About me…

To me a garden is a place where the beauty of nature meets the artistry of man… A place where we can reconnect with the earth and rebalance ourselves in a world that at times feels like it has lost its way.

Ever since I was young I have always enjoyed being in nature, growing up in Guernsey it’s hard to ignore it. From playing on the cliffs and beaches, to swimming in the sea and exploring the woods and lanes, I feel that it is part of me. Growing up I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’, who were growers. They grew and exported flowers around the world in a time when Guernsey would glow at night from the light of the glasshouses. My grandma had her own glasshouse where she watered, nurtured and propagated a variety of plants. I still remember the smell and the feeling of calm that it gave me being there.

I would like to say that this rubbed off on me and it did, but it took me a while to truly understand my love for horticulture and my journey to this point in my life has made me the person I am now. From the background of studying science and practical skills learnt in engineering, together with the creativity, imagination and expression I found at Art College, becoming a gardener didn’t seem like the most natural fit but I found it perfect. I had an eye for detail and developed my own creative direction while being a hair stylist and fashion buyer. After I learnt the basic aspects of garden maintenance, my creative side started to come out and I began to see the world differently. I wanted to combine all those parts of me to take the next step and have my own business, so I could help others feel the same love that I have for gardens. I also started to become concerned about the environment that we live in and the damage that we, as humans, have caused to this planet. I feel that I am part of the generation that has the potential to act and make changes to make the world better for our children, especially in Guernsey, where we have such a rich horticultural heritage and live so closely with nature.

At school, Rural Studies (Horticulture) was one of my favorite subjects and I enjoyed getting the soil on my hands and using the rickety wooden- handled tools to dig and weed. Many of my fellow students saw this as a waste of time and a skive, which sadly seems to be the general feeling in schools now, as horticulture has taken second fiddle to computer based learning and technology. This is something I would like to work to change and for children to see the value of horticulture and where our fruit and veg comes from. I want them to see and feel the enjoyment and health benefits that can be achieved by getting your hands in the soil and growing nutritionally- rich foods, and the pleasure that nurturing a garden can have on your soul.

For the past 12 years I have been privileged to work in some of Guernsey’s finest and most unique gardens. I have had the opportunity to work alongside some inspiring designers and have been able to implement their designs to the highest of standards.

I have now found my own unique style and approach to gardening which follows regenerative practices and values honest work of the highest quality.

I feel that it’s important to look to the future, but at the same time seek guidance from the past. I value the way in which past generations worked with the earth and I wish to embrace the traditional skills and techniques they used, but with a modern innovative twist. I want to keep evolving and pushing the boundaries in horticulture.

Something that I am very passionate about is making horticulture accessible to all and allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of plants. Not only are they good for our wellbeing, but they’re also a way of reconnecting us with nature and help us to remember that although we all live on this planet, we need them more than they need us. To me, plants can be there as a food source, can be something to give us joy or as a living piece of art!

Danny Parrack

Root & Soil