OLIVER DAWES
GARDENING
Oliver Dawes
1st December 2025 - Updates being made over next two weeks - Look out for new jobs an further range of my work.
WELCOME
At Oliver Dawes Gardening I offer:
To provide a friendly and caring garden service, one that delivers a high attention to detail. Whilst providing support throughout the seasons of the year, I hope to make your garden an even more enjoyable place to be.
“I am passionate about delivering the highest standard of work and enjoy seeing how I can best you improve, maintain and make the best of your garden”
Oliver
PROFILE
With over 15 years experience in all areas of horticulture.
Having initially worked at Selsdon Park Hotel Golf Course. I became well known for my hard working attitude and attention to detail.
Starting an apprenticeship and RHS Qualifications while at Theme Park Thorpe Park in 2013 I gained a wide range of experience and progressed to Lead Gardener over 4 years taking responsibility for a small team. Work ranged from theming different areas to match the style of the park. To taking care of surrounding ground doing wildlife and conservation work.
During this time I completed RHS Level 3 Qualifications at Merrist Wood, Guildford. Along with Spraying and Chainsaw certificates.
Leaving to work at an exclusive private garden in Chelsea for a high profile client. I delivered the highest standard of presentation making sure all box hedges and topiary was shaped and everything was kept immaculate from lawns down to finest details of pruning and deadheading.
During this time I volunteered at the Chelsea Flower Show 2018 also doing some work at Salutation Garden in Kent.
In October 2019 I started my own business which I wanted to combine my attention to detail with the knowledge and experience of all jobs I have had.
6 years on I now have a selections of regular maintenance jobs every two weeks to every month alongside one offs jobs I do.
Previous maintenance garden.
Topiary.
Grass cutting and lawn feed and maintenance.
Annual and perennial planting plans.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE & ONE OFF SERVICES
I offer the choice of an hour or more fortnightly or monthly depending on your needs.
I provide the option for any of my services to be one off job or a few times a year to suit your needs.
I recommend 2hrs to keep on top maintenance over the year, 4hrs for larger garden!
Hedge, Climber or tree you want pruned once or more a year book me a month in advance to confirm!
PORTFOLIO
Different jobs I've done showing some of skills I'm offering with reviews from clients.
Lots more available on my Instagram where I post every week where I can!
Click link to take a look -
oliverdawesgardening
Planting project for regular maintenance client in Lindfield
There was just bark on this border before and the client wanted plants to fill this border.
I helped make some sugestions on plants to soften the fence with various different heights which will grow a bit more but provided some instant impact!
I did a mix or evergreen shrubs as I wanted this fence to covered most of the year.
Choosing some different types of contrast in leaf colour, flower for interest a different times of the year.
I planted Osmanthus, Pittosporum, Viburnum, Cotoneaster, Grisellina.
Job completed November 2025
Planting & designing new border
Front garden clearance and tidy - followed with garden design and planting
First on the job I have to clear out all grass and weeds that had grown, rotovating the soil to remove roots and prepare for planting.
Job completed Spring 2025
Before
After
For the next stage I produced a drawing of my design for the garden which I then showed the client and we agreed on plant colour scheme and budget.
Then I went out an found and brought the plants that were needed.
Was larger shrubs to go at the back; Forysthia, Griselllina, Osamanthus and Ceanothus. Medium sized pittosprum for the middle with Hydrangea limelight with other smaller ground cover plants like Hebe's.
Adding perennials like Verbena, Anenome and Agapanthus for colour
Also had to build something around the drain to contain this which allowed the height of the border to remain the same
In the photos below later in the year another section I completed to help finish this off.
Lots of plants planted earlier in the year have done well and also have added extras to fill gaps. Hydranges are flowering well here!
Caterham One off planting raised beds
Creating raised border for new Yew hedge in Kenley
Planting Yew hedge
Work Completed 28th March 2024
Creating the edging for the bed and levelling
Repairing wooden retaining wall
Work Completed 11th April 2024
Here I first had to remove the previous rotten wood and then also cut back into the border to. ake way for the new one to be built
Once this was done I cut some new posts to size and just by knocking these in thto the ground was enough to be able to fix the new strips of wooden half rounds to create the retaiing wall.
Used a a mix of timberlock screwa dn other types to sceure in place.
Hedging replacement: Tidy up and replanting in Kenley
Before
Work Completed Oct 2023
Day 1 of 3
To start with I had to remove a lot of ivy and other sycamore saplings from the the border.I cut this out some going in green bin and other waste in tonne bags to be taken away.
Then I carefully removed ivy from the fence also starting digging stumps with a mattock so that I could do more digging on day 2.
Day 2 of 3
Today with everything cleared away I could start to dig away some of the soil as this was too high in relation to the pavement.Removing ivy and stumps of other plants. I took this away in wheelbarrows to another section of the garden.
