Torquay Garden Centre
Meet Pauline
Welcome to my little corner of Torquay, where nature thrives and gardening is not just a hobby but a way of life. I’m Pauline, the heart and soul behind Pauline’s Plants. Today, I’m excited to share my journey with you, from my roots in Birmingham to becoming the proud owner of what I affectionately call “Torquay’s Smallest Garden Centre.”
In 2018, I made the life-changing decision to relocate to Torquay with my beloved family: my husband, Craig, and my amazing daughter, Anna. Before that, I was immersed in the world of education, serving as a Secondary Science teacher for 14 years. Little did I know that my true passion was just waiting to blossom, quite literally, in the form of gardening.
My gardening adventure began in my early twenties, sparked by the fond memories of helping my grandparents and my mom tend to their gardens. But it was when I finally had a garden to call my own that my green fingers truly found their purpose. With a modest budget, I got creative, constructing raised beds from salvaged slabs and filling them with an array of plants. Some thrived while others struggled, igniting my curiosity about the intricacies of gardening. This was the moment I delved into researching plant varieties, soil conditions, pruning techniques, and the art of combining them harmoniously.
With each move to a new home, my passion for gardening deepened. I meticulously designed every inch of my garden, considering functionality for Anna, hosting gatherings with friends and family, and creating a serene retreat for Craig and me. I became a garden enthusiast, attending shows, exploring gardens, devouring gardening literature, and even drawing inspiration from a visit to The Gardeners World Live show.
When we settled in Torquay, the urge to transform our bungalow’s garden into a lush paradise consumed me once again. This time, however, I yearned to share the joy of gardening with others. I began growing plants from seeds and offering them to fellow gardening enthusiasts. As I met new people, I noticed a recurring question: “What plants go where?” I couldn’t resist offering guidance and soon found myself visiting gardens to provide advice. It became evident that there was a genuine need for my expertise, a chance to blend my knowledge of plants, design flair, and teaching experience.
As my plant collection grew, so did the need for organised space. And thus, “Torquay’s Smallest Garden Centre” was born right in my backyard. With Craig’s unwavering support, I decided to bid farewell to my teaching career and dedicate myself fully to Pauline’s Plants. On September 1st, 2022, my new journey officially began.
Since then, I’ve immersed myself in a world of plant-related projects, including crafting stunning planting schemes, launching an exciting new online venture in seed growing (Coming soon), creating festive Christmas wreaths, adorning homes with charming hanging baskets, offering plants as thoughtful gifts, nurturing indoor greenery, and of course, selling an ever-growing variety of plants.
I’m here to help you infuse your outdoor and indoor spaces with the magic of nature’s greenery. If you have any questions or projects in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m a creative soul armed with a wealth of knowledge and materials and, more importantly, plants. I look forward to meeting you and collaborating with you to make your spaces bloom.
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