Author Naomi Slade: ‘Garden In A Way That Suits You And Grow Things That Make You Happy’

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Naomi Slade is a Gardener, Author and Consultant with over 25 years of experience.

She has published eight books to date; her series of illustrated monographs includes best-selling ‘Hydrangeas’, ‘An Orchard Odyssey’ and ‘RHS The Winter Garden’, which is set to be released in September 2023.

She is a columnist and prolific journalist, contributing regularly to print and online publications, including The Telegraph, The Guardian and Gardens Illustrated.

I spoke to Naomi to hear more about her career in her own words.

All imagery featured in this guide is provided courtesy of Naomi Slade.

When Did You First Start Gardening?

“I have pretty much gardened forever,” says Naomi.

“I come from a long line of plant lovers and my earliest memories include being fascinated by tulips that were as tall as I was, the sharp smell of pinched-out tomato shoots in my Grandfather’s greenhouse and picking daisies in the park with my father when I was really tiny.

“Actual practical gardening started when I was about 4 years old when I sowed some radishes with my uncle.

“They came up so incredibly fast and were harvested so soon that it seemed like a miracle and I have never looked back from that point.”

How Did You End Up In A Horticultural Career?

“I never really set out to have a career in horticulture, it kind of happened by accident,” she explains. “When I was younger, I was inspired by David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell, and I also wanted to present science programmes.

“I am a naturalist at heart, so I studied Biology and Ecology as that seemed to be heading in the right direction for me – although I never wanted to be a lab scientist.

“I did all sorts of things after I graduated, everything from being a tour guide to pulling pints, organising gigs and various minor publishing roles, but then I landed a job organising shows and events for a gardening magazine and it was like coming home!

“Suddenly, I was surrounded by interesting people, learning a lot and travelling around the country, and it was the springboard for many of the things I have done since.”

How Has Gardening Changed Your Outlook On Life?

“I am not sure that gardening has had the chance to change my outlook on life, as it is something that has been fundamental to who I am for as long as I can remember.

“It is not an interest, so much as part of my identity,” says Naomi.

“However, I do find that it does provide a perspective on life that transcends the human condition. It is a connection to the rest of the world at a visceral level.

“Things grow, mature and die, landscapes change and evolve, seeds sprout and plants perk up after water.

“It is a slow pulse that counteracts all the busyness and, when life gets a bit intense, pottering around in the garden, walking outdoors or looking at plants always makes me feel better and happier.”

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

“I like all the seasons and if you stop to look, there is always something going on in the garden,” shares Naomi.

“Still, there is particular excitement about that moment when winter turns into spring. It almost happens in a split second.

“There is a sudden increase in green, a sense of energy and a real feeling that the plants are gathering themselves together to race into the year ahead.”

What Would You Say To Those Thinking Of Giving Gardening A Go?

“I think that gardening is the sort of thing that finds people in their own way and in their own time,” she says.

“In that sense, it is quite personal, and although it can seem full of rules and the right ways of doing things, in reality, much of this can be absorbed as you go along.

“The key thing is to garden in a way that suits you and grow things that make you happy.

“If something is new to you, do a bit of research, give it a go and enjoy the process – there is almost nothing that can’t be made better by plants!”

What’s Next For You?

“I’ve got several exciting projects in the pipeline, which I hope to be able to reveal later in the year, but the next big thing is the launch of my new book in September!

“It is called ‘RHS The Winter Garden’, published by Dorling Kindersley, and it is a thorough look at using and enjoying the garden in what is often a rather forgotten season. 

“It’s been on my want-to-write list for ages, so I am thrilled that it will finally see the light of day, and as well as covering topics such as planting for structure, extending the cutting garden, and how best to use light, it is packed with gorgeous pictures, so hopefully it will be really inspiring.”

All of Naomi’s books are available on her website and she will soon be taking pre-orders for signed copies of RHS The Winter Garden.