Profile

Oxfordshire, England
info@oxfordlawnsandgardens.co.uk
Tel: 01295 720303

Directors

Martin Adams – Director

The son of a Welsh vet Martin has always had a penchant for outdoors life. After several outdoor jobs including working at Farmoor reservoir , a grave digger and working for Oxford City Parks, Martin went back to college to undertake a National Certificate in Horticulture at Brooksby Agricultural College as mature student where he was awarded Best Amenity Student Award. Once finishing his course with distinction Martin set up Oxford Lawns and Gardens in 1992 and many of his clients are still with us today. Martin saw a niche for large garden maintenance which would provide all year round work and to provide a service to take complete control of the garden where clients may be away throughout the week. Martins experience and knowledge is vast and he is a true perfectionist with attention to detail. He is particularly specialist in the pruning and regeneration of shrubs and small trees along with retraining, and wiring wall shrubs and climbers.

In 2004 Martin and Alex set up the sister company Oxford Planters a joinery specialising in the manufacturing of quality hardwood planters and outdoor furniture. Each year Oxford Planters exhibits at Chelsea Flower Show and Martins true expertise show with the beautiful flora display on the stand. In Martins spare time he looks after his beautiful garden with raised beds for vegetables and a greenhouse where propagates new plants. He is also a keen supporter of Welsh Rugby and The England and Wales Cricket team, along with most other sports. Martin has two young boys and is often found on the weekend cheering them on from the touch line.

Directors - Alex Calado and Martin Adams.

Alex Calado - Director

After graduating from Aberystwyth University with an Earth Sciences degree Alex went on to work in the Exploration Industry before specialising in contaminated sites undertaking a Masters Degree at Nottingham University in Contaminated Land Management. The daughter of a specialist nursery grower the love of horticulture has never been far away and after 10 years Alex retrained to be a gardener. Alex worked in the gardens at Daylesford and at a specialist plant nursery where she gleaned as much information as possible, in both cases Alex says she was lucky to work with extremely knowledgeable and professional people who were very generous in sharing their experience with her, including maintenance, plant knowledge and design.

After several years a position with Oxford Lawns and Garden became available and Alex joined in 2001. ‘I found this far more of an exciting challenge working within a commercial business’. After 3 years Alex was promoted to Director and in 2008 became co- owner of Oxford Lawns and Gardens. In 2004 Alex and Martin also started up the sister company Oxford Planters a joinery specialising in the manufacturing of quality hardwood planters and outdoor furniture.

Today Alex’s time is split between the two companies which keeps her very busy.

Alex’s other interests include being a fully paid season ticket holder for her beloved rugby team Llanelli Scarlets and following the national Welsh rugby side, along with attending her own garden, country walks and enjoying time with family and friends.

Recruitment.

We have always put a strong emphasis on recruiting highly motivated skilled members to set ourselves apart and raise the profile and worth of the horticultural profession and industry.

David Candy N.C.H – Senior Gardener
David Candy joined Oxford Lawns and Gardens in July 2004 after a successful career as Senior Gardener at an Oxford University Garden. Heralding from Somerset and the son of a farmer, David qualified with a National Certificate in Horticulture and Amenity from Abingdon and Witney College in Oxfordshire. Since his recruitment, David has been keen to improve his skills and quest for knowledge and experience and is a key member of our team. A true professional gardener in charge of a number of our weekly visited gardens. David’s interests when not gardening include membership of Kineton Amateur Dramatic Society which he has starred in major roles in A Warwickshire Testimony by April de Angelis and Alan Ayckbornes Season Greetings. Other interests include photography and music.

Mark Yarborough - Senior Gardener
Mark joined Oxford Lawns and Gardens in February 2005 after persistently applying for a gardening position. The former graduate of Entomology from Cardiff University and a course in Accountancy Mark persuaded us to recruit him as a trainee gardener. Mark has successfully completed a recognised horticultural qualification and has adsorbed all information and experiences within the gardens. Mark is now a Senior Gardener in charge of a number of gardens visited weekly. When not at work Mark enjoys visiting friends and family, watching sport, walks in the country and visiting gardens.

Chris Cox – Gardener
Chris joined Oxford Lawns and Gardens in the summer 2009 and has already become a valuable team member. Having finished college with a National Certificate in Horticulture Chris now mainly works alongside David in the gardens and is gaining practical knowledge and expertise in the requirements of each of the gardens. Chris’s interests include socialising with his friends and playing on his PS3.

Mark Parker
Mark joined us in the summer of 2009 as a part time member of the team. Mark studied Horticulture when he left school but decided on a career in banking. After a number of years in banking Mark went back to college to refresh is horticultural studies and completed the RHS General Certificate. Mark now is an important team member of our team. Mark has recently moved house and spends his spare time with his two sons and doing up his new residence including nurturing an overgrown garden.