ANDREA JOHNSON
Kew trained Horticulturist with a 20 year dynamic career based in the UK and the South of France. Motivated individual with exceptional experience in garden management, design and development……
PROFILE
An accomplished, creative and dedicated gardener with a diverse professional background. Proven skills in all aspects of the management of large, private gardens and public greenspaces, including project management and the planning and implementation of creative planting schemes.
A believer in sustainable practices with a keen interest in applying ecological principles wherever possible.
A diplomatic and motivational team leader with a strong emphasis on training and care and attention to detail; an adaptable and personable team member.
Client Testimonials:
“Andrea Johnson has looked af-ter our one-acre garden for the past five years. During that time she has been invaluable, not simply for maintenance but for landscaping, planning and overall management. My wife and I are absent for long periods at a time and it is an enormous relief to be able to leave the garden in her hands with complete confidence that it will be in good order when we return.
From the upkeep of flower beds to the planning and layout of par-terres to pruning and care of all sizes of trees Andrea has dis-played professional knowledge and an acute sensitivity to how my wife and I want the garden to look. We could not be more satis-fied with the result. ”
MICHAEL AND CAROLE JAGO, Ogeu –les-Bains, S. W. FRANCE
“I have worked for a number of years with Andrea and Gary and have always been very happy with the landscape designs supplied and when we have chosen a plan together I have always been very happy with the final installation and planting of projects we have done over the years. The team is very knowledgeable and comes up with great ideas and solutions. ”
MIKE ADAMS, Tabaille, S. W FRANCE.
Career History
Partner - May 2008– Current
AG Botanique (Andrea & Gary Johnson) – Barraute-Camu, Pyrenées Atlantiques
A Micro-Enterprise dedicated to designing and creating private gardens from initial consultations and client briefs to concept stages, full designs and planting plans adapted to realise client’s visions, whilst considering their needs and budget. To compliment this service, the enterprise manages various
maintenance contracts, requiring monthly planning, invoicing and negotiating with clients. A consultation service is also offered, requiring on the spot advice
regarding pest management, plant identification, pruning and planning, enabling clients to manage their own gardens confidently.
Key Projects
Complete site re-design of a rural garden situated in the foothills of the Pyrenées; a very contemporary style, including full plans to encompass a swimming pool surrounded by naturalistic planting, meadow, orchard, and courtyard garden with bold-leaved architectural planting.
Contemporary courtyard garden for the hotel ‘Pont de Legend’ set within the historic, medieval ramparts of Sauveterre-de-Bearn, with an elegant grey, acid green and white themed planting scheme; natural stone hardscaping.
Bold sub-tropical / Mediterranean garden and Japanese style shade garden, designed and installed for owner on the Cap d’Antibes. Hard scaping included two 1920’s styled water features with copper finishing; planting and lighting design created particularly for evening entertaining; resulting setting provided intimate ambiance with night scented flowers, dynamic silhouettes and beautiful pool reflections.
Head Gardener - November 2003 to May 2009
Private Gardener to Dr Mortimer and Lady Sackler – Cap d’Antibes, Alpes
Maritimes
Created and developed plantings within a two hectare Mediterranean garden, resulting in dynamic schemes, adapted to the climate.
Responsible for the management of two permanent staff, various contractors and part time/temporary staff.
Attained a good working knowledge of the French language, particularly within the realms of horticulture, resulting in effective communication and good rapport with staff, contractors and suppliers.
Responsible for the maintenance of the grounds to very exacting standards on a day to day basis; carried out seasonal tasks such as propagating plants and flowers for cutting and display, turf management and all aspects of formative and restorative pruning.
EMPLOYER REFERENCE:
“I’d like to thank you very much indeed for all your hard work throughout your time here at Daylesford. You’ve really made a difference to the garden and I shall miss having you around”
LADY BAMFORD, Daylesford, UK
Career History (continued)
Garden Manager – July 2002 to November 2003
Bowden Health Ltd – Totnes, South Hams, Devon, UK
Responsible for the maintenance and development of the historic grounds of a grade 1 listed building; managed various part time, temporary staff and contractors; worked extensively with garden and landscape machinery; development work culminated in the creation of a Tudor style walled vegetable garden.
Assistant Parks Manager - May 2000 to July 2002
South Hams District Council – Totnes, South Hams
Guided the day to day running of the district’s parks maintenance contracts and outsourcing contractors for specific tasks and projects; implemented several permanent planting schemes in and around important touristic towns such as Salcombe; Designed the annual bedding displays in the district, resulting in a Britain in Bloom win for Dartmouth; responsible for responding promptly and effectively to customer complaints and enquiries.
Senior Gardener – October 1998 to April 2000
Private gardener to Sir Anthony and Lady Bamford – Daylesford, Moreton-in Marsh, Gloucestershire
Experience gained from every section of the estate including; woodland gardens, rose gardens, organic vegetable gardens, orchard, perennial borders, arboretum, knot gardens/topiary parterres, flower arrangements and seasonal displays for house guests and functions, nursery work and propagation; responsible for the management and development of the orangery glasshouse.
Education & Training
The Kew Diploma: Horticulture, 1998
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Richmond, Surrey, England
BSc(Hons): Ecology, 1995
Royal Holloway University of London – Egham, Surrey, England
Additional Information
Nationality: British Date of Birth: 03. 04. 1971
Languages: English / French
Current Drivers License: UK European
Contact: Maison Nouque, 5 Route de Munein, Camu, Barraute-Camu, Pyrenees Atlantique 64390
H :05-59-69-00-34 M:06-22-31-14-10
