beans to enter the “longest bean” category at our local produce show, with one of them reaching nearly 20 inches!
I pursued my passion academically by studying FdSc Horticulture and Garden Design at Nottingham Trent University starting in 2013. After two years, I went on to complete a BSc Top-Up in Horticulture, graduating in 2016.
Following graduation, I spent a summer volunteering as an intern at Woburn Abbey Gardens in Bedfordshire, where I also had the opportunity to help maintain the grounds around the Foot Safari at Woburn Safari Park.
Next, I returned to my home county of Derbyshire and was fortunate to secure a year-long practical placement through the Historic and Botanic Garden Training programme at Chatsworth House. I especially enjoyed working in the Kitchen Garden and tending to plants in the House.
After completing the programme, I relocated to North Yorkshire and began working primarily in the Walled Garden at Castle Howard. I managed the winter care of the top fruit orchard, propagated plants in the greenhouses, and supplied the family with fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers from the garden. I also had the unique experience of helping decorate the house with a massive 25ft Christmas tree!
I then moved into hospitality, joining the grounds team at Grantley Hall helping to implement new planting schemes before it opened in 2019. One of my main responsibilities was looking after the many herbaceous borders and supplying Shaun Rankin’s Restaurant with fruits and vegetables.
After some independent work, I spent time in a florist, where I created bouquets, made wreaths, and maintained the houseplant greenhouse.
In April 2022, I was appointed Head Gardener at Ripon Walled Garden, a role I truly enjoy. It’s an incredibly rewarding role working with the members and seeing how much enjoyment they get out of the gardening sessions I plan for them. No two days are ever the same here and I’m grateful to work with such a great team. Since my arrival, many improvements have been made to the garden and the site, benefitting not only the charity and our members but also enriching the experience for visitors. It’s also been exciting to contribute to planting projects in the local Ripon community, such as Ripon Cathedral and Eccles Heddon Solicitors. If you’re ever around, do pop by and say hello – I’m usually out in the sales area as we approach the growing season.
Last year (2024) was a fantastic year of achievements at Ripon Walled Garden. I had the honour of being a finalist in the Northern category for Young Horticulturist of the Year. We also participated in Yorkshire in Bloom for the first time and were thrilled to receive a Silver Gilt award. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers, members, and students from Evolve at Craven College. Additionally, we were honoured to receive a Special Merit award for our involvement with Ripon in Bloom.
Like any gardener, I face challenges from the unpredictable weather, but it also provides an opportunity to prepare the greenhouses for the spring! At present we have kindling and logs on sale for your winter warmth needs, along with a wide variety of compost and winter shrubs that add seasonal interest as well as winter and spring flowering bulbs. In the coming months, we’ll have a variety of vegetable plants, herbs, fruit bushes, perennials, and summer bedding on sale in time for our Spring Fair on Saturday, 17th May 2025.
