Gabriel's Garden in Gissing raises awareness of cut-flower industry and composting

Inspired by a talk about composting, the owner of Gabriel’s Garden has decided to make her business even more sustainable.

Gabi Reid opened up her garden in Gissing to the public for an introduction to composting and has decided to hold an open day on Saturday, August 17 in collaboration with Norfolk Master Composters.

“The main focus for the day is to raise awareness of the cut-flower industry and have a look at composting and butterfly and bee identification,” said the 52-year-old.

“People know that they need to do something but they are not quite sure how and I just feel like it’s a great opportunity to explore how I can show people how it can be done.”

The mum-of-four grows around 100 different flowers and plants without the use of chemicals, pesticides or gylphosates.

To keep natural enemies away, she grows plants that will encourage hoverflies and ladybirds to maintain a good balance in the garden.

“Being environmentally-conscious is at the heart of the business. The biodiversity in the garden is very important to me and I grow flowers organically,” said Mrs Reid, who wants to reduce the amount of compost she buys.

She added: “Buying a product that had to travel and be dug up from quite important natural sites to then be used in our gardens isn’t sustainable.

“I’m looking at ways to encourage and inspire people to use the materials that they generate within their own gardens and houses to create nutritious, organic compost.”

Gabriel’s Garden was born out of a lifelong love and passion for the countryside and the native flora and fauna. It first opened more than six years ago.

Her country garden flowers are inspired and designed according to the season.

Mrs Reid hopes to host another composting day in the near future, which will be announced on her website.

The garden open day takes place on Saturday, August 17, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Entry is £3.50 and dogs on leads are welcome.