Having levelled this I started to dig holes for the Photinia and some of this soil needed to be taken away as well.
Now I was able to add some compost to improve the condition of the soil and dug theis inleaving room for the root ball to fit in.
Day 3 of 3
I now sorted through the Photinia finding the right combination of size and fit and which way they would be facing to create the best hedge for the future.
Then teased the roots out and got the right planting height in the the holes i had dug.
Then was going back over and firming these in adding some compost as i did.
Then going back over i did smallest amunt of pruning of any dead bits and any branches crossing.
Then was giving the pavement a wash down and the hedging a good water.
West Norwood front garden design & planting
I designed a new plan around for this front garden around few shrubs and slate that was there already. I added some new shrubs and perennials for all year round interest.
Planting completed Dec 2021
Planting design
Maintenance completed Dec 2022
One year later
I came back a few times over the year these photos taken after final one of the year. Grasses done well and lots of new growth on perennials like lavender which cut right back to get most out of them!
Surbiton - Jasmine planting on wire trellis on front garden fence
To soften this fence and provide some all round cover I planted star Jasmine against this fence. First attaching a wire trellis which each separate branch could be attached too!
Work completed 10th Jan 2023
Jasmine planting
Irrigation installed underneath
Having had such a warm summer in 2022 I suggested installing an irrigation system.
This would help water round the roots. Helping to minimise lost water!
Photos on left show the 2 irrigation rings that I adapted by adding an end cap and running them straight.
Burying these on an angle to take the water to required place around the roots of three of the jasmine.
Surbiton end of garden redesign, building sleeper beds & planting
Before
After
"Oliver transformed an overgrown and neglected area of my garden into a fresh, vibrant and eye catching feature.
His design cleverly revived existing feature plants, transplanted complimentary shrubs, introduced some new ground cover and removed nuisance bamboo. Stunning!
The new sleeper raised bed is perfect and in keeping with the existing character of this compact suburban garden where limited space is so precious"
Design and landscaping
Here I removed the previous overgrown bamboo and plants levelled the soil to fence height and reinstalled new sleeper raised bed. I then replanted to suit this new space.
Review from the client Rebecca, Surbiton
Finished December 2021
Before
In this front garden I created new borders around the edges of a lawn. I did a planting plan for front using new and plants the client already had.
I themed the sections with a variety of colour and interest for the year.
I cut the shape and removed the turf.
Then digging over the soil removing some and adding compost to improve condition of soil.
Finishing by planting Abelia, Roses and trailing cover to grow over the wall including Campanula and Scabicosa.
Designing and planting
Finished Jan 2021
"Punctual, Precise, Talented, Thoughtful and Tidy! All you could wish for in a garden care service!
Oliver designed and created exciting new flower beds from scratch and re-designed and upgraded awkward shady raised beds. We are looking forward to the flowering results later in the year!”
Review from the client Diana, South Croydon
After
From the same job: Fitting trellis & planting
Here after I had cut back the laurels to create some more light and space. I fitted the trellis to the fence. Then planted the Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica 'Halliana' to grow up the trellis along with shade loving plants Tellima, Sarcococca and Liriope underneath.
I arrived at the job with lots of dried and dead growth and leaves from previous years.
Once I removed all of this I pruned the remaining branches back leaving the main leader and a selection of other healthy new shoots.
Passion flower pruning
Finished May 2020
"Our climbing passion flower is flourishing after Oliver's pruning. He is a good and tidy gardener"
Review from the client Jacqui & John, Surbiton
Planting design
Here I was asked to take out the previous hedging and shrubs that there too large.
I then prepared the bed by digging in compost.
Then I bought a selection of small shrubs and heather more suitable for location and to add some winter interest.
Finished Nov 2020
Before
After
Here I removed the shrubs that had got too overgrown.
Then I dug over the areas leveling in certain sections and creating space adding rocks to to hold back the soil and make spaces to plant.
Finished Nov 2020
Rockery creation
I was asked to prune this apple tree and reduce some of the height as had got a bit tall.
I went through and reduced the new shoots back so that the new spurs that formed this year would give best framework for fruit.
Apple tree pruning
For more specific jobs including topiary, pruning of shrubs and other jobs I do click on my Instagram link below.
Extra work
oliverdawesgardening
Professional Services I offer...
Take a look below to find out what services I offer, anything you can't see please feel free to get in touch
Oliver says: Look out for my personal suggestions and advice to help you make most of using my service!
Essential garden jobs
As part of being a regular maintenance client I would include lawn cut, weeding along with all your other essentials to go with time of the year like clear up of leaves. Along with a whole range of jobs I can do in the time I have.
