Meet: Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas has been the voice and face of Yates for seven years; she answers our questions on her gardening inspirations.

When did you start gardening?

I grew up in the southern suburbs of Sydney on a typical quarter-acre block. My parents had a small but nice garden. My first foray into gardening was my cacti and succulent collection when I was 10 years old. I also had a set of gardening tapes from the legendary Allan Seale, so he was amongst my first gardening influencers.

 

What did you study after you left school?

After school I started a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at University of Sydney, intending on studying animal sciences. The degree included plant sciences and once I started to learn about plants, I was hooked! I also completed a horticulture certificate at TAFE, then worked at Tim’s Garden Centre. Shortly after, there was an opportunity to work at Yates, and 24 years later, I’m still there. About seven years ago, I moved into the horticultural communications role, previously held by the fabulous Judy Horton. Big shoes to fill, but I am so fortunate to work in the same field as my personal passion – gardening. I’ve written several gardening books for Yates, and I edited the most recent Yates Garden Guide, an amazing honour.

Tell us about your own garden

I’m lucky to live on an almost five-acre block on the outskirts of southwest Sydney, so I have lots of gardening room! My biggest focus is growing food and the priority was to start a vegetable patch. I now have more than 20 raised beds, including permanent beds for asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, potatoes and rhubarb, with the rest used for a rotation of annual vegies. Every year I grow broccoli, cauliflower, broad beans, peas, Asian greens, celery, lettuce, beans, herbs, silverbeet, sweet corn, onions, garlic, and multiple varieties of tomatoes. I have quite a few citrus trees, plus stone fruit, apples, pears, bananas, grapes and mulberries. It’s sheer joy being able to step out into our backyard and harvest fresh produce. I love picking flowers, so our garden also includes lots of bulbs, perennials, and flowering shrubs.

You’ve worked at Yates for many years answering a million customer questions. Have questions changed during COVID-19?

COVID-19’s silver lining was that more people took up gardening. It's quite addictive, particularly after you’ve picked your very first home grown tomato or crunchy snow pea! In the past, grandparents and parents spent time with children out in the garden, so the growing knowledge was passed to the next generation. But nowadays, some people start their gardening journey from scratch as adults. Thankfully, there is lots of information and advice available to support new gardeners.

What’s your favourite travel destination for gardens?

I love Canada’s forests and parks, which turn into a rainbow of autumn colours as the weather cools. Japan also puts on a brilliant autumnal display. Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay is mesmerising (I could happily live in the Cloud Forest Conservatory!) and the National Orchid Garden is magnificent. I love New Zealand, just stunning – the Kiwis know how to create magnificent gardens. 



Follow Angie and her growing journey on Instagram or Facebook @angiethehappygardener.