Simone Taylor, developer of an Eastern Shore nursery, Tailored Botanical, has created her own piece of perennial paradise, one that not only thrives in beauty but also champions a more sustainable way of living.
Local gardener cultivates a plastic-free garden paradise
When Simone first established her business, she was inspired by the national Plastic Free July campaign, which encourages reducing plastic pollution.
“I didn’t want to contribute any more single-use plastic to our waste system,” she said.
Since then, Simone has worked tirelessly to minimise plastic use across all aspects of her nursery and garden practices. She produces her own potting mix using locally sourced pine bark, coir and sand, enriched with homemade compost.
Her commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there.
“Each day, I have a think about what I can do differently next time to reduce plastic,” she explained.
Simone supplies plants to customers in homemade paper pots, a simple yet meaningful alternative that removes the need for plastic containers. When propagating or planting seeds, she uses second-hand pots and plant trays, embracing reuse and giving materials a second life rather than allowing them to end up in landfill.
Her environmentally conscious practices extend into her own garden, where she uses an electric garden shredder to transform green waste into mulch, reducing reliance on commercially packaged products and keeping nutrients on site, while also saving money.
Simone specialises in growing perennial plants, offering a diverse range suited to the local climate. Many of her plants are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for a future shaped by changing environmental conditions. Her plants are thoughtfully chosen to feature a rich mix of foliage types and colours that bring texture, contrast, and year-round interest, with different species flowering at different times.
Beyond their visual appeal, perennial plants offer lasting value. Unlike annual plants, once established, they require less maintenance, less watering, less soil disturbance and less fertiliser, saving both time and money. Their strong, established root systems improve soil structure, help prevent erosion, and retain moisture, allowing gardens to remain resilient during dry periods.
These plants also provide consistent habitats and food sources for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and increasing biodiversity.
Through Tailored Botanical, Simone demonstrates that gardening can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible. Her work is a reminder that meaningful change often grows from small, thoughtful choices, made day by day, season by season which help cultivate a more sustainable future.
The nursery is open by appointment most days. For more details, please visit www.tailoredbotanical.com.
In recognition of her impressive efforts, Simone Taylor has been selected by Clarence Climate Action as this month’s Climate Champion.
Eastern Shore Sun, April 2026, page 14