I grew up with my family in a bungalow by the woods in North Norfolk. My childhood was very outdoors based 
and nature orientated. I have fond memories of hunting for frogs, chasing butterflies, making mud pies and perfumes 
from petals. In short my hands and knees were covered in mud from a very young age.

Plants were an early obsession. My mum recognised my love of flowers and let me have a small patch of the border where 
I could sow annual seed mixes and rejoice in the emerging poppies and cornflowers. I would pick and press the flowers so 
I could admire them in my bedroom long after the sun had gone down.

I believe that the garden is the most important room in the house. A place of respite where one should be able to 
forget all business and focus on the here and now. The sun kissing your skin, the breeze rustling leaves, the chatter of birds and the giggling of children. A garden should be a place for children to roam and explore. To search for frogs and 
marvel at the snowdrops.