Below are a range of the jobs with more detail on each, which can also be done separelty as one off jobs if you prefer. Aways happy to come round and a free quote for these.
To see more jobs look at the portfolio of jobs futher down and also my Instagram
Lawn Cutting & Strimming
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Small or Large lawns my service will stripe your lawn to your preference
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Strimming awkward sections of your garden.
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Edging also included as needed
Blowing &
Cleanup
Planting &
Garden Care
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Tidying of leaves from lawns
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Also can include patio areas and driveway.
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Waste can be taken away at and extra charge.
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Seasonal planting of Bulbs, Herbaceous & Perennial Shrubs
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Pest & Disease treatment.
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Can source and provide plants for you at extra cost .
Garden Waste: I would always suggest paying for a council garden bin to save money on a regular basis, alternative would be to build a compost bin which I have done a fews times, take a look in sustainable jobs below.
Types of pruning and trimming
Trimming of
small hedging
Larger more
mature hedging
Topiary
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Buxus, Ilex or any other small hedging cut to high degree of accuracy uisng shears and other battery powered cutters.
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Come with my own ladders with ability to reach the top of your hedge up to 4m high.
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Extendable Stihl petrol hedgecutter to reach up high or wide.
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Buxus, Yew and many other mature shrubs could be pruned into a more attractive shape to suit your taste.
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Have as number of different shears for varying shapes.
Rose pruning or other climbing plants
Around window
Archway or frame
Doorway or wall
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Roses pruned and trained around windows.
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I have experience of attaching wire and drilling holes for these to attach to brick if required
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Have experience of pruning back to lots of different shapes including arches and other decorative shapes.
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Tieing longer stems back in and ornagising these better while pruning is all part of doing best job on these
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Roses or other climbers like Jasmine i can prune from ladder to be a nice neat shape.
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Cutting these back far enough makes a big difference when comes to flowering and best results
Planting types and themes
Bedding plants in borders
Bedding plants in pots
Perennials planted for shade or sun
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Have planted many different styles which can inlcude bedding for type of year. Spring, Summer.
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Can be just Annual bedding ( last only a year) or can inlcude perennials to last longer.
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This image above was from a large bedding display done for a birthday party
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I can fill up pots with theme of a certain colour or style to your taste.
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Have experience of planting perennials for different conditions including shady and full sun.
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I can do garden design drawing up a plan for this i can do with
Work with perennial plants: Spliting and Dividing
Replanting border
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This can be a really beneficial job for improving a border. Sometimes plants are maybe not in most ideal space so this would move them, other plants being divided making more of them to fill the border.
Dividing indivual plant
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This is helpful for a large plant that has got too big and maybe not flowering as well.
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Also for large clump of grass or any other perennial that can be replanted in a nice swathe improving design of the border and filling more space!
Canna re- potting
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I have experience of over wintering Canna's ,my preferred method is to dig them up and repot under cover in greenhouse.
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Can do similar methods for Dhalia's and other tender plants if needed also.
Specific shrub and hedge pruning
Shrub reduction - Before
Shrub reduction -After
Camellia base prune
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This is a good example of a reduction of two shrubs that had grown too big and for scurity reasons we reduced the height of both of these viburnum and pyracantha.
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Pruing these at the correct time these could be cut back hard and have recovered well over the next year.
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Various similar reductions can be done to different types.
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I was asked by a new client to prune this Camellia like a similar one in pruned in Surbiton before.
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The branches are attractive underneath and makes a feature out of these.
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Also having benefits for health and keeping tidy.
Landscaping and other one off jobs:
Landscaping at Tennis club
Small projects
One off clearance of garden
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I have done lots of projects including creating a barked path area to compost area along with taking care and improving grounds of a tennis club
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Can do small wood base projects including using sleepers and a variaty of other garden related landscaping. This build of planter i even travelled to Scarborough for!
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I can also do small garden clearances and cut back of very overgrown grass, bramble and more!
Other specific jobs:
Tree pruning & planting
Chainsaw
Spraying
I can remove Ivy from trees before It gets too out of control!
Can chop up awkward wood to make eco friendly woodpile!
Avoid box caterpillar by spraying early to act as prevention.
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Small fruit trees in Winter and Summer
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Planting trees up to 40l -4m tall.
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Dead, damaged and diseased material removed with congested growth
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Removal of small trees up to 5m
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Fire wood chopped up
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Branches logged up to 8 inches
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Come with Chainsaw llicense and all protective equipment I need to be done safetly
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Plants, Lawn, Patio or driveway
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Pesticide & Herbicide spraying
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Come with a 16 Litre Knapsack
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Have applied Algon Organic to surfaces including tarmac tennis courts.
Aquatic work
Water features
Digging a Pond
Pond plants
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Division & repotting of plants
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Buying of new plants
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Other cutting back an advice given
Benefits plants to be divided every couple of years and can make lots o new plants!
