A local woman who found purpose, confidence and community through gardening is encouraging others to discover the life-changing benefits of spending time in nature.
Andrea, a local hairdresser and aspiring garden designer, has secured a place designing a garden at Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair and is currently bringing her vision to life. The milestone marks the latest chapter in a journey that began with a handful of seeds and a desire to improve her wellbeing.
Growing up in care and facing significant personal challenges throughout her life, Andrea says gardening became an unexpected source of comfort and purpose.
“I realised how my mood would be so different after just pottering around in the garden just for a little while,” she said. “The more I was outside, the less stressed I felt. It gave me something positive to focus on and became one of the healthiest things I’ve ever done for myself.”
What started as a hobby quickly became a passion. Caring for plants gave Andrea a reason to get out of bed each morning and helped her through periods of poor mental health.
“Having something to nurture made a huge difference. I’d wake up wanting to check on my plants and see how they were growing. It gave me purpose at a time when I really needed it.”
Determined to learn more, Andrea volunteered at a local garden centre and immersed herself in horticulture, seeking out every opportunity she could to build her knowledge and skills. However, formal qualifications presented challenges.
Living with dyslexia and ADHD, Andrea found that some horticultural courses placed a heavy emphasis on memorising and spelling Latin plant names, creating barriers for people with different learning needs despite their practical abilities and passion for gardening.
“There was a point where I questioned whether I could achieve my dream because of my dyslexia,” she said. “But I eventually realised that my ability to design, create and grow beautiful spaces mattered just as much. I didn’t want my disabilities to define what I was capable of.”
A significant turning point came through PECT’s community gardening activities, particularly at Cross Key Homes’ wellbeing garden, where Andrea was supported by Environment Lead Tony Cook at PECT, and local volunteers. After working alongside Tony and developing her skills and confidence, Andrea took ownership of the sessions and began regularly leading volunteer groups herself, helping to create a lasting legacy for the project.
“Volunteering gave me opportunities, encouragement and somewhere I felt I belonged,” she said. “Every week I couldn’t wait to come back. I learned so much, developed my confidence.”
Through volunteering, Andrea was connected to training opportunities, practical experience and a supportive community that helped her develop both personally and professionally.
Today, she is passionate about encouraging others to experience the benefits of gardening, particularly people who may feel isolated, lack confidence or face barriers of their own.
“Gardening has changed my life,” she said. “It’s improved my wellbeing, introduced me to an amazing community and helped me believe in myself. I’d love more people to discover what it can do for them.”
Andrea is also keen to see gardening become more accessible and representative.
“I’d love to see more affordable opportunities for people to learn, more community growing spaces and greater diversity within the gardening world,” she said. “Sometimes people don’t see themselves represented and feel these spaces aren’t for them. I want everyone to feel welcome.”
As she continues working on her Gardeners’ World Live design proposal, Andrea hopes her story demonstrates that background, circumstances or learning differences do not have to limit ambition.
“I’d love it if my journey encourages even one person to pick up a packet of seeds”, Andrea finished with, “People that think all the way through their lives that they can’t ever achieve something. But they can. They really, really can”.
Inspired by Andrea’s journey? Explore the story behind her garden design here: https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/autumn-fair/gardens/2026/beautiful-borders/andreas-wonderful-border/ or experience it for yourself at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair from 11-13 September.
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