New Zealander Warren Vette, of F3rnz Natural Landscape and Design at Boreton, near Shrewsbury, has expanded the range and scale of his work this year as his reputation for innovation and attention to detail has helped land new contracts across Shropshire and farther afield.
“We have done a lot more design, building and planting this year and I have tried to carefully blend New Zealand elements into my gardens to give my clients something that no one else has,” he said.
“I am always looking for a new challenge and each of my garden designs is different. For example, I designed and built a show garden for Shropshire Homes, which had a strong antipodean influence and I picked up another contract from it.
“I listen to what my clients want, pass on my advice and then show them what I’m going to build.”
The projects he undertakes are also getting bigger and more adventurous. For example, he recently created two large ponds with a 26 metre stream, which had 22 dams, running through the grounds of a property near Bridgnorth, which also required substantial turf-laying during a challenging hot spell. Next part of the project is planting followed by the installation of a train track next year.
A four seasons company, F3rnz is also involved in fencing, decking, loggeries, patios, garden maintenance and coal and logs. Warren specialises in using recycled materials wherever possible to create unique outdoor areas for both domestic and commercial clients to enjoy.
A key factor in his recent success story has been the quality of plants supplied by Shrewsbury’s specialist plants centre, Love Plants, which opened 18 months ago alongside caravan dealership Salop Leisure.
“I could drive around all day looking for the plants I want or I can go to straight to Love Plants where the range and quality of the plants are fantastic and all the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable,” said Warren. “I’ve bought exotic hedging and topiary as well as other specialist plants from Love Plants.”
His business has really taken off since he began promoting his services on social media, supported by YouTube testimonials from happy clients. Rather than employing staff, he handpicks top quality contractors to work with him on projects, the nucleus from Shropshire but some travelling from as far away as Glasgow.
A native of Christchurch, he was involved in the grocery trade for seven years back home and tried to buy the supermarket where he worked before deciding to travel the world. He arrived in England more than 19 years ago and has been living in the Shrewsbury area for 12 years.
Love Plants’ manager Tim Robinson, who sources all the centre’s plants from Dingle Nurseries and Derwen Garden Centre at Guilsfield, is delighted to have Warren as a key trade customer, particularly as his garden design and planting service is so well respected.
“As Warren has found, we offer a huge range of stock, from small plants to large specimens, to suit most garden designs,” he added. “We also have the ability to source most plants for customers if they are not in stock.”
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