22/06/2026
The Australian Academy of Garden Design have written a graduate story on my journey. Details below:
As a child, Wendy spent her time searching for orchids in conservation parks. She had never imagined that this quiet love of plants would become her life's work.
Her path wasn't direct as she first dreamed of interior design, but the grades didn't go her way, so instead, she spent over 25 years building a career in fashion and textiles.
But a calling was there, it waited. During Covid lockdowns, with work hours reduced, Wendy found herself spending more time in her garden than ever before, and that's when it clicked.
"I realised I needed to be working in the garden full time to be fully happy."
So she found the Australian Academy of Garden Design, drawn in by real, live classes with real tutors.
It wasn't always easy running her own business meant her studies took longer than planned, but she pushed through, graduating with Distinction.
Today, Wendy juggles three jobs in horticulture, including her own thriving business, Calytrix Garden Design.
"I have learned that I can run my own business and make people happy through the creation of new gardens."
From a child chasing orchids to a business owner painting with plants, Wendy's story is is a pure example that the things we loved as children were trying to tell us something all along.
Go and find your creative path now!
https://shorturl.at/ivsSA