Evening all, new here

Evening all. I just joined the forum, thanks for accepting me.

I've been a professional gardener for 28 years. After leaving school I trained with my local wildlife trust for a year before realising there wasn't much money in conservation. I then went to Hartpury college and learned to do what I do now, mainly high end domestic properties doing complete maintenance packages but also mowing, hedge trimming etc for smaller clients. I also really enjoy doing it in my own time, I had my first little plot on my dad's allotment when I was five and later on a small area of our garden. My idea of a good garden vs what I create at work is very different.

I'm a keen advocate of no dig and perennial food crops. That's my priority in my own garden. I've got just over half an acre, set out mainly as grass with wildflowers but I'm developing the vegetable area and a small mixed orchard more every year. I don't really believe in "weeds", they're just plants that are misunderstood. My idea of a good lawn is some grass because it turns up whether you want it or not, mixed in with clover, dandelions, selfheal, plantain, trefoil... All the stuff I'm asked to kill on a daily basis!

I guess we're all different. Hopefully there are a few of you who do things my way as well as the more formal gardeners. A garden should be a place to make us happy and relaxed, there are no fixed rules.

Nobody knows everything. I've picked up some great tips from clients over the years and I'm here because I know there's a lot more information to find. I'll try to chip in to help people who are unsure about things but most of the time I'll probably sit in the background reading. So, as you were. Thanks again for allowing me to join.

 

Welcome @Neil Clements , this is a friendly place