How did your interest in gardening begin?
My interest in gardening started with my grandparents and parents. My grandparents had a big garden in Wales, with lots of vegetables and flowers. Going to see them and enjoying their garden space was a highlight for me growing up.
I think I’ve always had a knack for gardening. I struggled to do well at school, as a result of dyslexia, ADHD – which I’ve only recently had officially diagnosed - and possible autistic traits. A teacher recommended I look at Morton Morrell College for further education, as it had lots of practical courses, including horticulture. I gave it a go, as I didn’t know what else to do, and found I was a natural! I must have picked things up from my family. I found I thrived in that environment.
I went on to do different horticulture roles. I volunteered at places including Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, pushing to get more knowledge. Eventually, I took on a full-time job at a garden centre, where I was hired for my gardening knowledge.
I’ve been in the gardening industry for a while, doing a variety of roles. I enjoyed it but eventually found myself feeling a bit burnt out. After some time out, I’m now working for the council, supporting a day service for adults with learning difficulties. Animal therapy and gardening therapy are part of the services, so I’m still partially gardening for a living!
Do you have a health condition or need that affects you or your gardening?
My son was born with additional needs. He has ocular albinism, which causes nystagnus that affects eyesight. He was also diagnosed with autism when he was young.
I had a period last year when I was feeling depressed and anxious. I went to the doctor, started medication and had time off work. This made a big difference. Within two months, I was almost feeling back to myself. I was thinking about why I was feeling this way. Given my son’s autism diagnosis, I thought I’d pursue a diagnosis too. My doctor was very supportive, we had lots of discussions. I was referred to Psychiatry UK. Somehow, I ended up doing an ADHD assessment but was told I probably have autism as well. So, I consider myself self-diagnosed for that too.
I wanted to know why my brain works like it does. At least having a partial diagnosis gives me some answers.
How do you think gardening supports your health and wellbeing?
I find gardening peaceful. When you work with plants, they don’t judge you! I enjoy seeing the progress of the work, whether that’s day to day, month to month or year to year.
I find gardening peaceful. When you work with plants, they don’t judge you!
James
What sort of growing space do you have at the moment?
We did have an allotment during lockdown. That helped loads with all of our mental health. My wife, who had never gardened before, had a bed to look after and really thrived!
We don’t have the allotment anymore. We’ve got a small outside space, as we live in a maisonette. There’s a walk-in greenhouse where tomatoes grow. I’m making the front garden more wildflower friendly, trying to balance it looking nice with the wildlife side (and my landlord then asking me to mow the lawn!).
I’ve also got a small collection of houseplants to enjoy inside. I used to have a bigger collection. I want to restart it again and grow more orchids and cactus plants. My nan used to grow dozens!
What are you hoping to do next in the garden?
Keep learning, grow more plants, including ones to grow with my son – I want to pass my knowledge on.
[I want to] grow more plants, including ones to grow with my son - I want to pass my knowledge on
James
I love trying new things in the garden. I tried air layering some years ago, as I had the time - it worked! It was definitely something fun to try.
How did you come across Thrive?
I wanted to see how I could use my gardening knowledge to help people, so I looked at Thrive to help with that. I was looking for helpful resources, so I signed up for your newsletters. I dip in and look at what comes through and see what ideas I can incorporate into work.
I’ve started creating lists of what people want to grow – carrots, swedes, etc – and help them to grow them. I really enjoy it. I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t still gardening!
What advice would you pass on to someone starting out on their gardening journey?
Gardening is one of my personal joys. If you can work in a job that incorporates what you enjoy, it can be positive. But it might not also work making your favourite hobby your entire job.
As a neurodivergent, I find I get bored with roles every 3-4 years, which is stereotypical! So maybe be aware of that.
If you’re thinking about a career connected to gardening, doing some volunteer work first is very helpful.
There are also 100 ways to garden and they’re all right in different situations! Part of gardening is learning.
James
Gardening is an amazing hobby and it’s so important to pass knowledge on. There are also 100 ways to garden and they’re all right in different situations! Part of gardening is learning. Every year is a new lesson.
You’ll makes mistakes, weather will be against you. Some years, you will do things that you will never achieve again. It’s controlled chaos. I love it!
Dave was introduced to gardening and visiting gardens from a young age. He shares his story, explaining how gardens give a connection to the seasons and a place of calm.
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