Mums Unite For Greener Gardens

Huntly-based ecological landscaping business frock n wellies is expanding, and the timing couldn't be better. Demand for wildlife-friendly garden design has surged as more people move away from lawns and hard landscaping towards spaces that support pollinators, birds, and biodiversity. frock n wellies has been quietly meeting that demand in and around Huntly — and now it's bringing more people along with it.

"...you're in control of how much or how little you take on."

The business is developing into a working group of local mums, creating a flexible way to earn money that fits around the reality of family life in a town where wraparound childcare is hard to come by. The work is self-employed and sessional — business to business — done entirely during term-time school hours. For mums, that matters. "The work is self-employed and sessional — you invoice for the days you work, there are no set hours, you're in control of how much or how little you take on." explains Alice, who has been working for frock n wellies one day a week over the past years.

No experience is needed to get involved. There are two levels: trainees, who learn on the job, and those who come in with existing qualifications or experience in horticulture, ecology, or landscaping. Both are welcome.

"there's strong evidence that working in green environments supports mental health and wellbeing."

For anyone considering a career change after a maternity break, wanting to get into horticulture, or thinking about eventually building something of their own, this is a genuine way in. The work is outdoors, practical, and good for the soul — there's strong evidence that working in green environments supports mental health and wellbeing.

This is early days, but the direction is clear: a small enterprise rooted in ecological values, opening up to become something more collaborative. The mums are also part of the team of greener Huntly's soft landscaping work, as an enterprise like this sits well with the way Greener Huntly thinks about work, community, and local wealth.