Dawn Williams
Hexham ,Northumberland
Summary
Experienced Gardener known for transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant, thriving gardens. Skilled in landscape design, plant care, and pest control, resulting in healthier, more beautiful environments. Recognised for creating sustainable garden solutions and enhancing green spaces for residential and commercial properties.
Highly Focused with impressive track record with clients over the years.
Passionate gardening professional with knowledge to cultivate and maintain stunning outdoor spaces. Uses meticulous attention to detail for quality results.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work history
Self employed Gardener
The Natural Garden Company
, Dorset/Devon/Somerset
2017.04 - Current
- Suggested eco-friendly gardening practices to clients-environmental awareness heightened as a result.
- Planted seasonal flowers for a vibrant garden aesthetic.
- Organised work schedule effectively-all tasks completed in timely manner.
- Created compost heaps from garden waste, improving soil fertility over time.
- Selected suitable plants according to location and season-optimised growth achieved throughout year.
- Assisted in landscape design projects to create attractive green spaces.
- Cultivated vegetables and herbs, encouraging sustainable living habits amongst clients.
- Constructed flower beds to increase biodiversity in garden area.
- Checked plants regularly to detect diseases early on.
- Took care of gardening equipment, prolonging its lifespan.
- Removed weeds regularly, promoting healthier growth for desired plants.
- Pruned overgrown shrubs, enhancing garden's overall look.
- Performed regular lawn mowing to maintain neat appearance.
- Maintained client gardens whilst they were away on holiday-peace of mind ensured upon their return.
- Enhanced property appeal by maintaining and nurturing plant life.
- Skilfully performed wide range of garden-related tasks including weeding, mowing, strimming, pruning, hedge trimming and planting.
- Pruned and trimmed trees and bushes.
- Performed routine grass cutting and general maintenance of green spaces and communal areas.
- Used wide range of hand tools, horticultural machinery and powered hand tools.
- Completed planning, digging and weeding of flower beds and borders.
- Disposed of litter and organic waste following proper procedure.
- Managed seasonal maintenance of flowers, shrubs, walled gardens, woodland gardens and parks.
- Improved herbaceous borders through weeding, seasonal pruning and cutting back.
- Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by proactively listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Coordinated with other gardeners for larger landscaping projects-team efficiency increased as result.
- Planned and executed solo projects to improve garden design capabilities.
- Identified and carried out seasonal tasks including transporting established plants, autumn law care and mulching.
- Maintained plant condition through considered pruning, trimming and treatment.
- Mowed and trimmed lawns for well-manicured garden presentation.
- Scheduled daily, weekly and seasonal gardening tasks to organise workload.
- Gathered and planted seeds and cuttings to maximise nursery output.
- Transformed outdoor spaces by creating bespoke garden designs.
- Honed skills in horticulture, enhancing knowledge of plant varieties and care requirements.
- Incorporated various textures through wise plant selection, enhancing sensory experience of outdoor space.
- Worked closely with clients to understand their preferences and needs.
Freelance Photographer
Dawn Potter Photography
, Dorset
2010.02 - 2018.12
- Established a wedding photograph service, small intimate to large weddings.
- Established a portrait studio with returning clients.
- Collaborated with clients and suppliers to understand their vision for resulting in personalised photo shoots, commercial shoots for high end home accessories.
- Studied composition rules but also broke them intentionally creating unique photographic effects.
- Gained mastery over various photo editing software enhancing final image quality.
- Conducted comprehensive research for developing innovative photography ideas.
- Photographed high-quality images for both print and internet distribution.
- Collaborated with other photographers during large-scale events.
- Archived photos on computers and servers to retain safe image back-ups.
- Developed innovative concepts for photo shoots, from initial ideas to creation to showcase products in impactful ways.
- Managed appointment bookings for private photoshoots and commercial studio sessions.
- Identified suitable locations for outdoor shoots enhancing overall visual effect.
- Established strong relationships with clients based on trust and reliability leading to repeat business.
- Edited photos using software like Adobe Photoshop ensuring delivery of best possible prints for clients.
- Streamlined workflow by maintaining and organising equipment effectively.
- Maintained a creative portfolio showcasing work attracting prospective clients.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality photographs.
- Specialised in wedding photography providing timely services without compromising on quality.
- Excelled in capturing candid moments preserving authenticity of events and emotions.
- Created strong rapport with clients during photo shoots, helping to capture individual personality in each image.
- Resized photographs for use on social media platforms and websites.
- Took portraits of individuals, families and groups at interior and exterior locations.
