Meet
Ali & Jen 

It all started with a brownie gardening badge.

​

Actually, it started before that, in my grandfather’s tiny garden in Luton, England. I was around four or five when I first noticed his little greenhouse—just a small white house made of glass and wood. Inside were rows of seedlings in wooden trays, and it smelled wonderfully earthy, like rain-soaked clothes. It felt like a secret world where magic grew from the soil...​ Years later, as a Brownie, I earned my Gardener’s Badge by growing radishes and became known as the “radish queen” in my family. I’ve since had ten gardens, each one a source of joy, nourishment, and a few surprises! My children grew up sneaking strawberries and cherry tomatoes before I could harvest them—gardening runs deep in our family. 

​

Now, I’m the proud custodian of a 113-year-old garden, Crosshill Garden, near Lake Hawea, which is open to the public through the Secret Gardens of Aotearoa. Visitors kept asking me how to start their own gardens, so I launched the "Your Garden Coach NZ" podcast to share everything I know about growing your own food, whether it’s tips for planting by the Moon or tricks to make the most of our unique Kiwi climate. 

​

I don’t claim to be an expert—just a passionate gardener with a lot of experience and stories to share. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, I’d love for you to join me. ​Grab your gloves, tune in to the podcast, and let’s get growing! 

​

Happy gardening!

​I grew up with both sets of grandparents being avid gardeners, one I remember for amazing peas, broad beans and potatoes and the other ... his grapes on the outside of his glasshouse, oh, and making paper bricks for fire starters! I had an uncle too who I spent a lot of time around in my 20's that grew an amazing garden... oh the tomatoes! He potentially fueled my desire to grow my own garden in my 30's when I had my own family. I had some success every other season it seemed... but nothing consistent, that would lead to garden frustration, but I always loved the idea of putting home grown food on the table to feed family and friends. 

  

When Ali approached me about her podcast idea for Your Garden Coach, I naturally offered my services, having been in the radio industry since I was 18. I had absolutely nothing to offer the podcast other than my wit, technical knowledge and utter admiration of Ali, and I wasn't afraid to ask the questions everyone is thinking but doesn't ask. 

​

We are now on our second season and have managed to keep weekly episodes going even when on opposite sides of the world for 3 months.

 

The knowledge I have gained, and the change in the way I garden, has been immeasurable. Yes I had some miserable fails but I have had some flourishing fruits and veg to serve up at my dinner table, and now I'm not afraid to grow things from seed!

 

Bring on the next growing season.  

Thanks Ali!