Her love of gardening has been a meandering and rewarding journey. Over the past 20 years, Clare has transformed a barren new-build plot into a thriving haven for pollinators and wildlife. As her family grew, so did the garden. Gone are the trampoline, climbing frame and footballs mowing down the alliums, replaced instead by generous borders overflowing with her favourite plants: peonies, irises and roses. Year by year, the lawn has shrunk to make way for more planting, while sturdy shrubs have gradually given way to softer, more romantic choices. With seating tucked into every corner, there’s always a perfect spot for enjoying a cup of tea.
Along the way, Clare gained her RHS Level 2 qualification in Horticulture, worked as a self-employed gardener, and wrote for Modern Gardens magazine. One of the things she loves most about gardening is that there is always more to learn, with inspiration never far away. A local dog walk might uncover the perfect planting combo in a neighbor’s front garden, while visits to open gardens provide the perfect excuse to admire other people’s hard work – and quietly borrow a few ideas along the way.
Still on Clare’s dream garden wish list? A wild swimming pool complete with a sunbathing deck – heaven!
