Ali Smith - Director  Jerry White - Director

Alistair smith

 I started as a gardener about 12 years ago after spending 4 years as a tree surgeon. I already had a qualification in horticulture so it seemed a natural thing for me to do.  After enjoying a summer of that I gave up tree climbing and concentrated on gardening full time. After 3 or 4 years I was made grounds maintenance manager of the company I was working for as well as being head gardener of a country house that contained a large kitchen garden, formal lawns herbaceous borders.

Jerry White

I have always enjoyed gardens and gardening. My interest grew whilst having my own garden and allotment. From that point I decided to become a landscape gardener. I gave up my place as a fireplace fitter in  the family business and enrolled in a course in landscape design and surveying. Whilst studying I worked part time at the Bristol University Botanic Gardens, where I gained valuable horticultural knowledge.

Alastair and Jerry met at Cannington College studying landscape design and surveying. We realised we had similar ideas, values and aspirations, and decided to start Secret Garden. We started the business towards the end of 2005, and since then we haven’t looked back. We have met many interesting people and their gardens and find the whole experience positive and fulfilling.