A man who swapped a life of homelessness for creating a lush garden sanctuary in his twenties says the decision completely rescued him, leading to a successful new career and viral fame.
From Hostels to Horticulture
Ross Lee, 33, from Gislingham in Suffolk, revealed that he spent years moving between youth hostels before finding his first proper home. It was in 2015 that he finally secured his own property and with it, a small outdoor space that would become the focus of his life.
Instead of spending his twenties socialising, Ross dedicated his time to cultivating his garden. He stated, "Gardening saved my life as it gave me something to focus on. Now I am thriving just like my plants! I spent my 20s building my dream garden instead of going out, and I wouldn't change a thing."
Building a Dream Oasis
With no prior expertise, Ross turned to YouTube, devouring videos to learn how to make his garden flourish. He began a radical transformation, removing all the grass and introducing a variety of plants including Trachycarpus and tree ferns.
His efforts paid off spectacularly by the following spring, when the vegetation had bloomed and spread. Not stopping there, Ross added a geodome to help with temperature control for his plants, a water feature, and several sculptures, meticulously crafting the peaceful haven he had envisioned.
In an impressive ten months, he had completely transformed his rear garden into a sanctuary, a project that helped him uncover his true calling in horticulture and garden design.
A Blossoming Business and Global Recognition
Ross's passion project soon grew into a profession. He now runs his own successful venture, 'Ross-Lee Garden Design & Maintenance'. His success and unique story led him to open his garden for the national garden scheme and even appear on the beloved BBC programme, Gardeners' World.
"My story went viral reaching people all over the world who share my passion for gardening," Ross said. "The gardening community is so welcoming and we all have one thing in common: our love for horticulture."
He now uses his online platforms to raise awareness about the benefits of gardening and to encourage others. His final message is one of hope: "For anyone struggling, please don't give up. You never know what's round the corner."
