Gardens Of Eden

I was inspired to start my own business after completing a BSc in Horticulture (garden and landscape design) from the Eden Project. My motive to study horticulture came from a passion (and borderline obsession) with plants, garden design and nature. I wanted my work life to be synonymous with what I love and after completely university I had the opportunity to design and implement my first designs. (see photos) I am interested predominantly in bold/exotic garden design and planting as well as edible landscapes, sustainability and ecological gardening. Gardens Of Eden has allowed me to apply my passion for horticulture and make dreams a reality.

I was born into a working class family, brought up in the largest council estate in Europe; Birchwood in Lincoln, before moving to different council estate in Barnstaple, after my parents separated.
At 20 I left the family home and I ended up in supported housing. It was humbling for me to experience zero hour contracts, insecure work and to use a food bank, but it was also during this time I developed a fascination with plants. I became interested in the natural world, ecosystems and food crops and became aware of a correlation between income and malnutrition as well as an alleged decline in nutritional value from supermarket food, when compared to wild or homegrown alternatives.
I completed an access course gaining merits in level 3: Biology, Psychology and Study Skills before moving to Exeter to study an FdSc in Horticulture at Bicton College. The theoretical studies at Bicton were applied practically to my work on an organic farm, where I lived. Here I grew as much weird and wonderful fruit and veg as I could.
At university I discovered a love for design and exotic gardens, and I was determined to combine this with my passion for food crops and food security. During my third year at the Eden Project where I completed a BSc in Horticulture (Garden and Landscape Design), myself and other students organised a symposium about food security and I did a presentation on localised agriculture.
After leaving university I started my business: Gardens Of Eden and designed my first few gardens. I created bold exotic gardens but based my creations on the natural world taking care to include plants useful to pollinators and wildlife.
After a year running my own business I completed a Permaculture Design Course and was re-energised to establish my own edible landscapes. I feel edible landscaping bridges the gap between creating beautiful gardens and addressing contemporary issues. An Edible landscape garden provides accessible, affordable and nutritious food for anyone who needs it.
​Now I aim to continue creating edible and ecological gardens but also think horticulture has a place in mental health with sensory and meditative gardens. As well as rain gardens to help prevent flooding. I want Gardens Of Eden to use man made ecosystems to provide a sustainable alternative to some of today’s contemporary issues.