The Independent Gardener is Fiona Horsley.

After a career in teaching, her passion for gardening led her to undertake a certificate course in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture at Askham Bryan College and a City & Guilds Certificate in Gardening.
Combining her knowledge of effective ways of learning and horticultural expertise, ‘The Independent Gardener’ was born.

It was launched in April 2007and response has been very encouraging. Clients are varied in their needs and Fiona makes every effort to ensure that she listens and can provide what they want.  

The aim is to bring the pleasures and rewards of gardening to those with the desire to do their own gardens. Even if clients have had design and landscaping work done, there’s still the problem of maintaining it. Often all it takes is a little encouragement, motivation and confidence. With Fiona’s support and advice, a new world of gardening can be opened up.

The ultimate aim is for the client to become, ‘The Independent Gardener’

Fiona also works part-time as a horticultural therapist at Helmsley Walled Garden and does horticultural workshops for children at the Walled Garden and Northdale in Northallerton.