I’ve always found garden folk are welcoming, encouraging and good fun – and you can be as eccentric as you like. Get involved with projects that interest you, even if there is little or no money involved: your mind will be stimulated and lead to your own ideas (and obsessions). Writing articles helps to gain recognition as well as to clarify your own thoughts. The county gardens trusts often hold talks and study days. For example, last year the Surrey Gardens Trust celebrated the anniversary of William Gilpin. It was fascinating to research and put together a programme, and very rewarding then to share the knowledge.