My involvement in the construction and maintenance of gardens and landscapes stretches back to my childhood. I grew vegetables at home, helped family members with their gardens and took on small jobs for pocket money. My first full time employment was as a labourer for a firm that performed tree surgery, landscaping and maintenance work. As I worked in the field professionally I gathered experience and knowledge which I used to establish my business. I managed all aspects of its operation, from administrative duties, to the hands on construction. Over time the business grew to a team of six and I focused on design, cost estimation and project management.