Earliest garden memory My dad growing sunflowers in the front garden. I remember asking my mum if they would grow higher than the windows. They did.
First plant love Sweet peas. They were one of the first plants I grew and I remember admiring their
tendrils and ability to climb. Their scent was also exciting. I had heard about it but had never experienced
it until I grew them myself.
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Who has inspired your career the most? The staff and trainees at Organic Blooms Flower Farm. They
grow skills, confidence and wellbeing of people alongside the cut flowers. Their work combines my two passions – plants and people.
Who are your horticultural heroes and why? My late mother-in-law Karen who was a landscaper for Islington Council in the early 2000s after retraining in horticulture in her thirties. Her balcony garden made me realise that a garden is what you make of it, no matter the size.
There will be more of a push to future/climate proof the way that we grow and garden in light of climate change.
Favourite garden Hunte’s Gardens in Barbados. I got married there in 2019. I love the series of mini-gardens that can be enjoyed within the whole site and how the garden invites a sense of discovery through its layout and structure.
Three most worthwhile tips for every gardener Keep records. I take photos at all stages and they have become an invaluable resource. Understand your space and growing conditions, sunlight, soil, exposure and pests. Replicate what works in your space but also remember to be adventurous and try new plant varieties and growing methods.
Favourite planting style Hands down cottage garden – wafty and informal with lots of scent and texture.
Favourite ‘weed’ Dandelions. I pull them out of beds and pots but I’m more than happy to let them grow on allotment paths for the bees. My little boy loves blowing the clocks, so the pure joy they provide for
him means they are welcome.
One easy thing every gardener can do Collect and save your own seeds. It saves money and also means you can grow flowers well suited to your growing environment.
Replicate what works in your space but also remember to be adventurous and try new plant varieties and growing methods.
Where do you see horticulture heading? There will be more of a push to future/climate proof the way that we grow and garden in light of climate change. I also think there is a growing interest in increasing and diversifying access to horticulture for individuals, communities and groups.
Do you have an ambition? Creating a social enterprise project that would allow children and young people in Swindon, Wiltshire, to access horticulture and growing cut flowers as a therapeutic activity.
Contact sophiagrowsflowers@gmail.com
Instagram @sophiagrows_