The History of Em's Green Fingers
Growing succulents has always been more than a hobby or a job for me. It has been a part of my identity, a connection to my family, and a source of joy and learning, read more to learn the history of my green fingers.
My growing journey started in the UK, with my grandfather, Reg Slater. He originally started as a hobby grower, and ended up with a family business, The Plant Lovers in 1969.
His daughter Mink, met my father Tim at the Lincoln Cactus Society Show, and this shared passion and interest quickly brought them together, where they settled down in the same village as my grandfather. My father would help my grandfather on the plant nursery, whilst my mother was busy with her florist shop. As time went by, ill health and old age for my grandfather saw the business pass and move to my parents, the other side of the village, and this is subsequently where I and three other siblings were born and raised.
The greenhouses were our playground and we were surround by all these amazing plants, so inevitably the passion and greenfingers passed to each of us. I even worked on the nursery for several years, before moving south in 2000 to marry my now ex-husband.
On the death of my father in 2016, due to a sudden aggresive form of cancer, many of the varieties of plants he had amassed had been relocated to where I lived in the South of England. I had built up quite a private collection, which reflected my love and passion for these unique and resilient plants.
Leaving all of that behind when I divorced and subsequently moved to the USA was one of the hardest decisions I ever made. Yet, starting afresh here in the U.S. has opened new doors and has been a real learning curve. From understanding the different composts to fertilizers, with many available here in the US, that have otherwise been banned due to regulations in the UK, let alone the harsher weather conditions that we have compared to the UK and potential pests.... we don't have groundhogs or chipmunks to deal with in the UK!!.
So it has been a real journey, teaching me about resilience, adaptation, and growth - both for the plants and for myself!
Growing Up in a Family of Green Fingered Plant Enthusiasts
My earliest childhood memories involve running through the greenhouse, getting soil-stained clothes from the dusty soil and the arid dry heat, to the ever present prickly cactus spines in my fingers or knees - Opuntias were the worst!
My family’s business, The Plant Lovers, was one of the oldest Cacti & Succulent nurseries in the UK, nestled in the English countryside on the East Coast, near "Sunny" Skegness. But it wasn’t just about selling plants; it was about nurturing life and sharing that passion with others.
Throughout my younger years, as was the same with my siblings, we all got to help out on the nursery, in the summer particularly, from watering to taking cuttings to attending flower shows. We were actively encouraged to help care and nurture these plants, learning about all the different species, where they originate from and the different care they would need.... England is a long way away and has a very different climate to the likes of Mexico or Madagasca, where some of these plants are native.
In its heyday the family business travelled far and wide throughout the UK, selling our plants at various flower shows, from the world reknown Chelsea Flower Show in London, to smaller events like Ayr in Scotland. We were able reach people who'd only had the luxury of seeing them in books - this was in the days before there was internet!... yep those days did once exist (lol) and our specialty was the sheer diverse range that we grew.
Building My Private Collection
As I grew older, my interest in plants deepened. After my years working for my parents it was time to spread my wings and branch out into the world and I ended up working for the world's leading and oldest Dianthus nursery, which was situated in the South of England. My time here was invaluable, and I have been blessed to have experienced so much at this firm, from learning all about the different cultivars that they grew, to being on the BBC gardening television programmes! I also featured in, and wrote articles, for gardening magazines and newspapers, even a book or two! From starting as a humble secretary, I ended up a shared co-owner of the nursery. This is also where I housed my private plant collection that I had been amassing over many years, some of which I incorporated into the companies specialist collection that they now hold dear.
But after 22 years working there life had become somewhat stagnant, and it was time for a change and a new beginning for me. This new phase has been about discovery and personal growth, new adventures and new beginnings.
Leaving Everything Behind in the UK
In 2023 I met my new partner (now husband) Fred, and we took on the momentous decision of moving to the USA. This meant leaving not only our families, but my private plant collection behind too. It was a difficult decision, I was heartbroken. These were my babies, I had grown up with them - some of them were older than me!! But it was time for a new adventure, time to start something new.
Adapting to New Soil and Climate
The plant culture and climate in the USA is very different to what I know from growing in the UK. I have had to learn new growing techniques, plant and soil preferences and hardiness zones. What will thrive, what wont, plants I have found easy to grow back in the UK suddenly were not and vice versa. Learning about water conditions has been a challenge too. We're on a private well system and I have had to learn the hard way the damage that can be caused if there is too much iron in your water, or what damage a water purifier can do to different plants, and just how quickly it can happen. Sun exposure, the UV and ambient light levels are much stronger here than in the UK and this too can cause its problems.
Yes I've made mistakes and suffered plant losses but, despite all this, I have also had so much joy too and that's what growing plants is all about! I get a great sense of peace and it is very therapeutic when I am surrounded by my babies. They give me immense joy when they start to produce offsets or flowers.
My green fingers are back in action and I look fondly at each of them, reminiscing my childhood days and the happy memories of working with my late father.
Leaving behind what’s familiar can be daunting, but it opens opportunities for new beginnings. Like my father and grandfather before me, this green fingered hobby of mine has the potential to become a business, one I am deeply passionate about and hope will grow, just as I and my plants have grown these last few years.
Final Thoughts on Growing and Starting Over
Starting afresh in a new country has not been easy, but it has allowed me to rediscover my passion and build something new, to approach growing plants with fresh eyes and renewed enthusiasm. Whether it be plants or personal life, growth requires continuous learning and adaptation. With patience and care we can adjust to life's changes.
If you are facing a big change or thinking about starting a garden, remember that growth takes time and effort. Embrace the process, learn from your experiences, and connect with others who share your passion. Your roots may be in one place, but your growth can reach far beyond.
Happy Growing and thanks for reading
Em x
Comments