I studied horticulture at Houghall college Durham in 1988/89 and worked at Peter Barratt's garden centre, Beamish Clematis nursery and Cowells as well as working for myself. I also worked for six year for the National Trust where I trained as a countryside ranger.
Show more
2 customer reviews
Sheila burgess
Gardening
So pleased to have had a visit from Mr Grundy this morning and arranged an appointment for him to carry out the task in our garden. I will let you know how the removal of the shrubs turns out. More...
Luke Brown
Gardening
John looked at the job when he said he would, called as promised and quoted a fair price. Excellent so far, thank you.
Justina Grundy
A very thorough and comprehensive site which covers many aspects of gardening and wild life. Beautifully illustrated. An impressed viewer.
Reviewed on Facebook
Mark Bewley
John Really Knows His Stuff 5 Stars :-) .
Reviewed on Facebook
What do you love most about your job?
Each day is inspiring and I get to be outside, talking to friendly folk around the region and spending time in pleasant surroundings. Creating wildlife friendly gardens and encouraging people to adapt how they use their gardens, to relax in rather than work in, is very satisfying.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Wildlife gardening is quite a niche thing. After years of studying and working in horticulture followed by years working in conservation for the National Trust & Durham Wildlife Trust I decided to combine the two disciplines. Being able to create relaxing spaces for people to enjoy that don't require hours of weekly work is a great thing.
I have several gardening videos on my Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCujT9VMo5gyMFC55CKbLN9Q
Why should our clients choose you?
I studied horticulture at Houghall college in Durham back in 1888/89. This gave me an in depth training in all aspects of the industry and a vast plant knowledge. So many businesses proclaiming to be gardeners are essentially doing building work such as patios and drives, fences and walling. Their actual plant knowledge is seriously lacking. I like to be tested by the clients if they bring out plants or flowers for me to identify. You wouldn't hire the postman to re wire your house so why employ a brick layer to tend to your garden?
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
I can offer consultation advice via online chat or video calls.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Gardening is essentially a remote and isolated job. Meeting with new customers is always done at a respectable distance. While working in peoples gardens I am always aware of hygiene issues such as gate or door handles and wear gloves most of the time to reduce risks of contamination.
Pond Design Construction & Maintenance
Design and creation of new wildlife friendly ponds.
Pump and filter installation and annual maintenance
Ponds with cascades and other pump fed installations.
Natural ponds without pumps and filters.
Supply of native aquatic plants including marginals, deep water, emergent and surface cover.
Advice and consultation on pond management, problems and solutions.
Making ponds safe for children.
Working with schools to establish wildlife friendly gardens.
Giving talks to local interest groups about ponds & pond life.
Wild Flower Meadows & Lawns
Designing and creating wild flower lawns and meadows.
Weed treatments.
Soil preparation.
Supply and sowing of UK native wild flower species.
Accredited installer for wildflowerturf.co.uk
Guarantee no exotic species.
Traditional management techniques for wild flower lawns and meadows.
On going maintenance of wild flower meadows and lawns.
Giving talks to local interest groups about wild flower lawns and meadows.
Regular Garden Maintenance.
Grass cutting
Hedge cutting
Weeding
Composting
Planting
Mulching
Pruning
Leaf clearing
Pond maintenance & cleaning
Jet washing & re sanding paths & drives.
Consultation & advice
Giving my clients sound horticultural advice can save them time and money as well as allow them to make the best decisions regarding their gardens.
Mediating in hedge and tree disputes is a common request. Helping neighbours settle on an approach that brnefits both parties.
Sourcing plants, seeds, tools, sheds and all things garden related to help clients achieve their gardening goals.