- Composed pictures with creative and technical eye for detail.
- Worked with customers to bring creative visions to life for special events.
Aids and Adaption Officer -temporary post
West Dorset County Council
Dorchester , Dorset
2009.02 - 2010.02
- Provided customer service to improve overall visitor experience.
- Wrote detailed reports, aiding in case documentation.
- Increased operational efficiency by streamlining administrative processes.
- Maintained high standards of personal conduct, contributing to a positive work environment.
- Responded promptly and effectively to emergencies using established protocols.
Social housing team leader
East Devon district council
Sidmouth, Devon
2006.09 - 2008.11
- Collaborated with social services agencies for support of vulnerable residents.
- Facilitated rent collections, resulting in timely payments from tenants.
- Ensured tenant satisfaction by effectively resolving housing complaints.
- Supervised day-to-day operations; maintained an orderly and efficient housing environment.
- Oversaw move-in and move-out processes, reducing damage to properties.
Housing officer
Magna Housing Authority
Dorchester , Dorset
2003.02 - 2006.09
- Assisted in the development of neighbourhood initiatives promoting harmony amongst residents.
- Facilitated resident meetings, leading to better communication and understanding between tenants and management.
- Provided advice on welfare benefits facilitating increased financial stability for residents.
- Managed rent arrears cases, helping tenants devise repayment plans thus reducing overall debt levels in properties managed.
- Fostered positive relationships with local agencies for improved community engagement.
- Assessed suitability of applicants for social housing reducing instances of tenancy failures.
- Mediated disputes between tenants, resulting in a peaceful living environment.
- Enhanced tenant satisfaction by providing timely and effective resolution of housing issues.
- Advised tenants on their rights and responsibilities fostering mutual respect between landlords and occupants.
- Promoted tenant participation in decision-making processes enhancing sense of community ownership.
- Managed rent arrears cases, helping tenants devise repayment plans thus reducing overall debt levels in properties managed. I had the lowest arrears for one of the biggest areas. Taking arrears from £106,000 to £65,000.
- Conducted periodic visits, reporting issues and incidents in line with procedure.
- Maintained impeccable condition of properties, monitoring delivery of reactive repairs to deliver high standard of housing in line with laws and regulations.
- Delivered reliable housing management service for 560 rented properties across West Dorset.
- Maintained robust complaint management system to help boost tenant satisfaction.
- Kept organised and up-to-date files to document management of 560 properties.
Education
RHS Level 2 - Horticulture
Learning With Experts
Online 01/2025 -
Certificate of Higher Education - Garden Design
Bridgewater College
Somerset 01/2025 - 03/2025
HND - Housing
Southampton University
Hampshire 09/2004 - 05/2006
A-Levels - Photography
Weymouth College
Dorset 09/1990 - 05/1992
HNC - Art and Design
Weymouth College
Dorset 09/1990 - 05/1992
GCSEs -
Filton High School
Bristol 09/1984 - 05/1989
Skills
- Perennial border design
- Experience with power tools
- Efficient organising
- Greenhouse operation
- Strimmer use
- Vegetable growing
- Compost making
- Plant identification
- Eco-Friendly practices
- Sustainable gardening
- Sensory garden creation
- Creative visioning
- Creating wildlife habitats
- Allotment management
- Familiar with gardening tools
- Shrub maintenance
- Raised bed construction
- Garden planning
- Knowledge of ph levels
- Weather adaptability
- Plant maintenance
- Woodland management
- Diverse plant knowledge
- Garden designing
- Fruit tree maintenance
- Plant supply sourcing
- Lawnmower operation
- Hedge cutting
- Soil preparation
- Horticultural knowledge
Affiliations
- Running, Walking, Cooking, Socialising, Social History, Reading, Gardening.
Timeline
Self employed Gardener
The Natural Garden Company
2017.04 - Current
Freelance Photographer
Dawn Potter Photography
2010.02 - 2018.12
Aids and Adaption Officer -temporary post
West Dorset County Council
2009.02 - 2010.02
Social housing team leader
East Devon district council
2006.09 - 2008.11
Housing officer
Magna Housing Authority
2003.02 - 2006.09
RHS Level 2 - Horticulture
Learning With Experts
01/2025 -
Certificate of Higher Education - Garden Design
Bridgewater College
01/2025 - 03/2025
HND - Housing
Southampton University
09/2004 - 05/2006
A-Levels - Photography
Weymouth College
09/1990 - 05/1992
HNC - Art and Design
Weymouth College
09/1990 - 05/1992
GCSEs -
Filton High School
09/1984 - 05/1989