Alan, The Boss How did you come to work as a gardener? I was given a garden design course as a birthday present and decided to take the plunge and make my hobby my career! I've never looked back as the business has gone from strength to strength, and even my kids get involved from time to time!
What do you enjoy about working for HHGS? The variety of fabulous gardens we look after, meeting so many different people and working with a great team.
What is your favourite plant? The potato! Because it provides us with chips, mash, can make gin or vodka and is easy for the kids to help grow!
Gardening tip Mulch, mulch, mulch! It provides nutrients year round, keeps soil warm in winter and moisture in during summer, as well as keeps many weeds at bay!
Anything else we need to know? In my previous life, I once sold a bottle of wine for £24,500!
Abbi, Office Manager How did you come to work as a gardener? Our business had grown sufficiently that Alan couldn't take on any more work by himself, so when my last hotel contract finished, I decided to join him. I only garden a few days a week, but those are enough to make the office days less onerous!
What do you enjoy about working for HHGS? The fresh air and tranquility, and being trusted to take care of someone's pride & joy. I also love the way that learning is organic - see a plant you don't know, look it up, learn it and then you see it everywhere!
What is your favourite plant? Roses! No, peonies! No, wait, hellebores! Don't ask me, it's too hard to choose!
Gardening tip Take some time to prune your roses in the winter for a fabulous show the following year.
Anything else we need to know? In between running our business, working as a hospitality consultant and raising our son Isaac, I am doing a Landscape Drawing course!
Petal, Gardener's Assistant How did you come to work as a gardener? I discovered from a young age a love for the outdoors. And leaves! I love leaves!
What do you enjoy about working for HHGS? All the lovely smells. And having my ears scruffled by all the lovely people!
What is your favourite plant? The dogwood obviously, the colours in the winter are so pretty. Gardening tip The noise from the birds and insects in the garden is one of my favourite sounds; look out for the bumblebee sign on labels when buying in a garden centre to ensure your garden is buzzing! Anything else we need to know? I'm happy to have a snooze in the van if your garden is a no-dog zone. But I'm very well-behaved and very friendly so feel free to give me a cuddle!