One of my earliest and most cherished memories dates back to when I was five years old on a warm, sunny day in my grandma’s garden, picking raspberries and blackberries with her and savouring my strawberry-flavoured funny feet ice-cream lolly as I watched her happily prune her beloved purple and pink tom thumb fuchsias.   

Another fond memory,  I hold close to my heart was when I was eight. I remember sitting at the kitchen table watching the snow fall outside, as I excitedly created a card featuring a robin and a Christmas tree for my parents. I used scissors, glue, colourful paper, cotton wool balls and glitter.  My parents weren’t happy, as I ended up spilling glue and paper cuttings on the kitchen floor! 

During the most challenging and toughest periods of my life, I’ve found solace in nature and gardening, as this provided me with comfort, helped to lift my spirits and allowed me to regain a sense of inner peace, positivity and joy.  I truly believe that without these positive outlets, I would be in a much different place in my life today.