Nicola Rowley’s concern about the falling number of bumble bees set her off on a journey that has ended up with her “dream job” at a specialist plants centre in Shrewsbury.
Her interest in horticulture began through membership of the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust and research into garden plants that support the popular insect.
“I remember setting in my mum’s garden and thinking there were not many bumble bees buzzing around,” explained Nicola, who lives in Buildwas. “I became interested in gardening and really enjoyed it, although I had a very small garden and had to be creative with my planting. I had to really focus on what would attract the bees.”
That led her to study for a Royal Horticultural Society level two certificate in Practical Horticulture, which she achieved whilst working as a researcher for a firm of accountants in Telford. Previously, she had graduated from Aberystwyth University with a creative writing degree.
Now she is putting her gardening knowledge and studies to good use as an assistant at Love Plants, based at Salop Leisure’s headquarters at Emstrey.
“I absolutely love my new job,” confessed Nicola. “It’s like a dream come true and I always have the biggest smile on my face. I think Love Plants is fantastic in terms of the quality of plants we sell and the personal service that we give to customers.”
Love Plants, which opened in 2013, works closely with the highly respected Dingle Nurseries and Derwen Garden Centre at Guilsfield, who supply all the quality plants on offer.
