Will Purdom On The Diversity Of Tropical Plants: ‘They’re Just Weird And I Like That’

---

After setting up an online as a plant seller whilst studying at university, Will Purdom is the owner of Botanico, an online nursery specialising in the sale of tropical plants that grew from a side hustle into his full-time business.

He grows and sells over 700 species of plants online and is also the holder of the National Collection of Impatiens, which features 45 different species.

I spoke with Will about his humble beginnings and aspirations for the future.

Imagery in this guide has been provided with permission by Will Purdom and Botanico.

How Did You Get Into Gardening?

“It all started a long time ago, when I used to grow oak trees with my mum,” explains Will. “I was around 3 years old.

“I loved being outdoors and it just developed from there. I used to go on gardening holidays with my parents quite often. One time, I got given some banana seeds. I was told they wouldn’t grow, but I managed to get them to germinate.

“From there, every year it grew, so I started to grow bamboo seeds. I had so many at one point that I started to sell them online when I was around 17.

“I was making good money out of it, which is where it all began.”

What Then Led You To Create Botanico?

“I went to college and did an extended diploma in Horticulture before going to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh where I did a degree in Horticulture & Plantsmanship.

“During that time, I kept running my business online. I used to have volunteers go around to my house to water my plants whilst I was away at university. Then, I’d come back in summer and sell all of my plants!

“Over time, I developed it in various ways, including my techniques for packaging techniques and my knowledge of customer needs.”

What Is It About Tropical Plants That Interest You?

“They’re just weird and I like that!” he jokes.

“There [aren’t] many young people in horticulture, so it veers towards the traditional a lot of the time.

“People don’t always realise the diversity that some of the more tropical plants can offer. There is so much out there that people don’t realise.

“We also hold the national collection of Busy Lizzies and the variation within that genus alone is absolutely amazing!”

What Does A Day In Your Working Life Look Like?

“I get up and dispatch all of my parcels in the morning,” shares Will.

“After that, it could be anything from sorting through the nursery stock, pricking plants out or doing online marketing tasks. It’s so varied.”

What Is Your Proudest Career Moment?

“I’m not really the sort of person to reflect on things!” he laughs.

“I just grow plants. I won an eBay award once which was quite special.”

Do You Have Any Upcoming Projects You’d Like To Share?

“We are currently diversifying quite a bit as a company. We are obviously known as an exotic plant company and that will still continue, but we are also going to release a perennial and wildflower range next year.

“I think we are releasing around 400 new plant species, which is really exciting.”

What Is The Biggest Lesson That You’ve Learnt From Horticulture?

“We all get so wrapped up with daily life, myself included, that sometimes it’s worth stopping, having a look and just appreciating what’s around you.

“Otherwise, you miss it all.”