Callum's story - gardening through the generations

A big part of this was the garden. For us living in an urban area, it was big and green and interesting. Pair that with my nan’s love of gardening and I naturally have come to enjoy it myself, in part as something we do together.

How would you describe your level of gardening experience?

I’ve done it for years but a lot of it is trial and error. I rely on my nan’s experience and knowledge, as well as a few good gardening books to help me work out what we might want to plant, or when to prune certain plants.

How often do you garden?

Almost every weekend! Whenever I’m staying with my nan we end up in the garden or heading off to the garden centre for more compost!

What do you enjoy doing most in the garden and why?

Gardening always manages to be comical in some capacity. I have a distinct memory of my nan heading for the water butt, walking into the open window and falling backwards into the massive shrub behind her. She was completely lost from view but thankfully no injuries!

Other moments include my nan precariously balanced on a step ladder, loppers in hand with 6-foot stems of rhus cotinus (smoketree) being waved absent-mindedly behind her, nearly taking me out, come to mind.

I’ve grown to love the attention gardening requires, as well as the enjoyment I get from watching something flourish. This season we have planted a new Christmas berry, as well as a spritely dark blue ceanothus. Seeing them each week gain a new little leaf, or get a bit taller, feels very rewarding. It's something both of us get to feel we have achieved.

It also gives you seasonal aims. I have my eye on a few wildly overgrown bushes that can be heavily chopped down in the winter, and then watch with hopeful eyes come the spring to see if they have survived the event. I find the time involved in these things calming. Our lives are so fast-paced that anything that takes its time and thinks about things has something of a grounding effect.

Share your tips. What advice would you give to other men thinking about spending more time in the garden?

Go for it! Gardening might not feel like a particularly masculine endeavour, but it’s something you can work on and take pride in. A garden can be a space you pour energy into, a place that brings your family together, or something that you can nurture quietly and in your own time.

I think it can also feel intimidating not knowing anything about gardening. I borrow my nan’s ancient gardening book and leaf through options and ideas.

A good start would be to work out what soil type your area has, and what sort of plants you want. Do you want more privacy in your garden? If so, you might want to start with some confident evergreen shrubs. Do you want climbing plants like honeysuckles or wisterias to climb up fences or blank walls? Starting with one small plant and seeing what happens is the best bet.