Sarah Smith
Bridport,Dorset
Summary
Skilled horticulturist with extensive knowledge of plant species and propagation techniques. Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including volunteers and individuals with disabilities. Highly organized with strong managerial and record-keeping skills, committed to sustainable environmental practices. Excellent observational skills enable informed decision-making and effective problem-solving.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Gardener
Self Employed
Bridport, Dorset
2012.09 - Current
- Maintaining a number of private gardens of various sizes
- Shrub and herbaceous border maintenance, grass cutting, fruit tree pruning, vegetable and fruit growing
- Garden design and planting
- Organising work days
- Communicating ideas and plans with customers
Nursery and garden centre manager
Swallowdale Nurseries
Bridport, Dorset
2005.03 - 2006.03
- General care of a wide range of plants for sale to the public
- Labelling, pricing and arranging sales area
- Ordering stock and supplies
- Advising and answering customer questions
Gardener
Forde Abbey
Chard, Somerset
2005.02 - 2005.03
- All aspects of garden maintenance
- Landscaping
- The use of garden machinery including tractors
- This was temporary employment to cover an employees absence
Propagation Mnager
Everton Nurseries
Lymington, Hampshire
2000.04 - 2004.12
- Organising, supervising and teaching up to five seasonal staff in the propagating department
- Making decisions on the collection, preparation and care of cuttings of various plants including shrubs, herbaceous perennials, alpines and herbs
- Seed sowing
- Chip and T budding fruit trees
- Management of glasshouse environments
- Pest and disease control
- Care of stock plants
- Ordering of supplies
- Communication with nursery owners
Propagation Supervisor
Aline Fairweathers Ltd
Beaulieu, Hampshire
1990.03 - 1998.12
- Supervision of up to eight staff
- Collection and care of cuttings
- Care and maintenance of stock plants
- Management of glasshouse environments
- Pest and disease control and watering
- Labelling and record keeping
- Observation and monitoring
- Communication with managers and other departments
Education
HND - Horticulture
Sparsholt Horticulural College
Winchester, Hampshire 2000.09 - 2003.06
GCSEs -
Applemore School
Southampton 1982.09 - 1988.06
Skills
- Excellent plant knowledge
- Experience in a wide variety of propagation techniques
- Great communication skills
- Experience of working with volunteers and people of all ages, some with different disabilities and learning difficulties
- Highly organised with excellent managerial and record keeping skills
- Great observation and commitment to environmental practices
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems
Certification
Advanced Garden Design course, Kingston Maurward College
I have completed three courses with the charity Thrive
Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Practice
What is Social and Therapeutic Horticulture
What is Green Care
I have volunteered at a horticultural therapy allotment for four years. This has included teaching and working with people with various disabilities and illnesses to help with their mental health.
I have helped to run my children's primary school gardening club for around four years. This has included developing a wildlife area, pond and vegetable growing with children aged four to eleven
CSTF Safeguarding Adults Level 3 training course
CPR and the use of AEDs training
Employment gaps
From 2006 to 2012 I was bringing up two children and running the home
1999 was spent travelling in Southern France
After leaving school I had some temporary work, including on nurseries before permanent employment at Aline Fairweathers Ltd
Timeline
Gardener
Self Employed
2012.09 - Current
Nursery and garden centre manager
Swallowdale Nurseries
2005.03 - 2006.03
Gardener
Forde Abbey
2005.02 - 2005.03
HND - Horticulture
Sparsholt Horticulural College
2000.09 - 2003.06
Propagation Mnager
Everton Nurseries
2000.04 - 2004.12
Propagation Supervisor
Aline Fairweathers Ltd
1990.03 - 1998.12
GCSEs -
Applemore School
1982.09 - 1988.06