I’ve lived with mental health challenges for much of my life. When the COVID lockdown arrived, like many people, I suddenly found myself with time on my hands and very little direction.

At the time, my garden was almost empty. Just a few plants, nothing that really drew me in. I started adding more, not with a grand plan, but simply to give myself something to focus on.

What I didn’t expect was how quickly  and profoundly it would change my life.

Spending time outside, surrounded by plants, colour, and scent, brought a sense of calm I hadn’t felt before. The garden became more than just a space, it became somewhere I could slow down, reset, and reconnect. Watching something grow, noticing textures, subtle changes in colour, the first signs of new flowers, it all started to matter.

As my interest grew, so did my understanding. I began experimenting with planting combinations, learning how colour works together, how structure gives a garden shape, and how scent can completely change the feeling of a space.

What started with a handful of plants turned into a genuine passion.

Over time, I found myself helping friends and neighbours with their own gardens. Choosing the right plants, improving layouts, and showing how small changes can make a big difference. That naturally led to the creation of Good Gardens.

Good Gardens is built on a simple belief: with the right planting, thoughtful use of colour, texture, and scent, and the right guidance, any garden can become a space that feels good to be in.