Our Story

Our Story: About AJS Gardening

March 2026 · AJS Gardening
← All Blog Posts AJS Gardening at work on a South Devon estate

AJS Gardening is a local, independent gardening and landscaping business based in Torbay, serving homes, estates and managed properties across South Devon.

How It All Started

It started about as humbly as it gets - a plug-in electric mower borrowed from my gran, my partner's VW Golf to get around in, and a handful of local handyman jobs. Nothing fancy, but it got me outside and working with my hands, which is where I'd always wanted to be.

The gardening side quickly took over. I found I had a real passion for the greener side of the work - the planting, the design, the transformation of outdoor spaces. My time working at Otter Garden Centres, particularly on the nursery side, was where that passion really developed. Learning about plants, soil, propagation and what actually thrives in Devon's climate gave me a foundation that I still draw on every day.

A Family Connection

I also work closely with my grandma, a family member, who has been tending gardens for decades - she's been looking after one particular garden for over 20 years. She helps with ideas, design input and planting advice. There's a depth of knowledge that comes from that many years of hands-on experience that you can't get from a textbook, and it's something I'm lucky to have access to.

Gardening runs in the family, and that shows in the care we put into every job.

The Business Today

AJS Gardening is primarily just me - I'm the one turning up to your garden, doing the work, and making sure it's right. But I have a small team of trusted people who help out when bigger projects need extra hands. That means you always get a personal service from someone who knows your garden, rather than a different face every week.

The business has grown steadily through word of mouth and repeat clients. I'm proud that the majority of our work comes from recommendations - that trust is everything in this trade.

What We Stand For

Reliability - we turn up when we say we will, do what we say we'll do, and communicate clearly. It sounds basic, but it's the number one thing our clients value.

Quality - we take pride in our work. Whether it's mowing a lawn or building a retaining wall, the standard is the same. We don't cut corners.

Honesty - we'll always give you an honest assessment of what your garden needs. If something doesn't need doing, we'll tell you. If there's a more cost-effective way to achieve what you want, we'll suggest it.

Sustainability - we're committed to reducing our environmental impact. All green waste is recycled locally, and we're progressively switching to electric tools powered by solar charging. You can read more about this in our sustainability blog post.

AJS Gardening at work

Where We Work

We cover a wide area across South Devon, including Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot, Totnes, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Ivybridge, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Bovey Tracey, and surrounding rural areas. For larger properties and estates, we're happy to discuss work further afield.

Green Thumbs, Happy Homes

Our tagline says it all. We genuinely love what we do, and that shows in the care we put into every garden we maintain, every space we design, and every project we deliver. If you're looking for a gardener you can rely on, we'd love to hear from you.

Need Help With Your Garden?

We cover Torbay, South Hams and across South Devon. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.

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