Some readers may know, some may not that I work part-time as a gardener and garden designer. These are of course generic names and I really feel that I design with plants as I am a gardener rather than a landscaper.
I put together designs and plans for people wanting to overhaul their outdoor space. Quite often there will be a need for some landscaping, a patio perhaps some fencing or a wall. This element of my design has more often than not been carried out by Jez and his team at Collier Landscapes. Over the years it has been Jez at Collier Landscapes rather than any other landscaper, for the simple reason that I knew that the quality of the work would be consistently excellent and, for the simple yet important fact that they are nice people to have around in your garden.
The week before Christmas Jez and his team came to help me personally by starting work on my garden. I had marked out a large area which is to become the new flower beds. Too big to do by hand the mini digger made light work of stripping the turf and turning the heavy soil.
Raised beds were put in, the rubbish taken away.
Ever cheerful, always finding time to exchange pleasantries and share his views on all sorts of subjects, Jez as ever, got the job done, before saying cheerio and departing to start his Christmas break with his family.
It was therefore such a shock to hear that Jez sadly passed away at home in the New Year. He was 51 years old. My heart goes out to his wife, Rachel and the rest of his family.There are no words that sufficiently cover how dreadfully unfair such an early death is. Jez always worked hard, was reliable and gave up a great deal of his spare time to help others, working on all sorts of village projects to help maintain a community spirit in his village. He will be greatly missed.
Below I am putting up a few pictures of the projects Jez helped me to create, These are just a tiny portion of the work he has done. A beautiful legacy which will be enjoyed by their owners for years to come.
digwithdorris.com 
I’m so sorry to learn about your loss – it’s sad to loose a good friend and his young age makes it even harder to bear. Your new garden layout looks very promising and will always remind you of him which is nice. Can’t wait to see your plans for the planting! So exciting to be able to create a new garden from scratch. Seems like it was a pretty blank canvas. How’s the climate like?
Thanks Annette. The garden is a complete blank canvas as it had been used as a paddock for goats for years. few trees survived. The plans are underway and it is exciting to be able to start planting. I think I am right in saying that we are zone 8 in this part of England. A thin blanket of snow this morning.
What heartbreak for friends and family. Sharing in your sadness.
Thank you.
I am really very sorry to read your post today, how ruddy unfair life can be, I hope you find solace in your emerging garden, but realise that’s far to early. Thinking of you.
Thanks Julie, Life is so unfair. The garden will in all likelihood become a major focus and distraction in the next few months.
I am in shock! I knew Jez well as he has done lots of work for me in the past. He has always been friendly, reliable and done a great job. On top of this he was very supportive when I was going through a tough time. I am so sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts and condolences go out to his family.
Lesley I am very sorry you found out here. As a Notice was placed in the local paper, I thought everyone who knew him would have been aware of his passing. He will be missed.
Such a sad tale, but beautifully told. Heartfelt condolences to all affected by this shocking loss.
Thankyou.
Hi Dorris – thank you for sharing this. Grief is such a personal thing but this post was a fitting tribute to someone who was clearly a lovely man, liked and appreciated by everyone who had ever met him I imagine. He has left a legacy in the work he and his company have done as well as a place in the hearts of many.
Thanks Cathy. He was. So tough for his family, I felt I had to say something for them.
And they would be touched by your tribute, I am sure,
Hopefully they will be pleased.
I am sorry to hear your sad news. What a great legacy of beautiful gardens and happy memories your friend has left.
I love the way you are designing your garden. A blank canvas is always the best way to start with a garden. Otherwise you are always having to work round someone else’s
ideas.
Thanks Chloris. A blank canvas is exciting but also quite daunting; where to start, what to choose!