Miranda Janatka

Working as botanical collections horticulturist in Kew’s Tropical Nursery means that Miranda gets to care for one of the most diverse plant collections in the world

First plant love

I felt very emotionally attached to the oversized willow tree in my parents’ small, suburban garden. I loved the swing built for me, and finding a natural and calming solitude by climbing up high into its branches and reeling in my rope ladder.

How did you come to gardening as a career?

I enjoyed the challenge and rewards of being an inner-city teacher for a few years. However, after I lost my father, much younger than I expected to, I realised how precious time is and decided to take a leap into training for the career I had previously only dreamt about.