A newly-established Cornish horticulture company has been planting ideas for gardens in home-owners heads throughout lockdown and is now expanding its expertise.

Since being cooped up at home during lockdown, many people across Cornwall and the UK have been reconnecting with their outdoor spaces and trying to reinvigorate their gardens.

Folium Horticulture, whose registered office is in Helston and started at the beginning of the first national lockdown by two former Eden Project horticulture specialists, has also taken root during this period and now claims it's phone 'wont stop ringing' with calls from private garden owners who want to "preserve wildlife, encourage biodiversity and minimise their impact on the environment."

RHS Level 3 horticulturist and one of two Folium founders, Riyah Snow, said: "“People really seem to have connected with nature during lockdown and are more conscious of rebalancing their precious outdoor spaces.

"At Folium, that is exactly what we are about – professional, sustainable and environmentally-conscious horticulture that protects, nurtures and cocoons."

Meg Lowman, formerly of The Eden Project's Rainforest Biome team and the other half of Folium, said: "With more time at home and freedom from the daily commute, our growing number of private clients are keen to learn how to develop and value the space they have, however large or small, so we advise on planting to attract pollinators; no-dig gardening to protect the micro-organisms that enrich soil structure; pond maintenance to attract wildlife and the art of beekeeping as well as the usual range of professional horticultural services that you would expect.

"This is not just about making your garden look good, it’s about living a life that feels good and that’s what sets us apart."

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Having attracted a bunch of new clients over the lockdown period, Folium caught the eye of Cornish businesswomen Sue Newton, Rebecca Trant and Claire Waldie and the trio have helped the Helston horticulture company expand its offerings and bring onboard more personnel.

Sue said: "With so many skilled horticulturists in Cornwall having experienced career setbacks as the Coronavirus pandemic took hold, we decided early on that we wanted to support a horticultural start-up in Cornwall that could expand and offer career opportunities.

"We are delighted by Folium’s success so far and by broadening its areas of expertise, the Company can not only tailor its services to meet specific needs and extend its client base to include businesses such as boutique hotels and high-end restaurants, but it can also repurpose horticulture as a powerhouse for positive change."

The fledgling firm has already recruited bee and wildflower specialist, Alina Dressel as well as Mediterranean plant expert, Rob Elley.

With the addition of Alina and Rob, as well as its founders and backers, Folium will no doubt be hoping that people's increased interest in helping their gardens blossom into biodiverse and sustainable places is one lockdown trend that wont wither and die.

For more information on Folium Horticulture, visit: visit foliumhorticulture.co.uk.