If plants could speak they would tell you they wanted the gentle hands, like those of Gloria Reece, to nurture them. Decked in black pants and a colourful flowered blouse, Reece, with her neatly-done dreadlocks and well-manicured nails, concluded that a woman who took care of herself-took care of anything that she loved. Visiting the Guardian to discuss the opening of Gloria's Garden Limited, Reece, a self-taught horticulturist, was accompanied by her hairdresser, and good friend, Karen Agard-one of her biggest supporters.
"I worked as a secretary in a private company for 30 years, but I didn't want to stay there for the rest of my life. "I am a lover of plants, I find them most extraordinary. "I had a collection of plants at home-foliage and flowering. My collection grew so much I began selling plants from home, and as it began taking another level, the idea of opening a greenhouse garden for the purpose of plant sales was prompted," said Reece.
One-stop garden shop
Reece's idea to open her own greenhouse was sparked 15 years ago, but time did not make her weary as she officially opened Gloria's Garden Limited on January 20 at Malabar, Arima. Excited her dream was finally manifested, Reece, who is also a landscaping architect, said: "This isn't just another greenhouse; it is custom-made with a bit of my personal touch, and, of course, I designed it with customers in mind so it is very attractive." She also noted that Gloria's Garden could be considered the "one-stop garden shop" as she also incorporated garden accessories such as the windmill, chimes, plastic frogs and other garden-related ornaments. "We also sell manure and potting soil. Eventually vegetable seedlings will come to the fore," she revealed.
A woman who knows her thing
Reece can give the scientific name of any plant, and has done her research well; a fact that Agard was not hesitant to interject, as she paid Reece compliments for her love and passion for plants. "What I admire about her is that she really has knowledge about her plants. She gives you the scientific names and tells you how to care for them. She is an excellent teacher, and if anyone wants to learn more about plants I recommend her," admonished Agard. Asked if she had a special admiration for any one plant in particular, Reece articulated: "The desert rose, scientifically called obesum adenium, is very interesting to me. I am in the process of learning the art of hybridising and the desert rose is one I find might be very challenging. So I'm learning more about it as well."
Personal touch
Reece, who has a very calm and warm nature, emphasised that hospitality was key in any business, and for a horticulturist it was no different. "My customers are not only purchasing a plant when they come to Gloria's Garden. They are educated on their choice of plant, they are also given landscaping ideas for their home gardens, and I encourage them to personally contact me if there are any challenges in caring for the plant," she assured.
Love and dedication
Asked what advice she would offer to anyone interested in such a career, Reece responded: "This business is time-consuming but also very rewarding. However, you have to have genuine love and dedication to plants. That's the only way you can truly be comfortable with such a career."­