After 25 years with Johnsons, Claire has been an integral part of our success. Her dedication, expertise, and hard work have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for her continued contributions. Here’s to celebrating this impressive milestone and many more years ahead!
1) What inspired you to pursue a career in horticulture, and what has kept you passionate about it over the past 25 years?
I never intended to pursue a career in horticulture—it happened by accident. I studied forestry and worked at a nursery propagating trees from cuttings and seeds. An opportunity arose to work at Johnsons, and since I wanted to work with plants and be outdoors, it seemed like the right move. Over the years, seeing new varieties emerge and witnessing how plant fashions evolve has kept me passionate.
2) What has made you stay at Johnsons for all of these years?
I stayed at Johnsons because I felt it was time to settle down. Before joining, I had moved around Ireland and England for short-term work contracts. Johnsons provided the stability I was looking for.
3) What was your first role at the nursery, and how has your role evolved over time?
My first role was at Ryther near Tadcaster, where we grafted and grew trees. During the winter, I worked at Newlands with bare-root trees. Over time, my role evolved to focus more on customer interactions, particularly in the cash and carry section. It’s a much cleaner job now and more customer-facing compared to my early days.
4) What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the horticultural industry over the years?
The biggest change has been the growing acceptance of health and safety measures. It’s great to see safer work practices being implemented across the industry, as they help protect people rather than hinder progress.
5) Favourite plant variety and why?
My favorite plants are Viburnums due to their diversity. I have two in my garden: Viburnum tinus, a large evergreen that flowers early in the year and serves as a screen for my neighbor’s garage, and Viburnum Mariesii, which grows in beautiful, flattened tiers with lace cap flowers in summer. Its autumn leaves turn a stunning red before falling.
6) Share a memorable moment from your time at Johnsons:
One memorable moment was when the BBC filmed a garden design competition at the cash and carry. Staff members teamed up with contestants to help gather plants for their designs. It was fascinating to see how the filming was done, and after the program aired, two of the contestants became loyal customers of Johnsons.
7) What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding aspect is when customers return with photos of their finished gardens, showing our plants thriving. It’s fulfilling to see how an idea on paper transforms into a living, growing space that brings joy to the end client.
8) What’s the strangest plant-related question a customer has asked you?
While discussing hedging with a customer, they asked, “Which size do I have to get so I don’t have to water it?” That was definitely one of the strangest questions I’ve heard!
9) If plants could talk, which one do you think would have the most interesting story?
The large Sycamore on the nursery boundary near the F-beds would likely have the most interesting story. It’s like the guardian of the nursery, having witnessed the development of Johnsons and the entire surrounding landscape over the years.
Posted 19th Dec 11:53am
