Green Fingers and Thumbs
Horticulturalist offering garden consultancy, garden advice and bespoke floristry.
Soil. From the ground up...
Soil is one of the biggest carbon stores we have. It roughly holds four times that amount held in all living plants and animals. It is key to our environment, for growing and supporting life, and yet we know less about soil than we do about the oceans.
That is why this month my focus is on soil. The simple things you can do to improve your soil and in doing so have happy plants and a happy planet. Go to my Gökotta Gardening page for all the details.
Find your green fingers and thumbs ...
My Gökotta Gardening page has jobs that are perfect for this time of year, both practical and planning. It also includes things that catch my eye in the wider countryside. Nature often does it better then we can and is a great source of inspiration.
Through my garden consultancy I can help you implement the vision you have for your garden in 2023 and beyond. Whether you are looking for an overhaul or just plant advice, I am happy to help achieve the garden you have always dreamed of having.
As a gardener, I have come to understand being outside is a key to happiness. Humans were 'born of the land' and the more time we spend away from it, the more we become detached from it, the less we understand it - and the less we understand our wellbeing.
Why not give yourself some time and space to breathe in the green...
Testimonials
"It was like going to see an Apple Genius Bar and coming away not only with your problem solved, but so many other new ideas as well!"
Lucy and Ed, on having an online consultation for a community garden and allotment project.
I really enjoyed your session last night. I am a longtime gardener but find your talks quite inspirational, my garden has improved so much by putting your ideas into practise and I feel far more positive about changing things to suit my needs rather than just maintaining it. Really looking forward to soil!
Jenny, Shropshire, on online gardening classes
"I didn't want a gardener to do my gardening for me but guidance and recommendations as to how I could manage my garden, to answer my questions and develop my gardening experience. I couldn't tell a weed from a seed. I didn't know when to cut, feed or leave. I has been amazing to have found the expert guidance and support Natalie's personal garden consultation provides.
Beth, Ripon, on a face-to-face garden consultation.
"As an absolute beginner, I have found these online gardening sessions so informative and enjoyable. The interactive sessions are led by a professional gardener whose passion is infectious. You are made to feel comfortable to ask any questions at any level to answer your queries. I throughly enjoy the sessions and look forward to the next one!!"
Anne- Marie, Shropshire, on online gardening classes.
"Natalie has been a huge inspiration in my horticultural career, firstly as a mentor during my gardening traineeship and whilst I worked for my qualifications, and then as a colleague. Always enthusiastic and passionate about her field of expertise she is also greatly supportive of those who want to learn and develop their skills, and imparts her vast knowledge at just the right level for whoever she is working with.'
Clare, York, on training and online gardening classes
"I really enjoyed Natalie's online sessions, they were really informative, helpful and fun without being overwhelming. Lots of top tips."
Zoe, Edinburgh, on online gardening classes.
"Natalie's sessions are fun and informative, and there is always a chance to ask questions. She's also brilliant at getting back to you with more information if you need it. I'm a relative beginner but I think more experienced gardeners would love this too."
Chrissie, Portsmouth, on online gardening classes.
"Natalie has given me superb advice to help spruce up my family garden. Her knowledge of suitable plants, plant positioning and care have been invaluable. She is a fountain of knowledge whois extremely enthusiastic about her craft. I loved watching her develop design ideas and see it all come to life. She makes the whole experience inclusive and enjoyable from start to finish."
Caroline, Royal Tunbridge Wells, on face-to-face garden consultation.
"As a noviceI find Natalie's bite-size classes really helpful. The different topics mean that I can find out about particular areas of gardening without being overwhelmed. She is expert in what she does and has a great way of explaining things in a practical way, with just the right measure of technical. Her approach is so helpful, it has really helped me become more confident in gardening and enjoy it.
Helen, Melmerby, on online gardening classes and face-to-face garden consultation.