Modern heroes of horticulture - Sophie van Gerwen
Most of us were affected by the Covid lockdown of 2020. None more so than Sophie van Gerwen whose contraction of the disease and the subsequent debilitating effects of long-covid prevented her from returning to her job as a full time primary school teacher after a 20-year career.
During her slow recovery, visits to the garden, tending her plants, and sowing seeds helped as part of her healing journey. “Sowing seeds is very much a mindful activity that focuses the mind on that moment rather than worrying what else is happening” says Sophie. With her physical and mental health greatly improved and bolstered by her horticultural activities during this tricky time, she felt compelled to share her experience and knowledge with others. Like many during that time, online communication was a lifeline and along with friend Helier, what started as a simple WhatsApp group chat among gardening enthusiasts blossomed into meaningful friendships during the lockdown period. As the virtual community grew closer, they began sharing gardening tips and supporting each other's horticultural endeavours. Eventually, the group transitioned from digital connections to real-world meetings, with Helier and Sophie taking their passion a step further by establishing cutting gardens where they could nurture plants from seeds.
Sophie’s previous account on Instagram ‘Old House in the Shires’ had followers watching the progress of her new-build project. Gardening had started to creep in but after an irretrievable hack with the account becoming inaccessible, Sophie decided to concentrate on her real passion and a new account ‘Floral Days in the Shires’ was born. With sowing tips, floristry advice, and fabulous practical projects to carry out in the garden, Sophie has built up a following of 45,000 actively engaged followers.
The passion has now morphed into Sophie and Helier offering courses in growing from seed for your borders or cutting gardens. Extremely popular the courses boast 100% member satisfaction while 63% return to book a second course.
Enrolment for courses in 2025 starts in mid January. Sophie and Helier guide you through creating your own cutting garden, whether in borders, planters, or pots. They’ll teach you when to sow, transplant, and maintain a variety of flowers - from hardy annuals to perennials, dahlias to chrysanthemums. You’ll also learn essential skills like managing pests, growing bulbs, and selecting the right compost. Combine a vibrant private Facebook group with Sophie’s passion and enthusiasm and it’s no wonder more than half of her course attendees come back for more.
Full details can be found on the website www.sowsandgrows.co.uk
