Understanding the garden environment, and my approach to its care and improvement
The garden ecosystem is composed of many elements :
Plants Animals
Soils Humans
Insects Fungi
Birds Microrganisms (Bacteria viruses)
Weather Sunlight
Water cycles Invertebrates
All elements are interconnected. Some are beneficial, some may be harmful or unwanted, but all are essential.
As a horticulturalist and gardener, it is my job to have a knowledge of these elements and make sense of the inter-relationships between them. All of these factors are ever shifting with the seasons and contribute to a dynamic garden ecosystem giving rise to the changes we see in the flora and fauna throughout the year.
I like to try and use a wide range of plants species, appropriate to situation and soil, to encourage greater plant and animal biodiversity,
By its very nature, gardening is about intervention. We use our horticultural knowledge to intervene in natural processes to find the balance we want in our gardens. There is no right or wrong to the level of intervention you choose.
Some plants that we would commonly consider to be weeds (dandelion, dead nettle etc.) can have great value in the garden. Whilst often invasive, they provide benefits to pollinators in the form of early season food. They are part of a balanced ecosystem and should be managed accordingly.
I aim for longevity in my relationships with clients. It takes time to get to know the nuances of each garden, and their preferences for the outdoor space.
I need some understanding of plant botany and how the characteristics of plants influence their suitability to different garden situations AND how plants respond to pruning, feeding etc at different times of the year. This understanding (ecosystem and botany) allows me to refine the management of your garden and enhance the appearance at all times of year.
Jonny Barraclough, owner
I developed a fledgling interest in gardening with my grandad, raising pelargonium cuttings on his bedroom windowsill. During my summer breaks at University, I spent time working on the renowned Park Grass experiment at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden. After graduating from Exeter with a Bsc in Geography in 1997, I began volunteering with the forestry team at the National Trust Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire. This experience re-awakened my interest in plants and trees and cemented my desire to work in our outdoor profession.
In September 1998 I enrolled at Oaklands College in St Albans on a night study course and gained the RHS General Certificate in Horticulture in June 2000. Whilst completing this course I started working at a plant nursery, further improving my knowledge of plant identification and cultivation. After a brief spell working with a landscaping firm in Hertfordshire, I decided to set up softscape in late 2001.
In 2011, I enhanced my specialist plant knowledge by undertaking a distance learning course with the Institute of Horticulture and Rural Studies, gaining the Certificate in Viticulture (grape growing).
In my spare time, I enjoy looking after my own, lower maintenance garden with my wife and son, and growing grapes, We have a six vine garden 'micro vineyard', producing around 15 bottles of Chardonnay and Bacchus per year.