Growing up, I was a horrible gardener despite my father being an absolute master. Too much water, too little. Too much attention, not enough. A lot of impatience did not help. I started on the ground floor— mostly weeding the crab grass in the backyard for a few bucks per square yard. Fast forward to adulthood and my own home — the first time I went to local nurseries, I was in pure awe. And overwhelmed. I wanted to fill my cart and plant everything in eyeshot, but I didn’t know where to start. Could I actually grow anything successfully? I was unsure that I had even graduated from weed duty.

I have spent the last almost 30 years working with some of the most iconic brands in the world. As a creative director, I have built brands; developed story around the products they sell; and created images and experiences which brought those brands to life. I was a different kind of gardener. But now, I’m on to my next chapter, the one that has been writing itself in the background.

In truth, I am a trial and error gardener who has only learned by doing, and I continue to learn. What I have found over time, is that it takes time. When I say this is experience, I mean it. I believe that is what gardening reveals. It's supposed to be messy and fun and surprising. What I found in the process IS the process.

Remember that first time the tomatoes actually flowered and appeared? That was magic. How amazing they made that salad — because of focused care and attention. You did that.

This inspiration, this connection — this is what I people can take back with them when they visit our amazing small town: a little bit of magic. There’s a little gardener in all of us, who want to get their hands dirty and grow. 

See you in the garden! - Jen x