Debi Holland’s Advice For Aspiring Horticulturists: ‘Get Your Hands In The Soil’

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Debi Holland is the Owner of a garden maintenance and border design business based in North Somerset with a clear focus on organic and wildlife-friendly gardening.

She has also spent time as a Harvester at Tyntesfield, a National Trust property in North Somerset – and as a Gardening Writer, having written for BBC Countryfile magazine and various other horticultural publications, gardening clubs and nurseries.

In this interview, we explore Debi’s route into gardening and her advice for aspiring horticulturists.

Imagery in this article has been provided with permission from Debi Holland.

When Did You First Start Gardening?

“Plants have always been very important to me,” Debi shares.

“I spent my early years in Sussex walking country lanes with my mum who taught me to appreciate wildflowers. She introduced me to Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies and Edith Holden’s The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady which have always been a big influence on me.

“My gardening roots are firmly planted with wildflowers and herbs and those carefree days of wandering woods and lanes with my mum; I think that is why I am hooked on plant hunting whilst out hiking.

“My personal interest in gardening started whilst living in Bath when my son was born. It was the first time I’d seen narcissus, tulips and alliums planted in succession.

“When we finally had our own garden, I spent a lot of time at home with a toddler and had an overwhelming desire to create and nest build. I became passionate about growing vegetables, sweet peas and dahlias.

“There is something incredibly grounding about growing your own food and flowers.”

What Led You To A Career In Horticulture?

“My job of a decade abruptly ended and for a couple of years, I was absolutely lost, broke and not in a happy place.

“Out of the blue, my name came up on the waiting list for an allotment and this changed the course of my life. I found hope and purpose in the soil and solace in having somewhere to go every day through the depths of winter.

“The allotment was my sanctuary.

“I had never thought of gardening as a job, only as my treasured hobby. Inspired and daunted, my husband suggested I retrained, so with his tireless support, I booked myself on the RHS Horticulture Diploma at Bristol Botanic Garden and Cannington, Bridgwater & Taunton College.

“This was alongside volunteering at Tyntesfield National Trust Kitchen Garden and starting my own garden maintenance business, whilst trying to keep up with my nine-year-old son’s schooling and social life!

“It was a steep learning curve, to say the least, filled with joy and stress but it truly was life-changing.

“I am immensely happy to say I balance gardening and border design in beautiful North Somerset country homes with garden writing and the occasional talk about Gardening for Well-being.”

How Has Gardening Changed Your Outlook On Life?

“It has made me more aware of the natural world, honing my senses to listen, smell and touch, observing the daily changes that occur in plants and wildlife,” Debi explains.

“I was struck by the realisation of how everything is integrally interlinked. The more I learned, the more I wanted to study.

“As life and technology get faster and faster, we can be in danger of forgetting where we came from and what is important in life. Plants are the origins of all life on Earth.

“I do a lot of hiking and am drawn to explore where and how plants grow in different environments, from meadows and woods to exotic climes and mountainous peaks.

“Plants and their ability to adapt and evolve to their surroundings fascinate me and I use these findings in the field to be a better gardener.

“Once you understand where a plant grows naturally in the wild, you can decide where the right conditions in your garden are to plant it.

“A switch flicked in my brain when I became a gardener and rather than thinking nature is simply something you look at or purchase in a garden centre, I realised we are nature, all intertwined and our actions can directly influence plants and the wildlife that depend on them.

“We all have a responsibility to look after and cherish our planet and not take it for granted.”

What Is Your Favourite Time Of Year To Be In The Garden And Why?

“It’s a close call between spring, with the promise of life on the brink of unfurling, and autumn, with its metamorphosis of coppery hues as the garden prepares to take its foot off the throttle for winter,” says Debi.

“Both inspire me in different ways and keep me motivated and busy.”

What’s Next For You?

“I have started making videos for Plantsmith, an award-winning, vegan-friendly, houseplant food and care company.

“I’m a houseplant addict and editor for their website features but the new venture is turning my Houseplant of the Month features into short videos to demystify how to look after them, making gardening more accessible.

“Being an avid photographer, I love my weekly slot with Garden News magazine offering advice for What To Do in the Garden This Week. Working as a professional gardener, it is great to put my photos and gardening projects to good use every week.

“I am passionate about plants and love communicating my findings. Plants bring me such joy so I hope to encourage and inspire others.”

What Would You Say To Aspiring Horticulturists?

“Just do it,” Debi simply says.

“Don’t be nervous, just get outside and enjoy it. Making mistakes is all part of the fun learning curve of gardening.

“Get your hands in the soil, grow a plant from seed and eat your homegrown produce.

“It is a game changer, for your all round well-being and you will make some fantastic friends along the way!”