Meet
Ali & Friends 

It all started with a Red Watering Can which matched my red shoes – age 2.4 years! I adored being in the garden.

 

Fast forward to 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 structure made of glass and wood. Inside were rows of seedlings in wooden trays, and it smelled wonderfully earthy, like rain-soaked woolen clothes. It felt like a secret world where magic grew from the soil. A few years later, as a Brownie, I earned my Gardener’s Badge, growing radishes, earning me the title of “radish queen” in my family. Since then, I’ve had ten gardens, each one a source of joy, nourishment, and a few surprises! My children grew up sneaking strawberries and gooseberries before I could harvest them—gardening truly runs deep in our family.

 

Now, I’m the proud custodian of Crosshill Garden, a 114-year-old treasure near Lake Hawea that’s open to the public through the Secret Gardens of Aotearoa. Visitors often ask how to start their own gardens, so I launched the "Your Garden Coach NZ" podcast to share everything I know about growing food, from tips on planting by the Moon to tricks for making the most of our unique Kiwi climate.

 

I don’t claim to be an expert—just a passionate gardener with plenty 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!

Hannah is a practical, curious gardener who loves understanding how plants, seasons, and people all work together. She gardens with real life in mind - asking what’s achievable, sustainable, and genuinely enjoyable for everyday households.

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As co-host of the Your Garden Coach NZ podcast, Hannah brings a calm, thoughtful voice to the conversation. She’s often the one asking the questions listeners are thinking, helping break gardening concepts down into clear, relatable advice you can actually use.

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Hannah has a strong interest in seasonal growing, local microclimates, and building simple systems that evolve over time. She believes confidence in the garden comes from paying attention, learning as you go, and not striving for perfection.

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Above all, Hannah sees gardening as a way to slow down, connect to place, and feel more grounded - one season at a time.

I grew up with both sets of grandparents being avid gardeners. One set is remembered for amazing peas, broad beans, and potatoes, while the other had beautiful grapes outside their glasshouse and even made paper bricks for fire starters! I also spent a lot of time with my uncle during my 20s, he cultivated an incredible garden—oh, the tomatoes! His passion likely fueled my desire to grow my own garden.  in my 30s when I started my own family. I experienced some success every other season, but nothing consistent, which led to garden frustration. However, I always loved the idea of putting homegrown food on the table to share with family and friends.

 

When Ali approached me about her podcast idea, Your Garden Coach, I naturally offered my services, having been in the radio industry since I was 18. I felt I had little to offer the podcast beyond my wit, technical knowledge, and admiration for Ali. I wasn’t afraid to ask the questions everyone is thinking but don’t voice.

 

Now, we’re in our second season and have managed to keep weekly episodes going, even while being on opposite sides of the world for three months.

 

The knowledge I’ve gained and the transformation in my gardening approach have been immeasurable. Yes, I’ve had some miserable failures, but I’ve also enjoyed flourishing fruits and vegetables at my dinner table. Now, I’m not afraid to grow things from seed!

 

Bring on the next growing season!

Thanks, Ali!