Born to be Green
Some people know exactly what they want to do from a very young age and their professional lives follow a direct line to that field. Others don’t see a clear path until later in life where they start over; they up-sticks and upskill and pivot into a new career. For Andrew Jackson, both are kind of true. Andrew’s childhood memories are filled with garden and greenhouse adventures filled with blue skies and mucky hands.
“I do remember that my grandad had me in his greenhouse from a young age doing vegetables with him, rain never seemed to bother me, and I enjoyed all garden maintenance tasks, sometimes it felt like a hobby that I was getting paid for, so it was a win-win situation.”
It was from those early years that the proverbial seed was planted for Andrew as he instantly recognised the wellbeing that could be found working in the garden. As we mature and grow, life tends to introduce responsibilities and a need for independence; we begin to look for ways to support ourselves. Andrew was smart enough to see the potential in doing what he loved, and it was there, the first buds of a career in the garden would spring.
“I did start my self-employed journey putting flyers through doors for general gardening on a push bike until I could drive. It used to fill up some Saturdays while subbing for other companies.”
A true calling
As though born to be an entrepreneur, Andrew fearlessly pursued his calling, making great inroads as a professional.
“Then I managed to build my own rounds eventually, my company grew on the maintenance side, now I have a big team of employees doing garden maintenance and soft hard landscaping, plus planting. I have built my own polytunnel and hope to supply plants as well.”
Over time, Andrew has watched his garden and landscape company AJ Gardens expand and grow. Offering everything from maintenance to landscaping and arboriculture, But more recently, Andrew felt he needed to offer something more to his clients.
“I established the company in 2015; I then grew the company to offer all services. With my plant knowledge and care I wanted to experience how I could help people more.”
Education is not new to Andrew, having previously won apprentice of the year for his horticulture apprenticeship, and so he knew that in order to provide a more in-depth design service to his customers, he would need to learn more. The British Academy of Garden Design offers great flexibility in the range of courses and study modes available. Andrew was able to continue running his garden company while simultaneously growing his garden design knowledge. But even the most knowledgeable students will be met with some learning challenges.
“Most challenging was the essays as I am much more of a practical person. The drawing and learning were my strongest points.”
Learning never stops
But if it was easy, everybody would be doing it! The truth is, when pursuing a high standard of learning, students are going to be confronted with a little discomfort. But it is precisely outside of the comfort zone where the greatest lessons live.
Andrew has a passion for plants and a love for design and the combination of both is his happy place. He would probably have predicted that he would enjoy that part of his course before he enrolled but sometimes there are unexpected insights that truly surprise and enrich the learning experience.
“I learned also about the history of garden design and where patterns came from in the different countries which was interesting how they represent over here and how they came here. But what is more relevant to me is more the drawing techniques and how I can now show my customers’ plans of the gardens with the right symbols and focal points and the thought behind it with the north, east, south and west.”
Now, over ten years in operation, Andrew has his sights on the future of AJ Gardens. His love for design will enhance the range of services offered and allow the company to bring even more joy to people and their outdoor spaces. It seems since his childhood, Andrew has been designing his own green life.
Are you ready to explore your own Creative Future?
Whether you’re looking to change careers, develop your creative skills, or turn a passion for design into something more, the Garden Design Courses are designed to help you build practical, industry-ready skills from home with personalised tutor feedback and flexible online learning.
Explore now and discover where your creativity could take you
