Adviser - Spring 2017

Planning for Organic Growth Bob Flowerdew, panellist

Much has been written about the increasing resistance of plants to pesticides (and humans to antibiotics). Can you envisage a future where chemicals are completely side-lined in favour of more traditional methods in the garden? “Probably not, even chemicals have their place, and traditional is not always better. However we’ve changed, most gardeners now use greener methods such as commercially bred biological controls for pests and these work far better than the chemicals ever did. Likewise we get nature to do the work for us; eg when we encourage more wee insectivorous birds with winter food and nest-boxes we get fantastic pest control and free fertiliser, we just often miss seeing it all happening.” on Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time, shares his views on sustainable living and gardening with ADVISER.

Sustainability is vital for everyone, whether you are planning for business development or the improvement of your garden. What is your philosophy for sustainable growth? “We need to plan more wisely, taking a longer view. Thinking everything through at least thrice, and measuring at least twice before acting. To waste not, want not; to reduce, recycle, reuse. For a penny saved is worth double a penny made! (To make a penny incurs costs and taxes meaning two or three pence need earning.) I’d recommend choosing to invest in quality, in designs and things so well constructed they last. Cheaper is invariably poorer, and often proves to waste time which can never be recovered.”

You have an honours degree in financial management and cost accountancy. How did you end up with a career in horticulture?  “A year and a month in city offices convinced me it does not profit a man to gain the whole world if he’s tied up indoors all the time. I’d much rather invest my hours in the open air and gardening, though I do miss the Porsche.” You’re famous for your organic approach to horticulture – what made you decide to take that route? “We must have food, not just now but for every tomorrow, and we are what we eat. And the choice of who grows it, where and how has profound personal, social and international implications. Despite the bleating of vested interests there is plenty of evidence showing that organic really is better for you and me, and the planet. AND IT JUST TASTES SO DAMN GOOD!”

What would be your top tips for investing in a garden? “As Mark Twain was reputed to say: ‘Buy land, they’re not making any more of it.’ Invest in as much as you can, any piece can soon become a fruit cage, orchard, woodland fuel, free range eggs or meat, or just your own pond or wildlife reserve. Note modest homes with huge gardens (that cannot be developed for some reason) can be comparatively cheap as the prospective upkeep puts off many potential purchasers. Be aware you can create a pretty garden anywhere, but for success with food crops you must have plenty of sunlight, ie avoid a plot shaded by trees or big buildings. Finally, especially in East Anglia, seriously, consider a vineyard...” Scrutton Bland works to help our clients invest in their businesses and families to plan for the future. What is the worst investment that you’ve made? “Oh no doubt, my wife and family. A total financial disaster, but you really can’t judge everything by cash return or work saved; there’s job satisfaction and goodwill, or perhaps I should just write them off as loss leaders!”

And your best investment? “An Amstrad, the very first computer and printer package, which whisked me from tediously writing and re-correcting on an electric typewriter to near perfect electronic copy, I went halves with another author and we shared alternating weeks till we’d earned enough to buy a second. Likewise I buy (and usually take) quality advice. To be well informed is the only way, there’s no value at all in a pub lawyers’ advice. However my favourite investment was a substantial fruit crusher and press which I have had set up for three decades, which has processed apples and grapes into juices for drinking and of course cider and wine. With an extra deep freezer unit to hold frozen juice I drink mine own all year round, and all tax free, cheers, and best wishes, Bob.” Bob Flowerdew is a prolific writer and broadcaster who has been on the panel of BBC Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time for over twenty years. He runs a horticultural consultancy and landscape gardening service, and is also a highly experienced speaker, a sculptor and artist, and a talented winemaker. For more information see www.bobflowerdew.co.uk or email him at bob@bobflowerdew.com

At Scrutton Bland all of our financial advisers are independent, meaning that they will consider the whole of the market and are not just restricted to a limited range of products. We also have a team of in-house tax specialists who can work with you to ensure your financial arrangements are working in the most efficient way possible. If you would like to find out more about how you can start financial planning for the future, speak to one of our financial planning team. Contact Grant Buchanan , independent financial adviser on 01206 838400 or email: grant.buchanan@ scruttonbland.co.uk

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