Just as the public’s interest in gardening/houseplant tending has blossomed during the last year, independent sales agents have not let the pandemic get in the way of them tending their respective patches.
In the third of a series, Beth Robson shares how she has been digging deep, ‘hoe-ed’ into a full ‘garden maintenance’ regime to keep the ‘weeds’ at bay in her ‘patch’ of the UK, as well as how she has enjoyed seeing the ‘green shoots’ emerging
Tell us about your patch…
“I cover the London area representing Coral and Mint, Oliver Preston, Mint, Museums and Galleries, Real and Exciting, Redback, Sooshichacha, Special Delivery and U Studio.”
Call a spade a spade, what’s the last year been like for you?
“There was fantastic start to 2020 – all very positive for the coming year for both my fabulous customers and me – lots of wonderful products to sell – then the proverbial hit the fan in March. Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day were all but effectively cancelled. We all thought it would all be sorted by the Summer, but little did we all know! Once trading started again things bobbed along rather nicely, but then November lockdown was announced – sucker punch all round. There was so much stock in shops at the busiest time of the year, but the doors were firmly shut. However, when retail was opened again in December it went mad. In all my years as an agent I have never done so many repeat orders – it was really amazing and very surprising. The public really shopped for those three weeks. What a rollercoaster ride 2020 turned out to be in the end.”
What have been the notable green shoots?
“It was great to see the appetite people showed to still shop in the High Street when allowed and not just online. My retail customers’ optimism was inspiring despite everything. Plus, the publishers I carry have demonstrated extreme stoicism and loyalty, together with an incredible creative output and innovation throughout and are prepared for the good times ahead.”
What have been the thorns and weeds?
“The internet connection for Zoom meetings!
For my customers last year was just challenging, weird and deeply frustrating at times due to the stop start nature of trading. But for me the biggest thorn was my darling dog dying in LD2 – huge blow – he loved the garden, chasing imaginary intruders, crashing into pots (he was very blind) and wedging himself in corners.”
Your plant life alter ego…
“I would like to be a Camelia – evergreen with gorgeous flowers. An ever reliable colourful, bringer of joy with an excellent root system. It bends but never breaks whatever the weather.”
What approach have you taken to your ‘garden maintenance’?
“Well, like all my fellow agents there have been calls, text messages, all forms of virtual meetings and emails. WeTransfer and Dropbox have been very busy during lockdown! And how I’ve grown to love a link and a PDF!”
What has been your ‘plantfood/fertisliser’?
“I started a WhatsApp group for agents in the summer and that has been a huge source of support, help, joy, humour, sharing stories and earned wisdom. Agents are used to working alone but we actually needed each other. We are all in the same boat. I think we’ve developed The Dunkirk Sprit as a collective.
And obviously I now live in the cleanest most organised house! No drawer or cupboard has escaped – filing and shredding was a particular highlight using this unexpected free time oh and my garden’s a literal blooming triumph!”
What are your hopes and dreams for 2021?
“Getting back to work, having a jab, hugging anyone if they’ll let me, sunshine and a new knee!”
Top: Beth (second left) at the last PG Live with retail customer (second right) Tish Easmon-Forge of Gift, Crouch End and fellow agent Doug Kilby.
