Discover Anna McLoughlin, the promising young landscaper carving out her niche in a field primarily dominated by men.
In the heart of the British countryside, a budding gardener named Anna Landscapes finds solace and inspiration in the simple beauty of nature. Her passion for horticulture began with a casual appreciation for the humble daisy (Bellis perennis), admiring their little white and yellow heads as they dot the garden.
Anna's life took a turn when she discovered the Cornus controversa 'Variegata', also known as the wedding cake tree. This unique tree, with its striking variegated bark, became a symbol of her journey into the world of gardening.
Throughout her journey, Anna has learned to embrace failures and mistakes as opportunities for growth. She encourages others to follow suit, reminding them that there's always room to improve and learn in the ever-evolving field of gardening.
One of Anna's most cherished gardens is the walled garden at Glenarm Castle, in County Antrim. The enchanting garden, with its beautiful herbaceous borders, calming water features, a kitchen garden, and a charming glasshouse dating back to the 1820s, left an indelible mark on her. In fact, Anna had the privilege of working at this very garden during her work experience.
Anna's time at Greenmount was equally valuable. The Level 3 course provided a comprehensive blend of theory and practical learning, helping her to hone her skills and ultimately decide on a career path. It was during this time that she was introduced to Mark Gregory of Landform, whose enthusiasm and passion for the industry inspired her to want to work for him.
Mark Gregory's influence on Anna's career has been significant. Anna met him at a talk in Dublin, and his insights and wisdom continue to guide her in her gardening pursuits.
Anna offers several practical tips for fellow gardeners. She advises starting small and enjoying the learning journey, with the opportunity to try more and more things as knowledge builds. Understanding the soil type is crucial, as it helps determine what plants will thrive in the garden. And, of course, getting to know the garden itself - where the sun hits the ground and where the shady spots are - is essential for successful gardening.
Anna is a firm believer in sustainability and encourages every gardener to make their own compost. This simple, eco-friendly practice saves energy, reduces waste, and cuts out transport and packaging costs.
In her personal garden, Anna favours the cottage planting style for its abundance of color, soft appearance, and immersive quality.
As she continues to grow her knowledge and skills in the gardening industry, Anna shares her journey and love for nature through her Instagram account, @anna_landscapes_. Her beautiful photographs and insightful gardening tips have earned her a dedicated following.
Portrait credit for Anna Landscapes goes to Andrew Montgomery. With her passion, dedication, and continuous learning, Anna Landscapes is a shining example of what it means to be a gardener.
Anna's fascination with gardening began with the humble daisy, leading her to discover the unique Cornus controversa 'Variegata'. Embracing failures and mistakes in her journey, she encourages others to treat learning opportunities as stepping stones in the field of gardening. Anna worked at the enchanting walled garden at Glenarm Castle, and her time at Greenmount provided a blend of theory and practical learning, influencing her career decision. Mark Gregory's insights and wisdom were instrumental to Anna's gardening pursuits, guiding her to aspire for a role at Landform. Anna recommends starting small, understanding soil types, and getting to know the garden layout for successful gardening. Adopting sustainable practices such as making homemade compost saves energy, reduces waste, and contributes to a greener environment. In her personal garden, Anna prefers the vibrant and immersive cottage planting style. Documenting her gardening journey and love for nature on Instagram @anna_landscapes, Anna shares her passion with a dedicated following, all while showcasing her dedication to her craft. Her work in gardening symbolizes a shining example of what it means to be a gardener. Photography credit: Andrew Montgomery.
