Alison

In 2007 I decided it was time for a career change. I had been a nurse in the NHS for over 20 years and was ready for a new endeavour!

I established Florence Gardening in 2010 following completion of my RHS horticultural qualifications and a garden apprenticeship.

I initially set out with the primary aim of delivering a high-quality garden maintenance service but very quickly yearned to learn more and went on to Capel Manor College, London to study for a garden design diploma.

I love setting myself challenges, to date one of my horticultural career highlights has been winning a gold medal for my RHS show garden ‘The Waiting List’ at Tatton Park in 2016.

Eleven years down the road I know I made the right decision to change careers. I still get excited at the sight of a seed germinating and love nothing more than tiptoeing down my garden in my pyjamas on an early spring morning to catch glimpses of new green growth, and the general magic of anything that appears from the soil (except ground elder).

Alongside gardening, my other passions in life are my Springer Spaniel Fred, Land Rovers & beachcombing for sea glass.