The Wellie Gardener

I’m Miriam and I am passionate about gardens and gardening. My love of all things gardening began at a very early age with my dad Joe, a quiet man who was also a passionate gardener and known throughout the family for his beautiful gardens. I have followed in his footsteps*

Joe escaped the mad daily life to his garden every evening, every weekend and every holiday, come rain or shine. I will aim to give you that same tranquil escape to enjoy your time with your family and friends by taking your garden and making a difference.

Why the Wellie Gardener?

Well, my main career was spent in the hectic world of education management. In this time, to escape the pressure of work, I ran after school gardening & eco clubs encouraging children to get stuck into nature growing plants and vegetables and looking after the wildlife. The importance of engaging young people in horticulture cannot be underestimated for wellbeing. Well, in my last school, every Wednesday students would arrive at my office door and say ‘Miss, please put your wellies on and come out to the garden’ hail, rain, snow, leadership meetings, Ofsted inspections (aargh)– nothing deterred them. And so, I became known as ‘Miss Fenner with the wellies’!!

*A little story about Joe

Joe lived on a main road in Northampton. The pride and joy of his front garden was his two carefully cultivated Monkey Puzzle trees. Tall and proud and recognisable to all passers-by. Over time one tree started to become ill and failing. So Joe went to a small garden plant nursery close by, to ask for advice. The owner, smiling, said ‘Well, I’m no expert but I’ll point you in the direction of a fella around on the Welford Road who has amazing monkey puzzle trees in his front garden. Go around and knock on his door. he’s the expert to help’ Joe thanked him for his advice and left none the wiser. Unfortunately for Joe, he was that ‘fella’ on the Welford Road with the amazing monkey puzzle trees