In 1965 my great grandmother Mary-Jane had the tribute of being pictured in the local paper; her Yucca plant had eventually flowered after 20 years. This may not sound too much of an achievement but she lived in Derbyshire, a County in England not known for its warm and sunny climate and in the 1960’s it was very unusual to find such a rarity.

 

I can still remember the excitement of visiting her when I was a young child, not just because there was an outside loo and a tin bath in the kitchen, which for some unknown reason seemed to fascinate me! But also for her stunning garden, I can still remember it now, walking along the winding path leading through the beautiful flower beds, through the archway to the vegetable garden, all so tidy and pristine, and of course the yucca tree taking pride of place.

 

This small Victorian house was magical to me as a child, just taking a peek into the sitting room was a treat, used only occasionally, and even then only for very important visitors! Her cherished ornaments, cacti and house plants all displayed to perfection, looking so stunning and inviting. I didn’t realise it then and it really only dawned on me when I began studying my family history many years ago, that so many generations of my family were such proud and keen gardeners, plant lovers and with a love of interior décor.

 

Mary-Jane passed her love of all things plants and gardening to her youngest daughter, my wonderful Nana, who loved and tended to the plants in her home and gardens no matter where she lived throughout the years. They were truly stunning.  She was a natural gardener and by the time I was in my teens and she was living on a farm, I loved nothing more than spending my holidays with her, when we would chat and so without me even realising, she was teaching me so much about plants and living a self-sufficient and environmentally friendly way of life. It’s something I care about and is important to me, more so now than ever.    

 

It really wasn’t unusual to walk in to find orphaned animals being cared for in baskets by the Aga, cakes baking and my Nana making cheese or churning butter. I’m pretty sure that it’s because of those amazing childhood memories why for the past 25 years I’ve lived in a converted barn in a very rural area of Somerset, living the “good life” as best as I can through all the ups and downs of everyday life.

 

Of course if it wasn’t for my dear Mum, who had always filled our family home with succulents and cacti, I wouldn’t have taken this massive leap from looking after her plants, to now enjoying “Succulent Interiors” 

 

My hobby has become my passion and is something I care about. Succulent Interiors is working hard expanding, and it's exciting that Amber & Jacky have now joined the team.

 

We are so pleased that our products & plants are also available in shops in both Wellington & Taunton, Somerset. My aim is to create something which is enjoyable and fun, and to help inspire feelings of happiness and wellbeing for ourselves and in our homes.