Interviewing Master Horticulturist Janice Shipp: ‘Gardening Has Transformed My Life’
Contributions From JANICE SHIPP
Janice Shipp is a Writer with 15 years' experience as Principal Researcher for Which? Gardening magazine. She has received her RHS MHort and City and Guilds Planting Design qualifications and is a member of the RHS Herbaceous Plant Committee. Janice is also a member of both the Garden Media Guild and Chartered Institute of Horticulture - and was Chair of forum on a Penstemon trial for the Royal Horticultural Society.
Janice Shipp is an experienced Garden Writer, having worked for 15 years as a Principal Researcher and Writer at Which? Gardening magazine.
Janice sits on the Forum of the RHS Herbaceous Plant Committee, which oversees the Award of Garden Merit plant trials.
This includes time as an RHS Forum Member for Red Rose, Oregano and Marjoram trials at RHS Wisley, Primrose trials at RHS Bridgewater and Mahonia trials at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.
I spoke to Janice to see what we can learn from her time in the garden.
Imagery in this article is provided with permission from Janice Shipp and Mark Winwood.
When Did You First Start Gardening?
“I had a small patch in my parents’ garden to grow things when I was very young, but then I lost interest in gardening until I’d had my children and we bought a house with a garden of our own,” shares Janice.
“It’s funny to look back and remember how little I knew at the time, but I’d never really done any gardening at that point, so I understand that feeling of cluelessness when you’re just getting started for the first time.
“There were very few plants in the garden and I started growing things from seed to fill it with flowers without spending too much money.
“When I saw what could happen if you sowed a few seeds, I was completely hooked!”
What Led You To A Career In Horticulture & Garden Writing?
“Looking back, it seems to have been a string of chance and luck,” Janice jokes.
“First, I started a basic RHS course at Capel Manor College which made a vague idea about working in horticulture seem more of a reality. I went on to do another course, then another and then I finally completed the RHS MHort about ten years later.
“During that time, I accidentally got into garden maintenance and doing small-scale planting plans, then heard about an opening to cover someone’s maternity leave at the Which? Gardening magazine trial garden.
“I got that job, initially for three months, and was kept on after someone else left. A couple of years later, Which? restructured the gardening roles and I got a new job writing articles as well as doing practical work on the plant trials, which I went on to do for 12 years.
“I went freelance a few years ago and have written for other publications including The Garden, but much of my work is still for Which? Gardening magazine.”
What Is Your Favourite Time Of Year To Be In The Garden?
“Like most gardeners, I love spring when everything is fresh and new and you have the whole gardening year to look forward to.
“Of course, it’s also the busiest time of year, but it’s so good to be outside more after the dark days of winter that I don’t usually mind the work.”
How Has Gardening Changed Your Outlook On Life?
“Gardening has transformed my life in many ways and given me a lot of opportunities to meet interesting people and go to beautiful places,” she says.
“I love everything about it, there is always more to learn and I never get bored.
“I have worked with the RHS as a forum member on their trials for some time and I recently joined the RHS Herbaceous Plant Committee.
“Their knowledge and enthusiasm has been a fresh source of inspiration to keep exploring and thinking about plants – and to try to remember more names because, unfortunately, I’m very forgetful!
“Gardening has also led me to a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife, especially the birds and the insects we share our gardens with.”
What Would You Say To Those Thinking Of Giving Gardening A Go?
“Just plunge in and get started by growing what you’re interested in, then figure it out as you go along rather than trying to read too much advice and getting confused,” Janice advises.
“You will learn naturally as you go along and the more you try, the more you’ll learn.
“Every year, some things will go well and some things will go wrong, as they do for everyone, so try to enjoy the successes and not be put off by the things that don’t work.
“Next year, they might be your biggest triumphs!”
What’s Next For You?
“Next year, I’m going to cut back on the amount of regular work I do so I can have more time for other projects.
“I would like to write a book, though I have to confess that at the moment I’m not sure what it would be about.
“I’ve got a few ideas but haven’t had time to work them up into something I could pitch to a publisher, so I’m hoping to have time to do that.”
