Bee Archer
Trowbridge,Wiltshire
Summary
- I very much enjoy working in the horticultural retail sector and hope that my experience as a professional gardener and retail assistant will be an asset within your team.
- Following in the footsteps of a long family tradition of keen gardeners, I completed the RHS Level 2 Theory and Practical Diploma at Lackham College in 2021.
- After leaving Lackham, I was able to gain experience in a broad range of practical skillsets and have kept up-to-date with new ideas and developments on my allotment and through short courses.
- This transition follows on from a successful career in hair and make-up for film, TV and west-end theatre, where I gained invaluable life/people skills. A hardworking, dependable and can-do approach has been key to my work ethos.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
Work history
Garden Centre Assistant
Allington Garden Centre
Chippenham, Wiltshire
2021.09 - 2024.04
- Part time.
- Responsible for opening and closing proceedures.
- Processing payments.
- Providing a friendly high customer service.
- Advice on planting ‘right plant, right place‘. Pruning, composting and correct nutrient requirements.
- Advising on various pest and disease treatments and possible nutrient deficiencies.
- Advising customers on herbaceous borders, bulbs, seed sowing, vegetable growing, lawn care and seasonal gardening maintenance.
- Tips on plant care and handling.
- Watering plants and maintaining an orderly shop floor.
- Stocking up and displays.
- Unloading, processing and pricing deliveries.
- Helping customers load compost into their cars.
Volunteer Garden Worker
Lackham College
Lacock, Wiltshire
2021.09 - Current
- Supporting the horticulture team with maintaining public and student areas for safety.
- Since the volunteering scheme began, we have vastly improved the college grounds.
- Maintenance in the tropical hothouse greenhouses.
- The college now has a National Rose Collection which we helped to plant and establish for the National Trust.
Garden Sales Assistant
Hugo and Green
Brighton, Brighton and Hove
2023.12 - 2023.12
- Working in a busy store over the Christmas season.
- This privately owned indoor plant shop is an interior tropical rainforest. The owner and visionary, John Kitchin, is an expert in interior and tropical plants.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting plants, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Creating terrariums.
Gardener Labourer
Bath Garden Design
Bath, Bath and North East Somerset
2021.07 - 2023.03
- Working on new and established designs, in gardens and estates.
- Supporting a team environment.
- Improved herbaceous borders through planting, dividing, weeding, seasonal pruning and cutting back.
- Managed seasonal maintenance of climbers, shrubs, woodland gardens.
- Installing planting designs.
- Composting methods and maintenance.
- Winter and summer pruning of trees, shrubs, top and soft fruit, espalier and roses.
- Lawn laying, maintenance and care.
- Kitchen garden: successional sowing, planting, harvesting and weekly maintenance throughout the year.
- No dig practices when requested.
- Hazel structures.
- Rewilding.
Hair and Make-up Artist
Film, TV and West End Theatres
, International
1981.07 - 2018.10
- Strong team player.
- Good communication skills and work ethic.
- Adaptable to working with people of all ages and backgrounds.
- A flexible approach was always required, while working under pressure to fulfill tight deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- I am punctual, adaptable and hard working.
Education
RHS Horticulture Level 2 Diploma, Lackham College
02/2020 - 10/2021
Further Advanced Pruning Skills, Lackham College
02/2022 -
New Sustainability Methods, Lackham College
05.2023
2 Day No Dig Course, Charles Dowling
06/2022 -
References: On request.
Skills
- Reliable, punctual and hardworking
- High customer service even when multitasking
- 5 years retail experience in a large diverse store
- Experienced in cash handling and till operations
- Maintaining high store standards, replenishing stock and visual merchandising
- Positive and helpful
- Self motivated and great team player
- Strong communicator
Timeline
Garden Sales Assistant
Hugo and Green
2023.12 - 2023.12
Garden Centre Assistant
Allington Garden Centre
2021.09 - 2024.04
Volunteer Garden Worker
Lackham College
2021.09 - Current
Gardener Labourer
Bath Garden Design
2021.07 - 2023.03
Hair and Make-up Artist
Film, TV and West End Theatres
1981.07 - 2018.10
RHS Horticulture Level 2 Diploma, Lackham College
02/2020 - 10/2021
Further Advanced Pruning Skills, Lackham College
02/2022 -
2 Day No Dig Course, Charles Dowling
06/2022 -
New Sustainability Methods, Lackham College
References: On request.