Hello, I’m Nigel Boldero. I live in a Victorian school in rural Norfolk, England. I’ve lived here with my family (Deborah, my wife, and three children all now grown up and living away) and a couple of troublesome Siamese kittens. We’ve been here for over 30 years (well, not the kittens).

During this time I’ve tried to develop our garden (around an acre) and my interest in gardening. Following training in garden and landscape design and horticulture over the last 12 years I have been providing design and associated services (trading as Audax Design) as well as helping local organisations, individuals and communities with garden, landscape and ‘grow your own food’ projects – some on a voluntary basis.

‘Old School Garden’ is a record of my gardening exploits as well as offering ideas, tips and a bit of humour along the way! I’m hoping to develop my garden writing skills and welcome comments and contributions to the blog. If you’d like to contact me directly, email me at nbold@live.com 

Summary of my experience and qualifications:

Narrow beds in the Kitchen Garden at Old School Garden

Narrow beds in the Kitchen Garden at Old School Garden

Originally trained in Urban and Regional Planning (B.A. Hons) and with a Diploma in Management, I’ve spent most of my working life in various roles in local and national government agencies, usually within the fields of research, policy development and management. I’m particularly proud of my achievements in transforming health and social care for the elderly and those with a learning disability, as well as developing a regeneration partnership and establishing the Keystone Development Trust in Thetford, Norfolk.

I’ve also worked in the third sector and over my 14 years as an independent consultant have completed some significant research and development projects including supporting social enterprise development, helping voluntary organisations to improve their strategic management, research and development projects and developing various proposals for funding from the National Lottery and other grant giving organisations. I undertake commissions for this sort of work trading as Community Renewal.

I set up my sister consultancy Audax Design in 2007 following training in Garden and Landscape design and horticulture. I gained a Diploma in Garden Design and undertook studies in landscape design at Writtle College , Essex, followed by horticultural training at Easton College, Norfolk and Warwickshire College. I’ve also completed a year’s role as a Heritage Gardening Trainee working at National Trust and other historic gardens. I undertake a range of garden and landscape design and other consultancy work as illustrated in the accompanying background pages on this blog.

I hope you like what you find on Old School Garden!