I didn't always work with plants. I was actually a chef for years, running kitchens around Melbourne. But I had this obsession with my balcony garden—growing herbs, experimenting with native plants, troubleshooting why things died (spoiler: it was always overwatering).

Eventually, I realized I was spending more time researching plants than cooking, so I made the switch. Enrolled in horticulture courses, got my qualifications, and haven't looked back. Best career decision I ever made.

What I love about this job is the detective work. A client calls with yellowing leaves, and it's like solving a puzzle—is it too much sun? Not enough drainage? Nutrient deficiency? I get a genuine thrill from diagnosing problems and watching plants bounce back.

I'm also obsessed with Australian natives. People think natives are boring or hard to maintain, but they're wrong on both counts. When you choose the right species for the right spot, they thrive with minimal fuss and look incredible year-round.