your stories | Jemima Bowker
Jemima Bowker, our Campaign and Events Lead, gardens on a small balcony in west London. While the conditions here can sometimes be challenging – a far cry from her time training at Perch Hill Farm – it’s helped her to develop her own unique style and flower-filled more-is-more aesthetic.
Jemima's garden story
“I’ve always been a lover of green spaces but only really got into gardening when I was furloughed in lockdown. I went to Perch Hill as an intern thinking my main area of interest was the kitchen garden, and left totally obsessed with flowers. Due to the size of my London balcony I’ve embraced gardening in pots – the flexibility and control is great for me. Although going away in the summer is always a little bit nail biting.
It also suits me as I’ve moved around a bit recently but I know wherever I go next, my pots will make an instant garden, no matter the space or time of the year. It can make a rental place feel like home very quickly.”
Jemima's unbuyables
I love the idea of growing something that I can't typically find in my local florist, greengrocers or supermarket
Best for those new to gardening
The plants and (tools) for every one that’s made a new year’s resolution to start growing
Sarah Raven Secateurs
Because every gardener needs a pair in their back pocket whether it’s for pruning, cutting, tackling a mass of ivy, you’ll always be reaching for them. Coloured handles are helpful so you don’t lose them! Another great option is the Niwaki Higurashi Secateurs and Holster
Some of the easiest plants to grow for (almost) guaranteed success, and guaranteed to get you hooked:
Discover more, and listen to Sarah talk to Jemima on the podcast
