Coming from a horti/agri family, you could often find a younger me with no shoes on in streams or up trees. It was only right then that – as a grumpy teen – I pushed back and tried my hand at computing. Fortunately, I saw sense and retrained in horticulture. It was during these lectures that I realised how important plant life is and decided that whatever I did, it had to have a positive impact on the planet’s natural resources. I truly believe this business venture is my way of achieving this goal.

There was a lot of negativity around peat-free compost when I was learning about it (and there still is). Generally from growers and the occasional lecturer, but the National Trust will only sell peat free plants. I saw how healthy these plants were, and how watering them was fine when I worked for one of their properties, so it was obvious to me that we wouldn’t use peat at the nursery. I also spent time as a landscaper, and some time as a gardener, so I have plenty of experience in planting things so I know that cell-grown trees are best. They have an amazing shelf life and are easy to plant and establish.

Aside from weeding my veg patch, I can still mostly be found in streams and up trees.

My favourite trees change quicker than the weather. As I’m writing this, my favourite tree is a Holm Oak. The majesty of an oak, but all year round.