Many people ask why I remember Ella in the way that I do and it’s because I made her a promise. I promised to continue moving forward with my life and my business especially when I provide rose care.

Ella was a huge influence and a wonderful mentor providing kindness, practical support and wisdom in both my life and my gardening and rose care business.

Thanks to Ella I don’t look at Rose pruning or rose care as a job; I get a lot of enjoyment out of providing this service to clients who love roses as much as I do.

Ella was not just a mentor to me, but she became family that I didn’t have. She helped me during difficult times and taught me the skills and confidence necessary for me to build and continue working and growing my rose care business.

Her belief in me helped me continue to grow and thrive and I do that in memory of her.

It is because Ella told me that she believed in me and showed me that she trusted me in ways no one else had ever done, that I can honour the promise I gave her before she died. I will never go back on that promise.