Whilst employed as Outdoor Manager at Notcutts Garden Centre in St Albans it became apparent to Jane that although the greater majority of the customers were keen to develop their gardens they had little or no knowledge of how this could be achieved.  It was during her time there that she first started preparing planting plans for customers.  This led to preparation of the clients’ site and planting.  The satisfaction Jane felt after completing the gardens and seeing the obvious pleasure that the owners felt she decided to put all her efforts into the venture.  So with her RHS qualifications and design acumen she formed Gardens and Design.

Not new to design, having had a successful interior design accessory business for twelve years, designing manufacturing and selling curtain accessories, picture hooks and picture frames to name just a few items to all the major stores and better gift shops in the UK.   Exclusive designs were made for companies such as Liberty of London and Harrods and there was an excellent export business to most countries throughout the world.

 The reason for the change from interiors to exteriors was due to her love, in fact passion for plants and flowers and her obvious great interest in them.  She continues to study for the pleasure of increasing her knowledge.  She has been described as an ‘anorak’ about plants which not only amused her but made her feel very proud of her commitment to the love of plants and gardens.

 ‘Many of my customers just wanted an outside area to relax in but have now become budding gardeners themselves, watching the seasons change through their handiwork.  I love to think I have helped them realise the wonders of nature.’

 Jane Cooper