helendawe

[helendawe]

Yesterday one of my clients was celebrating his 92nd birthday; on Wednesday a different client celebrates his 81st birthday. Its such a privilege to work for people with such a huge amount of knowledge and experience, and to keep gardens they have spent time looking after the way they want them.

[helendawe]

Last week was chaos all because of a malfunctioning phone: I was locked out of 2fa and mfa for most sites I needed to use, until I bought a temporary second hand phone for £70. Today I’m plugging a mouse into my original phone so i can send it off to be repaired, as it’s still under warranty.

[helendawe]

What do I do and where do I do it?

I currently have a number of work strands, some of which I am limited by logistics to where I can carry them out, some of which I can take on over a wider areas. My passion is wildlife-friendly gardens that are beautiful and easy to relax in. If you want to understand exactly what I do, please read on:

Garden design Do you want your garden designed? From border plans and plant lists to whole garden designs including measurements and hard landscape specifications, and a lighting plan. If you have a small or medium sized garden, or a community space, I can design it. My approach is to create gardens which are beautiful, great for relaxing in, but which are sustainable and wildlife-friendly.

The design process involves:

An initial conversation, where I can get a sense of what you want and your budget, and you get a sense of my approach and work process. This can be done in person or online. If you decide to take me on to design your garden, then what comes next is:

Measuring up – I measure and take photos of your garden in the current state. I will also do any necessary soil tests and do test digging. This information goes into a master plan.

Design meeting. We will meet to discuss my ideas, and your wants, desires, and definitely nots.

Final design: I present you with my final design and specifications.

The process can end here, however if you choose to build the garden, I can help to find and liaise with your landscaper, and may be involved in planting.

_I can work across North East England and beyond._

Garden consultation I can visit and give you advice on your garden. I can also write reports. For example, I have written documents listing plants for a garden with dogs, or suggesting techniques, species, and suppliers for a wildflower meadow. I have over a decade of experience working for community gardening projects, so I can offer advice and reports to new projects. I also have an interest in new technologies in the garden. I can work across North East England and beyond, including online.

Supported and Assisted gardening and garden tutoring I have experience working in community and supported gardening with people with learning disabilities, and have also supported clients who have dementia to garden.. I have Disabled clients who I assist to garden themselves. If you are a novice gardener, I can show you the gardening basics. My approach is to respect the abilities of my clients and to do my best to enable clients to carry on gardening. I work in the Forest Hall area if I need to bring tools, and Newcastle/North Tyneside areas if tools are provided.

Garden maintenance, pruning, planting, and gradual improvement Let me take on the work in your garden. I specialise in borders and pruning, however I can carry out all garden maintenance tasks except tree work, high hedges, and work at height. I work with the nature and don’t use pesticides, and can help improve the wildlife-friendliness of your garden, while making your garden a beautiful place to relax. If you have borders to plant, I can also help. I work in the Forest Hall area.

Workshops and events I can bring a gardening or wildlife-friendly, or nature craft activity to your event. I have experience of working with adults and children of all abilities. From sowing salads and planting chillies, to planting up community spaces, to making natural wreathes, to making insect hotels, to turning children into butterflies. I can also work with other practioners if you want bring upcycling and recycling activites and green technology demonstrations to your event. I work across th North East.

Garden writing I can write on gardening, from how-tos, to plant recommendations, to garden technology, and reviews of open gardens. From catalogues to blogs to short form social media to magazines. I do this work remotely

Where do I work: I have a base in the Forest Hall area of North Tyneside and I only do garden maintenance in this area for logistical reasons. However I can travel around North East England and beyond for garden design, garden consultancy, events, and project-based work. Supported, assisted and garden tutoring depends on whether I need to bring tools. _ I write remotely._

Please get in touch. f you would like to speak to me about any of my services, please email on helendawe [at] live [dot] co [dot] uk.

[helendawe]

It’s crazy that countries on the edge of the Sahara desert are reversing desertification by just digging half circles

[helendawe]

[helendawe]

[helendawe]

If you live in the UK, please sign this petition. petition.parliament.uk/petitions…

[helendawe]

Food & Solidarity (and organisation I’m a member of) are supporting Dennis and we will do direct action if needed, but he’s really been, and going, through the mill with this. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nort…