I grew up without a male role model. Truth be to told our house was filled with strong women; my grandmother, my mother, my sister and occasionally my aunt with her children. I saw women in my life tackling everyday with so much strength, determination and kindness. 

A few years into my relationship with my husband, I remember telling my best friend about Phil. How loving and supportive he is. Wondering what would it feel like growing up with a man like this. I remember Mary looking me in the eyes and asking: “Is he your role model?” The question took me by surprise because I’ve never given it much thought but after some reflection I’ve answered “Yeah, I think he is.”

There are many qualities that make Phil-Phil but one of the things I deeply appreciate is his gift for gardening and his “green fingers”.

Each year I see his garden in its full glory and I’m completely mesmerised by how everything flourishes under his care.

He insists he’s not doing anything special but I believe you can learn a lot about a person by the way they tend to their garden. 

Here are a few moments I captured in Phil’s garden recently. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.