Can work in all sizes of gardens!
lots of options at all prices!
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Use a pot or barrel or other styles can help you create
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Pumps cleaned out and replacement of parts
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Help and advice with chemicals
This pond was smaller and I reshaped making it wider and deeper!
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Pond dug from scratch
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Reshaping and size increase
Eco friendly gardening
Bug Hotel
Composting
Allotment
Old wood and materials lying around could be tidied up?
Have a few bins to move material around so can make best mix of all waste material!
Extra bit of help to get on top of a corner or your whole allotment in time for Summer?
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Creating bug hotel with spare and left over wood.
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Digging out old bins
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Creating new ones
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Improving your current compost
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Digging over and alotment tidy up.
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Pruning other maintenance.
Pressure washing
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Come with a professional Stihl RE 100 pressure washer with all equipment inculding extra hoses and extension cables. (Only requirement would be access to a outdoor tap with appropriate connection and power socket either outdoor or inside is fine)
Finished result
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This is good example of first wash of large patio thats hadn't been done for a number of years. I completed this job in Feb 2024
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Just with power of jet wash itself and no extra products used this combination of concrete and bricks came up really nicely!
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Below you can see from the start how I moved cleaned to from one side moving to the other.
Start of pressure wash
2nd
3rd
REVIEWS
Reviews of my gardening work from range of my clients.
Regular two weekly maintenance client: David I, Surbiton
"Oliver has been working for me for some time now. I am very happy with his work. He is hard working and also knows lots of gardening stuff about how to do things and get the best out of your plants, trees and lawn. He is a pleasant chap and very easy to work with. Highly recommend him."
Regular two weekly maintenance client: Mike Lane , Surbiton
"Oliver has an excellent knowledge and understanding of plants and with his enthusiasm, energy and creativity has totally transformed our garden. He has worked in all weathers never seems to get tired to make the garden something we are proud of and I am sure it will add value to the house. Cannot recommend him enough.
Regular two weekly maintenance client: Rachel & Simon , Kenley
"Oliver has had a huge impact on our garden. He has shaped and nurtured it over the last 10 months and transformed it into a tranquil, ordered and beautiful part of our home. Our garden looks really loved and that is all down to Oliver’s horticultural skill and genuine care. We cannot recommend his work highly enoughh.
Tom, New Malden
"Oliver is an excellent gardener and clearly very experienced and knowledgeable. It's been a pleasure to have his craft, and affable attitude.".
Rosana, Sanderstead
"Oliver has been tending to my garden for many years. He is reliable, polite and very trustworthy. Oliver does an excellent job keeping my garden neat and tidy. I have no hesitation in recommending him!"
Pruning of Camellia: Rebecca, Surbiton
"My large and mature camellia was long overdue pruning. Oliver transformed it, bringing its elegance , shape and a show-stopping presence. He found the majestic form of this beautiful tree and is now the pride of the garden. There is also wonderful new light in the bed below just as the growing season arrives. Thank you, Oliver”
K Mistry, Sanderstead
"We have been using Oliver to look after our garden for several years now and are extremely satisfied!
He has a real attention for detail and our garden has never looked so good. Oliver is always on time and very knowledgeable.
Highly recommended!"
EverEdge replacement of railway sleepers: Rebecca, Surbiton
After
Before
"The railway tie borders on our driveway were crumbling and needed replacement, while retaining existing established plants. Oliver’s design was perfect - simple yet impactful.
The steel edging he chose introduced a new contemporary element which works so well, naturally complementing the existing driveway and style of the house. This relatively modest structural update has had a big effect as Oliver ensured the existing plants were part of the design, while still giving us the chance to add a few new plants for the coming summer and winter.
Yet again, Oliver has produced beautiful results - a harmonious garden."
RK, Surbiton
"Oliver has been doing my gardening for some time now and I have to say that I am so impressed with his expertise, efficiency and hard work.
He gives attention to detail, has some very creative ideas and has recently planted some trees in my garden which I was extremely impressed with. I have always been very fascinated by his dedication and commitment to his work. He puts my old gardener to shame more than a hundred times over!
I have recommended him to a few family members and friends and I understand that they are equally impressed by his work.
Thank you Oliver for the continued hard work and the love and care you put into your work!"
AREAS COVERED
South Croydon area including Kenley, Sanderstead, Coulsdon.
Also including where I now live in Haywards Heath and surrounding area.
GET IN TOUCH
Please click on links below
to contact me for free visit & estimate
Email oliver-dawes@hotmail.com
Call or Text 07846053235
To see my work or to have a look at my work experience or certifications
check out my Instagram & LinkedIn click the links
oliverdawesgardening
