People. Plants. Spaces.
Learn to pronounce my name here
I am a Therapeutic Gardener (the first ever), at RHS Garden Bridgewater, Manchester. My work focuses on greencare. I work in the wellbeing garden, a space where people can connect to themselves, each other and nature by tending to and getting involved with the day-to-day and seasonal needs of the space.
My connection to nature began during my childhood in Nigeria, where I lived with my grandparents until the age of 9. Growing up in a village, I learned to live in harmony with the land, growing and foraging for food. Those experiences instilled a deep appreciation for the natural world that has shaped my life.
My career has been beautifully varied, but all of my roles have centred on supporting people and those often marginalised in society.
© Jason Ingram
After leaving London at 22, I joined Paddington Farm Trust in Glastonbury as the Residential Farm Manager, where I ran programmes on rural living - think lambing, milking, hedge-laying - for urban families and community groups. My kids came and so did the need for a 9-5, and so I became the National Helpline co-ordinator for Women’s Aid and later worked in mental health advocacy, ensuring vulnerable people received fair representation. While fulfilling, these roles were emotionally draining, and I decided to go back to my roots and shift towards work that brought together my passions for nature and community.
After retraining in permaculture and sustainable practices with the Centre for Alternative Technology and the Brighton Permaculture Trust, I began designing gardens that prioritised inclusion and well-being. Now at RHS Bridgewater, I guide participants from diverse backgrounds to create meaningful and beautiful spaces.
For me, gardening is about nurturing connections and fostering a sense of purpose for everyone involved.
Our health and well-being thrive when we reconnect with nature. If you’re looking to incorporate greencare into your practice, programme or green space, let’s work together to create something meaningful and inspire others to do the same.
The services I offer include:
Please note, I don’t work for free, but I do offer my services on a sliding scale basis to ensure accessibility for different people and organisations.